SURVEY SAYS: Do You Play Golf?

This week we asked readers what they thought of the “sport” of golf (which I mistakenly referred to as the “sport of kings.”   As a number of readers pointed out, that description is more typically applied to horse racing).

Responses were diverse this week, but a plurality (roughly 29% ) said that golf was something that required more time/energy than they were prepared and/or willing to spend on it (and, as one reader pointed out, “…it isn’t in my job description” ).   In contrast, nearly 19% said it was a “great” way to spend the day.   Echoing that kind of split, roughly 13% concurred with Mark Twain’s assessment that golf was “a good walk spoiled,” and just about 10% said it was a good way to make new business contacts (though for those who think golf is always a slam-dunk in building business relationships, one reader reminded us all that, “If you’re trying to make a new business contract with a competitive person who happens to play a very poor round of golf, it’s a great way to ruin a potential client.”).   About 15% said their response included more than one of the four choices cited above, while nearly 16% found that listing inadequate to express their true feelings.

The most interesting (if not downright schizophrenic) area of responses was where readers cited more than one of the above.   Sure, there were plenty who said it was BOTH a good way to make contacts and a great way to spend the day (as one reader noted, “any day that you can make new business contacts AND spend a day on the course is a very good day!”, while another said, ” It is a good way to make and keep business contacts.   Even more, it’s a great way to be outside on a beautiful summer day.” ) – and a like contingent that found golf to be BOTH a good walk ruined and something that required more time/energy than they were willing to devote to it.

There were a surprisingly strong number who thought it was a great way to spend the day, but required too much time (one noted, “I’m not a very good golfer and not really competitive but I enjoy the fresh air, the friends, the beer and dinner out.” ) – as well as a goodly amount that said it took too much time/energy, and yet acknowledged golf’s “contributions” to building business relationships (as one reader noted, “Personally, the game does nothing for me, but it has been a great avenue for networking in the business community.   I view it more as a social event than a sport.” ).   That being said, many of the “other” responses were simply because my too little time/energy rationale was simply insufficient. Here’s a sampling:  “…more time/energy/MONEY than I am prepared/willing to spend. This is not an inexpensive sport!”   Another qualified their response as “More time/energy/PATIENCE than I have or am willing to spend…”

Some other “others” included readers who said, “It’s not a sport….It’s a game,” and another who said golf was “…an exercise in frustration.”    Contrast that with the reader who said, “A bad day of golf is better than a good day in the office.”

A number of readers expressed issues with the exclusivity of the sport – specifically, the affinity that the pursuit has for wealthier males to the exclusion of others.   A number had “risen” to that challenge, however, including the reader who noted: “I love to play golf.   And as a female, I must admit that the initial reason I started playing was a )a good way to make new business contacts – because in public accounting it was not fair that all the male partners could leave to play golf w/ clients, bankers, attorneys, etc. and call it business & there was nothing for me to do but be mad about it.” It doesn’t have to be that way, as one reader noted, ” Our company has an informal golf league for all employees.   Someone arranges a tee time, and then you sign up.   This way you’re not always matched up with the same individuals all the time.   Golf is a great way to meet other employees out of the work environment and get to know them a little better.   Golf is a great ice breaker and equalizer.”

Another proponent shared this interesting suggestion: “I have found that the best way to make great contacts and be involved with golf is to sit at a hole during a golf outing.   You enjoy the day (without frustration), see and speak to EVERYONE playing, and serving a cool beverage or two doesn’t hurt!!”

There were some less “genteel” rationalizations for golf, including the proponent who said, “It is a great way to relieve stress on that person who got under your skin just one too many times in the office that day.   By going out when work is over and mentally placing your frustrations on that little white ball, you can then legally smack them around as many times as you like.”

