Golf :
a sport where grown men and women use several different sticks to hit a small ball into an area with very short grass surrounding a small hole in the ground . Yep , that ’ s pretty much the gist of a pastime that ’ s been fascinating and frustrating us in equal measure for centuries . What follows are 36 ( or two round ’ s worth ) of reasons why we love this amazing game …
The par-4 7th at The European Club in Ireland is one of the world ’ s greatest 100 golf holes .
1 . One of the wonderful aspects of golf is the sheer variety and styles of courses to be enjoyed , from the wild , sheep-tended links of Scotland , the tropical palm-fringed fairways of the Caribbean to the desert layouts among red-rock canyons and glistening creeks in Nevada . 2 . Buying a course guide at a new course , and flicking through its pages in anticipation before teeing off . Taking a few moments at some point during a round to contemplate the view , especially if there ’ s a memorable sunrise or sunset . 3 . Finding a brand new Titliest Pro V1 or similar top quality golf ball in the rough . The enjoyment is especially intensified if you have already hit a great tee shot , but it ’ s still a satisfying feeling even if you don ’ t find your own ball . 4 . Playing one of the classic links courses on the British Open rota and reliving some of the drama that has happened on particular holes . Think Turnberry ’ s 16th , St Andrew ’ s 17th or Carnoustie ’ s 18th .. 5 . The pleasure of heading to the driving range , popping a token in the machine and hearing that distinctive sound as the basket fills with yellow balls of hope . 6 . At some top-end ranges you may come across the added bonus of complimentary balls arranged in neat pyramids alongside real turf teeing areas . 7 . Turning up to a new course on your own , meeting someone on the first tee , joining up for enjoyable 18-holes together , then departing as good friends and regular playing partners . 8 . Golf is a fabulous reason to travel to other countries ; to not only sample their courses but to also experience their cultures , cuisine and off-course attractions . 9 . Settling down for four days in April to watch the Masters , or in July to watch the British Open undisturbed for four days solid . 10 . Enjoying some friendly chat and banter with the starter before teeing off , with the added advantage that their tips and strategy to tackle the course may improve your score . 11 . Flushing a drive right down the middle from an elevated tee , striking a crisp iron on a par-3 within tap-in birdie range , holing a wedge shot for eagle , chipping in from off the green , making a long downhill snaking putt and reaching a par-5 in two shots using a driver then a 3-wood off the deck . 12 . Playing two balls on each hole , and getting in 36 holes for the price of 18 .
A golfer heads to the tee at Haninge Golf Club , ( near Stockholm ) with the 15th century castle - Årsta Slott a key feature of the club .
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