Column: Bored on a Sunday? Maybe It’s Time to Start Watching Golf.

For most people, the transition from winter to spring brings the hope of warm temperatures and the promise of 7 p.m. sunsets. For me, the start of spring only means one thing — golf. 

My grandfather and dad are both lifelong golfers and avid viewers of the sport, so I fell in love with golf at a young age. I received my first plastic golf set at two years old and vividly remember the first time I shot a hole-in-one playing mini golf with my grandfather — I eagerly announced it to all who would listen when we arrived home. 

Golf is often heard in the same sentence as “boring,” “dull” and “a waste of time,” but the tournaments bring a frenzy of electrifying and memorable plays on the green. 

This year’s THE PLAYERS Championship, put on by Professional Golfers’ Association Tour, was no exception with its four rounds of play and a subsequent aggregate playoff. 

From Keegan Bradley’s 153-yard hole-in-one to J.J Spaun’s loss to Rory McIlroy after his shot just missed the island green, landing in the water on TPC Sawgrass’s infamous course — the tournament was nothing short of spectacular. 

McIlroy, a Northern Irish golfer currently ranked second in the world, came away with the Players trophy on St. Patrick’s Day, along with $4.5 million. A longtime PGA tour player with profound mental fortitude, it’s a joy to watch McIlroy play, and I admire his skill even though I, like many golf viewers, know I could never measure up with my lackluster golf swing. 

10 years ago, I got to see McIlroy play in-person in my home state of Massachusetts at the PGA Tour’s Deutsche Bank Championship. He played with poise — a concentrated look on his face throughout. 

But it wasn’t McIlroy who drove me further into the golf rabbit hole that day. Instead, it was Justin Thomas — a young player in his first year on the PGA tour, and who went on to become a first-time championship winner two years later. 

Thomas stepped off the green and walked over to the edge of the ropes to hand 10-year-old me his Titleist golf ball. To this day, Thomas’ golf ball sits on the top of my bookshelf next to a family photo. 

A little earlier in 2015, I sat on the edge of my seat with my dad and long-time golf buddy as Jordan Spieth advanced through The Masters with immense skill — and a little bit of luck — to win the tournament at just 21 years old. 

Playing golf can be quite frustrating, a lesson I learned through my trips to a nine-hole golf course with my dad and sisters. On one such trip I hit my ball into the woods and, determined to end with a good score, I followed it right into the weeds. 

Needless to say I didn’t end with a record-breaking score that day, but I did earn myself a substantial amount of mosquito bites. Thankfully, watching golf is significantly less frustrating than dusting off the clubs and playing. 

Watching golf sits at a crossroads of entertainment and relaxation — all one can ask for from a sport. The players’ expertise in driving the ball hundreds of yards through the air and their ability to putt the ball into the hole based on the rise and fall of the land is far more impressive than most of the world’s top sports.

In a world where daily life seldom lacks stress, watching golf provides a haven for sports fans and new viewers alike. 

At times, golf may invoke feelings of sleepiness with its calm broadcasting and lengthy play times — but I encourage people to embrace golf’s slow-moving nature and find a moment of peace in the sport. When given a fair chance and viewed attentively, golf is an enthralling sport, brimming with talent, strategy and a competitive spirit. 

This spring, if you find yourself bored on a Sunday, grab a snack, turn on your TV or computer and watch some golf. 

The Masters Tournament will take place Thursday, April 10 through Sunday, April 13. It’ll be aired on CBS and ESPN, and streaming is available on Paramount+ and the Masters website.