Golf--just a hobby or your unpaid 2nd job?

[caeye0710]

Now that I've got an 18-month old little girl, it's become a once-a-month hobby. Prior to, I would definitely say an unpaid job. Although, if you count gambling winnings, I guess you could consider it paid?

[LittleDufferBoy]

Two kids and a teacher's salary ... I can't spend enough time on the course for it to be a second job.

 

But if I could, man I would.

[TimK1]

I put more hours in playing and practicing than my real job. Which is my own business. I let my wife run the show, while I golf.

I play 10 to 15 events around the state all summer and practice three hours a day five to six days a week. That three hours though, includes a nine hole walk as part of my practice. 1 hour hitting balls , 30 minutes of chipping and putting and about an hour and a half of playing. I love it and never get board. I have been doing it for thirty years.

Since it is winter now, I'm at the indoor facility the minute it opens for two hours every morning during the week. I stay home on weekends. To many idiots there on weekends.

[bub72ck]

For me, golf is an integrated part of my life. I am fortunate that my wife and now my son play so it's awesome family time for us. I also love to get out and play with my friends. But, it's also a part of my business. Many of the guys I play with are clients, prospective clients, or networking opportunities. I never specifically see it that way but it never hurts to be able to make those connections. I know a lot of people play golf to get away from work but golf allows me to get to know people and their businesses. That's the part of my job that I love the most.

[Tom01]

 

Hello. For me, golf is not just a hobby, it is something big, it is my life. My grandfather taught me to play golf, he started to really love this sport.

[llewol007]

So just because you struggle on a round you compare it to having an unpaid job. That’s kind of a slap to the face of the many mini tour players who if they don’t have some sort of exception have to pay to play in their tournaments hoping to make a little bit of a living. Even on a bad day I wouldn’t want to be at my job working. There is a difference for sure between the two. Now in a slightly more light hearted response, I hear ya and totally feel the frustrations especially when we put in time at the range and it just doesn’t come together. That’s the ebb and flows of the game and that’s why we love and hate the game at times. Pretty crazy where I would be at work and knowing I have a twilight tee time be okay if my job that day sucks, knowing I will be soon at the golf course. To wish I can call this a job, but only as a high caliber player. I see the kornferry tour where guys are fighting for a tour card and to see the guys who have to wait another season and grind it out. I’m at a point where I know i’m good enough to shoot my handicap but not good enough to be on any tour circuit is good by me. Take it all in and have a beer at the club house and go at it again next time out.

[Kjboisen]

Truthfully I play and practice enough youd think it WAS my job. In fact, the damn game is likely the reason I dont have a better REAL job. But hey... I can admit it

[kekoa]

Golf is always fun especially if you get to play a nice course, but I'd be lying though if I said it doesn't stress me out. Some play strictly for fun and don't keep score, but thats just not me. My wife on the other hand thinks I'm out there just jacking around.

[shoot4par]

This 100%! ???

[Barfolomew]

Golf is always a bonus and fun.... never work lol. I play par golf and see some good players stress or get upset and I cant understand it lol

[DivinDave]

I dont consider golf a hobby or a job. As a kid of 12 yrs old i caddied during the summer months and started playing at around 15. Ive been playing golf regularly for 45 years (and still stink at it!) . Its part of who I am as a person. I really can't remember back far enough when there was no golf. So I guess the best way i can describe it is to say I would not be me without it.

[Lincoln_Arcadia]

Some are driven some are not.

I’d have to guess that the driven ones enjoy the hard work they put in to golf.

I’m a bit less dedicated. I enjoy it, but definitely not obsessed.

[BIG STU]

Great Post yep sorta like I was. I played the Mini Tours for years and money matches. Had times when I quit playing and got into other things like dirt track racing and motorcycles. Always ended up playing golf again. Today for me golf is really fun again. I do my own thing> I play with a couple of different groups and no one gives two hoots about the equipment one plays how old it is and if it is on any conforming list. Recently my home course closed ( for more houses) and I joined across the road. Wish I had done it sooner. Sorta a neighborhood course with lots of fun events and a big kick for the buck. Been playing in the shootout every Saturday morning since December. I just sign up every week and get put with someone. So far lots of fun. Do not care about winning but I do give it my best. Gives me an opportunity to play my numerous vintage clubs. Love the facilities not a ritzy clubhouse but a fun place to sit and they have great grill food. I have not practiced seriously for a number of years and my range time now consists of staying limber and hitting a bunch of the vintage clubs I have. Since I am semi retired now and will be fully retired at the end of the month I have taken up walking again with a minimalist set of 8 clubs or so all vintage. Yep golf is fun for me again.

The course you described you play at is exactly like the one my old man ran and I grew up at for 20 years. The course I am at now is sorta like it too. Fixing to go out there now and sit on the patio and enjoy a cup of coffee and a cigar watching the sun come up on the 9th and 10th holes. Also the putting green has flood lights and one of the owners showed me where to turn them on at so I can putt under the lights. Told me he did not give 2 hoots if I came out at 4 AM and putted. Told me he was glad I was there and to make myself at home