I played golf for a “team-building” outing of my work department, once. I learned why business is conducted on golf links - because you are with the same three people for over two hours, with nothing to do but take turns with the ball and to talk. I’d have rather been to event that involved more than just three of my coworkers. But I did manage to balance a golf club on my chin, and then balanced a hole flag on my chin for a few seconds as well.

In talking with my classmates who do play golf, I think the appeal is intellectual. You against physics. You learn all of the right things to do to achieve the goal, a very simple sounding goal. But wind, weather, sore muscles, distractions, all play against your goal.

And I’m sure that for some, I’m way off base for why they love the game, but when I play golf with windmills and waterfalls, that is my approach. To out-psych physics.

So.

When my high school reunion had a golf outing, I nominated myself photographer. I sat at Hole 6, on a bench, and photographed the other teams as they went by. I got to talk to everyone for just a little while and had a great time.

Once everyone had passed my station, I wandered the course, taking more shots. And at the dinner that evening, they gave out golf awards. And they gave me an award and a bouquet of roses because I was the only one who *walked* the whole course and refused to ride in a cart. So I had exercise, a lovely day, socialization, and roses.