anyone else tired of the old farts?

[brianfrench]

Nicklaus was my god, with Watson, Trevino, et al the pretenders.
But after one more British Open, and dozens (hundreds) of videos of his last Master win, Watson's chip ins, Hogan's Alley, etc. and way too many falsely nostalgic comments from the commentators about the great old days, I'm tired of it.
Jack and they were great. But GIVE IT UP...
Todays golfers are way more fit, far better trained, and there are far more great ones today than at any time in the past.
THESE are the good old days and spare me the crotchety comments from the old farts and Tom Watson drawing diagrams on how to play a hole at St. Andrews. And please, no more shots of tears while walking across the Swilcan Bridge for the last time.

[Leftygolfer30]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

Nicklaus was my god, with Watson, Trevino, et al the pretenders.
But after one more British Open, and dozens (hundreds) of videos of his last Master win, Watson's chip ins, Hogan's Alley, etc. and way too many falsely nostalgic comments from the commentators about the great old days, I'm tired of it.
Jack and they were great. But GIVE IT UP...
Todays golfers are way more fit, far better trained, and there are far more great ones today than at any time in the past.
THESE are the good old days and spare me the crotchety comments from the old farts and Tom Watson drawing diagrams on how to play a hole at St. Andrews. And please, no more shots of tears while walking across the Swilcan Bridge for the last time.

Why don't you just use your remote and change the channel?

[par72]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

As a youngen I kinda appreciate the rich tradition and histroy of the game.

The fact that it is still so revered and the great players of history can still walk the same course as the greats of today, I find quite cool.

[torontodude]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

are you in a bad mood?

[northernpro]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

different game..in different times...but still must get it in the hole in
least amt of strokes...

[mpare]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

BrianFrench, I could not disagree with you more. Golf is the only game in which the connection between the present and the past has more than nostalgic meaning. Senior golfers can, on occasion, still compete with younger ones. Watson's performance at last year's British Open is a good example.

Professional golf has maintained its link with its past and, more importantly, the past has maintained to some extent a living presence with the here and now much to be benefit of both its fans the the new crop of golfers. Why is this of any significance? Because it reminds all of us of the many contributions that were made by the previous generation. We are reminded of: their many skills (they worked the ball in a variety of ways a lot more than today's pros - Trevino is the best example); their respect for the game, and their respect for each other and the fans. In short, golf's past acts as a constant reminder to its present that this is a game played according to the rules by individuals with class.

Many of us who have followed this game for decades appreciate the evolution of the game and recognize that while many of the younger golfers have undoubted physical skills, they still have a lot to learn about winning consistently under pressure, something that Nicklaus, Trevino, Watson, and Player to name just four could certainly do.

[laps]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

I love the tradition and history of golf, but Tom Watson is becoming annoying. I was surprised to hear that he is only 60, he looks, walks and talks like an old man of at least 75.


When i watch the British Open I want to watch that tournament and hear of the players competing that week with just a minimal amount of nostalgia thrown in. If we want a retrospective on some of the old guys there is always the History Channel.

I am also fed up with the staged pause and the wave on that bridge at St Andrews.

[dekker]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

unfortunately or fortunately,depending on your mood, golf lends itself perfectly to the long good-bye.
That old bridge at St, Andrews reminds me of the mythological river Styx. Once crossed you never come back, except on the Golf Channel.

I look at all the old farts playing those early morning games, I know they'd rather be out there, in-spite Cialis, till they croak.
These same old crackers, keeping the drug companies and golf courses afloat, are our fathers without whom we might not be playing.

Now as for old tour players. They shoot horses don't they?

[brianfrench]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

Good one, Dekker. I brought this up with a golf buddy who is the most optimistic guy I know - if I were ever in a prison camp he'd be happy if there were maggots int he rice - and he agreed.
It's not the guys themselves - Bear, Watson, Miller, etc as much as the fawning golf announcers and producers who come up with these sentimental videos (Old Tom Morris impersonator with the brogue, etc.)
I love golf history and have a pretty good golf library and respect everyone who has played the game well under a lot of pressure. But spare me the syrupy videos.

[ace in the hazard]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

I totally disagree. I'm remember watching those old guys with my Dad and that's an important part of the game for me. This is a little too similar to your thread on "Worst Job in Golf" about a son caddying for his father...starting to sense a pattern here??

[Ignatius Reilly]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

I love the tradition and history of golf, but Tom Watson is becoming annoying. I was surprised to hear that he is only 60, he looks, walks and talks like an old man of at least 75.

When i watch the British Open I want to watch that tournament and hear of the players competing that week with just a minimal amount of nostalgia thrown in. If we want a retrospective on some of the old guys there is always the History Channel.

I am also fed up with the staged pause and the wave on that bridge at St Andrews.

I too want to watch live golf more than retrospectives - US tv loves the sentimental stuff (it makes watching the Olympics unbearable). And don't get me going about that horrid music at the Masters - too much syrup, not enough pancake there.

When I was younger, I thought the sentimental wave at the bridge was crap. I bunch of wizened old farts waving pathetically after a mediocre round. Then I got older, got a bit wizened myself, and watched the great golfers that I'd grown up admiring take their turn waving from the bridge. And I loved it. In another 20 years we'll be watching Tiger, Phil, then maybe Fowler or Villegas if they have long careers. Everyone young gets old and will retire - and I think for golfers, your final time at Augusta or St. Andrews must be pretty special.

Why do you think Watson is annoying? The guy has an incredible resume, and last year's Open was the sports story of the decade. (or nearly was...)

[Petedv]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

Nahh ... you don't bother me ....

[johnha]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

You guys actually watch that much golf? I thought it was just a cover for an afternoon nap, like baseball or football.

"Sorry honey. I'd like to get the garage cleaned, but the Open is on..."

[Pingnut]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

I feel ya.. whenever they do a big special piece on one of the old dudes - when they could be showing golf at one of the majors, I tune right out.. All the Nicklaus stuff was the worst.

[par72]

Re: anyone else tired of the old farts?

So is this the site you tell your wife you are on while watching porn?

You guys actually watch that much golf? I thought it was just a cover for an afternoon nap, like baseball or football.

"Sorry honey. I'd like to get the garage cleaned, but the Open is on..."