An archaic attitude
I was recently at a popular golf club that shall remain nameless. In the shop, I was asked by a worker to cover my tattoos (which I declined). I was shocked this bigotry is still around as it is now 2019 and the world is far more progressive.
I’m a professional in my mid-30s and many people in my demographic now favour body art. People talk of growing the game, but it seems with this archaic view it is unlikely to happen! I’ve always wondered why I’ve never seen any on a high-level pro. Suffice to say the golf club lost four green fees that day.
Sam Graham, Essex
Unconditional love
I have played golf for about 25 years and for several years have subscribed to Golf Monthly, looked at instruction videos online and in times of particular enthusiasm (or desperation) taken lessons from a professional. With all this effort I should be thumping long, straight drives, striking crisp iron shots and getting up and down with impressive chips and confident putts.
I’m bemused as to why I’m not a scratch golfer by now, rather than consistently hovering between a 16 and 18 handicap. I don’t think I’m alone.
Golfers are a remarkable breed. Despite the evidence, we all believe that inside there’s a proper golfer trying to get out. In spite of last week’s disaster, we arrive at the course convinced this will be the magic round. A couple of times a year we may bask in the glory of a good round, but most of the time it’s a grind.
But we love it anyway. The satisfaction of the few good strokes we played in an otherwise frustrating round; the pleasure to be had in marking the card for a partner who is having a good day; the joy of just being out on the course giving it a go. Isn’t that golf, isn’t that life!
Alan Townsend, via email