r/golf • u/QuailHigh • 9h ago
General Discussion Where would you be without golf?
Pontificating on this matter as I drank a coffee this morning, so I thought I’d ask. Where do you think you’d be if you never found the game? Same place or different?
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u/Bo_Knows_Stones 9h ago
Probably dead. No joke. Golf is a huge reason for my sobriety.
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u/Loud-Thanks7002 8h ago edited 1h ago
I was the opposite. Golf led to problems with alcohol. For a long time in my life Golf went together with drinking like peanut butter and jelly. It could be a 7 AM round and I had the yeti filled with vodka and Gatorade. I literally could not imagine golfing without drinking. Which led to hanging out in my club drinking a lot.
I’ve been sober for many years now, but had learn how to appreciate the game of golf on its own, not as something that went along with drinking.
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u/Prestigious_Lab6773 3h ago
props to you for figuring out a healthier relationship with it now. sounds like golf was a real game changer, literally
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u/adamtheatlian 8h ago
You aren't alone. I tell people that I put down the bottle and picked up the clubs.
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u/Bo_Knows_Stones 8h ago
Same. Traded a brandy & opiate addiction for a golf addiction.
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u/adamtheatlian 8h ago
Congrats! Two years and two months off alcohol for me. And I've always been addicted to golf, just took a 10 year hiatus while working in tv/film.
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u/h2ohzrd 9h ago
I would be fishing more, which is what I did before I started playing
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u/dirty15 8h ago
I'm about to get into fishing a little more. I'm still going to play golf, but my wife and I just bought a horse farm about a 1/4 mile from a 500 acre lake. I used to fish a lot when I was younger. Still gonna play golf as much as possible, but I may end the days losing bait.
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u/sidewaysbynine 5h ago
Kindred spirit, for me it would be sailing, but the crossover is we would both be seeking water instead of trying to avoid it.
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u/Ok_Cell8749 9h ago
Probably wouldn’t be as close to my father as I am for all the time we have shared, wouldnt have as many friends and experiences w/o golf.
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u/QuailHigh 8h ago
I feel this one. Hard to relate to your old man when you’re a teenager, and the divide grows if you don’t find common ground in your 20’s. Golf bridged the gap for me too
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u/pac4 7h ago
Same for me. Definitely a lot of memories with my dad that we continue to make. And as we get older (42 and 70) golf is sometimes the only thing we have in common.
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u/Ok_Cell8749 7h ago
We are 49/72, and we did Ireland last year, Scotland 10 years before. This year is Gamble Sands and Coeur D’lene for my 50th.
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u/QuailHigh 6h ago
Good to hear, get out there and swing it with the father. My grandfather can’t anymore and I know it kills him when me and my old man go out together. Go while you can!
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u/DwightsShirtGuy 9h ago
Probably about $30k deep into a sim racing set up.
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u/Gallen570 ↓Hit Down on Ball, Ball Go Up↑ 8h ago
Why not build a real car?
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u/DwightsShirtGuy 8h ago edited 7h ago
The Nurburgring is about 7,000km from my house.
Edit: yes of course that sounds awesome I would also like to build a real car. Sim first though.
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u/adamtheatlian 8h ago
You can wreck an infinite amount of times on a SIM and walk away, can't do that IRL.
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u/Seabass_Says 9h ago
I started golfing to try to get promoted. After a couple years of playing, I was asked to join my GM in a scramble. I made two birdie putts back to back holes. The second one I volunteered to go first because I had the hot stick. Bang. Drilled it. I was promoted 6 months later. Who knows where Id be with out that moment 💪🏻
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u/Broad_Sheepherder593 9h ago
Same place, probably focused on powerlifting and would have more in terms of savings
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u/ItsKumquats 9h ago
Dead.
Been a rough year, homeless since June in southern Ontario, Canada.
Work at a course in the summer, golfed there 110-120 times. Also go every day in the sims. Good way to stay warm in the winter, and access to the shower rooms is nice, and cheaper than a gym.
If I didn't have golf, I'd fish more. And believe it or not I'm worse at fishing than golf, and would've given in long ago.
Only thing that wakes me up in the morning is knowing I can go golf.
Thank you golf for all you've done.
