"A person possessing the natural or acquired traits, such as strength, agility, and endurance, that are necessary for physical exercise or sports, especially those performed in competitive contexts."
Case close. ---------------------------------------------------------
A bunch of hits to their website so they can get more money from advertising. Create an article that inflames people and the money follow. If you write it, they will come.
1. A person possessing the natural or acquired traits, such as strength, agility, and endurance, that are necessary for physical exercise or sports, especially those performed in competitive contexts
2. Any one trained to contend in exercises requiring great physical agility and strength; one who has great activity and strength; a champion.
3. One fitted for, or skilled in, intellectual contests; as, athletes of debate.
So I guess a golfer and bowler are not. But I would classify a cyclist and a jockey as an athlete.
Now maybe if the golf club weighed 50 lbs (22.7 kilograms for those of you that don't like the imperial system) we could classify it as a sport. Or maybe if the bowling pins came running out to tackle you if you missed them that could be too.