Now some grumpy parents want to change the golf ball to stop the big kids from hitting bombs on the t? What a load of garbage. I know there are many purists out there who feel that golf has become too easy because the clubs and balls have been designed in such a way to make the game easier. Golf is a hard blerrie game; ask any weekend golfer who tries his best to break 100, so that easier manufacturers can make it more likely that more people will play and take up the game. And…
Now some grumpy parents want to change the golf ball to stop the big kids from hitting bombs on the t?
What a load of garbage.
I know there are many purists out there who feel that golf has become too easy because the clubs and balls have been designed in such a way to make the game easier.
Golf is a bloody hard game; ask any weekend golfer who tries his best to break 100, so that easier manufacturers can make it more likely that more people will play and take up the game. And that means more money in the end for everyone involved in the game.
I digress.
Now it seems that the PGA of America and the R&A want to bring in new rules that would allow certain tours and competitions the right to force players to use balls that would not fly until now. We are talking about a ball that will travel about 20 to 30 meters less than it does now.
Change course set-up
I think it’s garbage. Yes, bigger hitters sometimes have an advantage off the tee, but not always. Golf is still a game about accuracy.
And if the authorities of the game want to make it difficult for professionals (I say, the proposed ball change is only for pros, not amateurs) there are other ways to stop the ‘bomb’.
Because it is almost impossible to extend the established course, the authorities can make the fairways narrower, grow hard, add bunkers and water, and make the pin positions tighter than they are now.
These changes will make big hitters think twice about pulling over their drivers every time they hit the road.
But even so, golf is about entertainment and everyone likes to see big drives and booms. It’s fun to watch and the players definitely get a kick out of it. I said leave the balls as they are!
Dan van Niekerk
Well, I didn’t see this coming. It is with sadness that we learned this week that former Proteas women’s captain Dané van Niekerk has ended her international career.
I all know he is upset and angry about not being able to get selected for the T20 World Cup, because of the time trial failure (which I think is ridiculous) but retiring from international cricket at the age of 29 seems a bit drastic. .
Van Niekerk is a world-class cricketer and surely still has a lot to give. The Proteas would be worse off without him.
But, that’s his decision and he’ll have his reasons.
Finally on this matter, I was surprised to read about Van Niekerk being called a “fat-shaming star” by Fox Sports in a story they did about player retirement.
Van Niekerk rightly questioned the title in a Twitter response, saying, “Excuse me?? Fat shame?? Are you serious??”
Great Fox Sports!!
Knight of cricket
And now there is also no top-class cricket in Bloemfontein after the Knights were this week relegated to Division 2 in South Africa’s domestic cricket structure; this after two seasons of average to poor results leaving them last in the First Division points table, in all competitions.
This is very unfortunate for the province and Bloemfontein, which has produced some good cricketers over the years.
How does this affect promising school children; will they stay in Bloemfontein and play cricket there or look to go elsewhere, as many rising rugby players have done, after the death of the Cheetahs.
I fear for the future of the top class of Free State sport. Bloemfontein has great schools, great tertiary education facilities and a lekker city but sadly for all sports fans there is little to cheer about now.