The removal of junior golf exclusionary policies from golf...a BBGE mission..

[Robert Mercer Deruntz]

Having pondered over some of the comments on this thread, there seems to be a group who could be characterized as reactive.  Though the clubs are private and have the right to do what they choose.   There is a much larger issue the transcends the pettiness of exclusion--golf is a gentleman's game and sport and the spirit should be encouraging towards juniors who might carry on the traditions of the game.  The game is under attack by occasional golfers who want immediate gratification and think that a golfing experience should be a warm fuzzy feeling from those friendly faces at a Four Seasons Hotel!  These are the people who are trying to ruin Rancho Santa Fe and view club memberships as trophies meant to be collected.  A positive exposure to the game for juniors is the best hope for the future.

[Robert Mercer Deruntz]

The Father-Son tournament is usually a highlight at clubs with exclusionary junior poicies.  It is interesting how important the net prizes are at these clubs!  I am not a huge fan of this tournament because it is usually window dressing to show some father-son bonding.  Clubs with progrssive junoir rules have great father-son interaction on a regular basis.  Ages ago, our junior group often played against our dads by matching cards in the clubhouse afterward; good play was a way to reduce chores!                                         If a club is truely healthy, it has no problem fielding a true club championship.  Most clubs fail to identify the best player, since there is the win a trophy at any cost contigent that is afraid to risk losing the trophy to a junior.  The club champion should be the best player at the club.  How many clubs prevent this outcome through exclusionary rules?