That is not putting.

No one plays defense, there is no physical contact and you play against the course rather than living opponents. The player that plays best against the course wins. It's a game of skill, not a sport.

What about horse racing?

Otherwise it's just driving in circles. Horse racing is a sport if you're the horse I guess. There is some physicality and strategy in it.

In a marathon or the 100 yard dash, you are essentially "playing" the course and there is no physical contact (or at least shouldn't be). I'd have a hard time considering either of those a game of "skill" though.

Even in golf, while I generally agree that you play the course, one player may base his decisions on what another player does especially in match play or toward the close of a tournament when a player knows what their competitor has done. That's not exactly the same as playing against defense (like football or baseball), but it does bring the opponent into play.

Personally, I consider golf to be both a game of skill and a sport.

I guess.

A majority here said it was, including me.

Those who ask it either have not played or just plain suck at it.

Which part of Tru's post do you base your objection?

I answered a kennedy's question.

But, still wondering why "nope"?
GAC

The joke goes "If it can be played at the highest level wearing Business Casual, it's probably not a sport."

Joking aside, though, I don't think it's easy. I do think they practice hard to acheive the level of play that you see on the teevee. I don't think I could ever become skilled enough to compete at that level.

It is a fact, however, that the tour players have been increasingly fit over the last decade or so, and the stronger more fit guys tend to show up on the leaderboard a lot. So, it does seem that the more athletic, the more likely one is to have success at the highest level. But, there are still some gooey guys on tour and they're pretty darned good.

There is also some other elements of athleticism as demonstrated by how many hockey players turn out to be really good golfers. Similar muscle memory, i suppose.

But, i do get your point.
GAC

Douchebags.