The Association of Golf Club Secretaries recently held its conference at St Andrews University. A full report appears elsewhere but there was a major surprise in the final session when delegates were given the opportunity to raise their own ‘hot topics’ with representatives of golf’s ruling bodies.
A surprise answer was given to a question from a Swedish delegate who asked if there was any hard evidence to support the requirement for plastic in place of steel spikes in golfers’ shoes. Gordon Child (British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association) said that evidence was now appearing to show that the latest high-grip plastic spikes did more damage to the putting surface, causing greens to become bumpy. If the turf is healthy, he said, steel spikes did no harm to the grass. An American delegate pointed out that there were some 500 court cases pending in the US where golfers were claiming for personal injuries they attributed to the enforced wearing of plastic spikes, which had made them slip.
“Golf Business News” would like to know the views both of golfers and of those charged with the responsibility of looking after golf courses. Tell us what you think about plastic spikes – contact us on the special “live” e-mail link (see above). Let us know whether you are viewing the subject as a player or as someone in the business of providing golf facilities (or both!).
We shall produce a report on this subject which reflects the comments we receive and publish it on this site by the end of July.