I very rarely play competitive golf anymore, so my main reason for getting on the course is for fun. With that being said, as much as I want to shoot the best score I can possibly shoot and I constantly strive to improve, if I have a good time with my buddies, I consider it a successful day.

Voted:

Striking the ball well/hitting fairways and greens ....only because when I accomplish this, everything else is checked off as well and falls into place ....as it should.

I second FJL's comment on Striking the ball well/hitting fairways and greens. It's the foundation for me to get aggressive and post a good score.

When I'm playing a competitive match, it's knowing that I'm not just throwing away strokes with poor decisions and poor shots. Making good decisions and hitting good shots helps me keep a positive attitude and gives me the greatest opportunity to win the match.
When playing a leisurely round with friends, enjoying their company and having a good time is what makes me happy. The quality of golf and scores are a distant second.

No matter how poorly I might be playing that day, I live for those pure shots that result on an beautiful flight. Nothing makes me happier, and I can always tell just by listening to that perfect sound at impact. Good scores will come after getting that every single time.

Keeping the doubles to bogies, and keeping the putts around 35. If i do that, I will shoot a good round. That makes me happy!

I love going out with the guys I play regularly with- the little games we do- it's fun. I love the competition within us, and I also like the club team events. Hitting the ball well- staying in the fairways and hitting greens are a big part of why I keep playing golf (I wish I have more of those than what little I could do). But that to me is the most fun of all. Of course, getting up and down along with winning helps with the fun.

Besides a low score and enjoying the company of my friends, good ball-striking, and turning what could have easily been a double or worse into a bogey or better.

I think there is no better feeling than striking the ball well. Even if I score poorly, if I'm hitting the ball well than I know next time I get back I have the ability to score well.

So I almost clicked winning the match, but the "most" fun thing about golf is being outside with my friends. I really love winning, and I'm seriously surprised that nobody (out of the 19 votes thus far) voted for winning the match. Good poll!

I get out about 1-2 times week and for me to team up with my wife is a good thing. I like hanging with her.

I too don't play much competitive golf. But the regular bunch I play with is a different story. We play for fun but a lot of skins still flow. I love working on something to improve secretly at the range then executing it during a weekly match and cleaning them out. So I am very competitive but just with my best friends. We push each other to become better but we are there for each other to listen if the week has brought troubles. It's a band of brothers.

Enjoying the outdoors, relieving some stress, getting away from the hustle and bustle. Other than carts to ride when walking, it is a great discharge from technology (cell phones, etc). Nothing like beating balls on the range either.

Playing a round where I committed to every shot and just enjoyed the process of being on the course, regardless of what the score card says. Usually on these days my score is good.

Sticking my low spinning wedges close especially from 50+yds.

Having laughs with friends...

Being fairly new to the game, I enjoy learning the mechanics/technique of striking the ball well. Seeing the improvements on the course through results of striking, ball flight and improving course management keep the fun coming.

Without a doubt it's about enjoying the time with good friends.. The laughs, the story etc. makes up for a great day on the course. Of course I would love to go low and play well but in the end it's about friendship and laughing.

IMO, having good friends around you allows you to play well. I can name a few people on here who have pushed me to play well and can never thank them enough.

Great post Rick!

I really value just being outside and playing a round or working on my game. I've had all the competitive aspects of my life many times over, and took up the game of golf to just enjoy being outdoors with friends; sharing a beer and a laugh.

Sinking putts gets me pumped