5 Disadvantages of Playing Golf
John Miller
Golf has been around for centuries, and today, it’s one of the most popular sports worldwide.
Every week, millions of people around the globe hit the links and there are good reasons why they do it.
Unlike most other sports, golf offers players a chance to enjoy the wonderful scenery, relax, have fun, and get some physical exercise, while still being very competitive and exciting.
Still, besides being beneficial in multiple ways, golf does have some downsides.
For many, the advantages the game offers drastically outweigh the drawbacks, but, nevertheless, you should be aware that not all things about golf are positive.
Below, I’ll look at some of the main disadvantages of playing golf and explain each of them in detail.
Table of Contents
Disadvantages of Playing Golf
If you’re thinking about starting to play golf, you should be aware of some of the downsides of the game.
However, it’s quite possible that you won’t even experience some of these drawbacks, depending on where you play, the level of your game, and your personal style and available budget.
Golf is Rather Expensive
Compared to other sports, golf is certainly among those that hit your budget the hardest.
As an active golfer, there will be several necessary items you’ll have to spend a decent amount of money on.
Firstly, there are course and club membership fees.
How much you will pay for this will depend on the type of golf course you play and on how often you play.
Green fees on some private courses can be extremely expensive, but you can save some money by opting for more affordable, but also more crowded, public courses.
Then, there’s the matter of purchasing golf equipment.
Even the cheapest set of golf clubs is likely to set you back a few hundred dollars.
If you opt for equipment of higher quality, a single club can cost you that much. Even the cost of golf balls can quickly pile up as you will inevitably lose some.
Golf Can be Very Time-Consuming
If you’re serious about playing golf, be prepared to dedicate a significant chunk of your time to the game.
Considering that it usually takes around 4 hours to complete 18 holes of golf, it’s easy to understand how time-consuming it can be.
Plus, you have to account for a commute to and from the course, some time to warm up, and the common custom of enjoying a drink or lunch after the game.
So, it’s very likely that a round of golf will take most of your day.
If you’re a golfing enthusiast who likes to hit the links multiple times a week, you may find yourself organizing your entire life around golf rounds.
Of course, this is the time needed only for the game itself.
You’ll probably also need plenty of time for practice, either taking lessons with an experienced coach or at the driving range practicing your shot.
Steep Learning Curve
Without a doubt, golf is one of the hardest sports to master.
Even learning the basics of the game can be very challenging and requires commitment and a lot of time and practice.
Golf has a steep learning curve and is not something you can master in a matter of days.
It’s particularly demanding at the very start as the progress is slow and difficult to notice.
Because of this, many new players often get frustrated and quit before even learning how to properly strike the ball.
On the other hand, it’s a very rewarding process.
With enough dedication and effort, you’ll enjoy seeing your skills improve and the game itself will become much more fun and exciting.
Of course, this is closely connected to the first two golf disadvantages on my list, as proper practice takes a lot of time, and working with good coaches can be very expensive.
Enjoying Golf is Dependent on Weather Conditions
The fact that golf is played outdoors is usually listed as one of the game’s biggest advantages as you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and spend some time in nature which is something we rarely get a chance to do nowadays.
However, this also means that every time you play, you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature.
Although golf can be played in rainy and windy conditions, and even in extreme heat, playing in such weather certainly makes the game much less enjoyable and, in addition, less safe.
So it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before scheduling a game of golf.
Going Solo
Even though you may partner up with other players, golf is not a team sport, at least not in the classical sense.
When it comes to making the shot, it’s always just you and the ball.
It’s very likely that, in some cases, you will be playing the entire round just by yourself.
This may not suit those who prefer sports where they’re surrounded by teammates who can add to the fun but also share responsibility for the score.
Some players may find this even more stressful, even though golf is usually a great way to relieve stress and unwind.
However, even during recreational play, when you have to make a shot, all the spotlight is on you and there are no teammates to help.
Plus, there’s often a lot of time between shots, so some people tend to overanalyze their game and get into their own heads a bit.
Conclusion
Even though golf is a sport loved and played by millions, there’s no denying that there are some downsides to it.
It’s fairly expensive, takes up a lot of your time, and can be very hard to get down and master.
Still, even with all these disadvantages, golf is a beautiful and exciting game.
While you should be aware of the drawbacks listed above, you shouldn’t let them discourage you from playing golf and enjoying all it has to offer.
It’s a rare sport that you can play for almost as long as you live.
It will take you to wonderful new places, get you out of the house, provide some exercise, and help you make many new friends.
