Sir, – Intent on stirring up some midsummer mischief, Malachy Clerkin, in the midst of all the fun, might have given some consideration to the fact that golfers, like snooker-players, have to address a static ball and concentration is facilitated by the absence of distracting noise or movement (Tipping Point, July 10th).
Other sports make similar demands on spectators. Snobbery has nothing to do with it, and common civility generally ensures that spectators and players respect the requirements and rules of the sport. Indeed, golf should be lauded rather than ridiculed for its encouragement of civil behaviour.
Golf was bound to suffer in difficult economic times. Nike just jumped on the golf bandwagon at the wrong time and was tumbled into the dirt by the recession and the fall of Tiger Woods. Golf needs a large expanse of high-maintenance terrain and relatively expensive equipment, therefore it was bound to suffer a loss of popularity in difficult economic times.
Of course, golf would be much more exciting if rival players could exchange a few fair shoulders when they meet on the first tee, question each other’s parentage and give a sneaky butt of the shaft in the ribs while walking down the fairway or “hook” an opponent in mid-swing. Great fun altogether, but not the answer to golf’s problems, I’m sure. – Yours, etc,
DENIS O’DONOGHUE,
Killarney,
Co Kerry.
Sir, – Malachy Clerkin refers to the expected etiquette (not his word) expected of the attendees at golf tournaments as reminiscent to the standard rules of a Victorian library. Has he forgotten the common courtesy accepted by all when a penalty or conversion attempt is taken in a rugby union match? Has he forgotten the same silence expected at a snooker match? We are now enjoying Wimbledon and this competition has its own unwritten rules regarding audience and player participation. Can we expect a similar dissection of tennis players and supporters? – Yours, etc,
LIAM CLARKE,
Ballinteer, Dublin 16.
Sir, – Could Malachy Clerkin have possibly been referring to the elderly when he speaks of “clubhouses filled with old farts”? – Yours, etc,
KEVIN McLOUGHLIN,
Ballina,
Co Mayo.