LIV defectors deserve no sympathy
I appreciate your writing (“Rahm and Hatton’s limbo begs for resolution,” Feb. 2, GGP), but what makes you think the following is true?
There is little doubt that a majority of those who follow golf in the United Kingdom, while accepting that players are independent contractors and thus have a right to pursue their careers as they see fit, and understanding that being offered huge sums of money is a life-changing option, would prefer [Jon] Rahm and [Tyrrell] Hatton to return to competing regularly in the U.S. and Europe with their peers.
I suspect there are a good many who feel the same as me about the players who joined LIV, namely “f*** ’em all.” It’s a simple moral stance. I love golf and follow the PGA Tour, but can’t support anyone who chooses to be part of a sport-washing venture by a Saudi regime that, according to U.S. intelligence sources, ordered a journalist to be murdered and dismembered. Now that’s what I call a true “life-changing option.” I recognise the players’ right to choose; likewise, I have the right to vilify them for making that choice. To say nothing of the hypocritical comments made by virtually every one of them at the time of their joining: “spreading golf to other countries,” “playing fewer events to spend more time with my family.” The truth is, it was entirely about the money.
Your assumption that there’s “little doubt” is merely your opinion unless you back it up with some evidence. I’m not suggesting you retract the statement (though I’d welcome it) but think a little harder next time. And there is simply no way to write an article like yours about LIV without mentioning the question of ethics.
T. Donnelly
Richmond, Ohio
GGP’s John Hopkins responds: I believe what I said in the relevant paragraph to be true because it is the message I get when I attend my own golf club and hear what members are saying about professional golf today. I also believe that conversations like these are taking place in golf clubs up and down the country and have been since LIV’s formation. That is why I feel confident about writing a paragraph such as the one you quote even if it is one with which you disagree.
No bending rules for Rahm, Hatton
Golf is a game that requires 100 percent honesty and integrity – two components for enjoyment that are far more important than a win. That’s why it is essential that the rules are not broken or even bent in an effort to allow Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton onto the Ryder Cup team (“Rahm and Hatton’s limbo begs for resolution,” Feb. 2, GGP). The Ryder Cup competition deserves players who are completely committed and overjoyed to be there. If those two pay their fines with good grace, then we will be delighted to have them. If not there are plenty of others who would be a credit to the team.
Andrew Pearse
Guilsborough, Northamptonshire, England
A modest defense of winter mats
Artificial mats can be misleading. Scott Michaux is right about that (“Divot: Bad lies,” Feb. 2, GGP). But in winter, the real choice for most golfers isn’t mats versus real turf, it’s mats versus not swinging a club at all.
I say this from Pensacola, Florida, where Winter Storm Fern recently pushed temperatures into the 20s and froze the ground solid enough to close our course for a few days. I’ve been temporarily inconvenienced, but golfers in Chicago or other northern climates face months with courses closed for the season.
For many, the alternative to mats is doom-scrolling YouTube swing videos in the living room, occasionally without pants, while confidently diagnosing flaws. At least a mat requires getting dressed, leaving the house, and striking an actual golf ball that produces a result.
Winter practice isn’t meant to perfect divots. It’s meant to preserve rhythm, coordination, and the habit of swinging a club. Mats do that quite effectively, provided we understand their limitations.
Spring will correct any misunderstandings soon enough. It always does. Until then, mats scratch the itch – and that counts for something.
David Penzone
Pensacola, Florida
Striking dilemma
Rumbled this (about mats) a while back (“Divot: Bad lies,” Feb. 2, GGP). The clue’s in the name (driving range) especially as, at my club here in England, the tees don’t push down low enough to practice irons off the tee, which is a weakness of mine. However, lately I’ve tried to ensure I hit the ball first, minimising the effect of the mat (or hardpan underneath it) and, as that’s what you are supposed to do on the course, it might be useful.
Rob Berry
Chilcompton, Somerset, England
Ball rollback defies common sense
The ball rollback is a disaster (“USGA, R&A reconsidering phased-in ball rollback,” Jan. 19, GGP). Not needed for 99 percent of golfers. I have no problem if the ball is kept at the current distance for professionals. But no rollback, especially for amateurs. As a 66-year-old I need extra distance, not even one yard less! I suggest the PGA of America create simple, modern, common-sense rules of golf for the amateur game. USGA and R&A would quickly become obsolete.
Tony Matrona
Berlin, Maryland
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