It's hard to pinpoint exactly when the "barefoot golf" craze took over, but it feels like some time in the last 10 years. It's certainly coincided with the boom of putting courses, short courses and par 3 courses at seemingly every new golf destination in the country. Guests are encouraged to, after having already played a full round or two on the big courses, literally kick off their shoes, grab a drink, and go roll some putts or hit some wedge shots. Think Pinehurst No. 2, with both The Cradle and the Thistle Dhu putting course next to the clubhouse. Speaking of ... 

Sorry if this offends, but I'm firmly in Martin's camp, here. What are we doing? Is the grass right next to the putting course at No. 2 just a mud room now? Is there a shower head nearby so you can rinse off your nasty feet like you're at the beach after you're finished? We're just throwing socks and shoes down right in front of the clubhouse? Has the game ever been more gone?

Call me a curmudgeon all you want, but this is obscene, and I'd venture to guess Martin and I are not alone in this opinion. I'm all for "earthing" and "grounding," but do it on your own time. Nobody wants to see your feet on the golf course.