Maximum Sports

BY MAX BERMAN

I’ve never really cared for golf. But after playing a round this past week, I find myself appreciating what it takes to play this little round ball sport. Watching it on television or in person is like watching grass grow. But once you put a club in your hands and take a swing, you’ll appreciate how difficult the sport is. You'd think a game with a small ball and big fairways would be easy. But, I can’t tell you how many times I hit it too far to the left or too far to the right. Not only is it hard to make the ball go in the right direction, but hitting the it with the right power isn’t simple either. Golf pros hit the ball with their irons as far as I do with my driver, if not farther. And, they do it with consistency. Golf is a sport best watched before you play so you can better appreciate the skill it takes. 

Watching football you feel the pain of the hits, appreciate the quarterback’s throws and the abilities of receivers to go up and catch the ball. Anyone who has played soccer knows the ball doesn’t always go where you want it to.. Soccer’s greatest players place the ball perfectly in front of their teammates. They dribble up the pitch with fluidity and make great moves to take a shot on goal.  Baseball fans understand and appreciate the skill it takes to hit the ball. Also appreciated is a pitcher’s arm strength and accuracy. Like in football, hockey players also take a beating, and they do it on ice. Have you ever tried controlling a puck on a slippery surface with just a stick? It’s obviously not easy.

Back to golf.  It looks like a guy just swinging at a little white ball, but also consider the stamina it takes to play the game. If you’ve ever walked a golf course, you’ll realize how long the course actually is. Pro golfers don’t ride carts; they walk. Try it sometime, and then wait until the soreness in your back kicks in. I tried it thinking it would be a piece of cake, but I suggest you play a round of golf.  You’re in for quite a revelation. Good luck!