Architects must cater to 'real golfers'

Golf Course News, Jul 2002

To the editor:

The commentary and Point/Counterpoint items in your last issue (GCN June 2002 "Drawing a line in the sand" and "How has the golf ball harmed golf?") are worth comment.

The first thing that we must be realistic about is that there are two entirely distinct golf worlds: professional golf and real golf. The former is played by less than one percent of active golfers, and the 25 million strong latter is what makes the golf industry's wheels go round. Conceivably, real golf could exist by itself, and it is only logical that we golf course designers should concern ourselves with that sector.

Mr. Pascuzzo dubs us "problem solvers," a sterile designation, as that is only part of our responsibilities. The major thrust of our job should be "entertainment creators" and as such we must cater to the vast majority. If our work is to be ruled by the feats of the tiny minority, and the occasional horror story, then the sad scenario that he points may well happen.

The distance traveled by golf balls has increased very slowly over the years and we are not in a sudden dilemma. I was surprised that Mr. Uihlein did not point out that golf balls are going straighter than before, much to the chagrin of those capable of working the ball. Mr. Frank Thomas should know what he is talking about - the limits are at hand, especially as the governing bodies of golf (the USGA and the R&A) have come to their respective senses, and agreed to agree.

So let us concern ourselves with real golf, and encourage real golfers to increase their enjoyment to the game. Let the "championship courses" go to 8,000 yards and far beyond, and let real golfers enjoy seeing the 340-yard drives and the 180-yard nine irons on the telly. They know that such feats have little to do with the game they play. Real golfers really enjoy the advances made in clubs and balls and it helps to keep them coming back and playing more. So it ain't broke and it don't require fixin` as Mike Dasher (GCN June 2002 News Poll) pointed out so well.

Good sense will prevail. Yours in golf, Roy Case Case Golf Co., Lake Worth, Fla.