Why Do We Love Golf?

Have you ever laid awake at night with your mind entirely consumed by golf? It happens to me more often than I can count. The thought of the game keeps me up wondering why golf is so captivating and why the game means so much to me.

I search tirelessly for the answers that may not exist. I question everything.

Is it the shots alone? The sense of renewal after every swing? The feeling of anticipation when the ball leaves the face? The sensation of freedom and loss of control as the ball hangs against a blue sky? The emotional bliss of a perfectly executed shot? 

Is it the challenge? The competition? The neverending mind game? The accomplishment of a course record, a won match, or personal best score? Is it simply the chance of recovery after a misstep? 

Maybe it’s the comradery. The unforeseen friendships bonded over a several-thousand yard experience. Strangers transformed into friends for life. The insights and lessons we learn from seeing the character of others.

It could be personal reflection. We can learn more about ourselves during a round than an entire year. We learn how we handle persistent adversity. We learn how we overcome challenges and enjoy fleeting moments of triumph.

Maybe it’s something else entirely. Maybe it’s everything. Maybe it’s not meant to be answered or understood.

Whatever it is that makes golf so captivating, I’m thankful for every experience. 

By Kevin Moore