Characters from the Past

Golf weaves a mischievous spell on all who dare take up the challenge of playing the game and it brings out many aspects of the human character as a response. The following stories of a handful of past, famous players sheds a humorous light on some of these character traits starting with something we are all familiar with.... frustration

Tommy Bolt was a fiery tempered American tour pro from the 50s and one of his more memorable tips for the club golfer was as follows. “When you throw your club in temper, make sure you throw it forward so you do not waste time having to go back and pick it up.” I suppose Bolt thought there were enough Pros giving the hopeful hordes swing tips

Tommy Bolt always took his frustration out on his equipment and it was reported once following a poor “putting performance” in a US. Tour event that he tied the offending club to the rear bumper of his car and towed it down the inter-state highway to the next event. It is no wonder that his nickname was “Thunderbolt”

Being able to accept what the game dishes up is a vital asset. The great Arnold Palmer illustrated this wonderfully well. He was once asked in the press tent after a round how he had managed to take a 9 on the par 4 14th hole. Instead of recalling the tales of woe that usually follow such an incident, he simply replied, “I missed my putt for an 8”.

Another vital ingredient of the great player is self-confidence and inner conviction in their ability.

Arthur D’Arcy Locke, better known as Bobby, was a tremendously talented South African player from the 50s who had his own unique style of getting the ball round the course which prompted some “Expert” once to criticise the position of his left hand on the club. “Yes, I have heard its wrong but I collect the pay cheques with my right hand” was the ground opening reply.

A certain amount of arrogance is essential for any one wanting to be great and the American Dave Hill took it to new heights during the 1970 U.S. Open. He was fined a $100 on day one for referring to the course as a cow pasture. He made out a cheque for $200 and when the tour commissioner queried the amount, Hill responded by saying the extra $100 was for what he was going to say the next day.

The following anonymous quote is as accurate description of the golfer’s condition that I have ever read;

Golf ball: a sphere made of rubber bands wound up about half as tight as the man trying to hit it.