Greetings Golfers,

Golf is known as being a game of honor. The concept of honor has moved around from a public to a private virtue. And ways of defending honor have bounced from public (a duel) to private (don’t lose your cool).

Yet, the concept of honor has always been based on being the best you can be – rising above our base instincts.

And I believe that being honorable also means being respectful. That means not being a selfish narcissist. In golf that means not being an annoyance to your playing partners.

Being honorable also involves how to treat other people – not just your playing partners. Last week we had two guys who felt entitled to berate our staff because we were mowing the driving range. They yelled at and insulted everyone from the guys working the range to our maintenance staff to our starters.

After their round, I explained to them that their behavior was unacceptable, refunded their green fees, and told them not to come back. They couldn’t believe it. I guess that they’re normally rewarded for such behavior.

But there is hope – here’s a good story. About a month ago, we were hosting a high school golf tournament. One of the players buried his club into the ground next to 18th green. After he finished his round, I confronted him about his behavior. He was surly and unapologetic. One of the coaches witnessed our exchange, was shocked, and relayed the situation to the player’s coach. The coach asked me what he should do. I told him to have the player send me an email apology that evening. He did … it was lame … but I couldn’t tell if it was his attitude or if he was just a poor writer. I responded that it’s a small world, and that his reputation would precede him the rest of his life. And, that he needed to become these 3 things: Strong – Kind – Respectful.

The next night, his coach sent me an email that the player that afternoon had been the most positive and respectful that he’d been in his three years on the team … and that he’d had his best score ever in a high school tournament.

Was this a life-changer for this kid? Maybe. I hope so. But at least it was a wake-up call. And, I’m glad he was rewarded with a good round of golf.

Honor has its own rewards. Golf is a good test of honor. I wish everyone played golf.

Cheers,

Tom Abts

GM and Head Golf Professional

tabts@deerrungolf.com