Golf can be a fun activity, but it doesn't really build much functional muscle strength or cardiovascular fitness. Most golf pros who stay on the tour for a while find it necessary to additional training to keep their bodies working well.
Recreational golfing is much more relaxing. I can chase personal goals while enjoying every minute of it.
We're all aware of Tiger blowing out a knee, but some stories coming out of the LPGA with pros living with excruciating pain from a relatively early age is just absurd:
Michelle Wie's interview this year with the statement of not being able to pickup her own child at times did not make sense.
There are a few more golfers in the LPGA with back injuries in their 20's, knowing they only have one back (J. Korda this week for example).
I saw a Seve Ballesteros documentary about his severe back pains on VHS and have fortunately avoided pushing past the breaking point for a few extra yards.
As a technology native, golf has always felt amazing with both hands. Even my glutes grew up my back without trying as well... Provided you know your own body :)
Effortless energy is a breath of fresh air. Not many sports have that.
I've been enjoying golf for 3 decades now and skipped the gym and other sports. I still embrace it like the 1st day.
Golf is unique though. It takes a genius to break their own body with such a beautiful sport :)