Rob McBride
Medal Winner
Last week in a club match, we were playing away and stood on the 6th tee, which shared the same elongated tee box as the 12th.
On the 12th were some club members who were all + handicappers. The members we were with had a conversation with them and we decided to take alternate tee shots to avoid slow play on both holes. We were a B Team side (so 9 - 15 handicappers), the + handicappers teed first and then we alternated, having lost the last hole it was the home team first, followed by us, I went last.
The first three + lads all hit smashing drives, all with a touch of draw as the hole demanded, a real pleasure to watch, and we all observed silence (including Mr Loud until his tee shot). as each group teed off. That was until the last of the + handicap lads teed up and hit a drive slightly right and into the semi, who then proceeded to remonstrate with himself loudly, whilst I set up and teed off to his protestation of lack of draw and his driver slamming into the bag, then storming off of the tee box leaving his 3 mates behind.
The 2 members in our match apologised profusely as we walked up the 6th, and said that 'he is always like that' and gave recent medal examples of his explosive nature. I asked if anyone had spoken to him, which received the reply that 'you cant as he is the best handicapper in the club' and cant be upset as his father is also............. enough said.
I found this really disappointing, and beyond understanding. I realise that great players (in any sport) generally have some ' perfection issues', but I also watched Jim Furyk arrive at the olympic club tonight and sign a young boys cap, place it on the young lads head with a pat, as he walked up to the practice ground.
If golf has an ugly side then I think that it is people like this noisy individual and clubs that condone it. Very sad and just poor sportsmanship.
On the 12th were some club members who were all + handicappers. The members we were with had a conversation with them and we decided to take alternate tee shots to avoid slow play on both holes. We were a B Team side (so 9 - 15 handicappers), the + handicappers teed first and then we alternated, having lost the last hole it was the home team first, followed by us, I went last.
The first three + lads all hit smashing drives, all with a touch of draw as the hole demanded, a real pleasure to watch, and we all observed silence (including Mr Loud until his tee shot). as each group teed off. That was until the last of the + handicap lads teed up and hit a drive slightly right and into the semi, who then proceeded to remonstrate with himself loudly, whilst I set up and teed off to his protestation of lack of draw and his driver slamming into the bag, then storming off of the tee box leaving his 3 mates behind.
The 2 members in our match apologised profusely as we walked up the 6th, and said that 'he is always like that' and gave recent medal examples of his explosive nature. I asked if anyone had spoken to him, which received the reply that 'you cant as he is the best handicapper in the club' and cant be upset as his father is also............. enough said.
I found this really disappointing, and beyond understanding. I realise that great players (in any sport) generally have some ' perfection issues', but I also watched Jim Furyk arrive at the olympic club tonight and sign a young boys cap, place it on the young lads head with a pat, as he walked up to the practice ground.
If golf has an ugly side then I think that it is people like this noisy individual and clubs that condone it. Very sad and just poor sportsmanship.
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