To a large number of readers (particularly those in the don’t-have-enough-time/energy group), families mattered.   As one noted, “With three kids at home, I can’t bring myself to tell them that they haven’t seen much of Daddy during the week because of my work obligations, and bye-bye for a few hours on Saturday for a round of golf.   Family first.”   Still, a number had found that golf also offered a chance for quality time, including the reader who said, “After 25 years of marriage, my wife and I started to play golf ‘together.’   Seven years later, we are still married, have become reasonably decent golfers, and really look forward to our retirement years spending time together with our many golfing friends…Although golf can be a fairly expensive addiction, it is way more fun than receiving marriage counseling.”

There were ecological considerations as well.   One noted, “The average golf course uses at least 1 MILLION gallons of water per day to keep it green.   In states where water is precious and scarce, I think golf should be limited to the miniature variety.   And loss of H2O is only the tip of the environmental disasters associated with this game – when you know how much pesticide and herbicide are used, you’d NEVER want to live near one…or have your kids live near one.”   Another put it more succinctly:   “Golf courses are, to put it politely, ecological disasters for pretentious bourgeois.”

And then there were a LARGE number of near-editor’s choices (warning:   the anti-golf contingent is admittedly overrepresented here):

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• “I would rather spend a day on the links than a day in the office listening to the employees who complain that they can’t afford to contribute to their 401(k) because they just spent $200 on green fees this past weekend.”
• “I’m 54 yeas old.   Have an advanced degree in Mathematics and Physics.   Been a Human Resources Professional since 1974, and never held a club in my life.   I’m damned proud of that too.”  
• “Nevin, of course golf is (b) a great way to spend a day.   However, novice golfers should heed the advice to never buy a new putter until they have first thrown it!”
• “I don’t golf, never have golfed, despised the hours and hours of golf that my stepfather would watch on TV back in the old days when we only had one TV at home … BUT, I now love golf for all the afternoons it gets my boss – a real golfing nut – out of the office. Ahhh, peace and quiet.”
• “The only thing more boring than playing golf is watching golf.   I’d rather watch paint dry.”
• “If the purpose of golf is to hit the ball as few times as possible, why hit it at all?”
• “To me there is something stupid about a sport that when you finally catch up with your ball, you hit it and have to go chase it again.”
• “Sport of Kings??!!   Anything that an overweight, chain-smoking, alcoholic can legitimately compete in – and earn LOTS of money – is not a ‘sport.’   It’s a ‘game.’
• “My conversation with folks who ask if I play golf goes like this:   ‘Oh, I have a handicap of two,’ which you may imagine brings wide-eyed stares.   I then tell them my handicap is the result of one club and one ball.”
• “I would like to answer (b – a great way to spend a day; however, after video recording my swing, I am forced to respond (c) – a good walk spoiled.”

But this week’s Editor’s Choice goes to the reader who reminded us all, “Golf is a four letter word.”

Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey!

I'm 54 yeas old.   Have an advanced degree in Mathematics and Physics.   Been a Human Resources Professional since 1974, and never held a club in my life.   I'm damned proud of that too.  

Unfortunately, the way I play golf, it usually turns out to be (c), even though I initially approach it as (b), knowing full well that any improvement in my game is (d).   It has never been (a), mostly because I attempt it with friends rather than embarrassing myself with unknown business competitors/associates/prospects.   All in all, I guess that (e) covers it, except that (f) I could never understand how anyone could simply sit and watch it on television, especially enough to have a whole channel dedicated to it.

I'm with Clemmons on this one.

a) and f) I have found that the best way to make great contacts and be involved with golf is to sit at a hole during a golf outing.   You enjoy the day (without frustration), see and speak to EVERYONE playing and serving a cool beverage or two doesn't hurt!!

(f) Other - I don't golf, never have golfed, despised the hours and hours of golf that my stepfather would watch on TV back in the old days when we only had one TV. at home ... BUT, I now love golf for all the afternoons it gets my boss - a real golfing nut - out of the office. Ahhh, peace and quiet.

A & B - any day that you can make new business contacts AND spend a day on the course is a very good day!

D-and it isn't in my job description.

I don't golf, I think most women, especially those over 40, felt that they had to learn or be excluded from "the club" especially if they want to succeed in sales or be promoted into partnerships or management.