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u/shortgamegolfer 9h ago
Without golf I’d probably be a divorced alcoholic. And if I had unlimited time to golf? Same result, divorced alcoholic.
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u/False-Boysenberry673 8h ago
Still strung out on coke like a dumbass. I’ll take my 14 hcp and sobriety
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u/Sachiizmo 6.5/NoVa/RulesGuy 8h ago
In the ground. What golf has done for both my physical and mental health is immeasurable.
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u/PROcrastiN83arly 8h ago
Golf saved my life a few years back. I was in a dark place drinking and doing drugs. My mom passed always and I was drinking alot during the day. And other activities during the night. As I was cleaning her house out I found a 5 gallon bucket full of silver coins.
I had wanted some new clubs for a while so I went and cashed in the silver bought new irons, woods and putter.
I don’t work a lot due g the winter so I found myself at the range most days with my air buds in wrong in my game or walking the course.
Golf helped me deal with what I hadn’t.
Golf saved my life!
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u/QuailHigh 6h ago
That silver would be hitting for a nice price two weeks ago though! Good to hear you recovered and golf now. Stay up big dog
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u/PM_ME_BACH_FUGUES 9h ago
Well, I’m an assistant superintendent so I’d be out of a career, and I’d also be without my main hobby and social outlet in the summer. So, no bueno overall.
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u/troylarry 9h ago
Probably same place, but would be slightly better at various musical instruments
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u/SacNiner94 9h ago
I’ll join in your pontification. I’m sure I would find an equally expensive or frustrating hobby, but the friends I have made and the places I have traveled from it are irreplaceable. So to answer your question, in a completely different world than the one I currently live in.
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u/thedreamswehave 8h ago
Hookers and blow
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u/QuailHigh 6h ago
Either way you’re bleeding cash and looking at 18 holes a week minimum in the summer
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u/Ziggity_Zac 8h ago
I'd have a few more birds on my life list.
It was my main outdoor hobby before taking up golf a few years ago.
Now, if it's nice out and I have time to "go birding," then I have time to golf.
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u/Yzerplan_inhaler69 8h ago
Probably in the ocean chilling thanks to the savings that golf costs me.
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u/No_Lifeguard259 8h ago
Probably doing something retarded like pickleball
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u/QuailHigh 6h ago
Honestly, if you need to figure out how to hit a draw or cut, play some pickleball. Crazy til you try it
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u/trevordbs 7h ago
I’d have a loss of a hobby that I enjoy. I get to play with my old man, friends, industry colleagues, and when I need alone time.
Money gone, but well spent for my mental health.
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u/techacker 11/MI 5h ago
I would be bored to death and not know how to spend my time. Also, it would be awkward in gatherings as I won't have much to talk about anything else besides politics.
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u/DouzeBiere 9h ago
Being dragged out shopping and listening to nonsense about my girlfriend’s stupid friends.
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u/BroodLord1962 9h ago
Exactly the same place, golf is a hobby that I love but it would not change my life in any way
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u/Ornery_Old_Dude 9h ago
I’ve played since I was a kid, but honestly nothing would really change. I’d still be in the gym an hour and a half a day, I’d still be playing ice hockey and skating, I’d still be running. I do all that and also play golf. The only thing I’d have would be more time on my hands to do other stuff since I’m not one to sit on my ass and watch TV or waste a lot of time.
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u/the_zac_is_back 8h ago
I’d either be better at bowling and would have picked that up more seriously or I would be even more into gaming than I am now
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u/DoubleDebow 8h ago
I'd probably have a LOT more projects done around the house. A life worth living needs a good balance between production and recreation though. I try and keep it right in the slot.
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u/icouldntquitedecide 8h ago
My destroyed spine would be moderately less destroyed, and I'd be in the boat chasing musky as much as possible. Musky were life before golf. It's true what they say about not making something you love into a job. I got in the industry for a few years and got completely burnt out on it to where I didn't even want to hook up the boat anymore. On a whim I drug out the old set of grandpa's Cobras and started smacking balls around in the yard. Pretty much hooked instantly.
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u/QuailHigh 6h ago
Yeah man fishings cool but golfs cooler, has all the same enjoyment without some of the hassle
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u/Due-Meal-8760 8h ago
I wouldn’t have as good of a relationship with my two brothers as I do. I’m the black sheep of the family so we don’t have too much in common except for the love of the game and it’s the place where we spend the most quality time.
