Every weekend in America, married men across our land hear the same question from their wives in the family’s designated TV room: “How do you watch that stuff?”

These ladies are usually referring to the “boring” or “unwatchable” game of golf, a televised favorite among our nation’s golf aficionados (including ladies – golf isn’t all that gender-exclusive anymore!)

So why do they watch? And for that matter, why do they watch TV shows about golf, skiing, fishing and cycling – none of which have quite the same dramatic and visual excitement as football and hoops?

Well, for one thing, not many men dream of excelling further at football and hoops once they get to a certain age. But they do see themselves improving at self-starters like golf, fishing, skiing and cycling, so watching these sports on TV can be counted as learning experiences. Tell that to your spouse (and hope you’re not answered by a derisive laugh).

Witnessing the beauty of a golf course on a big flat screen HD TV is not quite the same thing as experiencing it firsthand, but it’s close enough. And besides, from the scenic golf courses that they will never be invited to play on to the customized golf balls that read PGA Tour, you get the inside scoop from the pros (a little better than the pasture putt they are used to!)

Same goes for fishing. Ah, the tranquil feeling of sitting on a lake! Your favorite fishing program puts you right back there, as well as giving you some new goals to strive for in your next catch without the the mess, fish smell, hot sun, bloody worms and spending a small fortune.

Bike racing is actually a pretty intense sport to watch, if you’re invested in the sport and appreciate what it takes to win. Not to mention, you get a little cardio as you watch pros like Lance battle for first up some of the steepest hills and mountains in the world (it make you hold your armchair a little tighter).

And is there anything more beautiful, more graceful and relaxing (and potentially breathtaking) to watch than skiing? Especially sitting in your recliner with a bag of chips as you prepare for a nap – you KNOW those guys are freezing, but they make it look so easy! Nuff said!