As an 80-year-old lifelong golfer still enjoying the ability to finish a round or four each week, I am saddened that golf – even amateur golf – has changed so dramatically over the past 40 years.
I remember the days when weekly winners on the PGA Tour won $20,000. I do not object to the payouts these days. I don’t even care about the players going to the LIV tour. These are professional people acting as independent contractors who earn their living by playing against the best in the world. Their choice.
What I miss most is the seemingly lack of appreciation for the patrons and volunteers shown by some players. Just some, not many. What I miss is the camaraderie and bond I used to see shown among the players. It just isn’t the same as before. Maybe these players do interact more, but I haven’t noticed it. These players have lives, coaches, trainers, wives, kids, and responsibilities which require their time.
We now have high school, college, and even some amateur golfers receiving payment for their name and time. Many also are given college scholarships as well. This is definitely a sign of being a professional. I know I’m old, but it has had a very dramatic impact on many younger athletes.
The game of golf has taught me so much about life: self-respect, honor, respect for others, friendship, sportsmanship, respect for the property itself, and character.
These days, I find myself thoroughly enjoying watching youngsters on the range, chipping and putting green at my course. I try to invite some of these young golfers to play and have been very impressed with their good manners and respect for the game and our club. They are the future of golf and our country. Some hope to try to play professionally. I’ve been lucky to have played with many who have become very accomplished amateurs and a few who have become professionals. Some have actually made the tours.
My hope is that golf’s current challenges can be worked out in a way that the image and values we respect can remain intact. I also hope to shoot my age more often. I’m trying to “take dead aim.” Golf is a cruel game, but it’s the best lifetime game ever created. God bless golf!
Mike Edgar
Austin, Texas
After reading all of the replies in the “It’s Your Honor” column (January 15 GGP), I am shocked that self-proclaimed real fans are unaware of how little money the PGA Tour actually donates to charities.
The fact that the PGA Tour is requiring additional fees from the charities that run the tournaments is causing the loss of sponsors, notably Wells Fargo, Honda and soon Farmers Insurance (“A Few Extra Holes,” January 15 GGP).
I wish more fans were actually informed about how the PGA Tour works and its finances (“It’s Your Honor,” December 4 GGP). The tour certainly isn’t working for the benefit of the majority of its members. When commissioner Jay Monahan makes more in compensation than the top players, something is wrong.
Ron McCall
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Thanks, Lewine Mair, for your article about David Leadbetter (“Leadbetter’s lifelong lesson plan,” January 8 GGP).
I know he had a high-profile career in the U.S., but in my opinion his career as a teacher was launched when he came from (then) Rhodesia to South Africa around 1974.
He was the assistant teaching pro at Houghton Golf Club, in Johannesburg, under David Black.
Leadbetter used to teach, amongst others, the club’s junior and senior teams. I have very vivid memories of his unusual teaching methods (towels under arms, beach balls, etc.) and his emphasis on trying to get you to visualize your swing. In the days before teaching pros simply showed you your swing instantly on a phone or tablet, this was a rare talent.
After a few years, he went to the U.K. as the coach of Mark McNulty, Denis Watson and Nick Price – all of them not coincidentally from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
It was then that he got noticed and started teaching Nick Faldo and others, moving on to Lake Nona.
Thanks for triggering some happy memories.
David Ovenden
Richmond, Surrey, England
NASCAR has all competitors driving with engines built to the same specifications. Golf ball manufacturers do not want to make two types. Why not have all players play one identical ball and the manufacturers can bid on five-year contracts to build them?
Is there really that much real difference in playability between Titleist, Srixon, Callaway, etc.?
Jon Haas
Orange Park, Florida
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