When people use the word "golf," they often relate it to a misguided sense of boring, old men and women who have nothing better to do. Believe it or not, there is a larger reason why so many retirees turn to the golf lifestyle. Yes, golf is a lifestyle, not just a sport. Many people, most of whom know absolutely nothing about the sport, do not realize that playing golf regularly can extend your life by five years and also bring many other well-being benefits (“Health” par. 5). Golf is an excellent therapeutic activity because it teaches good etiquette, enriches the mind and ensures a healthy lifestyle. To be successful in any career, it is important to follow good etiquette in certain situations and/or environments. Golf is an effective way to teach this. Most golfers pride themselves on being honest, respectful, disciplined, and courteous among other qualities (Hall par. 13). These qualities are incorporated into sport in various, often subtle, ways. Unfortunately, many people do not see these ways and therefore do not give golf a chance to improve its label. There is never enough emphasis placed on the quality of having proper and admirable etiquette, especially in today's society. A first impression means a lot in today's world. If one is able to appeal to another's initial and often unfair judgment, a social barrier is broken and the resulting possibilities are endless. In the sport of golf, there are many ways in which good etiquette is incorporated. Honesty is often seen as the most important golfer quality and is practiced in many different situations on the course. There are numerous rules and regulations to follow when playing golf, and... middle of paper... ...ptual and Motor Skills 86.3 (1998): 811-815. Network. October 22, 2013. Lane, M. Andrew, and Hayden Jarrett. “Mood changes after golf among senior recreational players.” Journal of Sports Science and Medicine 4 (2005): 47-51. Network. October 22, 2013."Rules and decisions." USGA: rules and decisions. United States Golf Association, 2013. Web. October 22, 2013. Sell, Timothy C., John P. Abt, and Scott M. Lephart. “Activity-Related Benefits of Walking While Golfing.” golf2020.com. Network. Club Executives Association of America, 2008.Shackleford, Edwin. “It's all about good golf etiquette.” The news diary. April 2011: 1. Chronicle Journal Web. October 24, 2013. Thomas, Patrick R. and Gerard J. Fogarty. “Psychological skill training in golf: The role of individual differences in cognitive preferences.” The Sports Psychologist 11.1 (1997): 86-108. Network. October 17. 2013.