Actually there are a number of sports in which are age and genetics are far less important than golf, e.g. the Olympic sports of curling, bob sled racing, archery, equestrian, target shooting and sailing.
Anyone's reflexes will decline with age, so Dan's choice is of golf is a good one with respect to his slower reflexes as a potential golf pro in his late 30s, as compared to the reflexes of 20 year old potential golf pros, are not such a big deal.
I have to presume you're taking some offense at a perceived slight against golf?
Of all sports, I think it's fair to say age and genetics are less important in golf than, say, football. bayleo's statement seems fairly accurate to me.
If you're implying that age and genetics do play a big role you're right, but what other "proper" sport is comparable? Most sports nowadays are dominated by folks who are clearly genetic freaks.
Anyone's reflexes will decline with age, so Dan's choice is of golf is a good one with respect to his slower reflexes as a potential golf pro in his late 30s, as compared to the reflexes of 20 year old potential golf pros, are not such a big deal.