I'd like to propose a different distinction here with regard to Joe's original post.
To me, the "sport" of golf is more like the professional game - the PGA Tour and others, etc. In other words, I see it more as shorthand for "spectator sport," e.g. the commercial version of...
...the game of golf.
Without being pedantic, in order for something to be a "game," it needs to have a competitive aspect and some sort of definite result. So to me, the game of golf is tied to competition by definition. Someone's going to win, someone's going to lose (even if you're just "playing against the golf course). Of course, there are many forms of competition the game of golf can take, but to be playing the game of golf, you need to be competing in some way, by definition.
Not all golfers are competitive, obviously. They're mainly interested in hitting the ball around, getting some exercise and enjoying being outside. That version of golf can be fun because it may involve hitting shots that you would never hit if you were concerned with making the best possible score or beating your opponent. But ultimately, I think the
Bringing this around to GCA, I think architects seem to be designing more primarily recreational golf features into courses than they used. I think of King Collins' Landmand as a very clear example of this trend. The course has held some tournament golf, but I think a lot of the wilder features and potential shots there really only become viable if you're not concerned about trying to make the lowest possible score. I'm only trying to hit a shot to the top lip of the enormous punchbowl on the 10th hole there if I'm messing around, for example. I'm only trying to sling my tee shot down the entire length of the 14th green for fun.
It's good to see features built to come alive on the recreational level, because it's a form of experimentation that will ultimately advance GCA as an art form. But I've noticed over the years that my favorite golf courses are the ones that leave me wanting to be a better golfer and to learn how to hit more shots than I'm currently capable of. I get as big a kick out of kooky shot opportunities as anyone, but that's not the primary pleasure of golf to me.