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 …
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 .
3 . Taking a few moments at some point during a round to contemplate the view , especially if there ’ s a memorable sunrise or sunset .
4 . 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 .
A golfer heads to the 16th called Liam ’ s Ace , a lovely par-4 skirting the ocean at the mystical links of Waterville in the Kingdom of Kerry , Ireland .
A group of golfers enjoy a few cold ones while discussing the best moments of their rounds at Ballybunion Old on Ireland ’ s west coast .
5 . 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 .
6 . 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 . 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 offcourse attractions .
Travelling to new countries to experience their golf courses is all part of the appeal , such as the Links at Crowbush Cove ,
Prince Edward Island , Canada .
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