Trask Talk: Don’t Sleep on Golf
April 14, 2016
There are things that every sports fan loves; diving catches, big hits and stunning goals. However, you will never see any of these in a round of golf. Even though the slow-paced gameplay and soothing voices of the announcers can sometimes mimic a lullaby, don’t sleep (literally or figuratively) on the entertainment value golf brings to the table.
Golf may not be a fast-paced sport featuring specimen athletes, but golfers are still freaks of nature in their own way. Most of your friends can catch a football or throw a baseball, but how many of your friends can drive a golf ball 300+ yards in a straight line? It’s a sport where anything short of perfection will fail and be forgotten. All the little inconsistencies that come into play on every day, and even every hole, such as the break of the green and which direction the wind is blowing, can make the difference between the winner and loser.
If the perfection of the game doesn’t catch your eye, just wait for the final round, especially Masters Sunday. Masters Sunday provides some of the greatest entertainment value in the world of sports all year. Bubba Watson’s miraculous recovery shot in 2012, Phil Mickelson’s first Masters win in 2004, Tiger Woods’ signature chip-in that every golf fan can replay over and over again in their own head — these are all examples of the greatness you can witness when you turn on golf. Even the Masters this year provided prime entertainment with Jordan Spieth’s back nine collapse to allow Danny Willett to take the infamous Green Jacket. Willett is a father of less than two weeks and coincidentally won the Masters on April 10th, the projected due date of his newborn son.
The preservation of “old time” culture is another reason to fall in love with the game. You’ll never see any eye poking or late hits, only congratulatory handshakes and tips of the cap. It’s beautiful how respect and class has never left the culture of golf. Even Jordan Spieth, the 22-year-old face of golf, is admired for not only his impeccable game, but his respect for everything that golf stands for.
So next time you skip over golf when flipping channels, go back and appreciate all that the game stands for. You might just witness history too.
Ben • Apr 19, 2016 at 12:52 pm
Great piece. I completrely agree
Chris Woolsey • Apr 14, 2016 at 5:27 pm
Excellent article. I am definitely guilty of skipping the golf channel – even during huge events. But I have absolutely grown to appreciate the points you make in the article. What made the difference for me was getting out on the golf course in trying it myself. As you suggested would happen in your article, I grew a huge appreciation for the skill and concentration involved in the sport. I really enjoyed your article. Keep writing Quinn, you’re a natural.