I want people to see that golf is fun and it's cool. You don't

"I want people to see that golf is fun and it's cool. You don't have to be a professional golfer to enjoy it." With these words, Paige Spiranac invites us to reconsider the nature of golf—an activity often seen as exclusive, elitist, or reserved only for professionals. Through her message, she seeks to strip away the barriers that surround the sport, showing that it can be enjoyable, accessible, and fun for everyone, not just those with professional skill. This is a powerful call to democratize the enjoyment of a game, and, in a broader sense, to embrace leisure and play without the need for perfection or achievement. Spiranac's words are a reminder that sometimes, the true essence of a pursuit lies not in the pursuit of perfection, but in the joy of participation.

In the ancient world, the notion of play and leisure was central to the idea of a well-rounded life. The Greeks understood that true well-being was not just about work or intellectual achievement, but also about the balance between labor and play. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, spoke of the importance of leisure in the pursuit of happiness and self-fulfillment, arguing that true contentment comes from engaging in activities that nourish both the mind and the body. In this sense, Spiranac’s call to make golf more fun and accessible aligns with the ancient wisdom that the best life is one where we engage in activities that bring joy, regardless of their perceived prestige or difficulty.

The idea that a pursuit should be enjoyable rather than a competition for excellence resonates deeply with the ancient philosophers, who often emphasized the value of pleasure in moderation. The Romans, with their emphasis on public games and festivals, understood that moments of celebration and recreation were necessary for maintaining the health and spirit of society. In the grand amphitheaters, gladiators fought and athletes competed, but there was also space for the common people to enjoy games and festivities that were less about victory and more about community, laughter, and joy. In much the same way, Spiranac envisions a golf world where enjoyment takes precedence over competition.

When we look at historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, who advocated for physical activity and recreation in his writings, we see the same value placed on play and leisure. Franklin believed that a balance of work and play was essential to maintaining a healthy mind and body, and he famously invented the bifocals while finding a way to enjoy his time in various activities, including golf. Franklin’s life shows that it is not only through the pursuit of professional excellence that we find meaning and purpose—sometimes, it is in the simple pleasure of an activity, like a game, that we can find balance and joy.

Spiranac’s mission to make golf more inclusive is an invitation to reframe the way we think about all forms of recreation and leisure. There are many things in life—whether it’s a sport, a hobby, or a simple gathering—that we may dismiss because we feel we are not good enough, or because they are reserved for those with specific skills. Yet, just as the ancient philosophers believed in the value of participating in all aspects of life, we too should seek to engage in activities that bring us joy, not based on our ability or skill, but because of their ability to nourish our spirit.

The lesson here is one of freedom and inclusivity. Spiranac calls on us to remove the barriers to enjoyment, whether they be personal doubts or societal expectations, and embrace the joy of the game. This attitude extends far beyond golf; it is a mindset that can be applied to any area of life where we might feel restricted by the fear of failure or imperfection. The true value of an activity, of a pursuit, or of any passion lies not in the perfection of the result but in the joy it brings to our lives. In the same way that the ancient Greeks and Romans saw leisure as a vital part of a fulfilling life, we must remember that joy in the present moment is often more important than striving for some far-off ideal of success.

In practical terms, we can take Spiranac’s message to heart by embracing recreation in its truest sense. Engage in activities not for the sake of winning, but for the simple pleasure they bring. Golf can be enjoyed by all—regardless of ability—just as any activity or pursuit can be. Allow yourself the freedom to participate in life’s pleasures without the weight of competition, judgment, or comparison. Whether it’s picking up a sport, learning an instrument, or taking up a hobby, let your focus be on joy and connection with others. Life is not only about striving for greatness but about finding beauty in the moments of fun, laughter, and shared experiences that create memories and enrich our lives.