Space Golf

We're in the Space-Year 2006 now. I've just about come to terms with the fact that the hover-cars we were told we'd be zipping around in haven't come yet but this really isn't what I was expecting from the space race (from New Scientist):

Russia plans to hit a golf ball into Earth orbit from the International Space Station. If NASA approves the plan, the ball would set records for the longest drive ever made

I know it's a sponsorship thing but considering the cost and environmental impact of space launches it does seem like a colossal waste of time, effort and resource.

Golf is evil anyway so I certainly don't want to see it in space. They'll be playing on the moon next!