What are the requisites for a fairly good player? (Part 2 of 2)
A good eye, lasting power as a walker, nicety of calculation, and, above all, good temper. Let me tell you that of late there has been a remarkable revival of the interest in golf. It seems to have a special attraction for literary men. Mr Robert Louis Stevenson, Andrew Lang, Rider Haggard, Mr Balfour, The Irish Secretary and several members of Parliament have taken to it seriously.
I love the first sentence, it defining the qualities required to play the Game of Golf while leaving the player totally aware of the basic requirement and skills he needs to master to play the Game of Golf. Please note that is was clearly expected that the golfer generate these skill from within thus not needing or using any outside aids of any source. Even the subject of course etiquette was covered by the inclusion of good temper.
The Game described above is the Game of Golf well known to my family, its required the individual to aspire to the game, not to fall at nearly the first hurdle, and then have a need to water down the game. Is it really down to the need to win at any costs, that makes some modern guys walk – ops sorry ride away from the heart and soul of the Game The Modern Game, to ignore the values that made it great in the first place. Thats for you to answer
The following is a copy of the article dated the 11th April 1890 under the title of The Spread of Golf.
I hope it make some of you think about your game.
This completes the two parts.
Melvyn