Controversial Topics in Golf

[EZ Swinger]

Hey everybody! I just got a homework assignment in my english class to write an essay about a controversial topic. I was hoping to do it about something related to golf but I can't really think about anything good. Feel free to post anything I really need an idea. Thanks.

[Shindig]

  EZ Swinger said:

Hey everybody! I just got a homework assignment in my english class to write an essay about a controversial topic. I was hoping to do it about something related to golf but I can't really think about anything good. Feel free to post anything I really need an idea. Thanks.

The grooves rule is one. Scaling back the ball is another. "Tiger proofing" courses is something to consider. Drug testing has been a bit controversial among fans.

You could also write about more fan-based items, such as Zach Johnson's victory speech at The Masters (or any athlete making religious references upon a big victory). I think Stewart Cink also made a faith-based reference. Athletes as role models is another popular topic. A friend of mine isn't very fond of Tiger Woods because of his on-course behavior, throwing clubs and so forth. Note that I'm avoiding such things as "should 25 handicappers even consider muscle backs?" What sort of paper is this? Just an essay on your point of view? Or a research paper, where you need to find out a lot about something?

[EZ Swinger]

  Shindig said:

The grooves rule is one. Scaling back the ball is another. "Tiger proofing" courses is something to consider. Drug testing has been a bit controversial among fans.

Its a research paper where I have to get a lot of sources then write a 3 to 5 page essay. It pretty much sucks so I figured I should do something about golf to make it somewhat interesting. I really like that drug testing idea. I could do a lot with that.

[FHopper]

Environmental issues with courses. Tons of easy source material. Topical and can even be twisted into a social engineering issue, after all what happens to the courses which have no need to conserve, are they forced too?

[gogolfing]

Augusta National and their not having any female members could be a topic that would have a lot of information after the Martha Burke protest a few years back.

[Dub]

  gogolfing said:

Augusta National and their not having any female members could be a topic that would have a lot of information after the Martha Burke protest a few years back.

Funny thing is that they would have probably already had female members if there had been no Martha Burke.

After the ruckus and stupidity of here assault....they will tow the line even longer.

[EZ Swinger]

  gogolfing said:

Augusta National and their not having any female members could be a topic that would have a lot of information after the Martha Burke protest a few years back.

I can already see how this would be a good topic because different views of the argument are in this thread already!

[microcrayfish]

Another vote for Augusta and women. There's boundless amounts of gender literature out there that you'll have no trouble finding sources or having enough to write about, plus it's been discussed extensively in the media which brings a nice extra dimension to it.

[gogolfing]

  Dub said:

Funny thing is that they would have probably already had female members if there had been no Martha Burke.

I agree. I also feel that it is a private club and they can do what they want. If women can have women only fitness clubs, then men should be able to have men only golf clubs. I am a pretty liberal person, but I do believe in this; if they were using public money toward their club, then they should let anyone in, but they don't.

I have heard that Condaleza Rice may be getting in though.

[ballhog]

^
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wouldnt count on that one

[cougar978]

How about sandbaggers and cheats that come into tournaments and essentially steal winnings from the honest majority?

[Golf'nBiker]

  cougar978 said:

How about sandbaggers and cheats that come into tournaments and essentially steal winnings from the honest majority?

Are there actual references documenting this?? Footnotes or a bibliography listing

THE SAND TRAP might be pushing it.

[ND Fan]

Michelle Wie

The groove change

Equipment roll back

[kafka01]

Augusta National is certainly a good point.

Environmental issues were also mentioned - i would think of Las Vegas (or in general desert areas), upcoming water shortages and the huge amount of water it takes to keep golf courses running - thats certainly controversial. Here is a link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=a_b86mnWn9.w

[cougar978]

  Golf'nBiker said:

Are there actual references documenting this?? Footnotes or a bibliography listing

You're right - just trying to think outside the box.

[kfowler]

I think the idea of Ladies tees vs. Forward tees could be interesting. You can throw the whole gender issue in there to discuss. Then discuss pace of play benefits and impact of players playing from the wrong tees. This has been discussed enough in mags that you should be able find the enough data.

[Golf'nBiker]

I certainly like the idea of this type of topic...the other students will be all over the seemingly never ending controversary that floods the news and TV everyday. Good on ya

[snowsurfer]

Should the rakes be left in the bunkers or out?