With the game of Golf having a unique power to make the players see red, 4moles.com finds out from its LIVE COMMUNITY if it’s okay to fly off the handle at major tournaments.

 

 

By Priyanka Sen Sarkar

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2007, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson garnered some ‘not-so-glorious’ headlines when he was fined more than $1,000 for damaging a tee marker at the British Open that was held at Carnoustie. Phil Mickelson stirred up a hornet’s nest when he lost his cool in one of the craziest meltdowns at the recently held US Open. Defending Champion Jordan Spieth also failed to keep his emotions intact and lost his temper at the 146th Open Championship.    

 

 

With the game of Golf having a unique power to make the players see red, 4moles.com finds out from its LIVE COMMUNITY if it’s okay to fly off the handle at major tournaments.

 

A few days back when we posted this poll on the 4moles.com community, little did we know that we would invite some interesting numbers.

 

 

 

 

While 60% replied in the negative, a whopping 40% feel that it’s absolutely alright to vent out your ire at the Golf course.

 

 

Interestingly, on our Twitter Community, 88% have voted in the affirmative while only 12% feel that it’s not right to fly off the handle at Golf courses.

 

 

 

 

While we asked our readers to comprehensively share their thoughts on this fiercely debated question (or so we thought), some of our active readers fired back some interesting answers.

               

 

 

Release ‘Golf frustration’, don’t confine

 

 

 

 

A substantial number of 4moles.com readers feel that if you are looking for a long-term association with the game, it’s imperative to get ‘Golf frustration’ out of your system as swiftly and discreetly as possible.

 

 

Ankur S, an active reader from Bangalore, feels that Golf can be at times exasperating and let emotions build in will only lead to further anguish.  “It's definitely not right to throw abuses at high capacity across the Golf courses, but it's certainly important to get it out of the system as Golf is indeed very frustrating. Occasional blowouts are better than concealing the exasperation as this might lead to loss of interest in the game,” quips Ankur S.

 

 

To fly off the handle when things go haywire is natural provided it doesn’t affect others. There’s a distinct borderline on what’s acceptable and what’s not and it needs to be maintained.

 

 

 

Keep emotions in check

 

 

 

 

Most of the Golfing pundits feel losing one’s mind on the course can be simply awkward, uncomfortable and seldom perilous for those sharing the fairways with you.

 

 

Tarun Sardesai, Golf coach and Director of Instruction at Tarun Sardesai Golf Academy at the Zion Hills Golf Country, shares, “I don't think it's okay as this is a gentleman's game. When adults act out on the course, kids who are watching get the message that it is ok to throw your clubs etc. While I understand that it can be a frustrating sport, it’s important to learn to breathe and keep your emotions in check.”

 

When Henrik Stenson demolished a tee marker at Carnoustie in 2007, the instant reaction was that of condemnation from all quarters.

 

 

 

Golfers have a repute for equanimity

 

 

By and large, golfers have a repute for poise – an innate ability to stay calm under pressure. Losing your cool causes your game to implode and self-esteem to wither.

 

Chetan Meda, Director-Marketing at Eagleton-The Golf Resort, shares, “Golf is a gentleman’s game and we play not just for our enjoyment but we should ensure the enjoyment of all the players. It’s a part of golf etiquette not to move or speak while others are taking a swing. Just as life, Golf is a sport which has its ups and downs and making a bad shot should be taken in the stride.”

 

 

Putting a lid on your rage is vital

 

 

 

 

Golf pundits believe that it’s not easy to play once you blow your top. Mental distress wreak havoc on your tempo and focus.

 

 

Akshay Kilachand, Golf Captain, Willingdon Sports Club, says, “Well, I guess the game can be a very frustrating game and one can come very close to losing his temper. But what I have observed is that it’s better to accept your mistake and take the penalty and move on to the next shot instead of losing your cool as that leads to ruining the rest of your round and making it uncomfortable for your fellow players as well.”

 

To conclude, the game we love calls for a different mindset. There’s always tomorrow, and if you keep your cool, your next shot could be the greatest shot you’ve ever hit!