F
inding reasons to play golf is easy. As
Grantland Rice, a 20th Century American
sportswriter declared, “Golf gives you an
insight into human nature, your own as well as your
opponent’s.”
Finding reasons to play golf is easy. As Grantland
Rice, a 20th Century American sportswriter declared,
“Golf gives you an insight into human nature, your
own as well as your opponent’s.”
Another sportswriter, Brent Musburger, said, “I’d
play every day if I could. It’s cheaper than a shrink and
there are no telephones on my golf cart.”
Of course, professional golfers support the game.
Peter Jacobsen offered one noteworthy reflection;
“One of the most fascinating things about golf is how
it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot
— the next day you have to go back to the first tee and
begin all over again and make yourself into something.”
Adlai Stevenson also asserted a moral justification
for the game; “Some of us worship in churches, some
in synagogues, some on golf courses.”
But, what if you really don’t like chasing a white
ball around a cow pasture? Maybe you are Jack Benny;
“Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner,
and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air.”
Even golf scoffs recognize that golf makes
a significant economic impact on communities.
The industry generated $68.8 billion in goods and
services in the U.S. in 2011, with a total economic
impact of $176.8 billion according to Golf 20/20,
a report from the World Golf Foundation. The same
Who Needs It?
By Jody D. Brown
Golf
Discover Smith Mountain Lake
Spring 2014
36
