Tom Huckaby,
Originally I tried to use a play on words from Abbott & Costello's skit on baseball, "Who's on first ?"
But, it didn't fit, so I opted for a hybrid.
I find the notion that people play the game of golf for reasons other than trying to get the ball in the hole in the fewest possible strokes, as nonsensical.
Imagine playing with someone who rejoices in taking an average of 28 strokes per hole, just so that they can prolong their communication with nature. Couple that with playing with someone who never enters into some sort of wager, be it a drink, dollar, a donut, or bragging rights.
To wander aimlessly, hitting a ball without any regard or desire to get it into the hole as quickly, and in as few strokes as possible strikes me as absurd. Who would want to play with these nomads ?
When's the last time you saw someone having fun when they just hit 3 balls out of bounds, or left 3 shots in the same bunker, 4 or 5 putted the 18th green, or topped their tee shot on the first tee ? How about the fun they get when shanking twice in a row ? If one's to judge by the disposition of the golfers walking off the 18th green, fun times might not be how they viewed their last 4+ hours.
Chris B,
A 28 handicap doesn't play the game of a scratch handicap.
Scoring, or attempting to score is relative.
Most golfers would like to improve their ability to play the game, to score lower. Do you know any who like to shoot higher and higher scores ? Would you want to play with them?
Jeff Brauer,
I think the example of encouraging the kids is an example of a more important pursuit, one that takes precedence over a game of golf.
The other examples you cited I view as practice or the once in a lifetime experience.
The focus was on normal day to day play, and not the first and possibly last time that you'll ever experience a particular golf course.
My question was directed at the denial syndrome that some seem to favor.
Mike Benham,
I think you missed the point.
A function of the architecture is to defend par.
The placement of architectural features is a function of par.
MDugger,
If it's the 5th ball you're playing, you're not playing golf.
You may be practicing, or enjoying a unique challenge, not to mention your complete disregard for those golfers behind you.
Trying to execute perfect shots is what golfers constantly strive for as they traverse the golf course.
Enjoyment and friendship can be attained in many places.
Taking 28 shots per hole won't be enjoyable to your playing partners, and the friendship may become strained.
Tim Weiman,
I've often done the same thing, but, I view it as practice or a rare opportunity.
In 50 years of playing golf, I've yet to meet a golfer to whom scoring or shooting better scores didn't matter.
Maybe, those guys are just drawn to this site.