“A Festival of Golf”
I had hoped that this summer the R&A would have hosted “A Festival of Golf” as their Centenary Celebrations to remember Old Tom Morris.
The thought was to start in St Andrews during the week of the 19th May then proceed via a selection of Golf Clubs up to Tain Golf Club by the 14th of June for their Old Tom Morris Tournament. Then again proceeding until they reached Askernish around the 22nd August 2008. At each of the main venues hold a few days activities including golf but also include a few lectures on course history, current design etc. I believe with correct planning it would have attracted thousands and it could have been an ideal staging post for our home and overseas Architects to explain how they go about designing a course as well as promoting golf worldwide. The ordinary golfer would be interested in understanding his course and its challenges designed into it by an architect. But alas this was not to be.
In a mad moment I was wondering if it was feasible in North America or any other part of the world – “A Festival of Golf” per region to try and motivate the general golfer and his family. Base it over a week-end and have a few clubs come together, provide facilities for Architects to discuss their design intents, manufacturers to show that golf clubs do not have to be expensive and to display their standard range, have the low handicapped players explain the history of clubs/balls from the start. Also have the clubs involved select a couple of players and over the two or three week-ends before the Festival (playing 2 game per week-end) copying the famous Old Tom/Alan Robertson Vs The Dunn Brothers 6 match games of the 1840-50’s with the last two game on the week-end of the festival. Have some side bets just as the real thing. In other words show, display and explain all that is golf, but not the Pro game – just games that the ordinary guy feels that he could play and might even be able to win. Have the Pro’s there but the idea is to encourage the average player to be more involved. Have some fun stands say Pro Carts/ Anti Cart debates with its health benefits, same again with pro/anti distance aids. Also let’s not forget a major effort to encourage the Ladies. A Festival for the people that gets everyone involved – this is not the Open or Masters it’s to get people interested in golf and all the aspects of the game in a fun environment. Also gives the clubs the oppertunity of explaining their facilities and what they can offer.
The Average Guy in the street does not understand design, but may understand the construction process. I think most would never have considered the complexities of design regards a golf course. Meet the people, break down the barriers, play the history card, explain the options, mention what is being done or considered regards adjusting and working with the environment, talk about the different courses links, etc. If interest in golf is slowing and numbers starting to fall, then just perhaps A Festival of Golf (one in each State) aimed at the average family guy might help generate more interest. But No Pro’s – just invite them to open the Festival, because it is not about them but you and golf.
Just a mad thought.