I’d think that competitive golfers are. I knew some in college who had to train pretty much daily to develop the skill and physical abilities to compete. They also trained with weights in order to make sure their joints and musculature were in good condition and capable of handling the hours spent swinging and making practice shots.
The average joe who downs a 6 pack with his buds on Saturday at the course? No…well, if he trains on the the off days at the shooting range to develop his skill and coordination, then I would say ‘yes’.
Then again- maybe it depends on your definition of athletics? It’s a bit broad, but I’d think of athletics as developing specific physical ability, and an athlete as someone who dedicates a significant amount of their time to that pursuit. Granted, I’m not a trainer, and currently barely a trainee, but this definition works for me.
Christopher, thanks for the comment! How do you define competitive? Why should that matter? If Tiger Woods retires and plays pick-up games at the local retirement club, is he no longer an athlete?
(Of course, I am going to play devil’s advocate for anyone that responds. 😉 )
I’d think that competitive golfers are. I knew some in college who had to train pretty much daily to develop the skill and physical abilities to compete. They also trained with weights in order to make sure their joints and musculature were in good condition and capable of handling the hours spent swinging and making practice shots.
The average joe who downs a 6 pack with his buds on Saturday at the course? No…well, if he trains on the the off days at the shooting range to develop his skill and coordination, then I would say ‘yes’.
Then again- maybe it depends on your definition of athletics? It’s a bit broad, but I’d think of athletics as developing specific physical ability, and an athlete as someone who dedicates a significant amount of their time to that pursuit. Granted, I’m not a trainer, and currently barely a trainee, but this definition works for me.
Christopher, thanks for the comment! How do you define competitive? Why should that matter? If Tiger Woods retires and plays pick-up games at the local retirement club, is he no longer an athlete?
(Of course, I am going to play devil’s advocate for anyone that responds. 😉 )