I read somewhere recently about possible reasons that the US Ryder Cup team doesn’t do as well on international venues. It was suggested that one reason was the “manicured” conditions of the golf courses the professional golfers play here in the US spoils our pros and that they then struggle overseas. Interesting the questions that this begs---for instance how good would the golf swings of the pros look on much tougher, rougher courses?

One of the things that I have enjoyed about the great increase in TV coverage of golf tournaments (much to the dismay of my wife) is that it gives more opportunities to see professional golfers mess up. Not that I am mean or vindictive, but when you think about how we amateur golfers struggle with the game, it is nice to see the pros in similar circumstances from time to time (yes misery loves company). So more tournaments, more pro golfers on the tube means we see more mistakes rather than just seeing the leaders take it home.

This got me to thinking about the golf courses the pros play on. Those courses are almost easy when you look at the level of their golf game. I mean when they are actually aiming at the sand traps sometimes because that is the shot that they want at the green that is telling us something. Should the golf courses be made tougher for professional golf tournaments?

Now also look at the whining you hear around US open time, or at the PGA. The conditions for golf courses at the majors are set up as “more demanding”. Well, according to the commercials you see, “These guys are good”. So why shouldn’t the courses be “more demanding” all the time. If these are “professional golfers”, why shouldn’t it take an effort to be 10 under to win. Aren’t some of these winning scores ridiculous?

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not out to embarrass the PGA professionals. But, doggonit, golf is supposed to be hard isn’t it? Shouldn’t it be hard for the pro golfers as well as for the rest of us? Well that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. What do you “amateur” golfers out there think?