Bob
I wonder if my bloodline from Old & Young Tom, Allan Robertson, George Morris, Charlie Hunter and Willie Rusack has made a difference to your opinion of me.
Without my family connections would many on this site just see a very keen golfer that holds the game and its traditions closer to his heart? To the point that he is willing to confront the non-believers in the hope of seeing them return to the true faith. Would name calling, accusations of tones in ones comments from distain to arrogance apply or would many just see a fellow golfer so sadden by the physical and moral decline of such a great game, that he is being forced to raise these issues.
Alas we will never know as I have a bloodline to all mentioned above, which does not make me a better man, a good golfer or a golf course designer, however it does give me direct information on the game that many would never have experienced. It gives member of this site direct contact with that knowledge but instead of understand a fellow member’s passion the reaction seems to be to react because one’s own commitment to the game is perhaps more than lacking in the commitment stakes.
Nevertheless what I am actually saying in my many so call arrogant and contemptuous posts, is that walking is the core factor of the game, that of relaxing the player while observing the surroundings as one walks to the next shot. Of being able to understand the contours via contact to the land through feet, knees and the inner ear. Thinking while walking, calculating distance, course setup and conditions including wind direction and strength, plus knowing which club to use as you approach the ball. All adds up to that final inner good feeling that you achieved knowing it’s all down to your own efforts and merit, unaided by man or beasty aid.
I am just trying to remind the player that a golfer requires no means of mobility (unless disabled by age or a physical infliction). As for the course that feeling of inner warmth is more enjoyable is one is pushed. Courses should offer up a challenge but one has to question if that is possible on a well-watered and manicured course – does the mind feel still sees that raw challenge or is it just a walk in the park rather than a walk on the wild side.
I am indeed guilty, but hopefully of only trying to make you guys think, I may also be guilty in not being gentle in my approach but then I believe the game has been invaded by the soft underbelly of the modern throwaway society which is trying to water down that game. Many still con themselves that they may be good at the game as they are slowly reducing score – but is that thanks to improved skill or just the purchase of the latest equipment.
The game for obvious reasons is close to me and my family. As for the R&A, you know that I have issues with them that goes deeper that their mismanagement of the game over the last one hundred years.
I care not what variation of the game anyone plays, all I ask is call it by its appropriate name (Cart Ball, Mountain golf whatever) as unless you walk and think unaided you are not playing Golf. Hell Bob, where has all that commitment gone, because I bet when you started you never use carts or considered distance aids – if so I do not believe you have lost that commitment but perhaps the body is no long so able to honour said commitment hence the need for a cart to assist your mobility from time to time.
In closing why have the Olympics recognise the difference yet our own R&A seem blind to the possibility. What am I referring to well we have the Olympics Games and the Olympic Paraplegic Games (all be it with just 20 sports – but it’s a start). Well perhaps I should not be overcritical with the R&A as the Majors require that players still honour many of the original ways alas not all).
Ran opened this site to allow free and open conversation on all things related to GCA, yet the members as a whole are not willing to follow Ran’s example. It seems that a minority of guys can silence an individual through questionable means while the rest of the membership site quietly on the fence scared too upset anyone or to shut up the bully boys. Thus stopping the free flow of information, knowledge, opinions and ultimately debate to run its course
If in this post I have come across as arrogant or show distain for the opinions of others I apologise as that was not my intention, it was to convey my opinion on the game, the site and its direction
(a fully fledge member of the great unwashed)
Melvyn.