Professionally, I'd say (f) that Golf is still exclusive, a "man's club", and I am offended that business deals & careers are made out there.   Keep it in the office, boys, where we can all play on even turf!

Personally, though I'd go with (c) and Mark Twain - the golf course in my neighborhood is a great place to run, or walk the dog, only the durn golfers keep chasing me off.

e) Combo choice of c) and d), to which I would add "more time/energy/MONEY than I am prepared/willing to spend." This is not an inexpensive sport!

I choose "c" please.   J

Golf?   At least "d", more time & energy...   I was turned off of golf when I was a caddy, back in my teens.   I found that women were better technical golfers (didn't hit as far as men, but were much more accurate) and men were, on average, terrible sportsmen.   I've never seen the fascination.

So, my answer is: if the purpose of golf is to hit the ball as few times as possible, why hit it at all?

A good walk spoiled + something that requires more time/energy and money than I am prepared/willing to spend.

The only thing more boring than playing golf is watching golf.   I'd rather watch paint dry.

Personally, the game does nothing for me, but it has been a great avenue for networking in the business community.   I view it more as a social event than a sport.

(b) A great way to spend the day

D. too much time, quit in 1974. Plan on taken the game up again when I get older, or is it old.

To me there is something stupid about a sport that when you finally catch up with your ball, you hit it and have to go chase it again.

I used to play golf with great vigor.   Now I play with geriatric fervor.

The cost of a round has taken its toll on me, too.   So, I haven't played in the last few years.   I still enjoy watching the PGA when they get to town and on TV when the tournament is tight or a big one.

I'm not a very good golfer and not really competitive but I enjoy the fresh air, the friends, the beer and dinner out.   I'd have to say B and C.

I would have to say "a" and "b".   It is a good way to make and keep business contacts.   Even more, it's a great way to be outside on a beautiful summer day.

I would have to say "f - other".   When my husband and I got married, we were both still in college and didn't have two pennies to rub together.   There were a number of things we chose to deprive ourselves of, among them - television, alcohol and golf.   My family does play golf and assumed that we would take up the game, too.   Twenty plus years, 3 teens and lots of private school and college tuition payments later... we now have TV (albeit connected only to a DVD player) and drink alcohol for sanity, but we've still never taken up golf.   Back then, we didn't have the money.   Now we don't have the money or the time!

B - A great way to spend the day and what I'd be doing everyday if I could!

A) A good way to make new business contacts and F) other - thorn in my side!

It was down to 2 candidates. I was called in for the second interview with a well known international corporate and industrial insurer, in the Tulsa office. The interview was going very well. I was really getting somewhere with this exec. He was all smiles and writing notes in my file. Then it came - the question I have learned to hate - "So, do you golf much?" When I told him that I had never golfed, his smiles left and he did not write another note for the brief remainder of the interview. He told me of the importance of developing the relationships on the course, and said they'd be in touch - I got a "Dear John" letter the next week. I've since learned. I can really drive it, but my short game is weak. That is the little white ball game thingy, right?

Golf requires more time and energy than I am willing to devote.

I think Golf is a nice way to make or develop business contacts IF you play well (18 handicap or less), but if you do not have a good game it can be frustrating and maybe not be good for developing contacts with better players.

c and d.

(d) - requires too much time and energy and (f) from the outside (as a non-golfer), it resembles an addictive drug whose users seem unable to wait until they can play again, passing that unproductive time by talking about golf or, if constrained by the lack of willing or other listeners, thinking about it while "air-golfing".

D) Who has the time to learn or the desire?   I tried it and did not like it.

I do enjoy nice walks and beautiful scenery but the little white balls do frustrate me.

However, I am encouraging my sons to learn to play golf.   It is a great way for the kids to hang out with friends that doesn't involve the mall or get them in trouble.

Nevin -- I think golf is a great and terrific sport, a way to exercise, get out in nature and relax.   Watching how others keep score should tell a player much about their golf partner's character and playing a round (just because you're out there for 4-5 hours) is a way to cement relationships.   But that's about it.

