Intro. [Recording date: March 25, 2026.]
Russ Roberts: Welcome to March 25th, 2026! Today, I have the pleasure of hosting author Gary Belsky for his third appearance on the program. You might recall Gary’s last visit in April 2016, where we explored the origins of sports. Today, we’ll delve into his latest book, Solo Golf. Gary, it’s great to have you back on EconTalk.
Gary Belsky: Thank you! I’m thrilled to be here.
Can I ask you something?
Russ Roberts: Absolutely.
Gary Belsky: Is there a tradition here like Saturday Night Live, where hosts get a jacket after a certain number of appearances? I know many have been on more than me, but do we have a club for frequent guests?
Russ Roberts: Well, three appearances qualifies you! And, if you were to win the Masters, you’d earn a green jacket.
Russ Roberts: So, you’re halfway to your jacket! Three appearances accomplished!
Russ Roberts: Today, we’ll dive into your book, but also the deeper themes it touches on—friendship, disappointment, joy, and introspection. Let’s kick things off with solo golf. What exactly is it?
Gary Belsky: Solo golf, as I define it, isn’t just playing alone; it’s playing in a way that isn’t a foursome, threesome, or even a twosome—it’s a lonesome. While I enjoy the company of friends and family on the course, solo golf means being on the course or even just a hole by yourself.
This experience can be transformative, as the golf industry often pressures players to play in groups. Most golf courses aim for four golfers every eight to twelve minutes throughout the year.
Even at private clubs, where solo play is slightly more acceptable, it’s still generally discouraged. They want the courses to be busy and social. Yet, I argue that playing alone can provide a deeper appreciation of the course. I even mention in the book, ‘There’s no lonelier place than an empty golf course, and the second loneliest is a golf course with just one person on it.’ That’s the essence of solo golf—playing by yourself.
Russ Roberts: How many rounds of solo golf have you played, roughly?
Gary Belsky: I wouldn’t even know how to count, but definitely dozens.
Russ Roberts: For the listeners, I used to claim to be the best golfer in the world who played only three times a year. Now, I’m the best golfer who hasn’t touched a club in a decade. I imagine I could still shoot a 135, which is quite an accomplishment in its own right. For context, par is typically around 72 strokes on a course.
Gary Belsky: Par is usually four times 18, right?
Russ Roberts: Exactly. There are exceptions, but 72 is the norm. My point is, I love golf, but I’ve grown out of the habit. I cherish our outings together, which we haven’t had in a while, and I’d jump at the chance to go out with you again. But why would I choose to play alone when we enjoy each other’s company?
Gary Belsky: Before diving into that, I want to mention my time working with Brendan O’Connor, our golf editor at ESPN. He would always correct my use of the term ‘golfing’; he insisted on ‘playing golf’ instead. But I still say golfing!
As for solo play, there are many reasons to play alone. You might find yourself traveling and discover that the weather is terrible, but you can still find an underutilized local course willing to rent you clubs for a few holes. It’s an adventure, and solo play offers an entirely different experience than playing with others.
The book is structured in three parts, with the largest section devoted to explaining these differences. Essentially, solo golf becomes a meditative, introspective experience unlike any other. While playing golf with others can be meaningful, solo golf offers a unique tranquility akin to a yoga practice—something not typically associated with the sport.
Russ Roberts: You mentioned your role as Editor-in-Chief at ESPN The Magazine, a pioneering sports publication. Did you cover golf extensively, and did you face any pushback for featuring it too often?
Gary Belsky: Great question! Yes, we did cover golf. Notably, two of our most memorable golf stories were participatory. Generally, at ESPN, our focus was on mainstream sports—football, baseball, basketball, and hockey.
Our coverage was often guided by broadcasting contracts. However, we believed that as long as 10% of our audience found a story compelling, it was worth covering. Readers of ‘minor sports’ like golf or wrestling would overlook it if they were satisfied with the major sports coverage.
