Golf, A Sport?

Sport, at the most basic level,has been defined by dictionary drily and directly as  an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess, often of a competitive nature. with the extinguishing of the embers of Tom Watson's unlikely renaissance, many have questioned of whether or not golf should be considered a sport.

 

Yet, the real debate is framed in the form of a comparison to sports that require a heavier dose of athletic ability as opposed to skill. Those who attempt to discredit golf's inclusion in the category of sport often point to the lack of raw, awe-inspiring and sometimes superhuman ability on display during golf tournaments.

Tiger Woods swing is powerful with his Nike driver , but it's not regarded as being on the same level as a hit delivered by Ray Lewis or Rodney Harrison to an unsuspecting wide receiver who flashes across the middle of a football field.

Woods physique, as well as other golfers who have hit the gym with increased frequency in the past decade or so, is impressive, but it's nothing compared to that of Albert Pujols or Shaquille O'Neal, men who are athletic and physically imposing.

When all of the working parts of a golf swing come together in perfect harmony, balance and grace, it's a sight to behold, but to some it doesn't measure up to a pull-up jumper by Kobe Bryant on the fast break, or an over the shoulder basket catch by Randy Moss because those athletes are in full motion.

And it's not reenacted over and again during a short time span like the swings of Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer during the course of a single game of tennis.

In a recent column that lacked intelligence, dignity and any type of self restraint, Mike Freeman wrote on CBS Sports.com, "We should all be thankful for Watson. To you, he's a gentleman, good sport and inspirational story. To me, he's a chance to once again beat a drum I've been pounding for years: Golf isn't a sport. The amount of athleticism required to play golf is about the same as it is to be a good bowler. "

 

Walk into Forest---test