I would have to agree with Mark Twain.   Golf seems like a waste of time and a waste of land that could be used for things like walking/biking trails, football fields, parks etc.   To me golf is similar to watching paint dry, although watching paint is more interesting if it is an exciting color.

I would have said (f) just not ever been all that interested but (c) is so charming I have to go with it.

(b) Our company has an informal golf league for all employees.   Someone arranges a tee time and then you sign up.   This way you're not always matched up with the same individuals all the time.   Golf is a great way to meet other employees out of the work environment and get to know them a little better.   Golf is a great ice breaker and equalizer.

(e):       (c) and (d)

(f)... though I enjoy getting out for a rare (annual) round, at that rate it doesn't allow one's game to improve, which detracts from the enjoyment of the outing.   With three kids at home, I can't bring myself to tell them that they haven't seen much of Daddy during the week because of my work obligations, and bye-bye for a few hours on Saturday for a round of golf.   Family first.

C--I learned the game in high school in anticipation of using it as a business tool.   Unfortunately, I have neither the coordination nor the temperament!   Mark Twain was right.

A) but one where getting 3-5 continuous hours takes its toll on family time.

I'm not a golfer, but if some attractive female who I meet on the road invites me for a little swinging, I might be up for that.

It is a great way to relieve stress on that person who got under your skin just one too many times in the office that day.   By going out when work is over and mentally placing your frustrations on that little white ball, you can then legally smack them around as many times as you like.

(F) The closest I have come to playing golf is driving the beer cart.   Which, not surprisingly, I was very good at...

I think of golf, the "sport of kings, as (a) a good way to make new business contacts.

I'd have to go with (d).   I wouldn't mind playing, and I work in a company where many people seem to play, but it's hard enough to balance work and family without throwing in the hours it takes to play and practice golf.

B, it's a great way to spend the day.   And A, it's a wonderful way to get to know a business contact as well.

But as one person I know said of golfing with a business colleague: "who would want to go on a golf trip with that guy. All he did was talk business the whole way around."    In other words, it's team building, not deadly serious.

D.

Much as I enjoy playing golf, if it's a choice between 5+ hours on the course or time with my family, family wins out every time.

As a new golfer, I find that learning the game and getting out on the course is a great way to do business.   In all my years in the financial world, I have always sat in the sidelines while my male colleagues went golfing with MY clients.   Not anymore!   After joining the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA), I have found my way onto the course and can schmooze my clients and pick up new ones like the best of them.    2 weeks ago I even volunteered to marshal the 15th hole at the McDonald's Championship at Bulle Rock, MD.   What a great sport.   Standing next to the best women golfers in the world gives me confidence that I too belong on the course.

(B)

After 25 years of marriage, my wife and I started to play golf "together".   Seven years later, we are still married, have become reasonably decent golfers, and really look forward to our retirement years spending time together with our many golfing friends on the course and at the 19th hole.   Although golf can be a fairly expensive addiction, it is way more fun than receiving marriage counseling.

Answer e), a combination of c and d.   Although I welcome an excuse to spend the day outside, I have never been able to talk myself into devoting time and money to a game that requires hitting a little white ball and then trying to find it hopefully somewhere near where you intended it to go.

f) Other.   I appreciate an opportunity to network and love the sport of golf for the peace and quiet.   But nothing is quite like playing with a rep that is determined to use the time to show me how wonderful he is.   I'd rather play a round with my young and vocal children . . .

I had always thought that horse racing was the "sport of kings."   In any case, I'm an enthusiastic golfer.   For me, golf is a wonderful hobby.   I enjoy the recreation and the social activity, and it also provides just a little bit of exercise.   I recommend golf at least twice a week, and four to five mile runs four days a week.   You can take one day off if you'd like.   Golf is also time consuming and can be expensive if you want it to be.   As a business tool, golf is way overrated.

P.S.   I'm looking forward to all the witty remarks from your other responders.

