I've lost count of the number of people that have asked me this question in Bangalore. And although I would first respond in the negative, I soon started thinking - why, indeed, don't I play golf?

Golf can make for a fascinating hobby. It is good exercise as one game involves at least three to four hours of walking in fresh, open air. It enlivens and invigorates you, and is less stressful than most racquet sports. And these are just some of the benefits.

Age perspective
One of the best things about golf is that this is a sport you can play even when you are much, much older. Mr. Jaswant Anand played golf unit the ripoe old age of 92. It provided him with an extremely satisfying hobby to the end of his days, and kept him busy even after his retirement. He didn't have to look around for things to do to fill his time. Thanks to golf, he soon had an established routine. Every morning after breakfast he would go to the club, play a few rounds of golf, have a light lunch with friends, and return home early in the evening to be with his family. When I compare him to some elderly people who, although they have no infirmity, sit at home the entire day watching television, reading books and laying guilt trips on everyone that don't visit them enough, I know who I would rather be like in my old age.

Expenses
The downside about golf is that it can be expensive, but many swear that the expenses are well worth the joy. Fortunately in India, a game of golf is a lot more affordable than it is in other parts of the world. In addition, the weather in Bangalore allows for a pleasant game of golf even in the summer, although the monsoons can be a bit of a dampener!

Clubs
Although membership to golf clubs can be expensive, certain clubs permit you to play golf by paying a daily fee. For example, you may not be a member of the KGA, but you can learn golf through a regular coach for approximately Rs. 300 an hour, or through an expert coach for the price of Rs. 800 an hour. If you join coaching with a friend, you may need to pay Rs. 150 each for the two of you. So not only will you enjoy the game more if you learn it with someone, but it should also work out to be more economical.

Driving Range
If you don't have the money now and cannot afford coaching, you can always find out about using a driving range from where you can practice golf shots. You don't need to hire a caddy or a coach, and you don't need an entire set of golf clubs. You can hire golf balls and a club at the driving range for a fairly nominal charge, and start practicing. Once you have got the hang of hitting the ball, you can start getting more serious about the game. If you are new to the game, you do need to have someone who can play with you, who can show you how to hold the club and help you with your footwork and your stroke.

Social Sport
Golf is a very social sport, and a person can make a lot of friends and business contacts during this game. Plenty business deals have been struck on the golf course. Jobs have been offered and partnerships have been formed.

Loads of fun
Rarely do people feel as passionate about a sport as they do about golf. Some golf enthusiasts wouldn't mind flying out to play golf on a course in another city or even another country, depending on their financial status. They compare golf courses the way another person would compare countries! And it's pretty apparent that they simply love the sport. Surely it's got to be a heck of a lot of fun!