The decision is simple, sit back and do nothing or try to do something with hopefully the benefit of protecting our great course in the process.
For me the case is very, very simple, I do not want to pay more, I do not want to see land wasted, I do not want to see courses increased with the cost incurred to build and maintain these long golf courses (i.e. water, cutting, fertilizer and general maintenance) just for the sake of a hand full of golfers.
Nor do I want to see courses close, which is already starting to happen for many reasons, not necessary linked to the roll back issues.
As for litigation, that again is very simple, a campaign to boycott those manufacturers who want to bring any action against re-introducing some common sense back in to the governing of our game. Use technology to our overall advantage not just for the few.
As for the average golfer, if the game is more interesting, costs are reduced, even slightly, this must counter any misgivings. Of course, the problem is that change even a roll back is seen by many as surrender, as with deep bunkers on the fairway, the thought of retreating out the rear is considered failure in the eyes of some, but to the thinking golfer it is the only sensible course of action to save the game. A singe battle or two can be lost, but by maintaining your forces (temper, cool, composure and thought process intact), you are ready to fight again on the next hole without having inflicted a mortal blow to your score. The brave and sensible approach, rather than the modern gun-hoe way – and becoming a casualty of your own friendly fire.
This debate can go on and on, delay, disagree, but consider the options. Action will have to be taken, we just cannot go on in the manner we are doing so at the moment, because money is already becoming tight to get hold of. The environment will throw in a few curved balls as well, then the emissions rules may start to bite and of course, we have the old problem of water for irrigation. All can be overcome by throwing money at the problem, but who’s money, Mr Average is the only one who tends to pay for most of it as it is, so the burden will just increase diminishing the numbers of Mr Average, the last thing the owners want as it will just increase the closure of our courses.
So those who do not consider it is a problem, please think again, consider that all things affecting all of us and then decide if some fast quick action now will alleviate any pain later. Remember my comment re Tiger, some months ago. Many did not like and certainly disagreed with – the short sharp shock of a ban or other serious action and it may have stopped him before his world fell apart and he was exposed for the true man he is. Not to mention how millions have also been hurt by the false image he portrayed to get his sponsorship deals. Through our money in believing the lie, we made him a very rich man, who is using that money to insulate himself from the current world with all its uncertainties, which we have to face head on.
Agree or not with me, but as always I hope you will consider the problem and have a serious suggestion that will help Tony move this debate forward for all our sakes. Sitting back and doing nothing - is that a serious option for any golfer at this time?
Happy New Year
Melvyn