America and Golf - Facts and Overview

​When it comes to sports, The United States of America is one of the most diverse countries in the world. About eight percent (8 percent) of the country’s population plays golf, a club and ball sport. Most age groups can play and enjoy Golf - kids, teens, adults, seniors. It is one of the sports most enjoyed by Americans.

The United States is considered the current hometown of the sport, and it boasts over 15,000 golf courses, several times more than England or any other country. Every state has numerous golf courses, if not more. Popular golf states are Florida (with over a thousand courses), California, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Michigan. The terrain at courses differs based on location, climate, topography, and other environmental factors. A standard golf course is about 6,500 to 7,000 yards. Some of the best and notable golf courses are Illinois, New York, and Michigan.

Golf is a great sport generally. It’s relaxing and tasking at the same time. It offers the players a bit of exercise and a reason to enjoy the outdoors. Against popular misconception, golf is really for anyone. There’s no age limit to the sport, and maybe that’s why a huge percentage of Americans play. There’s almost no outdoor sport a family can bond, compete, and recreate over aside golf. The playing field is equal.

The sport is enjoyed by over 60 million people in over 200 countries worldwide. In contrast to many assumptions, golf isn’t dull. It has such a huge following, and it’s one of the oldest professional games in America. Unlike other sports, golf is pretty competitive when the parties know the rules and swing. Experience, many at times, is not an advantage and no round of golf is the same. The rules of the game are also flexible.

Golf is a good, slow form of exercise because the terrains differ. They can be uphill, downhill, or other different topographies. Over 18 holes of golf golfers typically walk 3-6 miles (typically 5 miles). At the same time, it’s not as physically demanding as other sports. Therefore, chances of injury are vastly reduced, unlike soccer, football, basketball, and the likes. The chances of wear or strain in golf, compared to other sports, are minimal.

In 2020, the popularity of golf grew in the United States as people sought out more socially distanced outdoor activities amid the pandemic. It’s been almost two years since the pandemic first hit and other activities resumed; golf is still growing.

There are several golf associations in the United States such as the PGA, USGA, LPGA, and more. These associations host many golf games and competitions like the US Open and the PGA Tour. They also supervise many of the public golf courses. Golfing in the United States is a tourism attraction. Every year, thousands of tourists and foreigners play golf at popular courses in the country.

Like all sports, golf has a set of rules. These include the number of clubs allowed per bag, playing the right ball, green rulings, bounds, scoring, scoring system, and more. The penalties backing the rules differ. Learning to play is not much work. There are several golf schools and resorts for swing practice before getting into the game.