12 Things Writing and Golf Have in Common
July 18, 2008 by Brad Shorr
Filed under Copywriting
I finally got to play some golf, and I noticed all kinds of similarities to writing. Here they are - some serious, some not so much.
- Both golf and writing require patience.
- Both can be, and usually are, frustrating.
- Both take practice.
- Both take concentration.
- The finest practitioners have power and a delicate touch.
- Perfection is always sought but never attained.
- Neither is easy to do in the rain.
- The perfect shot or the perfect phrase can, and often does, occur unexpectedly.
- Success is in the little things - putting or careful editing.
- Beer tastes great after you finish …
- But quality suffers when you drink beer before you finish.
- Bad golfers are hackers and bad writers are hacks.
Help me finish this post
We need 18 points for a complete round/post, so please! What similarities do you see between writing and golf?
Join My Free Group on LinkedIn
Drive More Traffic, Sell More Stuff
* - You’re always looking for that “big finish”.
How about;
With both sometimes you just have to grind it out.
Funny, I just happen to have a beer next to my computer as I speak.
I agree with every point except for point number seven. I find writing easier in the rain. I find writing more difficult in good weather, when I wish that I was out in the beautiful sunshine!
Hi Andrew, careful with that beer. Actually, I agree with you about writing in the rain when you’re inside. I was thinking more a person trying to write in the rain outside.
Anyway, thanks for adding a “hole”, and BTW, really like the conversation you have going on on your blog post from earlier this week.
Thanks for the list Brad. It gave me a great thing to start a Friday with… a smile.
Rick
Hi Brad
I’m no golfer though I’ve learned a lot about from my golf who’s played all his life.
How about:
try too hard to get it just right and things will start to go awry - sometimes you have to ‘let go’ to let it flow
Joanna
BTW I was at a writing workshop recently where some of the participants had notebooks that you could use in the rain - designed for people taking notes on mountaineering routes I think, but good for poets who’re inspired by rainy days too!
I think I write more than I’ve ever played golf.
Joanna, you are absolutely right. Overthinking in golf can be deadly. Because the pros practice so much, their swings become automatic. Supernetuser, if you ever feel the need for a hobby, I recommend golf!
I’d like to play golf more than I write
Those not involved whisper. Those involved, generally, scream.
Lose balls, or, lose your mind. Choose your poison.
Eventually, analysis paralysis creeps in.
It’s much cheaper to replace a broken pen, than a broken golf club.
TJ, thanks - looks like we may have to play 36.
I’ve never golfed…but the comment
“The perfect shot or the perfect phrase can, and often does, occur unexpectedly.”
rings soooo true….
Data points, Barbara
Barbara, take my word for it, it IS true!
Loved this Brad. I am watching the British Open on TV right now. The rain is the least of their worries. The wind speed was 35mph yesterday - in danger of blowing the balls away. Writing in the rain is possible now that Joanna has found a waterproof book - but how do you anchor your book in the wind??
My addition to your list - both golf and writing benefit when you cut out the “noise” from around you.
Jackie, I’m watching the Open too (coverage starts here at 6am - heaven). When did they stop calling it the British Open? Anyway, I love your addition to the list. It’s hard to hit a putt when somebody’s cell phone starts ringing … as for the wind, don’t you think Joanna can come up for a solution to that one, too?
Not sure about dropping the British…now that you come to mention it! I make the distinction because it was the Scottish Open last week - and there is no English Open because the “open” uses English and Scottish courses. Hmm.
I re -read Joanna’s contribution and if it is for mountaineers then yes - the wind should be taken care of!
Cell phones are the least of the problems when I am golfing - the rustle of the trees can do it for me ( or that’s my excuse anyway)
I am keeping my fingers crossed for a repeat win by Harrington - but I would love Greg Norman to hold up an example for us oldies.
Enjoy.
Not wanting to split hairs with you Brad but it’s never been called the British it’s called The Open Championship.
When it was first played in 1860 it was the only championship hence there was no need to differentiate it from any other.
Greenfee - I think I need to take the blame for that one. So I stand corrected.
All these johnny come lately “opens” make it a crowded market these days.
Jackie
Loved the result of the Open - Mr Harrington is a really nice man!
Hi Brad - They are brilliant comparisons. I’ve been trying to think of another since yesterday but the only thing I can think of is they both make your arm ache if you don’t practise regularly.
I really suck at golf - people say they get writers block, but I get golfers block (sometimes it can take me all day just to hit the ball).
Jackie, you got your wish! Harrington’s second shot on 17 was incredible. Do you know him? It was great to see Norman hold up and finish in the top 10, too.
Greenfee, Thanks for the history lesson. I’ve been watching The Open Championship for decades and I never knew that! Just adds more to the allure, doesn’t it?
Cath, I like your contribution: I think there is sublime wisdom in what you say. LOL on golfer’s block. That mysterious ailment affects many golfers and can last for several rounds. Is there a cure?
It was truly wonderful - and his timing was great too. Made watching for 4 days all the more worthwhile.
I don’t know him personally ( yet?!!?) but I did my own blog entry about his “victory” speech today.
Brad,
Sorry to be a little late weighing in on this one!
Though I’m not a golfer, myself, I can definitely appreciate these parallels! Well done!
Jeanne
great points! just an idea….both require you to stop, think, aim (mentally phrase), and write / shoot(if this is the terminology used in golf), after which either you can go wrong or right….and again you stop, think aim / mentally phrase and write / shoot
Aisha, Excellent observation. It helps immensely in golf to visualize the shot before you start swinging. If I ever wrote a follow up to this post, this will be point #1.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Influence Customers with Meaningful Terms in Meta Descriptions
Thanks, Brad!