Who would think that a sport where you try to hit a small ball into a small hole would ever become popular in schools? Golf has been growing exponentially in popularity over the past few years, not just among older generations but also among younger ones. Since 2019, the participation rate in golf has increased by 48%. Even people who have never played or even thought about it have been getting into it. Brady Storz is one of these individuals who are relatively new to this sport.
“I never really thought of golf as a sport that I would enjoy,” Storz said. “When I was little, it was so hard. But when I started to get into the game this summer, I started to get a lot better, and it’s becoming such a fun hobby.”
Storz has been playing golf for the past year, and he has also been getting better as his interest and dedication increase. Storz also stated that before golf piqued his interest, he didn’t really think of golf as a sport he was interested in. Others have also recently begun participating in this growing sport at FHC. Nick Jovanovic happens to be another student at FHC who is dipping his toes in the golf scene.
“I like golf so much because I think it is a great way to pass the time with friends,” Jovanovic remarked. “ Also, you can do it at any age, and it’s something you can do for the rest of your life. The excitement it brings when you hit a good shot or get lucky makes me want to keep playing. But above all, I love the peace of mind that golf brings me when I’m playing with my friends.”
Golf is constantly roping in the now younger generations because, over the years, golf has been more and more accessible to people. The promotion of golf on social media is a big part of why golf is so big. Youtubers are appealing to teens so much more nowadays because they are more susceptible to seeing this content because of how much media FHC and the whole world consumes. People at FHC are also seeing golf on social media more often. Nathan Pedres has something to say about it.
“Golf in social media is not only good for younger generations, but good for the game of golf itself,” Pedres said. “Golf has been known to be associated with a rich stereotype, but social media golf has opened up to more and more younger demographics. Younger people can play the game for fun rather than just competitively, and now golf is growing into a game that everyone can enjoy.”
Not only has golf in the social media world changed how the sport is being promoted to new people, but experienced golfers also enjoy and learn from social media. There are thousands of golf social media influencers, and they aim at new and experienced players.
“Social media golf got me enjoying the game more and more; it just simply made it more fun for me,” Pedres states. “I don’t think it made me a better player directly, but it got me to play more, so it indirectly made me practice my game more.”
Golf is a sport known for its beauty and its serene views, making it a very relaxing sport to play. School introduces young teens to so much stress, and it builds up every day, so golf can give relief. Some golfers even play just for the break they get from the chaotic world. Previous JV golfer Jackson Heyboer loves the game of golf and had something to say about this.
“I view Golf as a way to disconnect from all other troubles in life, like if I have a big homework assignment or a big test the next day,” Heyboer stated, “I’ll just go golfing and completely forget about the everyday stress that I might be feeling.”
At FHC, golf can’t go on forever all year round. Winter rolls in, and the outdoor golf season ends, but this is when other golfing options begin to open up. Simulators and other indoor facilities open up, giving opportunities for golfers to keep up their game in the “off-season.” Alex Madigan, a JV FHC golfer who loves golf, also has to deal with the seasons.
“I would say that tech-driven venues have positively impacted my perception of golf,” Madigan said. “Since we live in Michigan, golf year-round is impossible. These tech-driven venues allow us to play, most notably during the winter. Also, considering the fact that our tryouts were before most courses were open, the simulators could be used to help get your game back before tryouts. I thought our team organizers/coaches did a good job of ensuring that we had tryouts outside.”
Golf is growing in popularity due to many factors, such as simulators, new technology, and overall accessibility. FHC golfer, Tyler Mason, has something else to say about why golf is getting bigger.
“Golf is growing in popularity in part because of the newfound acceptance and the community where, once, golf was only open to those with a country club membership; now it’s open to almost anyone who can get to a public golf course.”
Golf gives so many opportunities for people to move out of their comfort zones, and since this sport is all about respect, it can give valuable lessons for life as a whole. Golf, not only in FHC but nationwide, should bring in new people.
“I believe that people should get into golf,” Mason states.” “The sport includes having a lifelong sport, you can spend time with friends while playing, learn valuable life lessons with respect, and you can have a ton of fun doing it.”