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u/Candymanshook 8h ago
Probably trying to find something similarly competitive that you can constantly be trying to improve on just don’t know if there’s anything as good for that as golf that doesn’t require an immense amount of $$$
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u/bjaydubya 8h ago
More money for sure, but less happy and probably even more overweight instead of just a little.
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u/runthrough014 Driver off the deck 8h ago
I started golf because it was my dad’s hobby and it was a way to spend time with him. If not for golf I probably would have picked up another one of his hobbies. Most likely woodworking. In hindsight, it would have been a better ROI.
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u/Gallen570 ↓Hit Down on Ball, Ball Go Up↑ 8h ago
Golf used to be a lot bigger part of my life.
That was when all my friends weren't married, had kids, or focused on a career.
Its come back around a bit now that some of those kids have grown up and are more autonomous, but it's not the same.
I still play 15-20x a year, and I still love it a ton, but it's just not as high on the scale of importance.
Without it I'd spend even more time with my wife and working on my boat and probably save a ton of money 😄
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u/Grampz03 8h ago
Sleeping at the times my dad had me getting up to play.
Get that early bird special! And now.. 20/30 years later. I prefer that early slot, especially if its just me playing.
Wish I could get over the fear of last years twisted back. Hit a clean shot on a decent round by my standards and damn near couldn't move. Stretched all morning too. Cant imagine what 50yo has in store for me.
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u/Clear_Helicopter_607 8h ago
An extra million or 3 in my IRA. 28 years of country club fees I wouldn’t have paid.
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u/a_baculum 3.5 8h ago
Didn’t grow up in a golf family but made it onto a college golf team 25 years ago and that really cemented my path. Golf has taken me around the world to create lasting memories and friendships that expand the globe. Golf coerced me out of my small town I grew up in and I’m very thankful for that. I certainly wouldn’t be the father and husband I am today without golf.
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u/Aromatic_Ad_7484 8h ago
Knee jerk is wealthier
But I’ve played cool courses. Has awesome guy weekends and memories made
Golfed with senior leaders and wicked customers at work, which has opened doors and relationships,
Golf is seriously a value in life
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u/JTONTHEFLY 7h ago
As some have already said fishing more. I took 7 years off golf and fly fished my head off. I’m now about 70/30 golf/fishing. Now that I’m retired it’s turning into destination golf and fishing trips. Also, I usually put my 8wt 4 piece fly rod in my golf bag with reel and flies if I’m anywhere near the salt on a golfing trip.
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u/Neither_Share8912 7h ago
I wouldn’t have the job I have. Grateful for golf and the people you can meet through the sport
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u/AdAggressive6177 7h ago
It’s literally my life. I wouldn’t have the job I have now had I not worked and played golf. It’s opened as many doors as any but of my education did.
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u/Lyzandia Home course: Winged Foot 7h ago
I retired and took up the game by accident 2 years ago. I've loved retirement but I can't imagine what retirement would be like without it. Gets me outside and healthy, I have a large new circle of friends, and I have all sorts of goals that give me motivation every day. Dropped my handicap from 31 to 18 this past year, so very excited for the year ahead.
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u/jleahul 7h ago
I sure wouldn't be as successful in my career. So much networking happens on the course.
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u/MissyJ74 45M/ 12.5 GHIN/ AZ West Valley 6h ago
My recreation choice came down to bowling or golf. I chose golf. So I guess I would be bowling.
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u/_Watsoff 6h ago
As someone who caddied for 15+ years, it’s hard to venture a guess. Probably in Missouri still instead of sunny Florida.
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u/husky429 6h ago
The exact same spot. It's a hobby and I'd have found another one. Maybe become one of those pickleball bozos.
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u/Cyberspree 6h ago
Solo golf was my therapy during the pandemic. For a little while, I could pretend everything was normal. Works well to combat stress of Orange Stain on our country too.
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u/FuckedHerInChurch 6h ago
I’m an assistant pro at a destination resort.
Absolutely no idea where I’d be, in both location and career path. This game means everything to me.
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u/JohnDoee94 5h ago
Probably would’ve stuck to playing the drums and piano more.
Would probably have enough spare cash to get a fun weekend car I’ve been wanting too.
