"Golf is almost a metaphysical experience, isn't it? I've noticed that no matter what their differences, golfers have something very basic in common, however completely meaningless, useless, and senseless it may seem to the rest of the world. It's almost like a brotherhood."
Yes, and I have noticed the exact same thing. (And Christianity as an 'experience' matches this description exactly as well, oddly enough).
To me, golf is like falling in love. You don't really "plan" on becoming a golfer. Tempermentally, golf was impossible for me - until Mrs. Gb was nearly killed in an accident. That accident resulted in a major change in my career path ... and freed up lots of time. All I was doing was goofing off at a Par 3 .... and then my life changed. Sounds really senseless...
I have only been a golfer for about 2 years, btw. But I own about 30 books on the subject...