I had this epiphany the other day: Golf is basically the real-world equivalent of an RPG, and I think that’s why it’s so popular!
Think about it:
Your Handicap is your Level: Just like in RPGs, you level up through experience—playing and practicing improves your “skills” and lowers your handicap.
Loot and Gear: You acquire better equipment (clubs, balls, etc.) through currency earned from side quests (work) or completing solo challenges or group content like competitions or scrambles. Just like in games, some gear isn’t usable until you reach a certain level—think LS drivers and blades that are typically reserved for high-level (low-handicap) players.
Open World Exploration: The golf course is your open world, and there are countless locations (courses) to explore, each with its own unique challenges and rewards.
Endless Play: You can sink thousands of hours into golf without ever “completing” it, always striving to improve or master new aspects of the game.
It really got me thinking about how the structure of golf mirrors the addictive, progression-based nature of RPGs. Have I missed anything? Would love to hear your thoughts on this comparison or if there are other sports that might fit this mold too.
I love this comparison, and it’s spot on! Golf does share a lot of similarities with RPGs, which might explain why it’s so captivating for players. Another parallel you might consider is the concept of “boss battles” or challenging dungeons—these could be likened to those particularly tough courses or signature holes that test your skills and strategy to the max, like Augusta’s Amen Corner or Pebble Beach’s 18th hole. Also, just like in RPGs where you can team up with other players for raids, golf has a social aspect where you can join forces with friends for tournaments or casual rounds, each bringing their own strengths to the game. The constant grind to improve your stats (swing mechanics, putting accuracy, etc.) mirrors how RPG players invest time in building their character’s abilities. You’ve nailed the comparison, and it definitely makes you see golf—and maybe even other sports—through a whole new lens!
Golfers frequently play with friends or create groups, which fosters social relationships akin to party members in an RPG.
Competitions: Tournaments and friendly matches offer possibilities for competition and companionship.
This is the first Mario Tennis and Golf game in about ten years for those of us who grew up with the GBC and GBA titles.
For those who have been missing those games, Golf Story is the ideal game because of a peculiar combination of nostalgia and pure quality. or even ignored them, but when Golf Story appeared, it brought them back to mind.
Golfers frequently play with friends or create groups, which fosters social relationships akin to party members in an RPG.