Golf/Life decisions

[Where's the Cart Girl?]

In the wake of the recent multitude of rules violations, self enforced penalties (particularly the 14 yr. old giving up his win from another thread), etc.. i've grown a newfound respect for the integrity this game prescribes within individuals who play it.

I have anything put a clean past, but I haven't played this game for that long and I can honestly say that there is no question in my mind now when a moral decision presents itself how I should act.

I'm 23, which makes me "a kid" to many of the people on this forum so I feel obligated to speak out against those who start sentences with; "Kids these days.." and close them with some form of character defamation. And FWIW I live like a 23 year old.. bars, clubs, women, mistakes..

But I got a letter in the mail, addressed generically to my apartment, the other day that was in the size enevelope you would mail a check in. So I held it to the window and clearly read a $200 check inside written out to "Friends of ---" a political official in my area.

Obviously I feel like I could've cashed it and thrown some extra money in my pocket, but I couldn't do that. 5 years ago... no doubt. But I can't do that now. When I only played sports where referees decide what you do/don't get away with then maybe things would've been different. But golf is a different game.

This post wasn't intended to come off as a vanity plea or defensive commentary for people my age but I can honestly say that this game absolutely carries over into everyday life. And I know I'm not alone with a story like this.

[WUTiger]

I'm going to be 60 in November, and I'm in your corner. Your generation, especially the guys, get a bad rap.

I get pretty upset at the Carl's Junior fast food ads, and the past Whassup beer ads, which would make visitors from another country think that all American males under age 30 are irresponsible idiots.

You guys and gals serve in the military in faraway places... or work jobs during the day and then try to wrap up college degrees at night, or maybe run a small business on the side. But your solid efforts go unnoticed, and you largely get defined by Carl's or Whassup.

[senorchipotle]

people always think the next generation is the bane of society. if that were the case, humans would have ceased to exist many many moons ago.

[JWL1957]

I have more respect for the younger people of today than I do of ( my generation ). The 60's and 70's generation to me have been largely made up of selfish, lazy, and "anti everything" people. The mantra for the past 30 years has always been....... Take care of no# 1......or just cover your own ass ....... or screw the man. Luckily, I was sheltered from alot of that type of attitude by staying in the Navy for 20 years.

[ghalfaire]

I too think the younger generation has been unfairly maligned. I am in my mid 60s and believe the young generation has as much integrity as any of the prior generations. I do believe Madison Ave and Hollywood have tried to sell the younger set that happiness is equal to wealth, sex, and material things and don't worry about the other guy. A few have bought into that idea, but not many. But I also see lots of young folks serving in the military, attended colleges, raising families, and in general trying to make the country/world a better place for their children, just like previous generations did. It is unfortunate that only the newsworthy items seem to be the ones that lie, steal, cheat and don't give a damn about anyone but themselves. But it has always been that way it is just that the media is much more prevalent in our lives these days so it just seems like these are the majority, but they are not.

[newtogolf]

I'm not going to give you props for not cashing a check that wasn't yours to cash. That said I agree with you that your generation gets a bad rap, but so did my generation when we were your age, etc. You will find that many people prefer to deal with generalities than specifics, i.e. "your generation", "you kids", "the liberals", "the conservatives", you see this everywhere, even from our own President and government. "You kids" have some tough challenges ahead given the state of the world and economy, probably more so than any generation since the 40's, but I have faith you will figure it out.

If golf has helped you to improve your integrity, that's awesome, I hope you continue on the path. Like golf, life is filled with slices and hooks, so I hope you find some other areas to re-inforce your new found values as it's not always easy when those around you don't share the same values. Good Luck.

[double_j]

Every generation likes to say that the subsequent one is worse in some way or another. It's human nature and will happen as long as we're around. My generation were 'slackers' with no ambition, the new crop of young'uns are 'selfish and entitled'.

I really don't mean to take this in a bad direction since I respect programs such as the First Tee and appreciate the opportunities/support they provide to children who would not otherwise have but that said, I am a bit skeptical about the whole "what you learn in golf carries over to life" mantra. It's a nice sentiment but might be a bit of hyperbole...

[senorchipotle]

Every generation likes to say that the subsequent one is worse in some way or another. It's human nature and will happen as long as we're around. My generation were 'slackers' with no ambition, the new crop of young'uns are 'selfish and entitled'.

actually, i do think golf, in terms of sport, is the ultimate lesson of integrity, humility, and self reliance. so yes, if approached with the mindset of actually wanting to succeed in golf, you must first succeed at bettering yourself.