May Day! May Day! SOS to anyone who’s listening, please contact the “Golfing Police”, because we have a serious situation here and the future of this great game we love is in jeopardy.
Yes Houston; we do have a problem. Golf as we know it seems to be going down the tube faster than we may think. On a personal note, for me, it started with the Golf Channel’s telecast of “Big Break”. That show that promoted and showcased gimmicky, trick shot, golf—showing contestants hitting golf balls through glass windows, and into circles, and squares. From there it went on to “speed golf”, “midnight golf”, golf video games, virtual golf, golf simulators, soccer golf, etc.
We’ve gone from caddying and being self-taught, to father teaching son (or daughter), to high school and college coaches, to Sean Foley. Sorry Sean, not meaning to throw you under the bus, but someone had to be the sacrificial lamb.
photo: golfer on course using the Golf Board.
I know that golf— the brand— needs to be marketed and promoted like any other product that needs to grow and survive, but as I see it, and have played it for over 55-years, golf can stand on its own tradition and reputation, as well as any sport out there, without the smoke and mirrors approach.
“Golf Boards” On The Scene
From St. Andrews in Scotland, to playing Ice Golf in Alaska, this game has transcended like no other. For me personally, the straw that broke the camel’s back has been my exposure and introduction to the new wave known as “Golf Boards”. These surf board-like, single golf scooters, are the latest phenomenon that’s being allowed at public golf courses throughout the golfing community. They’re supposed to be an alternative to the two passenger golf cart that at least offered a canopy and windshield. These “Golf Boards” will hold 1 golf bag and 1 passenger. It has 4-wheel drive, a high speed of 14 mph, low speed of 5 mph. And they’re supposed to be designed to speed up the pace of game.
It’s projected that by using the Golf Board you can play 2 rounds of golf in under 5 hours. (This is usually the time it takes to play 1 round.) The powers-that-be in the game of golf have, as of late, been preoccupied with a solution that will shortened the amount of time “weekend warriors” take to complete a round of golf.
Truth be told, over the last several years even the purist and the golf royalist were starting to lose their patience with the slow pace of play. But to compromise the integrity—and soul of this great game, I say beware. Sometimes as we know, the grass always looks greener on the other side. These new Golf Boards will certainly attract the younger, more athletic, golf enthusiast. But, the senior citizens of the game— I’m sure— will still prefer the original, two-passenger golf cart, with a comfortable seat, a canopy and a windshield. The safety side of these new Golf Board things is also something that I’ll surely be keeping my eyes on.
Pandora’s Box Wide Open
Overall, I see the entry of the Golf boards on the thousands of golf courses across the country to the likening of opening a Pandora’s Box. In the long run, these Golf Boards could do more harm than good.
Where the traditional carts rent for around $10-$15 per golfer, these Golf Boards are going for $29 and up, per golfer. It would be a shame to sell out this game for profit that could be short lived. Sometimes less, is still more. Golfing Police, I beg you to get off your SEAT and get back on your BEAT. It was a much better game when the golf icons of the game were the poster children for growth, and not the trick-shot artist and the longest drive muscle-men.
ABOUT JOHN PERRY
John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Florida. Email: johnpgolf@icloud.com
