we are merely talking about a field of play not holy shrines
One man's holy shrine is another man's target practice. Just ask the sphinx.
Not trying to be overly flip, but some folks do take this stuff pretty seriously. Probably too seriously.
Charlie,
The reality is though, especially in these unsure times, whether a club can survive or have to close its doors could come down to some untimely negative press, especially this time of year when folks are coming out of golf hibernation and perhaps looking to join a new cub.
With jobs and careers on the line, I can see perfectly well why many would take this dead serious!