I enjoy watching golf on television, especially in the major leagues, but watching tournaments with little history or importance is not that exciting for me. The final rounds on Sunday are a bit more exciting than the other days, but I think the tour needs a shot in the arm with a few different formats. One thing that can generate more interest in the spectators could be a tournament in which the old hickory sticks would be used. Wouldn’t it be fun to see what the pros can do with these old clubs?
I have some old walnut-handled sticks, and every now and then I take some to the field or to the driving range. Surprisingly, I hit the ball pretty well. It’s hard to believe how far some of the players of yesteryear could hit the ball with these clubs. The conditions back then were totally different and more difficult compared to today, but from what I’ve read, some of the players could move the ball around 300 yards. I created a tournament where each player had to use an original grip driver with a wooden handle from a tee. Although accuracy was an issue, some units were in the 280 to 300 yard range. From what I have read and learned, players from that era would have to adjust their swings depending on the weather conditions, as the wooden axles would react differently depending on the weather.
The creation of “vintage” tournaments could generate interest in golf fans and changes in the style of clothing that we see on the course. With the exception of Ryan Moore, who occasionally wears a vest and tie, the current fad consists of the same old-fashioned golf shirt and pants in a different pattern or colors. A tournament using these old clubs and players donning vintage clothing, plus four, felt hats, dress jackets, ties, ties and boots would be a site for sore eyes.
Playing with the old hickory sticks would be a great fit for the players and their temperament. We’ve all seen players slam their clubs against their golf bags, a tree, the ground, and even themselves in fits of rage after a bad shot or putt. Can you imagine what would happen if they did that with walnut-handled sticks? Some of the guys might end up playing with the drivers and learning to play with fewer clubs than they had in the beginning. I can hear an exchange between a player and his caddy asking for his “niblick”, the caddy responds that “we broke that one on hole three, as well as the” mashie niblick, spoon and brassie “.
I think it would be really crazy to have such a tournament. We need a tournament with different angles, excitement to show the talents and personalities of the players. I don’t know about you, but I love watching the FBR Open in Scottsdale, AZ. every year. The crowd comes in and I think most of the players also enjoy the “superbowl” atmosphere. Bring noise, a different format and, above all, professionals who can excite the crowd, to the Boo Weekly who at the last Ryder Cup rode his driver down the street like a children’s wooden horse between his legs, hitting his hip while galloping. If the players are going to be vanilla, we may need a tournament that is not.
Ron …
Coming soon: alternatives to high-priced green fees.
