TEMPER, TEMPER

I must admit that I have had a problem with this in the past.  I would periodically toss a club.  VERY ashamed thinking back.  The day I lost a club, made me realize how bad it must be for others.  I was tossing a wedge towards the cart and threw it too hard.  It flew into the woods to never be found.  My playing partners laughed very hard. 

About the same time I read an article about Arnold.  He seemed to have a similar problem when it was a youth.  His mom saw it one day and told him if he ever did it again, he would not play ever again.

I know as men we are competative by nature.  However, the game is suppose to be fun.  Golf truely is how you play the game. 

I don't think there is anything we can do to stop this.  Unfortunately, when they see the high profile players doing this sort of action they start to think it is okay to do it too.  What I think people need to realize is that 1. players should control their emotions and 2. the professionals are playing for large sums of money so their reaction is probably a lot more valid than a 20+ handicap missing a putt.

Although I do not condone this sort of behavior with the professionals, it is more justifiable than your weekend warriors.  I am willing to bet anything, that if you played a casual round with any tour player, that if they hit one of those terrible shots they normally would get upset about, you wouldn't see much of a reaction if any. 

I think people need to remember we are not all professionals playing for large sums of money every week.  A lot of people get caught up "thinking" they are professionals.

P.S.  I would have ripped the kid a new one if I had seen him slam a putter into a green.  That would be the last straw for me, once you see someone ruin a green because of a putt they probably would miss 9 times out of 10 is a bit ridiculous.

i think the problem comes from watching the pros who display this behavior and i don't know if anything other than being hauled off the course time after time is going to change this behavior.

One of the prime examples on Tour of this behavour is Tiger. Just watch the tapes of him at the Open. He even damaged a club he hit it so hard.

BACK IN MY DAY........

Actually things were worse. People like Tommy Bolt and many others would have terrible rages. People would often come to tournaments just to see what he might do.

That said I once had a bad temper in my youth something I am not proud of but do not deny. I still have times when of course things do not go my way but I found it is not worth the effort to display your emotions or let them get the best of you.

When I begin to get angry I think of an old Peter Jacobsen quote I heard a long time ago, "You're not good enough to get that mad."  I think his quote was related to the Pebble Beach pro-am in response to an amateur's behavior.  Even though my handicap is lower than 95% of all amateurs, this is a difficult game.

I do not slam or throw my clubs. It is a pointless act that should be controlled. How can someone enjoy the round if they are tense and irritated by something so trivial.

 I agree that the pros play for a paycheck and might get frustrated. But for TW and others to carry on the way they do is ridiculous. They are after all role models for todays youth like it or not.

I try to keep my cool on the course by reminding myself that this is my 4 hour escape from all of the stress of everyday life. That's not to say a bad putt or mishit won't illicit a quick and friendly expletive from time to time but it lasts for that second and then I move on...usually with a smile on my face.

Kelly, The problem was solved by the owners of the course. The offender was banned for life after he was turned in. His playing partners were put on a 1 year probationary period because they did not turn him in.

Outiger, I totally agree with you. The Pros,Tiger and others set an example and those watching think it is okay to act that way. Money or no money, behavior that is unacceptable is unacceptable in any forum, at home, golf course or at work or play.

I know I've learned to curb my behavior on the course when I saw others reacting to some of my actions.  However, tempers will always be a part of the game as we strive for perfection.

It doesn't help with the best player in the world, Tiger, is shown on TV slamming his club, cursing and everything else he does without any known repercussions

I hear his temper costs him a lot in fines but it is never discussed and made public, I think if it were maybe some of the young kids wouldn't act as bad.

EMKelly0106

I don't think there is anything we can do to stop this.  Unfortunately, when they see the high profile players doing this sort of action they start to think it is okay to do it too.  What I think people need to realize is that 1. players should control their emotions and 2. the professionals are playing for large sums of money so their reaction is probably a lot more valid than a 20+ handicap missing a putt.

Although I do not condone this sort of behavior with the professionals, it is more justifiable than your weekend warriors.  I am willing to bet anything, that if you played a casual round with any tour player, that if they hit one of those terrible shots they normally would get upset about, you wouldn't see much of a reaction if any. 

I think people need to remember we are not all professionals playing for large sums of money every week.  A lot of people get caught up "thinking" they are professionals.

P.S.  I would have ripped the kid a new one if I had seen him slam a putter into a green.  That would be the last straw for me, once you see someone ruin a green because of a putt they probably would miss 9 times out of 10 is a bit ridiculous.

well said

Really, if you're that upset and can't control it, you're just screwing up the next 2-3 (at least) typically in addition to the shot you just missed.  Have to control it to become a better player, and that's what we all want.

Recently I have noticed that a new extended family has played at my course.  They apparently all have the first name F___ING.  For example, many of the people there have yelled that followed by what seems to be their own name immediately after.

I almost think that they would actually be having a better time with their "hobby" if they hung it up and went to the clubhouse.