Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player at the 1970 British Open
During the 1970 British Open at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player were seen mingling with the locals. This contrasted with the current trend among modern professionals who prefer to stay in their own world while traveling. At Royal Troon Golf Club this week, most players opt for their own tented, triple-deck hub with various amenities, avoiding the clubhouse and choosing to rent houses with chefs instead of mingling with the outside world.
Back in the day, players like Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player enjoyed chatting with locals and meeting old friends at various venues. Club members and staff at the Marine Hotel in Royal Troon have fond memories of interacting with golf legends like Palmer and Player. Nicklaus once humorously interacted with a hotel staff member who was sent to fix his phone, mistaking him for a painter. Another staff member recalls leading Gary Player to his room and Player offering to speak to the staffer’s father. Seve Ballesteros, during the 1997 British Open at Royal Troon, also interacted with hotel staff, leaving a lasting impression.
As time passed, the demeanor of professional players started changing. By the 2016 Open, players arrived in private planes with their own healthy meals. This shift reflects the singular focus of modern players on their golf. This trend is not restricted to professionals but also extends to amateur players striving for ranking points, sometimes appearing too serious and exam-oriented.
While interactions like Bryson DeChambeau’s engaging “dimpled chit-chat” with the audience provide some light-hearted moments, it’s genuine smiles and expressions like those of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy that truly resonate with fans. The evolving attitudes of players, both professional and amateur, indicate a potential shift towards a more self-focused approach to the game of golf.
