Non-Playing Interest in Golf Course Architecture

[Andrew Summerell]

I’m in the process of recovering from my 4th knee operation in as many years. Being 47 years old, my surgeon suggested after the last operation that I consider giving up golf for the benefit of my future mobility.

Obviously, I haven’t played much over the last few years; however, I have remained interested in golf course architecture, continuing to read about it and watching some of the more stimulating courses on TV.

I’m interested if any of you guys know of anyone (maybe even yourself) who continued a strong interest in GCA after having to give up playing the game. If so, how did they continue their interest without it waning over time?

[Jim Nugent]

Andrew, I haven't played since 1998.  But I still like the game a lot, and the many smart people on this website help me stay more connected to golf, and learn more about it and the beautiful places it is played on.  

[Mike_Clayton]

Andrew,
Get a second opinion - and find a flat course.

[Thomas Dai]

Andrew, very pleased to hear of your continued interest in golf and golf course architecture etc despite the predicament you find yourself in. I used to know a chap older than yourself whose said his knee issue was about leg-action and the forces related to swinging the club (ie not walking). He nearly gave the game up but a pro suggested he change from playing right handed to left handed and this took the strain off his troublesome knee. His ball-striking was admittedly worse, although his canny course management was still there, but he was still actively involved in the game and still got pleasure from playing and socialising around the game he loved.
All the best.

[Andrew Summerell]

Andrew, I haven't played since 1998.  But I still like the game a lot, and the many smart people on this website help me stay more connected to golf, and learn more about it and the beautiful places it is played on.  

Jim, thanks for that.
I'm sorry to hear you haven't played since '98, but it's great you have remained interested in the game.

[Andrew Summerell]

Andrew,
Get a second opinion - and find a flat course.

Mike,
The walking is not a major issue. As much as I dislike it, I could use a cart to alleviate the walking. My issue is with the pressure placed on the knee due to rotation.
Thankfully, the architect at my home course has designed a wonderful short game facility. During my last comeback I would spend a couple of hours at least once a week hitting fun little chip shots around that green. Hopefully, I'll get back to be able to, at least, do that.

[Ronald Montesano]

photography

[Andrew Summerell]

Andrew, very pleased to hear of your continued interest in golf and golf course architecture etc despite the predicament you find yourself in. I used to know a chap older than yourself whose said his knee issue was about leg-action and the forces related to swinging the club (ie not walking). He nearly gave the game up but a pro suggested he change from playing right handed to left handed and this took the strain off his troublesome knee. His ball-striking was admittedly worse, although his canny course management was still there, but he was still actively involved in the game and still got pleasure from playing and socialising around the game he loved.
All the best.

Thanks Thomas.
Yes, my knee problem is due to rotation as well. Unfortunately, both my knees have issues. Three operations on my left & one on my right, so changing from LH to RH may not help.
Basically, I could be back playing 9 holes by early next year. However, my surgeon (who is use to dealing with rough Rugby League players) put it bluntly by saying, "you'll be a cripple before you're 60." Not politically correct, but it got the message across.

[Andrew Summerell]

photography

That's not a bad idea, Ronald.
I have been fortunate to travel the world playing hundreds of golf courses. That is probably the main thing I have missed over the last few years, whether it is spending a few weeks in Scotland or just going down to Melbourne for a few days. Looking at photos of golf courses, often on this site, has been the greatest contributor to the continuation of my interest in golf.

[RJ_Daley]

Andrew, reading between the lines, it seems you live in GB, is that correct?  I don't know what you do for a living.  At your age, making a living is probably most of your time.  However, is there some possibility you could find a part time, volunteer or paid position on a course or at a club near you?  I'm thinking in terms of anything from volunteer and take on the learning curve of learning the rules thoroughly and officiate local amateur events, or some other capacity of assisting the amateur game,  Or, just be a ranger (if they use them) or other part time function at a local course.

I hope some new medical innovations come along in your timeframe to help you out in coming years.  

[Andrew Summerell]

Andrew, reading between the lines, it seems you live in GB, is that correct?  I don't know what you do for a living.  At your age, making a living is probably most of your time.  However, is there some possibility you could find a part time, volunteer or paid position on a course or at a club near you?  I'm thinking in terms of anything from volunteer and take on the learning curve of learning the rules thoroughly and officiate local amateur events, or some other capacity of assisting the amateur game,  Or, just be a ranger (if they use them) or other part time function at a local course.

I hope some new medical innovations come along in your timeframe to help you out in coming years.  

Thanks RJ,
Actually, I live in Sydney, Australia, although I have spent a lot of time over the years in GB and in the US. I'm a member of a course that Mike Clayton is in the process of redesigning and have been enjoying watching his new work take form. Work wise, I'm a professional musician that is reasonably well established, so I have a reasonable amount of time to volunteer. It is a path I am considering.

[David_Elvins]

Sorry to hear, Andrew.  

Could you write a piece of music inspired by the pit hole at North Berwick?

Hopefully catch up with you sooner rather than later.  

[Garland Bayley]

I have to wonder in the era of replacement knees, hips, etc., why a doctor is telling you that you will be a cripple when the crippled part can be replaced.

[cary lichtenstein]

Andrew

I gave up golf almost 6 years ago now. After 2 back surgeries, i was faced with the same potentially crippling potential if I continued.

I was retired from work for  so I sought out another hobby, oil painting. I loved doing that full time for about 2 years, but a some point, my passion for that began to wane.

I gave up reading golf magazines but not my interest in watching all the majors and a few other tournaments. I still visit and post on gca, look at pictures posted by others, but my level of interest has taken a natural downward curve.

I returned to the work force 3+ years ago and found I'm happier now than when I was playing golf everyday. Success at work, being with people, turned out to be more fulfilling. I find life is fuller w/o golf, something I would never have imagined.

[Steve Lapper]

Andrew,

   I've had 12 surgeries (multiple debridements, but 3 ACL & MCL reconstructions among them) and am about to have a total knee replacement in 5 weeks. I'm really looking forward to it even though with a few cortisone shots and the help of carts over the last 18mos, I've ably gotten by. Not everyone with such diseased joints has a "dead-end" on mobility.

   I can't speak for the breath and quality of orthopedic care in Australia, but total knee replacements over here have become near panaceas for those with diseased knees and weekend athletic aspirations. I'm looking forward to a solid 15-20yrs of walking 18-36 after this procedure. Like Mike Clayton suggests, perhaps you ought to get another opinion? I'm no MD, but it sounds like you may not be getting the best advice. Good luck and feel free to IM me for any more details.

Cheers,

S