Golf & Fly Fishing: Two Sports, One Passion
You ever notice how golfers and fly fishers seem to have the same vibe? At first glance, they might look like totally different pastimes—one’s all about walking fairways and hitting shots, the other’s about standing in a river, casting a line. But if you really think about it, they share a ton of similarities. Both take patience, precision, and a deep love for being outside. And honestly, it’s no surprise that a lot of golfers end up getting into fly fishing and vice versa. Here’s why.
It’s All About the Swing (or the Cast)
If you’ve ever tried fly fishing, you know it’s not just about whipping a line into the water. It’s about finesse, timing, and getting the right rhythm—just like a good golf swing. In both, you have to be smooth, controlled, and dialed in. If you rush a swing, your golf ball goes flying into the rough. If you rush a cast, your fly slaps the water and scares the fish. In both cases, patience and technique make all the difference.
And it’s not just about how it looks—it’s about feel. Ask any golfer about their best shot, and they’ll tell you it “just felt right.” Same with fly fishing. A perfect cast feels effortless, like everything just lined up the way it should. Both sports teach you to trust your instincts and build muscle memory over time.
You Gotta Play the Long Game
Neither of these sports is about instant gratification. Golfers don’t hit a hole-in-one every time (or, let’s be real, ever), and fly fishers don’t always land a fish on their first cast. It’s all about reading the situation—checking the wind, studying the terrain, figuring out the best approach. Golfers pick the right club for the shot, just like fly fishers pick the right weight rod or fly based on where they are fishing. If you don’t think things through, you’re in for a frustrating day.
But that’s the beauty of it. The journey, the practice, the little victories along the way—that’s what keeps people hooked. There’s something deeply satisfying about finally hitting a great drive after slicing your last three. Or finally landing a fish after adjusting your approach all morning. It’s about progress, not perfection.
The Mental Challenge is Real
Both of these sports mess with your head. Golfers have to block out distractions and focus on every shot. Fly fishers have to stay locked in, watching the water for the slightest movement. In both cases, it’s about getting in the zone, tuning out the noise, and staying patient. And let’s be honest—both can be frustrating as heck. But that’s also what makes them so rewarding when you finally get it right.
And then there’s the pressure. Whether it’s lining up a tricky putt while your buddies watch or trying to land a cast in a tight spot without snagging a branch, both sports have those moments where everything hinges on your focus. It’s you against yourself, and that’s what makes them so addictive.
Nature is Half the Experience
One of the biggest reasons people love golf and fly fishing? The setting. There’s nothing like an early morning tee time on a quiet course or being on the water while the sun comes up. Both give you that escape from everyday life, where it’s just you, the game, and the great outdoors. And let’s face it—sometimes the scenery alone makes up for a bad round or a slow fishing day.
And it’s not just about the visuals—it’s about the sounds, the smells, the whole atmosphere. The way the fairway smells, freshly cut on a cool morning before a round. The babbling sounds of a brook or a raging river. These little details stick with you. They make the experience richer, even if your scorecard (or catch count) isn’t looking great.
Every Day is a New Challenge
No two days are the same in golf or fly fishing. The wind changes, the greens play differently, the fish aren’t biting in the same spots. You have to adapt, try new strategies, and keep improving. That’s what keeps it interesting. If it were easy and predictable, it wouldn’t be nearly as fun.
And both sports have those days where nothing goes right. You hit every bunker, or you keep missing strikes. But then there are the days where everything clicks, and it feels like magic. Those moments make all the struggles worth it.
It’s also why both sports are so social. Golfers swap tips about their swing, and fly fishers share their best flies and favourite fishing spots. There’s a camaraderie built into both worlds, where even competitors help each other out.
You Can Do It for Life
Unlike sports that wear you down physically, golf and fly fishing are both lifelong passions. You don’t have to be in peak shape to enjoy them, and the more experience you gain, the better you get. That’s probably why so many golfers find themselves picking up a fly rod—it scratches the same itch but in a different way.
And since both sports reward technique over brute force, they’re perfect for aging gracefully. You might not be able to outdrive the young guys at your club, but if you’ve got a killer short game, you’re still in it. Same with fishing—some of the best fly fishers aren’t the ones making the biggest casts, but the ones with the smoothest, most precise technique.
The Gear Obsession is Real
Let’s be honest—both golf and fly fishing attract people who love their gear. Golfers tweak their clubs, debate which ball is best, and analyze every little detail of their setup. Fly fishers? Same deal. They will geek out over rods, reels, lines and the ideal fly selection for any given day.
And don’t even get started on apparel. Golfers have their shoes, polos and colourful patterns, fly fishers have their waders, boots, vests and packs. Both sports have a very particular “look,” and people get really into it.
Joining Clubs and Communities
One of the best parts of both golf and fly fishing is the community. Joining a golf club gives you access to great courses, lessons, and tournaments, while joining a fly fishing club connects you with experienced anglers, exclusive fishing locations, organized trips and events. Both offer a sense of belonging and a chance to learn from others who share your passion.
Many private golf clubs also have fishing ponds, creeks and rivers running through, making them the perfect place to enjoy both sports. If you’re looking to get more serious about either sport, finding a club or a local group is a great way to improve your skills and meet like-minded people.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
If you love golf, there’s a good chance you’d enjoy fly fishing too, and vice versa. They both take skill, patience, and a love for the journey, not just the result. Whether you’re lining up a putt or false casting to present your fly, it’s all about the challenge, the focus, and those little moments of success that make it all worth it.
Plus, they make the perfect seasonal combo. When the golf course is too wet or cold, the river’s waiting. And when fishing slows down in the mid summer heat, the fairways are calling. So if you’ve been thinking about trying something new, maybe it’s time to swap the clubs for a fly rod (and vice versa)—or at least, make room for both in your life!
Discover Fly Fishing Through Membership at The Franklin Club
Much like joining a golf club gives you access to top courses, coaching, and a great community, The Franklin Club provides an exclusive membership experience for those looking to pursue fly fishing at a higher level. Located in Ontario, The Franklin Club offers private fishing waters, expert instruction, and a welcoming network of anglers, making it the perfect place for golfers to transition into fly fishing. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat after a round of golf or a new sport to master, The Franklin Club provides the structure, environment, and camaraderie to help you enjoy fly fishing to the fullest.