Russ Roberts: Much like our episodes here, a golf feature can be interesting. What were some of those memorable stories?
Gary Belsky: One memorable story was about our editor, a collegiate golfer who entered an LPGA tournament with Brendan O’Connor as her caddy. The focus was on what it was like to compete as a former athlete. Though she didn’t make the cut, the story was compelling.
Another story involved Tim Keown, one of our legendary writers, caddying in a professional tournament. It showcased the challenges of caddying under pressure. Caddying requires knowledge of rules—both written and unwritten. The stress of not upsetting the golfer’s rhythm is real.
We regularly profiled golfers and covered major events. I remember a golfer named Lorena Ochoa, who was phenomenal but left the game to start a family, which highlighted her dedication and priorities.
Russ Roberts: You mentioned watching your colleague at the tournament. Have you ever attended a serious golf match live?
Gary Belsky: Yes, I attended a senior tournament in St. Louis, but I didn’t go to as many events as I could have during my time at ESPN. Our leadership encouraged editors and writers to utilize their credentials instead.
Russ Roberts: Watching golf live is a unique experience compared to watching it on TV. You often find yourself focused on one hole, missing the overall action.
Gary Belsky: Absolutely. Spectators usually camp out at one hole, waiting for different players to come through. The experience varies significantly based on where you choose to stand—whether by the tee or the green. We even provided tips on how to best enjoy watching golf live.
Russ Roberts: Before reading your book, I didn’t realize how much pressure is involved in golf, especially with an audience. It’s a performance. This makes me wonder if there are analogies to solo golf in other activities—like singing in the shower versus performing live, or writing privately versus for publication. The best analogy I’ve thought of is fishing; both have social and solitary aspects but feel incredibly different.
Gary Belsky: Exactly! The self-consciousness and stress diminish when you play solo. I recall a moment playing with a skilled minor league golfer who pointed out that while he focuses solely on the shot at hand, amateur golfers often think about past mistakes, others watching, and performance pressure. This anxiety is often what we seek to eliminate in solo golf.
Solo golf offers a calm experience where the stakes feel lower, as it doesn’t count towards your handicap. It’s liberating to play without spectators judging your performance.
Russ Roberts: The best golfer I played with regularly scored in the low 80s, but this introduced a different kind of stress—slowing them down when I struggled. In solo golf, that pressure is nonexistent.
Gary Belsky: Right, and much of that stress is within our control. I’ve learned to play with better golfers by picking up my ball when necessary without seeking validation. Understanding how to play alongside others can minimize anxiety.
Ultimately, life teaches us to be comfortable in our skin, whether performing in front of others or playing solo. Solo golf is part of that journey.
Russ Roberts: We often discuss the phenomenon of mastery, especially in golf. The sport requires a complex mix of coordination and skill that can be elusive. As we shift towards digital simulators for practice, will golf become more or less appealing?
Gary Belsky: Golf is unique in that practicing doesn’t guarantee improvement; the mechanics must fit the individual. The margins for error are minimal, making it a fascinating sport. I once heard that if you average 73 in golf, you could be a local star, but just one stroke better could change your life.
Interestingly, while golf prides itself on tradition, the game we play today is far removed from its origins. Embracing innovation, like shorter courses or unique experiences, could attract a new generation of golfers who may not have time for a full round.
Russ Roberts: You mentioned the minimal differences that can lead to fame in golf. This sport is unique because the way we play it is closely related to how the pros play it, unlike many other sports.
Gary Belsky: Exactly, and the phrase ‘golf shot’ reflects that unique connection. It signifies a moment when a shot mirrors the professional level, something you don’t find in other sports. Golf creates opportunities for social interaction across social strata, making it a cultural phenomenon.
In a world where digital experiences are increasingly dominant, golf offers a tangible connection to physicality and skill—something we may find ourselves yearning for amid the digital shift.
