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Footnote Reviews
, May 29, 2013
(view all comments by Footnote Reviews)
The ancient game of golf, which was 'discovered' by the Scots, is a pleasant and sociable exercise for men, and occasionally women. They can enjoy a bracing four or five hour walk in the fresh air, often in beautiful countryside, then have a couple of drinks in the clubhouse with their chums. There, they can discuss the length of the huge putt they holed, or the extraordinary drive from the 7th tee, or the rabbit that stole their ball on the 10th green. This is all part of the bluffing or bragging that is essential for some not so good golfers, though occasionally good golfers also need the odd excuse.
The many aspects of golf are chronicled here, from the rules of the game, to the tools of the trade, to the sublime / ridiculous forms of attire, to the handicapping system, and most importantly, the course and clubhouse etiquette.
Professional golf has altered the game in many ways, enabling nondescript sportsmen to become millionaires seemingly overnight, thanks to the excessive prize money handed out at tournaments. At least tennis players have to a run around and sweat a bit for their pots of gold.
The toughest bluff is for a lady to gain entry to a golf clubhouse, let alone play a round of golf on the hallowed greens! I am told it is not so difficult in the 21st century, though there are still pockets of resistance, and so there should be. Men need somewhere to be together, in a safe environment, so they can brag and get drunk together after the game, if indeed they bother to play a game at all.
Try not to judge golf until you have given it a go, you may just enjoy it - I know I did.
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