Harris
Because the R&A have betrayed the very essence of the game, does not IMHO make it right.
The principle at the heart of the matter is the definition of golf. It so needs to be resolved.
My view is that walking has been at the centre of the game from the start whether you carry your clubs or not, you walked as it’s been recorded for some 600 years (give or take). The very part of walking constitutes an important part of the game, it allows the mind to observe the course, the terrain and contours, to understand the weather gauge and allows time for the hazards to be seen as such depending upon the light upon the course or that particular Hole. My own game started in the 60’s following these very steps as there was no alternative in walking or distance. In fact distance knowledge was not paramount in those days with golfers using God’s gifts to judge not the distances but the stroke required to achieve ones target. Some 20 years passed before we saw a cart on a course or someone killing the game for others by pacing the ball. The game I was taught was golf, it was achieved by one’s own skill and feet, not reliance on outside help. That’s golf.
Now because the R&A are as weak as water, and dither a lot somehow the use of outside aids were made legal. Overnight it changed the game, it took away all that was generated by the golfer allowing outside aids to replace the need to walk or think, which for some 550 years was the prime driving force of the game. Tired after a day at work you waked off the stress you concentrated on your game and that help further dissipate the stress all the time while taking gentle exercise to promoting a healthier mind and body ready to face the challenges of what the course has in waiting.
All that gone by jumping on a cart, of course that’s a different game, the two major components have been removed at a stroke.
Golf for me is a walking thinking game, its why it went global, but now dumbed down by the lazy less committed seeking to be defined as golfers but not willing to enter into the spirit of the game. Walking is golf as Golf is all about walking. The same can be said about the eyes judging distance, all having been achieved by the golfer unaided and totally under his own steam. Result great enjoyment knowing that no help was required or given and you achieved it by your own efforts. Golf has been watered down, its easy, you do not have to pace yourself, you arrive refreshed at each shot, the design or GCA has played no part in your game so far. You do not need to be in a good or positive frame of mind you look through your viewfinder and ops there is some distance info. Yet your eyes played so far no part in the game, you club is selected to balance the distance and you mechanically take the stroke. Your eyes have so far played no real part in the game, have you noticed in the looking what is in front of you, the leaning of the shrubs, the flowing in the wind of the grass, the divots on or near the LZ, in fact have you noticed the GCA at all?
It’s a different game it requires more emphasis in its preparation and execution of each and every stroke to the Green, so should be governed by different Rules.
In fact the riding game is turned into an aerial game more akin to pitch and putt by sinking that ball in the lowest number of strokes. Golf utilises Man’s natural senses and the GCA to navigate the course by trying to combat the design, Nature and the Hand of God giving a feeling of unity with the land.
Pat Tell me how many time have I given you a breakdown of TOC, an itemised Hole for Hole report, or a copy of my scorecards back to the 70’s. Not once, so you will I presume attack me for not visiting St Andrews and playing TOC.