Why Wealthy People Love Golf: More Than Just a Game

For decades, people have wondered why rich people play golf. Why has this sport garnered so much prestige? What are some of the benefits that aren’t so obvious to people who don’t play? And is there a way for you to break into the world of golf without an ultra-high net worth, yourself?

We’re taking a swing at some of the reasons why modern wealthy golfers keep this centuries-old tradition alive. And providing some tips on how you might build your own personal wealth by adopting this sport, as well.

Has golf always been a rich person’s sport?

The history of golf can tell us a lot about why rich people love the sport today. But it might surprise you to learn that golf has fairly humble beginnings.

Golf is thought to have originated in Scotland sometime in the 15th century. But if you were to travel back in time, you probably wouldn’t have recognized it. The early version consisted of trying to hit small pebbles with a stick over sand dunes and into a hole. Nothing too fancy, and anyone could play. In fact, it was a game that was played by common folk.

As the legend goes, that all changed when King James II of Scotland heard of a game that was interrupting his soldiers’ military training. Initially, he banned it so that his soldiers could focus on “more important” sports like archery. But, after trying it himself, he lifted the ban and elevated it to a level of royalty.

Over the next few centuries, golf took on some expensive advancements. For one thing, the pebble was upgraded to an early version of the golf ball called a feathery, a feather-stuffed ball covered in dried and hardened leather. While there were more affordable versions of the ball, most were quite expensive for the time. Golf clubs were also a hefty expense. The early versions were made of delicate, carefully crafted wooden clubs that only the wealthy class could afford.

By the 1700s, Scotland had their first official golf clubs and standardized rules that would go on to characterize modern golf. A few centuries later, golf enthusiasts, now around the world, started to organize tournaments and lobby for golf to become an Olympic sport.

Why rich people play golf today

As you can see, while golf may have had working-class beginnings, the switch to elite-class game was swift. And, over the last hundred or two hundred years, it has solidified its place as one of the most exclusive and wealthy sports around the world.

Here are a few reasons why modern golf is called “the rich man’s game”:

Exclusivity of the golf society

One of the things that is most appealing to wealthy people is the fact that golf courses are contained environments. Only those with a membership or invitation are allowed in, which gives players peace of mind that they’re not going to be bombarded by fans or journalists. This is especially true for celebrities or public figures.

This exclusivity also comes with a variety of perks. The higher-end golf and country clubs offer excellent customer service, restaurant options, and even spa treatments and other services.

Business networking

From sales to company mergers to political diplomacy, many, many deals have been reached on golf courses around the world. That’s because golf allows for complex relationships and conversations to unfold over the span of hours, not rushed through in a conference room. And the laidback nature of golf encourages these connections to develop in a relaxed, open-air environment. Who couldn’t be in a favorable mood in those conditions!

But it’s not just on the green that business networking happens in the world of golf. Introductions can be made over dinner in the clubhouse or at the annual gala. In other words, golf opens up a world of opportunity for brushing shoulders with high-powered, wealthy individuals.

The chance to take things slow

Another benefit that keeps golf popular with upper-class folks is the relaxed pace of the game itself. For people who spend their day making decisions, hiring and firing people, watching the stock market, and taking big risks, golf provides a much-needed break from their fast-paced corporate environment. They’re able to enjoy fresh air, stretch their legs, and focus on improving their game. Plus, the stakes of playing golf aren’t usually so high as they are at work.

At the same time, golf isn’t so demanding that it requires total concentration. That means that you can continue to take work calls and make important business decisions even while you’re on the green.

Even the frustrating part has its perks

Even though a golf course is very manicured and distant from the rest of the world, it’s not a paradise. And in fact, the game of golf can be very frustrating and physically demanding. It requires a ton of focus, and sometimes, even on your best day, conditions completely out of your control will throw off your game. On top of that, your failures and missteps are on display, in front of people that you probably admire and want to impress.

So, why do wealthy people do it? Well, exactly for all of those reasons. Many people crave the psychological challenge that comes with playing golf. They benefit from the practice of intense focus and pressure to perform under scrutiny. They learn how to control their own self-criticism and calm their nerves. And sometimes, they explode and throw their club into a pond, which can also feel like a much-needed emotional release.

This side of golf is another reason why the sport is so popular with high-powered, high-ranking individuals. Not only does it give them an outlet that can be relaxing and fun, but it also gives them the opportunity to hone certain skills that are useful in the world of business, finance, government, and other high-stress careers.

