Is Golf the Most Mentally Challenging Sport?

[franznietzsche]

Ok, then. You still use decision-making skills, and the sport involves the control of repetitive movements, it instills mind-body discipline. Plus, it's also a social sport.

Still no strategy.

 

[Chrono]

Still no strategy.

Well, I didn't necessarily mean that was strategy. They're probably some of the best things you get out of it, though.

 

[Grogs]

Still no strategy.

I have to disagree with you here. There is a strategy to be played here. Professional golfers talk about 'playing a hole backwards.' That is, they look at the green and decide where they'd like to shoot at the green from (distance/angle), then decide which shot or shots can get them there.

There's also an aspect of risk management. Course designers know that the length of a hole isn't much of a problem for top professionals. For example, on a par 5 hole, most pros can probably reach the green in 2 shots (instead of the 3 it takes most mere mortals.) To combat this, course designers place bunkers, water hazards, trees, etc. on the course to make such a strategy more risky. A player who's in a tournament and several strokes behind may elect to go for the risky shot, while one who is in the lead probably won't.

 

[franznietzsche]

I have to disagree with you here. There is a strategy to be played here. Professional golfers talk about 'playing a hole backwards.' That is, they look at the green and decide where they'd like to shoot at the green from (distance/angle), then decide which shot or shots can get them there.

There's also an aspect of risk management. Course designers know that the length of a hole isn't much of a problem for top professionals. For example, on a par 5 hole, most pros can probably reach the green in 2 shots (instead of the 3 it takes most mere mortals.) To combat this, course designers place bunkers, water hazards, trees, etc. on the course to make such a strategy more risky. A player who's in a tournament and several strokes behind may elect to go for the risky shot, while one who is in the lead probably won't.

Well you got me there.

 

[Chronos]

Slamming a piece down with decisive indifference is a fine art.

 

[noobie]

Golf is tough because you got to focus and concentrate but at the same time you can't tense up (your muscles have to stay loose). Oh and the absolute worst is when you realize that you have a chance to make a decent score with a couple of holes to go. Then EVERYTHING starts to fall apart.