Ava Romero
While the Amish are often thought to abstain from luxuries such as the internet and electricity, some Amish communities enjoy playing golf. This may seem surprising, given that golf has historically been associated with luxury lifestyles and can be an expensive sport. However, employees at several local courses in Pennsylvania and Ohio have reported frequent visits from Amish golfers of varying ages and skill levels. These golfers often wear typical Amish garb—black pants and suspenders—with a blue collared golf shirt. Interestingly, some Amish communities are known for their athletic prowess and participation in other sports, such as hockey, slopitch, basketball, baseball, and softball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amish attire | Black pants and suspenders with a blue collared golf shirt |
| Age groups | Teenagers, middle-aged, and older adults |
| Handicap | Not terrific |
| Equipment | Hand-produced clubs and balls |
| Transportation | Horse and buggies |
| Locations | Lancaster Country Club, Evergreen, Tanglewood Manor Golf Club, Four Seasons Golf Course, Foxchase Golf Club |
| Frequency | Sundays, almost every week |
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What You'll Learn
The Amish play golf in their traditional clothing, with a few additions
The Amish are known for their distinctive clothing, which is simple, functional, and made from high-quality, durable materials. When playing golf, the Amish stick to their traditional clothing with a few adaptations for the sport.
Amish men typically wear straight-cut suits and coats without collars, lapels, or pockets, known as ""mutza" suits. The fabric is usually a dark shade of purple, blue, wine, brown, grey, or black. The trousers, known as "broadfall pants," are closed with four buttons across a large front panel, and are worn with suspenders, never belts. For golf, an Amish man might wear black pants with suspenders and a blue collared shirt, a common sight on the course according to golf course workers.
Amish women usually wear solid-colour, long-sleeved dresses with a full skirt, covered by a cape on the bodice. For golf, an Amish woman might adapt this outfit for ease of movement, but it would still reflect the values of humility and simplicity that Amish clothing represents.
Amish clothing is often handmade, and the fabric choices are influenced by practicality and the need for durability. Polyester and cotton blends are popular, especially for shirts, as they are easy to wash and dry, and don't require ironing. The Amish avoid 100% cotton due to its tendency to fade and wrinkle.
The Amish also wear a variety of accessories, including straw hats, leather belts, and aprons. These items are often handmade and of high quality, reflecting the Amish commitment to craftsmanship.
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They play golf in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Canada
Amish communities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Canada are known for their athletic prowess, with sports like hockey, slopitch, basketball, baseball, softball, and football being particularly popular. Golf is also a beloved pastime among the Amish in these regions.
In Ohio's Amish Country, there are several golf courses, including Fire Ridge Golf Course, which offers a wide-open layout on the front nine and a more challenging, placement-style course on the back nine. Honeybrook Golf Club in Pennsylvania is another popular destination for golfers, with 18 challenging yet playable holes that offer a mix of wide-open links, tree-lined fairways, and elevation changes.
The Honeybrook Golf Club is nestled among the Amish farms of Chester County, Pennsylvania, and is known for its breathtaking vistas and impeccable fairways. The course is open to the public every day and offers a premier golfing experience for players of all levels. Protected wetlands weave throughout the course, forming memorable target greens, and the atmosphere is friendly and laid-back.
While the Amish are often associated with a simpler way of life and avoidance of modern technology, their participation in sports like golf challenges some of these stereotypes. In fact, Amish golfers are known to produce high-quality golf clubs and balls by hand, even working with materials like titanium and carbon fiber. Their athletic abilities and craftsmanship make them respected participants in the world of golf.
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They are strong and can hit the ball far
It is a common misconception that the Amish do not play golf. In fact, they do—and they are good at it. While the sport is often associated with luxury and high expenses, some Amish play the game and excel at it.
A Reddit user who plays golf with an Amish person almost every Sunday commented on their physical strength, saying, "They are all strong as fk. [...] They are able to hit the ball far." The same user also noted that the Amish are able to produce high-quality clubs and balls without modern technology. The Amish golfer they play with is described as being able to "crush the ball."
Another Reddit user commented on the athletic prowess of the Amish, saying, "I've always known Amish kids to be excellent athletes." The same user also mentioned that the Amish are "beasts" at running.
The director of a golf tournament at Foxchase Golf Club in Stevens, Brian Chandler, has seen Amish people of different ages and skill levels play at his course. He noted that they "ride the golf carts and they do pretty much everything a normal golfer would."
While it may be surprising to some, the Amish can be avid golfers, displaying strength and skill that allows them to hit the ball far and compete with their non-Amish counterparts.
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They make their own golf equipment, including titanium and carbon fibre clubs
Amish golfers stand out on the course for their unique outfits, typically comprising black pants, suspenders, and a blue collared golf shirt. But it's what's in their golf bags that's truly distinctive: clubs they've crafted themselves from titanium and carbon fibre.
While the Amish are known for their traditional ways and simple living, that doesn't mean they shy away from modern innovations when it comes to their golf equipment. Titanium, a lightweight yet durable material, is prized in golf equipment for its ability to enhance performance. Amish golfers, like their non-Amish counterparts, can benefit from titanium's larger sweet spot, greater forgiveness on off-centre hits, and increased distance and accuracy.
Carbon fibre, another material used in Amish-crafted golf clubs, is also lightweight and durable. It offers increased clubhead speed, reduced weight, and improved feel and feedback. Combining carbon fibre with titanium or steel is a growing trend in golf club design, optimising weight distribution for better control.
The use of these modern materials in golf club manufacturing is not unique to the Amish. Several companies, such as Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) and Laube Technology, specialise in custom-fitted golf equipment made from titanium and carbon fibre. These clubs are designed to improve a golfer's performance, offering features such as adjustable weighting and thin-face technology to enhance ball speed and distance.
While the Amish are known for their self-sufficiency and craftsmanship, it's unclear if they source the titanium and carbon fibre for their golf clubs directly or if they purchase the materials from specialised suppliers. Nonetheless, their willingness to adopt modern innovations in their golf equipment demonstrates a practical approach to their traditional lifestyle.
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They play for fun and don't have great handicaps
While the Amish are often associated with simple living and a rejection of modern conveniences, it may come as a surprise to some that they do, in fact, play golf. However, it is important to note that their participation in the sport is primarily for enjoyment rather than competition. According to Scott Sklar, the head professional at Tanglewood Manor Golf Club in Quarryville, the Amish golfers he has encountered are more focused on having fun and enjoying themselves than achieving impressive handicaps.
The Amish golfers' emphasis on fun and enjoyment aligns with the lighthearted spirit of the game. While they may not possess advanced skills or pursue intense training regimens, they find joy in the social and recreational aspects of the sport. Their participation in golf provides an opportunity to connect with others, spend time in nature, and engage in friendly competition.
One unique aspect of Amish golfers is their attire. They typically adapt their traditional clothing to the golf course by wearing black pants and suspenders with a blue collared golf shirt. This blend of traditional and modern dress reflects their cultural values while also adhering to the customary attire of the sport.
The Amish golfers' approach to the game underscores their commitment to community and simplicity. By embracing golf as a recreational activity, they showcase their ability to integrate leisure and social interaction into their lifestyle. Rather than striving for perfection or obsessing over handicaps, they prioritise fun and camaraderie on the course.
While the Amish golfers may not attain the same level of expertise as professional golfers, their presence on the course challenges stereotypes and highlights the inclusive nature of the sport. Their participation serves as a reminder that golf is accessible to people from all walks of life and can be enjoyed regardless of skill level or background. Ultimately, the Amish golfers' focus on fun and enjoyment contributes to a positive golfing culture that values community and sportsmanship above all else.
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