06 Oct It’s a crying game

The unleashing of frustrating innocent cries on the driving range is not new to me, and there’s no need to ask what it was that was disturbing those poor golfers, as I’ve exhausted all necessary options in the past to stop the suffering.

As time has passed, my reaction to these poor crying souls has also changed accordingly.

Golfing cries of despair have become a ritual once desires were not fulfilled; the harsh reality of a discovered a new world by testing the reactions of poor golf teachers, has become ‘part & parcel’ of the today’s golf coach.

Classic tantrum displays are usually played out on the premises of a golf course or driving range. Cries of pain to get that perfect swing or shot are refused to be heard, and these unfortunate golfers have the tendency to lie down on the fairway, bawl and create a scene.

Strange as it may seem, the golden rule is not to feel embarrassed when witnessing such a scene. Experienced PGA professionals use a firm yet normal tone when attempting to explain to the game’s newcomers, that this is completely normal in the game of golf.

If the crying persists we simply walk away and don’t pay attention to their tantrums. I’ve repeated this tactic many times. It seems too trivial, but this is a major issue when learning the subtleties of our noble game—-on course, tantrums are prone to come from those successful in their own realms & professions, and who are used to getting their way. Unfortunately the golfing Gods will fail to appease, and their reaction will never change regardless of any prayer or pleas of salvation.

Sadly, the experienced PGA golf coach has become afflicted with sharp pains in the arse when confronted with one of these wretched individuals. The physician’s prognosis is normally a spinal disc herniation leading to pinch nerves as a direct result of having to comfort these golfers for extended periods.

This ritual occurred nearly every time they played or practiced. PGA professional’s patently guided them toward good results, painstakingly explaining after every shot what was right and wrong. However, their all paying a heavy ‘mental health’ price for this.

The condition of the distraught PGA Professional, although very serious, has because the talk of the clubhouse, as he can’t walk for extended periods due to the extreme pain in that embarrassing ‘tender & sensitive spot’—- which in turn frequently robs them of sleep. Please be compassionate and kind toward these poor individuals!

REMARK: This article was originally published by the Bangkok Post on the 6th of October 2011.