Are Golfers Really Superstitious?

It has almost become an accepted practice for Tiger Woods to wear red during the final round of a major tournament.

Could it be the greatest golfer in the world selects the colour at random, or at the behest of his clothing sponsors? Maybe the great man happens to prefer red, or is there some other reason? Only Tiger Woods can provide the answer.

It is a fact, golfers throughout the world, amateur and professional, male and female, have idiosyncrasies which they religiously follow, playing in a tournament, a monthly medal or a friendly fourball.

A few years back I caddied at my home club for Gary Wolstenholme, who has played with distinction as an amateur in all parts of the world. Before we started he told me his foible was never to have more than one club out off the bag at the same time.

I followed his instructions—he played superbly and shot 66 & 67!

My knowledge of these peculiar "beliefs" commenced way back in the 1950s in Northern Ireland, when my mentor, Fred Daly, would never refer to "the shanks," but used the descriptive term "The J Arthurs" (J Arthur Rank, a famous movie mogul of the era) simply because the "disease" was too deadly to speak.

I understand thespians will not mention, by word, a Shakespeare masterpiece which they term "The Scottish Play" instead of it's original title.

Maybe golfers are from a similar ilk?

The marketing world has certainly "cottoned on" to this weakness and in recent years, have brought forth all sorts of "gadgets" to guarantee this and that. And all at fairly exorbitant prices, which have been eagerly purchased in the hope the wearer will soon be in Tiger's class.

One of the latest is a pendant containing coils of fine wire and depending on the quality, can range from £10 to over £100 !!! Even leading professionals have them strung around their necks claiming they bring peace and tranquility even during the most strenuous conditions.

It must be remembered of course they are getting paid for so doing!

Just as a final thought: Has there ever been an alternative to "The Yipps?"