3/27/2008 9:31:54 AM

I think a sport requires some type of defense. For golf to qualify I would like to see opposing golfers standing on the green with a paddle trying to stop approaching shots. It could be dangerous but no more than playing goalie in hockey.

Jim Humbert

3/27/2008 10:12:48 AM

I'm going to blow you up on this because you're DEAD WRONG. Golf is absolutely a sport.
Here's the Webster's definition:
an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment

I'll break down each part of this definition.
Physical exertion - yes, golf requires a great deal of physical exertion. The John Dalys aside, look at Tiger Woods. Dude is in great physical condition (I'd wager he could dominate you or me in almost any sport).
Skill - in this regard, golf is the ultimate sport, more so than probably any other sport. Hitting a little ball, hundreds of yards into a little hole. That's skill. And again, the aforementioned and maligned Woods has the most skill.
Competition - again, no other sport is more about individual competition. If I put you on a putting green and said make this 15 foot putt and I'll give you $500,000 dollars, I think your hands would be trembling. To compete in golf you need robotic-like concentration. Again, this is the most impressive part of Tiger's game. The mental aspect.

So he barks at photogs who snap photos. It's quite distracting. What about in tennis, when everyone's supposed to be silent too?

Golf is, without a doubt, a sport. And Tiger Woods, for that reason, is one of the greatest athletes in all of sports, not just of our generation, but of all time.

Jimmy Dinsmore

3/27/2008 2:53:21 PM

I won't go so far as to call a horse an athlete, no sir. I'm not sure what Olympic sport played with dice you're talking about or how that pertains to golf either. But yes, name a more dominant athlete in their sport than Tiger Woods?
The man is physically fit, which is one the reasons he's so damn good. Physical fitness is not a requirement for golf, but the better golfers are the ones who are fit. Are pro golfers the same type of athletes as football players, baseball players or basketball players? Of course not. It's apples and oranges, but if you don't think that golf is a sport and that Tiger Woods is one hell of an athlete, well, then you just haven't been paying attention and are very close minded.
Look, we're not even talking about NASCAR or anything, which you can debate if that's a sport or if those drivers are athletes, but you just can't debate the golf is a sport and professional golfers are athletes (note that I said pro golfers as I'm a golfer and I'm FAR from an athlete).

Jimmy Dinsmore

3/27/2008 3:02:19 PM

and cuz I like a good debate, especially when the side I'm on is so clearly correct, let me break down each of your points you made in your post.
1. If you don't run it isn't a sport. Walking to your ball doesn't take much talent.
By your definition swimming isn't a sport

2. If you don't carry your own equipment it isn't a sport. How pathetic is it for a grown man or woman not to be able to carry their clubs but some poor caddy can?
First, the caddies do a lot more than carry clubs. Each golfer can carry their own clubs, but the caddies are kind of like having a manager or coach out there with them.

3. If you can be drunk and outplay your opponents it isn't a sport. See John Daly.
Daly has battled alchoholism, true. The time he got the shakes cuz he was either drunk or craving a drink, he had to stop playing, because he couldn't compete. In the same game, he took a 9 on a hole. I'd say that's not outplaying anyone.

4. If everyone has to be quiet when you hit the ball it isn't a sport. If you are a true athlete then suck it up and deal with the noise like every other sport has too.
Tennis, my man, tennis. You gotta be quiet during tennis. So that must not be a sport either. Also, when a football team is in the home stadium and they're getting a little rowdy on offense, the QB has been known to stand up and try to quiet the crowd.

5. If you don't allow blacks or women on certain courses it isn't a sport.
Name one course that doesn't allow blacks? Augusta National doesn't allow women. You really want to take up the side of Martha Burke? It's a private club, they are free to allow or not allow whoever they want to be a member.

6. If you have to cuss out a photographer and threaten to break his neck for snapping your picture during your back swing it isn't a sport. See Tiger Woods.
Roger Clemens once made Hall of Fame reporter Hal McCoy, who is legally blind, to turn off a light he uses in the press box because it was distracting Roger, the pro athlete. He got real snippy about. Baseball must not be a sport either then.

7. If you have guys named Fuzzy and Tiger it isn't a sport it is a cartoon.
MLB had a Dizzy, a Daffy, a Chipper, and a Babe. Gosh, those are pretty stupid names, MLB isn't a sport either.

Jimmy Dinsmore