Martin Dempster: Golf leading the way in trying to raise sporting spirits

It’s not golf as we know it and God only knows what mess some clubs are going to be in at the other end. But, once again, our great sport is showing that 
it is second to none in so many respects.

Some of the books found in Martin Dempster’s attic and now set to be showcased rather than hidden away.

Through messages, videos and photographs, the golfing world has led the way over the past week or so in the sporting world in trying to keep spirits up in these unprecedented times due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Like many others, I had been hoping my local golf course would be a safe haven over the coming weeks, having felt comfortable there in the couple of games I played before the virus really started to take its grip in the UK.

Initially, I could also see why some people felt that our one piece of permitted “daily exercise” might well have included a game of golf, but quickly agreed with the decision that led to golf courses throughout Scotland closing en masse.

In decent weather at the weekend, they would have been rammed with people desperate to get out in the fresh air and, quite frankly, the sport shouldn’t be in a position in which it could have been open to criticism at a time when so many lives are being lost around the world.

So shame on the selfish individuals who ignored the lockdown guidelines to sneak on to some courses at the weekend, with players being spotted out at Craigmillar Park in Edinburgh, as well as two of the municipal courses in the capital, Carrick Knowe and Craigentinny. I also believe the lockdown was flaunted by a couple of “old boys” at Linn Park in Glasgow.

If it was down to me, anyone caught playing golf at the moment – and the likelihood is that the offenders are not golf club members – should be handed a lifetime ban from the game once we are back up and running again.

Yes, these are depressing times for golfers, especially those who get out for a regular game, and, of course, the disappointment about being denied that opportunity is being added to by a) the weather getting better and b) the light nights coming in.

But saving lives is all that matters right now, so, for the time being, we all need to be patient and get that golfing “fix” in another way. For some, that will be sitting in front of the TV and enjoying re-runs of Ryder Cups, Solheim Cup, Opens and other majors. I’m not at that stage yet, but Perfection in Paris - the 2018 Ryder Cup – is on the planner for when that time comes.

So far, my “enjoyment” in these unprecedented times has come from social media, where highlights have included Padraig Harrington’s coaching tips – Bob Torrance will be looking down from heaven with a smile on his face – Soren Kjeldsen’s impressions of some of his fellow players and a brilliant message from some of the European Tour’s top players paying tribute to the NHS.

It’s been great, too, seeing people dig out old photographs after being encouraged to post their favourite golfing memories, an example of one good thing to come out of this horrendous situation around the world being that it is actually making people stop and take a chance to reflect.

On Saturday, I climbed into my loft and discovered it was a golfing treasure chest… to me at least. I had forgotten about suitcases and boxes that contained golf books and programmes, the pick of which was from my first visit to the Open Championship at Turnberry in 1977. Never again will that collection be hidden away in the loft. In truth, I had gone up there to find one thing in particular, namely a modern version of the Arnold Palmer Pro Shot Golf game, which I just loved playing as a kid, and, once I’ve got the bits of fairway and the green flattened out, will be rekindling those memories.

As for what the future holds, you really do have to fear for some golf clubs and, though easier said than done when people have other priorities, here’s hoping that members stick by their clubs.

I love my local club and can’t wait to get back there. Once I do, I will be spending more time with friends and family in the clubhouse because that, on reflection, is something I have neglected to do in a busy life, but will make that time and effort once the world returns to normal.

Here’s hoping others have been having similar thoughts about our golf clubs and their role in local communities.