Your views on change at private clubs

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 Comments

In his October Editor's Letter, Jerry Tarde took an unusual stance for those of us who've known Jerry as a traditionalist over the years. He argued for change at private clubs, change not to be trendy, but rather so that those clubs would thrive and attract a clientele that lives in a very different world than their mothers and fathers did. Jerry's letter generated a lot of reaction. Reader Jim Devine objected to the idea that some denim, for example, is stylish and should be allowed. "For everyone wearing denim that fits that description, there are ten people who appear they have just come from working in the garden," wrote Devine. One letter, especially, beautifully defended the rules that survive at most private clubs.

Mr.Tarde, we read your views in the October issue of Golf Digest. In case you have forgotten, golf is supposed to be a gentleman's game. The idea that denim should be allowed once again shows how little esprit d' corps there is left in our country. When you are dressed sloppy you act sloppy--just look at our children in our schools. When you keep knocking traditions down then there is no discipline and without discipline, you have chaos. Isn't golf supposed to help teach discipline and manners? Of course it is. Our children are crying for discipline but no one has the courage to give it to them these days. Your recommendation's for change in this area our out of line so hope you reconsider your thoughts here long and hard.

Mr. and Mrs. Elliott Gassner, North Carolina

Jerry replies: Thanks for your email, Mr. and Mrs. Gassner. I certainly respect your point of view, having held it for most of my life. However, I see massive socio-economic change in America that threatens the existence of private clubs. The purpose of my column was not to say every club should concede every point, but clubs need to consider their future and engage in debate over what's no longer relevant. I look at old pictures of golf tournaments from the 1930s and see men in galleries wearing fedoras, suits and ties, and trench coats. Many would prefer that the dress code be the same today, but it's not and I think that a majority realize that there's a tradeoff and in the end golf is better off. Otherwise, it will return to being a game for only a few. I think on this point, we can agree to disagree.

Bob Carney