Mike, 

Like you said, "that's a pretty broad question", but trying not to be an echo of other posters ( I haven't read ALL the posts), here it goes.

The "what" is made up of several parts, kinda like a recipe. You know, without all the ingredients, it just isn't the same.

Now, for me, weather is really never an issue, I even love the game enough to bear all the "harsh winter cold" South Georgia can dish out. (HaHa)

The camaraderie is always part as well as the challenge. I have stated that "Golf is the SINGLE most challenging sport one can play", because the mental aspect of the game being SO vital to success.

For me the main ingredient in the "WHAT"............ my TITLEIST EQUIPMENT. 

915 D3 10.5* driver w/ Aldila Rogue 60 Stiff shaft

915F 15* fairway metal w/ Aldila Rogue 60 Stiff shaft

915H 18* Hybrid w/ Aldila Rogue 60 Stiff shaft

4-PW 714 AP2 (Custom built - +1/2" longer KBS Tour X Stiff, with 3* upright lie, 2* Stronger loft & Lamkin REL red grip)

2-Vokey SM5 M Grind wedges 50* & 56*(custom KBS Tour X stiff, +1/2" longer, 2* upright lie an Lamkin REL red grip)

Scatty Cameron Newport 1.5 35" Putter with Stroke saver 2.0 grip

Titleist 9.5 Staff Bag

Pro V1x ball

Mix all of that with any golf course, anyone, and anytime (of day or season)an what you get is something very special.

To put it plainly 

WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE about GOLF!

What can I say that hasn't been said.  I guess my top 3 are as follows:

Camaraderie and friendship.

It's ultra rare to get to spend 4 hours with minimal distractions with a friend these days.  Everyone is always texting or multi tasking when you're at the bar or something.  When you golf it's just you and your group for 4(ish) hours with no real distractions.  The conversations flow better, people laugh more, and nobody tries to show you a stupid YouTube video.  I cherish moments like these on the course

Yes you can fire up a stogie, or sip a beverage, but Golf is a sport, it's exercise, and you get to be outside.  Golf course are beautiful too.  They are usually in nice areas and often have great views.  I can't think of a better place to get a work out in.

It's the only thing I'm getting better at

I played hockey in college, and what I call hockey now doesn't even resemble what I used to do in college.  Skiing in New England just doesn't have the same luster as the slopes I rode back in Colorado, and working out in the gym these days is humbling to say the least.  But golf, sweet golf, is the only thing I'm actually better at now.  If all goes well it'll keep going that way.

I read a quote somewhere by a professional golfer : " I hate the game of golf, and I can not wait to play again tomorrow."

Simple, 

I've met lots of great people and it's less taxing on my body than hockey.

Plus, if I have a bad round I can't blame anybody but myself.   When I have a great round, it's because I got some sleep the night before....LOL