Some Pondering Questions

Full disclosure: I’m really disguising my opinions as questions! But, the purpose of the questions is to stimulate your thought. See if you identify with some of the ponderings!

• Do you truly enjoy watching golf telecasts on TV?
• Or is it more of a diversion from participating in life?
• Do you enjoy the observational nature of watching golf on TV?
• Or would you prefer the participatory nature of actually playing golf?
• Which is more fun and soul satisfying?
• Do you enjoy the ‘split screen’ or ‘Playing Through’ effect trying to maintain your attention through advertisements on the telecasts? 
• Can you actually split your attention, or does it distract and annoy you?
• Are you aware of the number (and time!) of commercials/advertisements in a telecast……either through ‘split screen’ or separate full length multiple commercials?
• Are you aware of how many actual golf shots are shown in a 2, 3 or 4 hour telecast?
• Do you enjoy having to watch golfers stalk a putt for upwards of 2 minutes?
• Do you get tired of having to watch players stroll (or strut) down the fairway when they could be showing other golfers actually hitting golf shots?
• Do you learn more from watching a golf telecast or actually playing golf?
• Are you getting a bit tired of the obvious pursuit of money in professional golf?
• Do you feel some disappointment that professional golf seems to be influencing and changing the nature of the game of golf? (The game used to be played for the sake of the game and all the personal qualities and character traits that the game can develop in a player).
• Do you miss the days when professional golfers (Arnie and Jack) put the game above themselves?

I have a hundred other ‘pondering questions’ but I think you know ‘where I’m coming from.’ I do realize that professional golf tours, tournaments and telecasts are businesses. I do understand the prevalence of tournament golfers stalking shots and putts that sometimes seem to be ‘forever’ because of the money they are playing for. But, must the telecasts focus on the stalking at the sacrifice of showing more entertaining golf shots?

What is disheartening for me is how the pace of play of professional tournament golfers is influencing the pace of play of amateur golfers, and how the prevalence of the pursuit of money and wealth by professional tournament golfers is changing the nature of the game. After all, it is a game! 

The nature and purpose of games has been personal development, just as a childuses various games to develop and mature. Unfortunately, the game of golf seems to be losing that attribute. Your thoughts, opinions, or pondering questions?

By the way, I am looking forward to watching The Masters telecast in which they show a lot of actual golf shots……with limited commercials! But I’ll probably watch it with the sound off!