Unacceptable

Two years ago, the Northern Ohio Golf Association took a series of steps to allow every player in our area the opportunity to play in their events, opening up access to all of the private golf clubs of our region for play.

It was a fantastic decision, one met with universal heartfelt gratitude.

But recently, a couple of players seem to be missing what an incredible benefit it is to play in a NOGA event. In any tournament, for that matter.

Yesterday, someone at the Shady Hollow NOGA Flighted 2-M Scramble damaged two NOGA tee markers, for whatever reason.

A flash of anger on a golf course is not unusual. But property damage is unusual, and totally unacceptable. And for that player to not own up to that damage, apologize for it, then offer to pay the costs before leaving the event is inexcusable.

Now, the poor judgment of a player destroying two tee markers is easy to see. Equally unacceptable have been other smaller displays of boorish behavior which I have seen personally, that also needs to be addressed.

But first, let me be clear: the vast, vast majority of players are gentlemen and ladies who act with gratitude and class. Instead, the following comments are directed at the 1% of players who can’t get their heads on straight.

Players need to understand: NOGA is not required to run ANY tournaments. Nor is any other association or golf course owner. They do so as a benefit to the players! So any time a player steps onto the tee at any tournament, every player should THANK the staff who are there running that event. Period.

There should be no complaining about tiny, unimportant things. Instead, there should be thanks and encouragement towards the people who are running the event, so that they enjoy their work and look forward to setting up events year after year.

Look, anyone can have a bad day. And yes, sometimes an issue should be pointed out. But it should be done with calm and grace and helpfulness, not passive-aggressive nonsense or snide remarks. Because every staff member at every golf event are professionals: they work hard and they do their best.

So bottom line: I ask the player who damaged these tee markers to pick up the phone or send an email to NOGA Director Robb Schulze today, to apologize and to make amends for the damage. 440-686-1070 x214 or rschulze@noga.org.

Then I ask all players across Greater Cleveland — who play in ANY event, NOGA or otherwise — to stop complaining! It’s a strain on the people who run these events.

If you are so upset as to how an event is run or how much it costs or what you get, don’t sign up. It will be better for everyone.

We have something great in our region with the number of tournaments available here, and that bounty does not exist in most places across this country. So stop taking it for granted and show some appreciation to the tournament directors and golf course owners who host and run these events.

Because many times, hosting and running an event costs the course or association more money than it brings in.

Remember, a helpful suggestion is always welcomed. A nitpicking remark is not. And anger followed by destruction is most certainly unacceptable, always.

FOLLOW-UP: Aug 26, 2020 — the gentleman who damaged the white tee sign contacted NOGA directly and apologized for his actions. The green tee sign was actually damaged by accident from a golf ball strike. But most importantly, over 100 emails and social media comments thanking NOGA and this website were received from this story. So thank you to players for all of the positive sentiments, they matter!