craigstardis1976
Head Pro
I have been watching some old Open Championships on YouTube. Someone has very meticulously restored some old BBC coverage of final days play from various Opens circa 1970-1985.
I have only got into golf the last two years but I am struck by a number of differences beyond the obvious (equipment, clothes, hairstyles, the technical limitations) regarding the attitude of many of the professionals from the UK during this time.
For example there are interviews with Nicklaus, Watson, Palmer, Miller, Trevino and a very young Seve and pretty much what they say and how they say it is in a manner you see contemporary top professionals speak today. Maybe minus some of the psychobabble and obviously the language is a little different but essentially the same message and demeanor leading professionals have today.
Contrast that to interviews with Jacklin, Oosterhuis, a young Faldo and Ken Brown and their demeanor is entirely different. They almost look down at their feet when talking, it is plainly obvious from Jacklin and Brown's body language they are uncomfortable talking. Jacklin sounds like the most depressed man on Earth and one gets the impression there is disdain at the fact they are expected to do anything except play golf. Also I noticed at this time, the overseas players tended to smile more and acknowledge the crowd a lot more.
Can anyone with more experience in the game explain why this was? (Maybe, I am entirely wrong. I know its difficult to judge from 30-40 year old highlights.) Were home fans not behind the home golfers as much during this period? Was there still a snobbery that being a successful British professional was somehow not altogether a good thing? Were they taught to be aloof as part of the persona expected from golf professionals at the time?
Thanks,
Craig.
I have only got into golf the last two years but I am struck by a number of differences beyond the obvious (equipment, clothes, hairstyles, the technical limitations) regarding the attitude of many of the professionals from the UK during this time.
For example there are interviews with Nicklaus, Watson, Palmer, Miller, Trevino and a very young Seve and pretty much what they say and how they say it is in a manner you see contemporary top professionals speak today. Maybe minus some of the psychobabble and obviously the language is a little different but essentially the same message and demeanor leading professionals have today.
Contrast that to interviews with Jacklin, Oosterhuis, a young Faldo and Ken Brown and their demeanor is entirely different. They almost look down at their feet when talking, it is plainly obvious from Jacklin and Brown's body language they are uncomfortable talking. Jacklin sounds like the most depressed man on Earth and one gets the impression there is disdain at the fact they are expected to do anything except play golf. Also I noticed at this time, the overseas players tended to smile more and acknowledge the crowd a lot more.
Can anyone with more experience in the game explain why this was? (Maybe, I am entirely wrong. I know its difficult to judge from 30-40 year old highlights.) Were home fans not behind the home golfers as much during this period? Was there still a snobbery that being a successful British professional was somehow not altogether a good thing? Were they taught to be aloof as part of the persona expected from golf professionals at the time?
Thanks,
Craig.
