Softball is canceled. Public pools are closed, as are arenas. Soccer is shelved, concerts have been called off. The list goes on and on.

But golf is being played across Canada—and attracting new people to the game. In fact, some are saying we are seeing the biggest boost in the sport since Tiger Woods emerged in 1997. It turns out golf is an ideal sport for physical distancing—after all, your slice will take you to one side of the fairway, while your playing partner’s hook could have him 75 yards away.

With that in mind, here’s a list of why you should consider teeing it up this year.

1. Spend time with your friends

For most of us, golf is about the rare opportunity to slow down and take four hours walking with friends in the outdoors. Yes, hopefully you’ll hit the occasional great golf shot, but that isn’t the driving factor for many when it comes to the sport. Enjoy time with those you hold closest—friends and family—while walking 18, and yeah, you can enjoy a beverage or two with them while you’re at it.

2. Natural beauty

Sure, there are some pretty cool Major League Baseball stadiums. But few would argue that golf has the greatest playing fields, full of natural beauty. Whether you’re walking or riding, there’s plenty of time to take in the incredible vistas that emerge on practically every golf course, while also enjoying the peace of nature—birds, animals, and flowers—that call golf courses home.

3. Everything’s equal

If you’re a high school teacher, you likely can’t play an equal game of football against an NFL running back. But golf’s handicap system—newly revised for this year—allows players of differing abilities to have a friendly game over their round. That means you can tee it up with more experienced friends and break their heart when you make bogey and get two shots for the hole!

4. A game within the game

Add stakes to your golf game with the Vegas Golf On the Course Game. The set includes a series of poker chips that you earn for both positive (Birdie, 1-putt, etc) and negative actions (In the Sand, Hit a Tree). It’s up to you to decide what each chip is worth. At the end of the round, the player still holding the chips has to payout whatever you decide. So don’t be upset that you went in that water hazard on #3 – you just want someone else to go in after you. It’s a great way to add a little fun for someone new to the game that doesn’t want to take it too seriously.

5. Beverages

What other sport can you enjoy without worrying about being a great player, and perhaps have an adult beverage while walking in the splendid Canadian summer sunshine?

6. Dress it up

Golf is a sport with its own fashion. There are some dress code restrictions depending on the course that you play. However, that should not stop you from exploring some golf fashions suited for you! As the saying goes, regardless of how well you play, you might as well look great doing it. Golf Town has the widest selection of golf apparel in Canada, so whether you want to channel your inner Tiger by sporting a red polo or prefer something a little louder and brighter, we have you covered.

7. Game for the ages

Many sports become difficult for people to play as they age. Golf avoids this by making adjustments to the playing field—if you don’t hit it that far, play a tee that’s further up to balance things out. It also means you can play the game regardless of age—it doesn’t matter if you’re 8 or 80.

So, do we have you convinced to give golf a shot? Tag us in your photos and use the #NowWeGolf so we can see what you’re up to! We wish you many pars and long drives.