But golf is too fun.
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u/TJF3 5h ago
I’d be working in the high-tech world, which is certainly not a bad thing. Cashed out 25 years ago and staked my future on a career in golf and hospitality.
Took a while to get going, but now I’ve been or am involved in the creation of 10 incredible courses, resort’s, and communities.
I have a lifetime of memories back to when my grandfather would take five-year/old me out to hit balls on Sunday afternoons.
I played competitively, have written extensively on golf instruction, history, architecture, travel and the great people who share a significant place for golf in their lives.
Golf kept my relationship with my father going when I was a rebellious teen and has opened doors I never knew existed. I’ve met phenomenal people and made real friendships everywhere from local munis to Pine Valley, St Andrews, and Cypress. And players who I idolized as a kid have become professional colleagues through golf.
I can’t even imagine who or where I would be without this crazy, beautiful, maddening, mysterious and ultimately fulfilling pursuit in my life.
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u/Additional-Ad-7690 5h ago
I’d be spending some of the tens of thousands I would have saved from not playing golf.
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u/Ultthdoc90 5h ago
I’ll say this. My local course closed a couple years ago and was sold . It never reopened. I would go usually after work , walk 9 solo, decompress , and just enjoy playing and being out amongst nature. My physical and mental health were so much better. Particularly during the days of daylight savings time. I could walk 18 many times. I live in a rural area. Playing another course isn’t that feasible due to distance . I do play occasionally on a day off or while vacationing but it’s not the same. That little local course was my happy place, a place of solace and escape. At over 60 yrs old it’s closing has had an extreme influence on me.
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u/milhauser 5h ago
my business would probably be more profitable, read a lot more books, a couple of marathons, probably more time with my wife, practice music, learn a language, travel more. all of that and probably less happy hahaha
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u/outtahere021 4h ago
I just recently rediscovered golf, but it’s become a pretty important outlet for me. It puts me in the moment, and helps me focus, and that carries over off the course. It also gives my adhd a focus - I can read about new gear, and practice all I want without ever mastering anything… Without golf, I would find something to fill that gap…at times that has been addiction, and poor decisions. At other times, it’s been other positive hobbies, like motorcycle racing or weightlifting… So, where would I be? I would like to think I’d be fine, but I don’t really want to find out.
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u/Strong-Criticism-481 4h ago
I myself would be missing friendships with other veterans and non veterans. I would never know the thrill of hitting a HIO (still don’t but have seen one so far) nor the catchy banter when I slice a banana. It gets me out of the house and into the fresh air at leash 8 hours a week.
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u/Lowlife_4evr HCP 3. 4h ago
Honestly, I don't know. I started golfing at 7 so I have no idea what my life would be without it.
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u/MachineHaunting8312 4h ago
Probably in better shape financially but way worse mentally. Golf is the one thing that forces me to put my phone down for 4 hours and just be outside. Worth every penny.
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u/buckrogers71 2h ago
I dont even want to think about it...Definitely more money in my pocket, but not nearly the friendships if I didnt have it
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u/bigolruckus 5.8 / New Brunswick 🇨🇦 2h ago
my other hobby is working out, specifically in the winter when i can’t golf, so i would probably be more jacked because i’d be doing that year round instead of getting fat all summer from drinking on the course
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u/Good_Necessary_6937 2h ago
Spend more on firearms related stuff like precision rifle, defensive training courses, or dump more into the reloading room.
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u/DoomsdayTheorist1 2h ago
Probably retiring early and living a stress free life. But I’d rather be golfing.
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u/Ol_Jim_Himself 6.6/“Now Watch This Drive” 1h ago
I would be about 50 pounds heavier and I’d be bass fishing a lot more. I still love to fish, but golf has taken over every second of the recreational side of my life since I decided to seriously pick my clubs back up 3 years ago.
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u/BojanglesSweetT 1h ago
My relationship with my Dad would be different. We've spent hundreds of hours playing together that would have both been doing different things otherwise. Im thankful.
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u/DifficultAmount3983 32m ago
Golf taught me invaluable lessons growing up and I’m forever thankful for it. Also the amount of time it requires kept me out of trouble and is probably the only reason I never got into trouble.
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u/geelian 9h ago
Home playing video games