World-class golf courses

It may have started in Scotland, but modern golf is a worldwide phenomenon. And in fact, there are golf courses in some of the most stunning and remote areas of the world.

Whether you want to golf in an Alpine meadow in Italy (Golfclub St. Vigil Seis) or with a view of the California Coastline (Pebble Beach Golf Links) or even under the aurora borealis in Norway (Lofoten Links), you can play golf with some of the most beautiful backdrops imaginable.

And hey, don’t forget about where it all started. Scotland is home to some of the most gorgeous, sprawling golf courses in the world. Every year, hundreds of elite golfers make the trip to join in one of the many competitive golf tournaments that take place throughout the year.

Advanced technology in golf equipment

As we mentioned, the technology around golfing is part of what catapulted this game into the elite stratosphere. And that progress has only ramped up over time.

Nowadays, you can spend the equivalent of a luxury car on a single set of platinum or gold golf clubs. You can drop hundreds of dollars on metal alloy golf balls that are said to provide superior distance and spin control. And then there’s the golf shoes, which can easily outprice elite running shoes, professional basketball shoes, baseball cleats, and pretty much any other high-performance sport that you can think of.

All of these technological advances are geared towards making golf a more pleasant experience. And to be sure, there are cheaper alternatives for more casual golfers. But when it comes to wealthy folks who want the best of the best in design and function, golf equipment is an industry that is happy to comply.

Lifestyle flexing

Finally, there’s no denying that one of the big reasons why rich people play golf is that it allows them to enjoy their status in life. Maybe they feel that they’ve worked hard and long to be able to reach their financial goals. And what better way to flex their success than taking up the rich man’s game?

From the fashion to the country club socializing to the vacations to far-away golf courses in luxury resorts, golf has become one of the most recognizable wealth statuses in the athletic world.

Why you should start playing golf, even if you’re not ultra-wealthy

Maybe you’ve read through this article with a certain sense of longing to someday be rich enough to play golf at an elite level. But the reality is, while golf tends to be a wealthy people, it is open to anyone. And in fact, there are a few reasons why you should start playing golf right now, even if you aren’t rolling in cash:

There are affordable ways to get started

Nowadays, golf is getting more popular with middle-income folks, and there are even apps that can help you find deals on club memberships, classes, and rounds.

You can find gently used equipment online

Even though there are new models of golf clubs coming out all the time, a decent-quality used set is absolutely fine for getting started. Do you research and shop around until you find a set that is well-made, durable, and in good condition? In fact, a well-maintained vintage set will turn heads just as much as the shiny new models.

Getting into tournaments isn’t as complicated as you might expect

Sure, you’re probably not going to get into the big-name tournaments as an amateur without substantial capital behind you. But there are plenty of local and regional tournaments that can help you start making a name for yourself in the golf community.

And actually, signing up for smaller tournaments is pretty simple. The entrance fees aren’t excessive, and you don’t need a sponsor or anything like that to participate (although you might be able to look into local company sponsorships!)

You’ll start building social capital almost immediately

When you do sign up for more social golf events, including classes and tournaments, make sure that you take advantage of the chance to meet other golfers. Expanding your social network isn’t only personally fulfilling (you’ll enjoy building your community of fellow golf lovers), but it can also open your world up to people you would never have met away from the golf course. Whether you’re looking for better job opportunities or want to start brushing shoulders with more elite players, being friendly and open every time you set foot on a golf course is sure to help you start building the right social capital.

You’ll learn about building personal wealth from your newfound rich friends

As your social network gets bigger through golfing, you’ll inevitably start to make friends with people who make more money than you. Instead of feeling intimidated by this fact, use it to your advantage! Take any advice that they may have for you about building your personal wealth and making smart financial decisions. Just by being around them, you’ll gain invaluable information that could very well elevate you into elite status.

You never know, you could be the one buying the $75,000 golf clubs in a couple of years!

And most importantly, you’ll have a great time

At the end of the day, golf is an enjoyable, relaxing sport that is fun for everyone, despite its reputation as being elitist. The more you play, the more you’ll reap the many benefits of golf, from the connection to nature to the meditative aspect of perfecting your swing to the socializing.

And, if you stick with it long enough and make the right connections, you might just become one of the wealthy golfers yourself!

Now that you know why rich people play golf, will you try it yourself?

Golf is an old, storied sport that has remained popular over centuries. And, while it has maintained its position as one of the most popular wealthy industries, more and more people outside of the elite class are joining the movement! So, now that you know why rich people play golf and how you can get started even if you’re not ultra-rich, will you pack up the clubs and head to your nearest course?