The first time I heard of a theological discourse on playing golf, was from Stephen Tong in one of his lectures (on Creation I think). It was brief. It was Nay, when someone invited him to a golf course. It's destruction of nature for the pleasure of a few rich men.
Here, I am doing a deeper digging after seeing a few posts on Facebook of Christian folks enjoying their golf games.
This is a survey only on golf. Not a generalization of sports nor how to use sabbath.
Golf began as gambling historically, A Scottish origin 1500s. Its history was not a good start if you consider the 8th & 10th commandment (do not steal, covet). Possibly fostering unspiritual rage: Induces a pathological obsession with controlling every microscopic variable—the grain of the grass, the speed of the green, the exact angle of a club face.
It's more of an entertainment than any other function.
The general golf course would break Genesis 2:15 - destruction of God's creation for mere entertainment is sinful. Violation of biblical stewardship for indulgent luxury.
Wastefulness of water for the green drains local communities.
Waste of time: Golf window - length of time (4-5 hours in a single round).
Waste of space: Golf demands private, curated fiefdoms.
Chemical pesticides poisons nature.
Reshaping large landscape for vanity.
Solitary delusion - It's not a spiritual experience in solitude as some golfers would argue, but more of a cult (worship) of the self, in an artificial "Eden".
Last but not least, golf is one of the few sports I see keeping fat people.
Puritan principles on Leisure - Readings by Google AI:
"Directions About Sports and Recreations" by Richard Baxter: Found within his massive Christian Directory, this is the definitive Puritan text on leisure. Baxter carefully outlines which sports are permissible and when they become sinful, arguing that leisure should restore vigor, not exhaust the mind or drain one's resources. [1, 2, 3]
The Redemption of Time by Richard Baxter: This treatise emphasizes the stewardship of time, warning believers against worldly distractions, idle chatter, and purposeless entertainment. You can study the full context of his works via the Practical Works of Richard Baxter Index on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library. [1, 2]
The Saints' Everlasting Rest by Richard Baxter: While primarily focused on eternal life, this work frequently contrasts earthly, fleeting pleasures with the ultimate, perfect rest found in God. [1, 2]