From the Fairways: Missing out on caddies, or carts?

The story is told of the local UAE golfer having played the game for five years travelling overseas to play golf in a tournament. On arriving at the course he was told there were no carts. The golfer replied that he had never played golf without a cart!

Isn't this story a little sad.

The golfer assumed that carts were a vital element in the playing of the game. In the UAE golf has come a long way in a short time but the traditionalist in many of us are disappointed that golf is primarily "cart driven" and a caddie facility is the exception.

Do any of us realise what we are missing?

Firstly, there is the pleasure of walking.

Another point is the safety of carts – especially amongst the youngsters of the UAE. A relevant quote from the respected and now sadly deceased golf teacher and orator, Harvey Penick in one of his notebooks, "In my opinion, no young player can develop his or her game to its highest potential if he or she rides around a course in a golf cart.

"If they are old enough to swing a club they should be walking, strengthening their legs learning to feel the rhythm of the game that simply cannot be learned in a golf cart.

"It's alright for a youngster to ride in a cart with dad or mom and have fun, but youngsters driving around the course in two carts is a sad sight."

With small kids often barely able to reach the accelerator, or is it the brake pedal! – accidents are just waiting to happen.

The caddie option for all is a great one. Imagine going to a course for the first time and being allocated a caddie to help you on your way.

Knowledge of the course, lines of putts and club selection to a yardage and a pin position are far more personal and appealing than a yardage book. In addition he is your friend, a local expert and even a gentleman's valet.

Add to that the occasional anecdote of when your caddie carried the bag around the same course for Jack Nicklaus or another legend and he used a wedge from the same place you used a four wood or was it Jack and Nicholas! All part of the charm and experience.

Golf in the UAE caters for all kinds of golfer – the overseas visitor who will only play golf in a cart, the member and the local player whether young or old, male or female , UAE national or expat.

It is just a shame they all cannot have the choice or opportunity to have a caddie. Referring back to Penick, "Walter Hagen said to stop and smell the flowers while you're on the golf course. This sensitivity is a powerfully alluring and emotional part of golf. You're much less likely to realise it if you grow up riding in a cart."

Perhaps a caddie is a nice option for golfers in the UAE – it is a shame they are not more readily available?