Stop Telling Other People How To “Enjoy” Golf!

It shouldn’t have to be said.

But, unfortunately, it seems we all need a reminder.

Golf is a game. It’s meant to be fun, to be enjoyed.

Yet for some odd reason, golfers relish any opportunity to tell a fellow golfer how they should enjoy the game.

I see it way too often. Perhaps it’s because my Twitter feed is full of golf burners that seem to think they have an ownership stake in what makes golf “fun.” Or maybe it’s just because too many golfers are worried about what the outside world thinks.

In any case, you should never let anyone tell you how to find joy in golf.

Sure, there are a few non-negotiable things. Golf has rules. Golf courses have rules. But outside of that (and being a decent human being), you are free to enjoy the game as you see fit.

Do you find joy in playing a set of blade irons? Play them.

Do you find joy in gaming a set of hybrid irons? Play them. Who cares what others think or say?

Heaven forbid you wear long socks or something other than FootJoy (am I doing this right, burners?).

Screw the dress code. Or don’t. I don’t really care.

What I do care about is getting back to making golf fun. I want less policing over meaningless things like what you’re playing, what you’re wearing and how you play, and more reveling in the chance to hit a ball (that doesn’t have to be white) as a way to pass the time.

So listen up.

I don’t care if you walk, ride or push. I don’t care if you wear pleated pants or shorts. A five-way versus a 14-way top on your bag doesn’t make a difference to me. Heck, I don’t care if you wear two gloves instead of one (or none).

Golf is meant to be enjoyed. And the thing that stops a lot of you from enjoying it is the unwritten “rules” imposed by self-righteous people who we don’t know and have no bearing on our happiness. 

Come as you are. Play as you are (but play by the rules) and find joy in the game again.

If you must obey just one rule, make it the mythical Rule 35 (there are only 34 in the official rulebook) as invented by the late Ely Callaway: Have fun!