(d) Something that requires more time/energy than I am prepared/willing to spend.   My husband is an avid golfer so someone has to stay home and mow the lawn, weed the garden, trim the bushes, etc...

On a side note, you do a great job Nevin!!   The Dash is an excellent way to keep up on what's going on without a lot of time/energy!!

Put me down for one who enjoys the Sport of Kings...although it usually doesn't last long enough.

The "true" Sport of Kings is Thoroughbred Racing - and I enjoy it Thoroughly!

I love to play golf.   And as a female, I must admit that the initial reason I started playing was a) a good way to make new business contacts - because in public accounting it was not fair that all the male partners could leave to play golf w/ clients, bankers, attorneys, etc. and call it business & there was nothing for me to do but be mad about it.   At the time I was single so there was an advantage in that all the men were interested in playing w/ a cute girl (not meaning to be conceited).   Since my retirement from public accounting I still see it as b) a great way to spend the day because my husband is a 1 handicap golfer & it gives us something to do together.   Plus - every now and then I can beat him on a hole.  

If you don't play you should try - it's you against yourself, and when you hit the one good shot - you know why you keep coming back.   I swear the golf gods always make that "one good shot" on hole #18 for that reason!

d - But I would add it's also more MONEY than I care to spend, as well as time/energy.

B.   My kids golf way more than I do, and I am very jealous.   My first time out is next Monday in a Booster Club golf outing.

(E) A, C & F  

A - Networking any mover and shaker will know the appropriate Course name to drop to pull in a prospect

C - To actually get any cardio benefit, the pace would have to be picked up about 3.5 miles an hour!  

F - The cost of the game - I can go roller skating and spend less money and get more exercise!   And like golf it takes skill.

It's best said by Gilbert K Chesterton… "I regard golf as an expensive way of playing marbles."

e. In general the answer is c.   If you're trying to make a new business contract with a competitive person who happens to play a very poor round of golf, it's a great way to ruin a potential client.  

A bad day of golf is better than a good day in the office.

  (You just have to try to avoid hitting your boss with a shot while playing in your company outing.)

Other:   the average golf course uses at least 1 MILLION gallons of water per day to keep it green.   In states where water is precious and scarce, I think golf should be limited to the miniature variety.   And loss of H2O is only the tip of the environmental disasters associated with this game -- when you know how much pesticide and herbicide are used, you'd NEVER want to live near one....or your kids.

Because of (d), I'd have to say Mark Twain got it right (c) and it spoils a good walk every time!

(d), not much else to say, you said it all.

(f) It's not a sport....It's a game.

(a) If done correctly.

b) And a modified a).   Not a great way to make new business contacts but a great way to enhance an already established relationship (for new or existing business).   Golf also provides insights into a potential business partner...do they take mulligans, get upset after a poor shot, use gamesmanship, bet and how much, do they cheat or try to?, do they improve their lies, etc... One can learn far more in 18 holes than many hours in meetings...

As Lee Trevino once said, I never felt as nervous over a putt that I needed to make on the 18th hole when I had $5 on the line and only $2 in my pocket!

Actually, the "sport of kings" has traditionally been horse-racing.   Don't think that's a good way to make business contacts!

(f) An exercise in frustration

p.s. horseracing is the sport of kings--a much more enjoyable way to spend the afternoon

For me definitely (b) a great way to spend a day.   But then I would also have to elect (f) for frustrating when that ball sometimes just doesn't seem to go where I aim it.

(f) Other.  

"Sport of Kings"??!!   Anything that an overweight, chain smoking alcoholic can legitimately compete in - and earn LOTS of money - is not a "sport".   It's a "game".

Survey response: (e) more than one, specifically (c) and (d).   I don't know if you've ever seen Robin Williams' routine describing the origins of golf; not only is it hysterically funny, but in my opinion fairly accurate as well.   I highly recommend it (Robin Williams' routine, not golf).

