For golf course managers and operators, understanding why golfers play the game can be an important component of running a successful facility.

So when the National Golf Foundation asked 850 core golfers to think about what makes golf enjoyable, and divide that enjoyment across 10 factors, the answers should be illuminating.

Not surprisingly, NGF learned that the golf course and the people account for over half of golfers' enjoyment.

Ball striking is important - all golfers need some positive reinforcement. That feeling of "shot euphoria" adds to everyone's enjoyment and keeps golfers coming back.

The last six factors: scoring, weather, amenities, course aesthetics, exercise and competition add to, but certainly don't significantly drive the enjoyment of golf for most golfers (of course there are always exceptions). Scoring itself accounts for less than 10 percent of total enjoyment. And competition isn't for everyone. It accounted for only 3 percent of all core golfer enjoyment.

Course conditioning: 19 percent
People: 19 percent
Course design: 17 percent
Ball striking: 12 percent
Score: 8 percent
Weather: 7 percent
Amenities: 6 percent
Course aesthetics: 6 percent
Exercise: 4 percent
Competition: 3 percent