To discover the secrete of its wonderful charm is not the least of the problems of golf. It is a game that encourages the reflective and philosophical mind to close investigation, and so it is not enough for the worthy player that he should take the things he sees and feels for granted, with no questions concerning the mystic influences that seem constantly to brood over the links, and the people who are of them. Each day as we go forward to the game, and in particular if it marks the beginning of a special period of play, we feel these influences strong, and it may happen that for a moment we wonder again as to their cause and their origin.
by Arnold Haulain, Canadian Writer, Belletrist, 1908
Golf is a game in which attitude of mind counts for incomparably more than mightiness of muscle. Given an equality of strength and skill, the victory in golf will be to him who is Captain of his Soul. Give me a clear eye, a healthy liver, a strong will, a collected mind, and a conscience void of offence both toward God and toward men, and I will back the pygmy against the giant. Golf is a test, not so much of the muscle, or even of the brain and nerves of a man, as it is a test of his inmost veriest self; of his soul and spirit; of his whole character and disposition; of his temperament; of his habit of mind; of the entire content of his mental and moral nature as handed down to him by unnumbered multitudes of ancestors.
by Alexander Worth McAllister, 1862 – 1946
The game of golf, correctly played, and correctly means not merely in accord with the rules, but in accord with the true spirit of the game, is a complete philosophy of life, and fortunate is the man who can live as he plays golf if he plays it right.
Junior Golf Magazine, April 10, 1998
Golf is first a sport of integrity and honesty. There are no referees or judges to control the game. The rules and etiquette are consistent and expected to be known and honored. It is a game of respect. It is an activity that parents naturally identify as one providing a set of standards and morals applicable for life-time achievement for their youngsters. In addition, parents see junior golf providing social relations and structures including positive, respected role-models; manners and temperament; experience with their playing peers; emotional control in a variety of situations; acceptance of the personal responsibility of victory or defeat; and a strong sense of the importance of education (and possibly a college scholarship). What a great lifetime sport for juniors to learn to play and learn from.
David Forgan, 1862 – 1931, In a speech given in 1899, he had the following to say in relation to the game of golf.
Golf is a science – the study of a lifetime in which you may exhaust yourself but never your subject.
It is a contest, a duel or a melee, calling for courage, skill, strategy and self-control.
It is a test of temper, a trial of honor, a revealer of character.
It affords a chance to play the man, and act the gentlemen.
It means going into God’s out-of-doors , getting close to nature, fresh air, exercise, a sweeping away of the mental cobwebs, genuine re-creation of the tired tissues.
It is a cure for care-an antidote to worry.
It includes companionship with friends, social intercourse, opportunity for courtesy, kindliness and generosity to an opponent.
It promotes not only physical health but moral force.
A great way to introduce family members, friends, and business associates to the game of golf.
Crowley Golf Gift Certificates include coaching-support and convenient on-line scheduling