Using golf as a verb

> why is golf a verb for Americans?

Why "for Americans"? Is it not a verb in some other place where English is spoken, e.g., Canada or the UK?

It's one of those quirks of the English language. It's not just an American thing; this usage goes back to Scotland in the 18th century:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/golf-can-be-a-verb-you-dont-have-to-say-play-golf/2017/05/12/13477510-350c-11e7-ab03-aa29f656f13e_story.html

From Wiktionary:
The word is first known in English from the 15th century from Scots. Although the etymology is uncertain, the most likely origin is that it comes from the Middle Dutch colve, colf (“club”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *kulbô (“club”), related to German Kolben (“piston, rod”), Swedish kolv (“piston, rod”), Old English clopp (“rock; cliff”).

If it is indeed from the word for "club," then it would make sense. Players are "clubbing" (hitting the ball with a club), which is a legitimate verb.

Same with ski

You wanna ski, I want to ski. Let's ski!

same for swim

I dont think i've ever heard golf used as a verb
unlike ski and wank


Although I've noticed ad hoc invention of verbs from nouns upsetting people,
e.g. "Summit"

How do you feel about "golfing" ?

i want to tennis all the time

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