The answer is definitely (e), but which answers I am referring to depends on how I play that day.   If I play well then it is a combination of (a) a good way to make new business contacts and (b) a great way to spend the day.   If I play poorly then I feel as if it is a combination of (c) as Mark Twain termed it, "a good walk spoiled," - because I could be walking across the nicely mowed fairway and instead I am bushwhacking in the tress as I search for my ball - and (f) other, since it is a wasted opportunity to make a new contact because my poor play is assuring that the "lets do this again sometime" invite at the end is completely fake.   However, I will say that no matter what, I would rather spend a day on the links than a day in the office listening to the employee that complain that they can't afford to contribute to their 401(k) because they just spent $200 on green fees this past weekend.

(f)   A Zen like experience, but only worth the time if there's money riding on the game.

Golf is a sexist and effete excuse for a game; waste of good farm land and water and a polluter of the aquifer.   That said, I was pretty good at it when I got under the ball on the fairway.

That being said, I think golf is a great way to spend the day - I actually hate to pollute it with business but I have, as any of us who play the game, on occasion done so.   

f. An exercise in humility!

(f) I know that golf is the game during which more business takes place than takes place in the office.   However, I have never acquired a taste for the game.

Ah, the summer season with time to ponder questions otherwise pushed to the side for more mundane concerns of Social Security reform, investment assumptions, Automatic Rollovers and the like. I vote for (A) and (D) as it is a good place to get to know people but it can be a huge time killer. And, no, the fact that I play so poorly has nothing to do with my answer. Hit'em straight.

(b) A great way to spend the day

I find golf extremely relaxing.   I don't try to play against anyone but myself.   My best score is one that beats my previous best score.   So many golf courses today are scenic with trees, mountains, flowers and wildlife, which is what makes it a great way to spend the day for me.

The game of golf---

(f) Other---by playing golf with someone--one learns more than just counting strokes---

• Ability to handle difficult situations--is the person 'grace under pressure' or a firestorm
• Honesty- count all of those strokes?
• Adaptability/flexibility- ability to make lemonade out of lemons with that errant tee shot?
• Problem solving--use a 7 iron or a wedge when inside 15 yds to the pin?
• Visionary--picture or see past the immediate obstacle of a huge water hazard and onto the desired state---the rolling green!!
• Coaching/mentoring- keep your head down!
• Team work- my twosome will kick your twosome's a$$ any day....

B) A great way to spend the day with dad; F) A little embarrassing as I hack away and putt 3 or 4.   I don't tally my strokes.   When it's time to give a score I say, 'Just gimme a triple bogey.'   The last time I played I lost at least 4 balls but it is fun to at least be outside.   I keep a positive attitude about it and always have fun.   A lesson would probably help my game immensely.

My answer is (c) - a good walk spoiled.   When I ask people WHY they golf, they often reply that the golf courses are so beautiful.   So then I ask why they couldn't just go for a walk in the beautiful place and not have to chase a ball around and try to make it go into a little hole.   They usually just look at me like I don't get it, which, apparently, I don't.   I do love hiking, though!

(b) A great way to spend the day.

Unfortunately, with work, family and home improvement commitments, (see today's quote), I've only had time to play twice in the past six weeks.

"Golf" is a four letter word.

A good walk spoiled.

I was banned from the golf course (for life) for enticing the Monkeys onto the fairway right before a big tournament, I would have to agree to (c) with Mark Twain.     Of course I just tell folks now that while I am a CPA, I don't play golf - I gave it up for lent in 1981.     

I vote for (f) other:

As a female in business it amazes me that men get away with this form of "networking". I enjoy spending a day in the spa and shopping. If I took a day off work (not using my vacation of course), invited a group of other women which I'll call "contacts" to shop or get their nails done with me, and then expense it to the company I would be hung from the strongest limb.

Nevin, of course golf is (b) a great way to spend a day.   However, novice golfers should heed the advice to never buy a new putter until they have first thrown it!

