Photography and Golf Are Alike in 5 Interesting Ways

It’s all about shot-making

“Tee Shot” (© Mark Ali)

I truly love photography. But it’s not my only pastime. I also enjoy an occasional round of golf.

Both pursuits are a challenge, but well worth the effort, in my opinion.

If you’re a golfer, you know what I mean. That satisfying feeling you get from a perfectly hit iron shot that sails down the fairway and lands softly on the green is what keeps you coming back.

Or so I hear — I don’t hit shots like that very often. (My shots often land softly in places that make me want to use profanity.)

Anyway, with the 2025 U.S. Open approaching (as I write this), I started to think of the ways that these two hobbies are alike.

I came up with five. Let’s see if you agree…

“Undergrowth” (© Mark Ali)

Learn First How to Do Things the Right Way

With both photography and golf, it’s essential to learn the basics early to avoid developing bad habits that are difficult to break.

When I started playing golf, I quickly learned that swinging the club the right way…