Why Is Golf So Fun?

’Tis golf season. Since my Spring semester ended in May, I’ve been hitting the range almost every other day and playing a couple of rounds each week.

And it’s not just me. Where I live, the morning driving ranges are full of middle-aged and retired players, while evenings bring out a swarm of high school kids and 20-somethings. Tee times on weekends? You either book early or hope your country club member-friend picks up the phone. I even saw a friend write up Python code to immediately make reservations in public courses when they’re open.

So, what is it about golf that makes it so enduringly fun for its fans—for both watching and actually playing? Unlike many popular sports, golf isn't primarily a spectator pastime. It’s a sport that people of all ages and genders actively engage in.

I think my theory of liberating engagement—which I’ve used to describe why some activities are more fun than others—can help explain why golf has such a unique grip on so many of us.

Rounding with my wife

Source: Travis Oh

Golf Is Hedonically Engaging

Golf hits the sweet spot between skill and challenge, the classic ingredients for what Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi called “flow.” Whether you're a total beginner trying to break 100 or a seasoned player chasing par, there's always a new milestone to strive toward. It’s never boring. Time certainly flies (four hours, already?) when you’re out on the field, too.

Each course is different—sometimes dramatically so—with new obstacles, changing wind conditions, and ever-varying terrain. Even within a single round, each hole is its own little story. That relative novelty—what researchers like Berlyne (1960) have tied to arousal and interest—is essential for hedonic engagement. Golf keeps you interested because it never lets you fully master it.

Golf Feels Liberating—Especially for Adults

A round of golf gives you 4+ hours where the outside world fades away. No Slack notifications, no emails, no dishes or deadlines. Just you, the ball, and the greenery. This is where my theory of liberating engagement really comes in: Fun isn’t just about enjoyment—it’s about a temporary liberation from cognitive and emotional burdens.

This may be why golf resonates so strongly with certain people in their 30s through 50s, the peak years for juggling careers, parenting, and aging parents. A friend of mine—a scratch golfer and a successful entrepreneur—dreaded going out for a round last week, having been invited to play for a business event. He told me the only time he doesn't enjoy golf is when he’s overwhelmed with business stress. “I can’t relax into it,” he said. That’s telling. To enjoy golf is to let go of everything else in that moment.

Golf Is Social in a Special Way

Golf has built-in social rituals that make it surprisingly connecting. Most courses require foursomes, meaning even if you show up solo or with one friend, you’re likely to be paired with strangers. But that’s part of the charm. You introduce yourself, shake hands, and spend hours together, all focused on the same shared task.

What’s interesting here is that the social bonding happens around a focal activity—playing the game—which fosters a sense of connectedness without forcing it. Golf provides that social structure, a key ingredient that can enhance the fun of the same activity.

There’s also a low-key, non-competitive camaraderie that helps: Everyone is just trying to hit the ball, find their ball, and get it in the hole—eventually.

The Hook is Gentle, but Lasting

There’s a learning curve to golf, yes—but once you’re good enough to keep up and hit some clean shots, it’s easy to get hooked (yes, some pun intended). Especially if you go out with someone more experienced who’s patient enough to teach you the rhythm and etiquette of the game.

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And then… you’re in. The fun sneaks up on you and stays. As Chi-Chi Rodriguez aptly said, “Golf is the most fun you can have without taking your clothes off.”

I’ll wrap this up now—I’ve got a 9 a.m. tee time tomorrow ;)