How do you win the debate about whether golf is a sport or not?

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by Inebriated

You say that it's not worth debating with people who don't see it as a sport, and then turn around and begin a debate with someone who says it's not a sport. Irony may not have been the correct word... maybe contradictory? Not saying it to be a douche. Just saying it to say it.

Maybe I should have been more clear that I wasn't agreeing with the OP about the uselessness of debating this, although I admit that there is little to be gained by doing so.  I was simply answering his question in best way I could think of.  I still agree that the best chance anyone has of winning this argument is to not start it in the first place.  But I personally will still join in, not expecting to win, only to state my case.  I've found over the years on many golf forums that there are certain subjects where I simply end up tilting at windmills.  This is just one of many such topics.

Those who see golf as only a game have a very rigid and stilted concept of "sport", and no logic or reason is likely to penetrate their single mindedness.  Thus, I try not to actually argue with them, because it becomes too much like debating religion or politics - which is always a lose-lose scenario.  I simply state my side of the debate, then usually bow out unless I see an opportunity later to strengthen or further clarify my point.  Just because I see no chance to win this debate doesn't mean that it isn't still fun to chew on - better than just sticking my head in the sand.

[CuppedTin]

This seems like a silly topic, although I have never heard anyone say that golf was not a sport, but then again if they did I don't think that I would really care either way...

[tjcdas]

What ever golf is bowling would be exactly the same.  Craig Stadler would look in place shooting at pins or knocking pins down.

[ohiolefty]

I'd take them out to the range or course with me...and ask them to show ME how easy this 'game' is to play.

[MackJL06]

if prince fielder can do it...it is not a sport. which means baseball too

[trackster]

Originally Posted by MackJL06

if prince fielder can do it...it is not a sport. which means baseball too

That doesn't make sense he plays in the NL which means he also has to play the field.  I'm all in for Golf being a sport.  But don't hate on baseball.

[lumpuckeroo]

I think the way I play golf it may not be a sport, more like a activity, but the way Phil and Tiger play, for sure a sport.  I would agree with everyone that has said don't even bother to get in the debate, obviously the person making the statement has never tried to play.

[MackJL06]

first base? stretching != sport

Originally Posted by trackster

That doesn't make sense he plays in the NL which means he also has to play the field.  I'm all in for Golf being a sport.  But don't hate on baseball.

[DaSportsGuy]

Originally Posted by MackJL06

if prince fielder can do it...it is not a sport. which means baseball too

Prince Fielder's build is no different than that of Shaquille O'Neal...I guess basketball is not a sport either.

[DaSportsGuy]

Originally Posted by MackJL06

first base? stretching != sport

Yea, all they do is stand on first base and stretch...nothing else.

[jshots]

These people are usually the people that say competitive cheer leading is not a sport...

[Jmdmbike]

Not sure why people wouldn't consider golf a sport. Requires co-ordination, speed, power and skill. Just like any other sport.

[newtogolf]

This!  Some people play golf as a sport, and others it as game or recreation.  The same can be true of most sports where there is high amatuer participation.

Originally Posted by lumpuckeroo

I think the way I play golf it may not be a sport, more like a activity, but the way Phil and Tiger play, for sure a sport.  I would agree with everyone that has said don't even bother to get in the debate, obviously the person making the statement has never tried to play.

[chadw97]

Not only is it a sport, I would say that it is harder than any other sport out their.

[allin]

Not only is it a sport, I would say that it is harder than any other sport out their.

I would limit it to mass participation sports. I also might consider sports with very high risk, as harder.

[gilagolf]

I thought John Daly settled this a long time ago when he mentioned anything that you can do while smoking and drinking beer is NOT a sport?

That aside though, now that the Olympics put Golf in, then Golf is now a SPORT, and we are now ATHLETES! Take that, Gym Rats!

[AustinH]

I invited them to walk 18 on a hot day (90degree+) and if that didn't work, i showed them a video of Tiger Woods bench-pressing 300 pounds. hahaha

[The Tin Man]

I can't convince myself it's a sport. If calories burned make it a sport then the athletes are the course maintenance crew.