COMMENT
I don’t know if it’s because it is the game of the common man but while Scotland has stricter Covid restrictions than our friends south of Hadrian’s Wall, when it comes to golf we have had much more freedom over the last 12 months. Sure we were limited to two balls in the early part of the year, and the gap between tee times stretched by a couple of minutes, but we soon got back to our regular fourballs and the benefits of marching seven miles around hilly terrain – plus additional mileage in far too optimistic ball searches – was hugely beneficial both physically and mentally. Golf has come out of – or, more correctly, is coming out of – our two years of Covid in pretty good shape. Memberships are up and the game is enjoying a real
boost in popularity. That can’t be bad. But there is still an underlying issue with the Royal and Ancient game and it revolves around the second of those two words – Ancient! I am within sight of the big six zero, yet I am still one of the younger members of our golfing gang. Now I don’t know about you but when I was a lad, someone of the age I am going to be later this year, was officially old. Now I reluctantly appreciate that this particular cap fits. My childhood pictures are all in black and white; I can recall when telephones had dials; I received corporal punishment at school; I used my first cashpoint machine on my first day at college; our cars had manual chokes; how we all gathered around in the office to see our first fax be received, and couldn’t quite believe the wizardry, and how we had to queue up to use the office computer. Try explaining that to the young nowadays. But I digress. The point is while I’m still in short trousers in golf club terms we need to find a way of making our game attractive to the younger, and next, generation. I started out, as did most of my generation, with cut down hickory clubs – now I really am showing my age! – but equipment isn’t really the issue for new starters. There are all sorts of junior sets available and they are relatively inexpensive. More it is the opportunity to play in a relaxed unpressurised manner. That’s not available at many members’ clubs, where members like to preserve the course for themselves and see visitors and juniors as evils to be tolerated. But
forward thinking proprietary golf clubs are more likely to have starter par-3 courses and professionals on hand to ease youngsters into the game. The joy of connecting with the ball and sending it airborne for the first time remains with a new golfer for a long, long time. Next in the satisfaction stakes is holing your first long putt. Both are up there with scoring a goal or a try. But, let’s face it. Unless you are Charlie Woods, the game isn’t easy and there is more disappointment to be had than bursts of euphoria and that is the nub of it. We must find a way of easing new golfers through the initial pain barrier and getting to the stage where they are fit to attempt the golf course itself … and not feel the pressure of getting in other players’ way. It is possible. We all managed and got the stage where we enjoyed the game even if we didn’t need to employ the services of an engraver too often. However, today’s instant gratification society doesn’t lend itself to grinding it out on the range or the putting green and we need to find a way of encouraging people to take up the game otherwise this unexpected boost in popularity will disappear as quickly as we hope Covid will. So, I would as the first of a series of “baby steps” suggest that we take time to chat with the new golfers at the club to make them feel comfortable – how about giving them a ball. It doesn’t have to be split new, just not overly scabby. For a youngster a lost ball can be a bigger blow than it is for us hardened ball losers. It would be a nice gesture. It would be the first step on a road which may even lead to offering to play a round with them, or marking their card if they are going for a handicap. Every little bit might help. *As told to Scott MacCallum TURF MATTERS | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2022 | 67
