"Respect of the Game" semi rant

[ndb8fxe]

I'm new to this forum and new to taking this sport seriously.  I have been reading TST extensively recently and it seem many of the "controversial" threads like the 'dress code' thread and others posters mention to do certain things for "respect of the game" and wear certain things for "the respect of the  game" etc.  I'm sure you know of what I am speaking.

Is golf an elitist sport?  Does it deserve more respect than another sport?  Do I belong in this sport?

I dress well, follow the rules to the best of my knowledge, etc., but that is beside the point.

"For Respect of the Game" kind of strikes a nerve with me.  Why does golf deserve more respect than another sport?  Like I said before I dress well when I go to the course because I want to, but should someone have to due to "respect of the game?"  I couldn't care less what the person I am playing with wears.  What is the purpose?  Is it a way for golf to remain the "elitist" sport it was in the past?  Is it a way for people to feel that they are better than someone else?

The solution for me is:

1. Do things for the "respect of yourself", not the "respect of the game".

2. Respect those around you.

3. Respect the people that work hard to maintain the course.

In general just respect yourself and those around you.  Not just on the course either.

The notion that golf as a game deserves more respect than any other sport is silly to me.

I, however, do understand that a golfer might require more integrity(due to its self policing) and discipline than other sports.

I would appreciate comments from those who might agree and those that disagree.

Don't hold back, I fully understand that I will likely get some harsh comments.

[Golfingdad]

I don't think 'respect for the game' translates to 'more respect than other sports' like you said.  Respect for the game as I define it applies equally to every sport that exists.  To me, it simply means that you follow the rules and customs of that particular game.  Golf includes certain rules (calling penalties on yourself) and decorum (dress codes at most courses) that other sports don't have.  Respect for the game of football might include things like not going after other players knees, not taking steroids, or others.  In baseball, I would think of things like  not stealing signs or throwing at batters heads.

Respect for the sport (any sport) leads to fairness and sportsmanship.

[NM Golf]

Having competed in several sports other than golf up to the college Div 1 level all I can tell you is golf is different. "Respect for the game" is in no way meaning golf gets more respect than another sport, that is ridiculous. Its just that golf is special. I cannot put it into words to describe it to someone who is new to the game or is not into golf yet.

Its you against the course, you call penalties on yourself, the courses are beautiful, the people are great. In other sports talking trash is accepted and often encouraged, in golf you compliment your opponent when they hit a good shot. You stand quietly while your playing partners play even if you are playing them for money. Golf is just a respectful sport.

I loved playing football and baseball, but golf is a part of who I am.

[Motley01]

Golf is a recreational sport. People just don't go out and casually play football or baseball. Those are completely different sports.

Respect for the game, sure, it's a gentlmen's game.

My always thought in life is, treat others how you'd want to be treated. In golf yes it's more important to act like an adult.

That's why The First Tee program, it gives kids the opportunity to learn good life skills.

[xxsoultonesxx]

Another factor that exists more in golf than any other game is the age of the players. Not gonna find many crabby 70+ year old baseball or football players. Whereas golf is multi-generational. Rules and traditions are kept in tact because the old folks are still on the course with the likes of the Fowler types. It sounds like you have a respect for the game and those resposible for making it available to you. I wouldn't stress out about the old curmudgeons kicking around out there or on these forums for that matter. Go play golf. Wear whatever you want, fix your divots and ball marks and have fun.

[Jmdmbike]

Personally I think you're over analyzing things. All sports have standards and traditions - not just golf - and respect for rules and tradition exists everywhere in life, not just sports. I don't think it's too much to ask that people follow a few basic standards on the golf course. Doesn't make the sport elitist, just civilized, which is part of golf's charm IMHO.

[ajst22]

Golf really is a sport about respect and tradition. The game teaches you rules about respect that you can carry into your normal life. I just think that the game should stay the way it is, and stay a respectful sport (when compared to baseball, football, etc). The traditions such as dress code I personally think are important. I also like to dress up, but unlike you when I see someone dressed in a tanktop, jeans or athletic shorts with a flat hat tattoos and "bling", I just don't like it. Even though my course is semi private, they aren't too strict on the whole dress code thing, and will basically just "warn" you and tell you to dress better next time.

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by ndb8fxe

Is golf an elitist sport?

The solution for me is:

1. Do things for the "respect of yourself", not the "respect of the game".

2. Respect those around you.

3. Respect the people that work hard to maintain the course.

Golf has it roots (at least here in the States) as an elitist sport.  Some of that still permeates throughout the rules, customs and people that play it.  It is both good and bad.  Good in that it expects us to be honorable, truthful and respectful.  Bad in that it sometimes creates a culture that isn't accepting of outsiders, newcomers or people who don't fit the same mold.  It's sometimes too judgmental and too rigid (which again, can be a good thing as well).  If you stick to your list of solutions, I'm sure you'll be fine.

My own way of coping is to just make sure I play by the rules of golf, know the local rules/customs, and be polite and courteous to people I play with.  If they are open to befriending me, fine, if not, then as long as they stay out of my way while golfing, things will be fine.  Ultimately my goal is to not let any of the negative aspects of golf ruin my golfing experience.

Brandon

[colin007]

Golf is NOT a gentlemans game. Its a game for fat old white beer drinking men. At least that's probably 40% of the golfers I see on the course every time I play. And i'm fine with that. Wear Jeans, collar or no collar, swear, drink, I don't care. take mulligans, cheat, whatever. I'll play my way and you play yours.