Urban Golf
Golf is popular simply because it is the best
game in the world at which to be bad.
–A. A. Milne
Golf can be a wonderful game to play. However, with all the rules about who can play, where they can play, and how much it will cost them, the game can be quite inaccessible. But many folks are changing that, showing how golf can be played by anyone, anywhere.
A citified version of the 500-year-old Scottish sport has been spreading across the country. First in San Francisco, then in New York City, and now in Chicago. These golf enthusiasts don't use fairways and sand traps; instead, they make their way through alleys, 'eL' tracks, vacant lots, and other parts of the city. To minimize any danger or damage, they use tennis balls rather than traditional golf balls. However, making that ever important swing isn't necessarily any easier in this urban version, as players trot through alleys, peek under parked cars, and sift through litter to find their coveted aim.
Every game begins with a gathering at a local bar. Then, clad in their best tartans, knickers, golf spikes, and just about everything argyle, the group scopes out a location from which to tee off. The course has plenty of hazards, like any golf game should, but they're a little different from the usual ponds and bunkers. Golfers must keep an eye out for curbs, moving traffic, and the dreaded *ahem* 'pet litter.'
And just like the pros, these players garner plenty of attention, though their audiences usually consist of amused and bewildered bystanders. They are almost always stopped and questioned by local authorities as well, but once the police realize that no harm is being done, they allow them to continue on their strange but fun pastime.
Don't forget the rules! Lowest score wins, of course, and there are judges who will dole out penalties if they see fit. Rules vary from city to city and (pardon the pun) club to club. However, the most important thing to remember is that it's a game, and everyone is here to have fun.
It's currently a bit too cold for ANY outdoor activity, but if you'd like a bit more information to prepare for the warmer months, check out the Chicago Urban Devils Golf Enthusiasts' League's website.
Tags: amateur, bars, chicago, golf, recreation, sports, urban-golfRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Sports and Recreation
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