Golf

Golf may be one of the most frustrating pastimes yet conceived, but it remains beloved in the United States and beyond. Whether it’s a serious 18 holes on a world-class course or just hitting the driving range or putt-putt course with your family, there’s something about striking a ball with a club that encourages camaraderie and relaxation—if your handicap isn’t too unbearable.

The first recorded game of golf took place in 1456 in Edinburgh, Scotland, a city that now boasts over 20 different courses. However, golf’s origins date back even further and include the Chinese and Dutch as additional originators. Nowadays, there are over 32,000 golf courses in the world, over half of them in the United States. That means you can hit the links from Florida (TPC Sawgrass) to Oregon (Bandon Dunes) and never run out of options. Costs vary: Play Shadow Creek in Las Vegas for $500 a round or for slightly less cash ($475), the world-renowned Pebble Creek in California; however, if you’re not that serious (or wealthy), there are plenty of respectable courses where you can play 18 holes and rent a cart for under $50.