Greetings Golfers,
The other day on PGA radio, two college golf coaches were talking about the Open. They focused on Brooks Koepka looking at his watch while JB Holmes was taking forever to hit his shot. They both agreed that Brooks was the bad guy for showing his displeasure.
So, Holmes is guilty of ridiculously slow play … and Brooks is the bad guy for pointing at his watch? Really?
One of the coaches even said that Holmes doesn’t want to play slow, but just can’t help it. What – he’s a victim of himself for slow play? It’s asking too much to be ready to play a golf shot?
In my own little world I have to deal with the same thing. Not only with slow play, but any sort of bad behavior. If our Rangers or I confront a slow group that’s ruining the round for everyone behind them … we’re the bad guys – not them. When someone drives their cart on the edge of the green and we tell them not to – we’re the bad guys. When people are rude to our staff and we say that’s not acceptable – we’re the bad guys.
How did this happen? I’m glad that people have freedom and rights. But, they don’t have the right to do whatever they want without consequences. Having rights is not the same as a license to do anything. We also have the right to tell people to do the right thing … or not play here anymore.
Sadly, for some people expulsion is the only thing that they understand. I wish the TOUR had the guts to do the right thing. Obviously JB Holmes will not do the right thing. Brooks Koepka is not the bad guy. The PGA TOUR should step-up and risk being the bad guy because it’s the right thing to do.
As Edmund Burke said: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Obviously, Holmes’ slow play isn’t evil. But, the TOUR has a responsibility to its players and fans to do the right thing. Somehow “doing the right thing” now means allowing everyone to do anything. So cowardice has become a virtue?
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Deer Run Golf Club
8661 Deer Run Drive
Victoria, MN 55386
(952) 443-2351
www.deerrungolf.com
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