I do think, as with many sports, if you play or have played that particular sport you have more interest as a fan. But golf is not the sport I would pick to attend as a first choice. But then again I think American football is a better television game than most seats you can actually get a ticket for - like low corner end zone.
As avid a golfer as I was in my youth and middle age, I did only attend one actual tournament and that was a celebrity pro-am. I have learned a lot by watching golf on TV - from rules to swing and putting tips. And on TV you can see all the action, especially with video delay. At the tournament you are stuck in one place or walk and follow one group or a combination. You can hear the roar from another green when someone does something good and then check the scoreboard to see if someone birdied or eagled, for instance.
These days I only allot time to watch the majors. I am up early to watch the Open Championship from Great Britain, if not working.
Having played the game for so many years I have a real appreciation for how difficult the game is. I am in awe of the skill and distance these pros demonstrate.
Next year the US Open is being held in San Francisco which is only 50 miles away but I won't attend. I will watch it on TV.