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UNITED STATES – JULY 25: Golf: Russ Hamilton Gambler’s Outing, Closeup of bet tally at Grouse … More
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Note: This article does not suggest that golf is physically addictive, nor does it intend to minimize addiction or the experiences of those going through addiction. Instead, it is a satirical analysis of how golfers find such deep satisfaction from their sport.
Human Nature and Golf
Humans are naturally drawn to activities that provide room for advancement, immediate feedback, and a level of randomization. These factors may help explain why golf can feel so addictive.
Randomization
At the core of addiction lies randomized, sporadic, and highly sought-after mental stimulation. The release of endorphins and the escape from everyday life, coupled with environmental stimulation, are all associated with gambling addiction. Interestingly, those same factors are present in golf.
Golf is unique in that every round—and even every shot—can be different. Outcomes vary due to both environmental conditions and the player’s swing, making perfection rare. This variability fuels the pursuit of improvement and adds excitement. On top of that, many golf courses are stunningly beautiful and some considered the most scenic places on Earth. And all of this occurs before considering golf’s competitive aspect or the ability to gamble during play.
Exterior view of Broadmoor Hotel with surrounding mountains, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, 1914. … More
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Advancement
Humans are drawn to progress. Whether it’s leveling up in a video game, flipping through chapters in a book, or advancing grades in school, moving forward gives us satisfaction.
Golf offers a built-in progression system. From beginner to competitive player, golfers can improve every round. The handicap system allows players to compare skill levels regardless of which course they’re playing. Online communities, group chats, and forums often spark intense debates and comparisons between players.
Golf also benefits from accessibility. Unlike many sports with limiting factors, golf is widely available. Indoor and outdoor public facilities exist in nearly every small or medium-sized city, and practice is relatively affordable with many driving ranges still offer large buckets of balls for under $15.
Immediate Feedback
According to the National Golf Foundation, the average golf score is 94 strokes. That’s about 45 full swings per round, each one an opportunity for perfect contact.
Unlike other swinging sports, where an opponent is actively working against you (e.g., the pitcher in baseball), golf presents a stationary ball. The biggest variable is the golfer’s own swing. This creates a clear feedback loop—every shot tells you what worked and what didn’t. It’s no wonder you often hear, “That one shot will keep you coming back.”
PEBBLE BEACH, CA – FEBRUARY 14: A general view of the seventh hole before the final round of the … More
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Setting
The phrase “the greatest meeting of land and sea” is often associated with Pebble Beach Golf Links, describing how the coastline meets the Pacific Ocean. While frequently attributed to Robert Louis Stevenson or Jack Nicklaus, it was actually coined by Francis McComas, an Australian-born artist.
Not all golf courses sit atop coastal cliffs, but even the most modest courses offer time outdoors in nature. Some of the world’s most breathtaking golf landscapes include:
- Pebble Beach, Seminole, Kiawah Ocean Course, Torrey Pines – ocean views
- Banff Springs, The Broadmoor, Lookout Mountain – dramatic mountain backdrops
- Big Cedar Lodge, Shadow Creek, Trump Westchester – oversized water features
- Wolf Creek, Sand Hollow – surreal desert “moonscapes”
Golf offers more than a game, it’s an immersive environment, heightening the emotional and visual experience.
Other Substances
Golf’s origins are steeped in tradition and sometimes, liquor. It’s rumored that there are 18 holes on a course because there are 18 shots in a bottle of scotch.
Today, golf outings often involve drinking, partying, and social events. While many golfers play sober, for some, it becomes an excuse to consume, not just alcohol but increasingly other substances become legal and as legalization spreads and smoking is permitted on many courses.
This pairing of golf with substance use can classically condition the brain to associate the game with pleasurable chemical stimulation, deepening the emotional attachment.
RIDGEDALE, MO – APRIL 22: Lee Janzen putts on the fourth hole during the first round of the PGA TOUR … More
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Connections and Friendships
In a world increasingly dominated by remote work and online interaction, making new connections can be tough. Golf offers a social structure for meeting people—whether through memberships, public courses, or group outings.
For the adventurous solo player, every new foursome is a chance to meet three new people and spend four hours with them. Golf can be the excuse for a trip or a reason to maintain relationships with scheduled, meaningful time together.
