Though not a player of either game, I would have no hesitation in supporting golf over religion. On Health and Safety grounds.

Other than that they are surprisingly similar.

Both start out as social invitation to do something harmless and pointless in a controlled environment.

Both encourage stricter codes of dress and conduct than society has democratically deemed acceptable in public. 

Both can provide a slightly glamorous backdrop to otherwise ordinary lives.

Both make their organisers good money at the participants’ expense.

But only worship club organisers threaten non-members with an unpleasant afterlife and / or hastened transition thereto if membership of their club is not achieved.

Which gives golf the edge.