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Uh Oh

© Bill Howard

This particular situation came to my attention via one of the sports editorial services to which I subscribe. Arnold Palmer is catching considerable flack for endorsing a Callaway driver that is certain to be found in violation of the USGA's equipment standards. Ironically, Palmer has long been the spokesman for that same governing body. He was also one of the first to urge the USGA to ban the "trampoline" drivers when they first appeared on the scene.

When I first thought about this, I was outraged. Palmer long ago surpassed icon status. To the majority of the golf population, myself included, he is a full fledged golf god. Yet here he is advocating lawlessness in a sport founded on strict adherence to the rules. The word blasphemy leaps to mind.

The more I thought about this, the madder I got. "Trampoline" drivers clearly hit the ball further. They are also illegal. One could achieve the same advantage with a non-conforming ball. Or by teeing off from twenty yards in front of the designated tee markers. Or by putting Vaseline on the face of an otherwise legal driver. The rules prohibit all of these.

So I was horrified. At least for a while.

As I thought more about Mr. Palmer's endorsement I realized that he was now roughly 70 years old. A living, breathing, golf legend who has been losing distance off the tee. Apparently, he had tried the club and reclaimed some of his lost yardage. I can't personally relate to the situation, but its not that many years away. My father, were he alive, would be almost Palmer's age. Would I deny him the opportunity to recapture precious yards? No. Would he use an illegal club to accomplish this miracle? Probably not.

But some might. Who am I to say that Arnold Palmer shouldn't alert them to the possibility? They will be alone with their consciences twenty yards ahead of the rest of the foursome. It's easy to say we should play by the rules or not at all. I'm not hitting two woods and a hard wedge into the par fours.

I'll wager that Mr. Palmer thought he was doing his legions of fans a favor. Doubtless, he was unprepared for the firestorm of criticism.

In all honesty, I don't know what to think. But Arnold Palmer, more than most, deserves the benefit of our collective doubt. So, lighten up.