Peter
I thought that I was asking the question. Clearly from the interest and response all is rosy in the world of golf. But then why should it not be if you have little to no interest in the traditions and wellbeing of the game, just wanting to play it in your way.
However, your way may well have an effect upon the GCA. Just look at the implications of using carts and the special requirement they need in the design stage. As for distance aids, blind shots negate their need, so we minimise on blind Holes as perceived not to be liked by golfers, yet this site has proven that incorrect.
So therefore the actions of The Ruling Body have through their poorly thought out actions (if they even considered the long term consequences of their actions, that is) created special expensive needs. It would not be so bad if it was to improve skill and up the challenge, it has alas indeed done the opposite by attracting the unskilled and tolerated a way of thinking that I would say was alien to the great traditions of the game that is one of laziness. Today all that a player needs to reduce his score is purchase the latest high tech club which according to some claims may shave off 17 yards not per Hole but per stroke.
Yet, do our Lords & Masters consider it’s a problem, do they see any difficulty, in fact do or have they acknowledged there is a problem. Then again, many by their lack of response to this topic are no interested either so should we not then suppose that we have the governing body we deserve, nevertheless I do know that there are among you golfers who do care as much as this guy, so why do you not stand up and be counted.
Peter, you ask a question “What do you suggest we do to change this situation?” First become united in our concerns, then seek a platform to be able to open a dialog with The R&A, stating our concerns and seeking their help in correcting the errors of the past. One way would be to seek a scientific test as to the energy saved by carting vs. walking. An American test was conducted in the 1920 ‘The Excess of Energy’ which only looked at dropping and picking up a golf bag through one round. If this is proven that riding saves considerable energy then a penalty of 3-4 strokes (or whatever is deemed correct subject to the test results) should be levied upon all riders to try and address the imbalance. Then we can examine each issue that is currently accepted as lawful and see it if actually meets the scrutiny that is at the heart of the traditional of the game of golf that of simple honesty not just for others but more importantly for ourselves.
Build the laws on solid, true and trusted foundations while trying to examine the future implications of our decisions.
Carts, aids and technology are running amok over the traditions not to mention the Spirit of The Great Game of Golf. Should our Governing Body not be asked to correct their errors for the good of the game?
If at first you go not succeed, try and try and try again – a well know Scottish saying held close to many a Scottish heart.
Do I want to see the demise of the R&A, NO, I do not, but it can’t go on as it has, it must be accountable and act in the interest of The Royal & Ancient Game of Golf, not put its many variations first. I hope that the R&A will see the light before it’s too late and embrace a policy to protect not just the game but the designs behind our many great courses worldwide.
Melvyn