Golf's Fiercest Competition Isn't for the Trophy

A professional golfer named Rahil Gangjee wrote a funny column about a special game in golf.

It is called Nearest-to-the-Pin, and players try to hit their ball closest to the flag.

He says this little game is the most exciting competition in all of golf.

Even when the prize is tiny, like a mug or a bottle of cologne, players get very serious.

On company golf days, people put away their phones and focus only on their shot.

Professional golfers also love making friendly bets with each other in practice.

A famous golfer named Phil Mickelson said making a putt for a small amount of money helps you make one for a million dollars.

Gangjee believes the prize never really matters to golfers.

What they remember is their one perfect shot and the fun story they can tell afterwards.

He says that is the wonderful, silly thing about golf.