Across the pond, the British golf clubs are renowned for being polite and civilised, but are they safe?
In the UK the soccer fans have a world-wide reputation for hooliganism and violence has always been high in the headlines. But golf? Golf clubs are seen as places for the retired or the executive businessman. Yet, golfers have a reputation for being wealthy, which can make some golf clubs unsuspecting targets of crime.
Golf clubs raided
In one UK golf club, a greenkeeper spotted what he suspected were thieves casing the scene. Two thieves later arrived in a 4-wheel drive and rammed a Pro Shop, taking thousands of dollars worth of equipment such as golf clubs. Thanks to the greenkeeper, two security guards lay in wait in the bushes and the two thieves were arrested.
Cost of golf clubs
The fact that golfing equipment, especially golf clubs, can be expensive if they are premium brands. For those who are security conscious, there are now unique golf club id services available to help recover your golf clubs if they are stolen. Golf clubs are increasingly a soft target for thieves who can resell them with little difficulty.
Tournament Safety
It isn't just the smaller golf clubs that should be aware of security. Last year, US Open champion Michael Campbell expressed genuine concerns about the security at St Andrews in Scotland following the London bombings.
His concerns were not for his golf clubs and equipment but because of the increasing terrorist threat. An Olympic security chief in Athens said that he was appalled at the shortcomings in security at a recent golf major, increasing the fear.
Scottish police however reassured the public that a comprehensive preparation process is in place at such events.
Golf club assault
Golf clubs can also be seriously dangerous in delinquent hands. In Perth, Scotland, a 17 year-old boy was jailed for 10 years for attacking a schoolboy in the head with golf clubs. The attack was unprovoked as the boy was walking home. He was left with permanent scarring and short term memory problems. The golf clubs caused horrific injuries.
Perspective
It is of course important to keep a healthy perspective on the dangers associated with golf clubs. Golf still upholds its reputation as one of the safest and most civilised games in the world. It is rare that golf clubs hit the headlines in the same way that English soccer does.
