As I reflect over the last few years, it is ironic that I find myself tapping on my computer at an ungodly hour in the morning, unable to sleep and excited for what the future may hold.
The game of golf is one that we all love, however, once again, we appear to be at an inflection point where indecision and inaction becomes a moral question in terms of our collective custodianship of the game.
I was once certain that my view on all things golf, based as it was on a sound understanding of the professional game, equipment specifications, a competitive zeal verging on maniacal and a desire to tick off as many trophy links and resort golf developments as finances would allow. My lack of tolerance and patience levels with other golfers whom I deemed to be less proficient was particularly legion!
Over the past few years I have disabused myself of many of these former certainties, trying to view golf through the eyes of different stakeholders both inside and outside the golf space. I may sometimes get it wrong, however, I am trying to be more inclusive in my thought processes...the effort continues.......
Those of you that have been following my recent ramblings may have gleaned that I have been on an adventure of sorts both actual (in the case of my timely trip to Australia in January 2020) and existentially in terms of my evolving view on what is and indeed has been important since kolf/kolven’s beginnings (that descriptor will really get up the nose of any Scottish readers).
I have come to the conclusion that a collective eyes up moment is necessary to push back against ‘progress’ and ‘growing the game’. We owe it to ourselves to question what we actually know and whether these beliefs are rooted securely or may just be held through a specific prism of our own game and experiences. There are people who will continue to, as blogger Richard Pennell so beautifully penned recently, ‘Stay in their Lane’.
Don’t get me wrong, these individuals are happy out with the status quo, the herd mentality, wash, rinse, repeat...and more power to them. This cohort is somewhat unreachable (unless you are Acushnet, Golf Digest, Sky Sports/CBS (delete as appropriate)). They may also hold absolute trust in the amorphously named ‘them’ or ‘they’ - committees, governing bodies, broadcasters, regulators and the professional game. However, something may be ‘rotten in the state of Denmark’, as a result of a lack of considered debate.
Issues such as the wider impact of technology on the game (particularly at the pro level), commercialisation/vested interests, participation challenges, poor course design decisions, echo chambers, the erosion of an actual golf media, the a lack of any real level of introspection, pathway development for new players, substantive and meaningful equality for all, environmental sustainability, an apparent threat to public golf (in Canada, USA and Australia at the very least), change management, and community outreach are but a few of the challenges and indeed opportunities that currently face the game.
Some of the aforementioned subjects may not be too sexy, however, in an age where we seem to crave ever smaller soundbites and are flung headlong into a social media space that amplifies and often reinforces our pre-exiting opinions. Critical thought in a post truth society is at risk.
As a counterpoint to the above, we hope to introduce you to fellow golfers who are passionate about the game, experts in their particular fields, who may just introduce you to an idea or question that could inspire you in a different direction.
At this point I certainly do not have many answers, however, I’m pretty sure that by casting a wide net around the world of golf, I am in a position to facilitate a discussion with some of contemporary golf’s sharpest minds. These people are golfers, superintendents, course designers, writers, historians and thought leaders who you may never have heard of......to be fair you will also know some of them. All have some form of contrarian, counter intuitive view, selected for your delectation, entertainment and hopefully enjoyment.
It is for this reason that I have resolved to launch the Firm and Fast Golf Podcast, where, with the assistance of a motley crew of expert guests, we aim to explore various topics within the golfing realm in order to better understand and appreciate the evolution of our game. It’s not about us, it’s about them....
Through sharing stories we will hopefully share knowledge and hopefully further assist you along your own golfing journey. In flagging the launch of this adventure we are pleased to announce that future guests will include the following masters of their craft:
· Michael Clayton – a renowned former professional golfer, commentator, golf architect and podcaster extraordinaire
· Author Bradley Klein
· Frank Casey Junior – Director of Golf at Rosapenna Golf Resort
· Clyde Johnson from Cunnin Golf Design/Rennaisance Design
· Historian Roger McStravick – expert on all things St. Andrews
· Andrew Thomson - Japan based son of ‘5 Times’ (Peter Thomson), Hickory Golf advocate and our Japan golf correspondent
· Performance Coach Karl Morris
· Matt Mollica from the Rollback Alliance
· Australian based Golf Designer Harley Kruse
· Sandy Jamieson from the 1club
The list above is but a wee sample of the guests that we hope to introduce you to.
We are all of course entitled to experience golf in whatever form we so desire, however, every now and then a bit of introspection is healthy, collectively this is not generally something golf is great at!
Questions abound, such as loss and lost opportunities, status quo, tradition, lost generations, public access, sustainability, learning from mistakes, understanding the customer (that means members too), what really matters, eyes up or eyes down, fun, interest, progress (but at what cost?).... the possibilities are frankly endless.
You can think of our little ‘collective’ as people who are travelling on a road less travelled, sherpa’s if you will, our aim is to bring you with us on this adventure. You may only travel with us to the first base camp, however you may decide to stay and travel onwards.... destination as yet unknown, free-form and as yet undefined.
We can promise you truth, honesty, hopefully a giggle or two and a desire to ask questions in order to uncover the unknown unknowns ..... You don’t have to agree with us all the time...in fact I would be disappointed if you did.... if we can inspire just one person a week to view their golfing journey slightly differently, then we have made a positive contribution towards our collective understanding of where the game has come from and where it may be headed.
You are very welcome on board the train that is The Firm & Fast Golf Podcast....calling at all stations to ....well who can tell....it’s about a journey, not a destination.
Yours in golf
Shane Derby
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The Firm & Fast Golf Podcast can be found through all usual channels (once apple have approved me) and at our website www.firmandfast.golf , also through Twitter and Instagram. We really do hope you enjoy the journey!
The link to the show is now online on our site, we really do hope you enjoy it!