Ron,
Why did you force yourself into this thread? I had an important, interesting look into the relationship that golf, it's architecture and culture plays in the life of people like me who are vital to the future of the game. Frankly, I don't give a damn if I ever play again because every time I tee it up it makes it possible for five guys like you to play on my coat tails. Thank you for making me realize that you are not worth the sacrifice.
This is where you lose me, John. In the first place, I didn't force myself into the thread. When you created the thread in a rambling, incoherent way, you begged comment. If you had not wanted a comment, you would have made a cogent argument. In fact, even your thread-initiating question is banal-
Have you ever stepped back from being a golfer? There are two answers that total two syllables and five letters.
In the second place, I don't ride on anyone's coat tails, nor do people like me. I'm sorry that people of your status in life have to worry about such dregs. There are days when I wonder what it would be like to belong to a higher echelon of society/income bracket, but I recognize that I am where I am for a reason.
I live by a creed when it comes to golf and golf trips, one that opens me up to barbs through calumny: As long as I'm the biggest prick in the group, we'll be all right. Therefore, I'm not a sacrifice for anyone.
John, I coach high school golfers, run a summer golf camp where my varsity kids acts as counselors for the day campers, volunteer on local golf association boards, write for a number of magazines and websites, photograph golf courses (making the images available to the club pros) and run a regional golf website. And I've NEVER written nor spoken the words
"people like me who are vital to the future of the game."tschüss