I hate to say it but (d).   This comes from someone who is a former avid golfer who used to play several times a week and was able to shoot par.   A combination of the high cost of playing, the length of time it takes to play a round (too many golfers think they need to imitate slow playing professional golfers like Sergio Garcia and Ben Crane), a non-golfing spouse and children who have not yet attained a reasonable golfing age (I don't want to create the next Tiger) have reduced my playing time to a few rounds a year.

f) A good diversion.  

I don't get out to the course much, but when I do, it is the best activity that I have found to take my mind off everything else.   It is the only sport in which I truly compete against myself...hopefully developing concentration, focus, patience, humility, integrity, respect for others and control of my emotions.  

However, I have experienced the worst traits in humanity also...anger, hostility, loss of self control and deceit.   Notwithstanding tournament play, it is the only sport in which you are self-policed, which really brings out the best and worst in human nature.

I'd say it's a great way to spend the day!!   

(d) Something that requires more time/energy than I am prepared/willing to spend.   My husband is an avid golfer so someone has to stay home and mow the lawn, weed the garden, trim the bushes, etc...

Golf courses are, to put it politely, ecological disasters for pretentious bourgeois

Sorry my reply is late - but my conversation with folks who ask if I play golf goes like this:

"Oh, I have a handicap of two." which you may imagine brings wide-eyed stares.

I then tell them my handicap is the result of one club and one ball.

(b) Beats work any day!

d. More time/energy/PATIENCE than I have or am willing to spend...

Okay, don't even get me started on GOLF.   First of all, it is rumored that "GOLF" really stands for "Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden".     It was invented in Scotland & having been married to a Scotsman, it would not surprise me if this was true.   (Yes, I know there are women who play golf but not as many women as men & there is something of a stigma attached to being a serious lady golfer.)   Also, I am sick & tired of the men going off to play golf during working hours.   Any excuse to rearrange travel or postpone in-office meetings so golf can be played under the guise of doing business.   I am sure connections are made & networking done in the brotherhood of golf.   But grow up guys.   The same thing can be accomplished in a conference room.   The only thing they are networking is a mutual enabling of excusing themselves from work.   Meanwhile, the admin ladies are back at the office covering for you.   Again I say, GROW UP.

(e): Definitely(a), also(d)- I would love to be able to play golf, but as a working Mom I have just never had enough time to spend on an activity that takes that many hours out of the day.

I would say (a) and (b).   Not necessarily in that order.   I would play any chance I get if it were not for my employer or my wife getting on me about doing other things...   most notably working or doing something in the yard....

Your question should have been responses to the link to the SS calculation.   There are so many fallacies with that that I can't even begin!   What a load of ...misleading information!  

Beginning with how much will income taxes need to increase to cover a full opt-out?   Who will pay for our elders?   What happens if they become disabled and cannot work?   What happens if you don't get a 3% raise each year, take time off to raise children, or just loose your job?   Can the market sustain a 10% growth, timed for your personal retirement?   What happens to those who play the market wrong and wind up with zero?   Who educates and advises people on their investments (for what price)?

I've seen relatively smart people squander their profit sharing funds by investing in too high risk securities, blowing the lot.   Or leaving the total in cash while inflation eats the balance away.   The general population just isn't trained properly to manage their own retirement assets.   Then you need advisors & educators, which leads to the potential for abuse and fraud on unsuspecting citizens.

But the government needs to do a better job of it than they do now.

Even the President is not suggesting a full opt-out.   Their version is just pennies into personal accounts which will only make those who manage the accounts rich.

I would like to answer (b) However, after video recording my swing I am forced to respond (c)

Definitely (d) something that requires more time/energy AND MONEY than I am prepared/willing to spend And I certainly don't understand how anyone could get enjoyment from watching golf on TV!!

Ok, first of all, the "sport of Kings" is not golf, but horse racing.   I have no idea why.

Second, I heartily concur with (C).   I think golf courses are a huge waste of land.

Let's just say when golf starts getting in the way of work and family...give up work and family.

(f) -- other.   I don't golf but it's great to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I'm in the mood for a nap because it's so relaxing and quiet to watch!