From Tiger Woods to Jack Nicklaus, the names associated 
with awesome golf performance inspires anyone with a club 
to enhance their performance. For some, the biggest 
challenge is finding enough time to play. Then, offices 
become practice greens, vacant lots become impromptu 
driving ranges and no chance to swing an imaginary nine 
iron is passed up.

Modern day golf probably derived from a 15th Century game 
played in Scotland. Some historians believe that the people
of the day were so intent on the sport that military 
training had come to a virtual standstill. The result was a
royal decree prohibiting anyone from playing, but people 
apparently ignored the ban. The ban was lifted somewhere 
around the turn of the century, and royalty picked up their
clubs.

Golf equipment is an important consideration and most avid 
golfers are anxious to have the best clubs available. But 
are top-of-the-line clubs necessary? Who can forget the 
performance of Roy McElvoy (Kevin Costner’s character in 
the 1996 production Tin Cup)? After losing his golf clubs 
in a bet, Roy competed in a round of golf using a pool cue,
rake and baseball bat. While most golfers would never hit 
the range with such an assortment filling their golf bag, 
the equipment largely comes down to preferences.

Where to play, for most people, is often a question of 
convenience. The desire to have a nearby range prompted the
first of hundreds of golfing communities around the 
country. Entire neighborhoods are built around golf 
courses, enabling the residents to step out for a round of 
golf (or two) even in a limited amount of time. The 
privilege comes with a price tag - sometimes a significant 
price tag - but for the avid golfer, it’s a reasonable 
trade off.

Likewise, vacation destinations and weekend getaways are 
often chosen for their golf courses. Golfing can be a 
family enterprise and the days of leaving the women and 
children to wait at the clubhouse are long gone. More than 
ever, schools are offering programs and families are using 
the sport as important bonding time.

Golf. The word is sometimes a bone of contention between 
the golfer and those less interested in the sport. The 
golfer’s attitude could approach the professionalism and 
dedication of the best-known pros, the quirky personality 
of Roy McElvoy, or something in between. But the result is 
that the opportunity to golf will seldom - if ever - be 
passed up. Even if the opportunity is an artificial green 
in the office, a vacant field or just enough room to swing 
an imaginary club, it will do until the next chance to hit 
a favorite course. 

Duffey Heraux is an avid golfer and owner of Foto Golf, Inc., 
a leading Internet resource for "a good walk spoiled." 
For more great golf tips and tricks, check out:
http://www.fotogolf.com