GolfClubAtlas.com > Golf Course Architecture
The Scandinavian Secret: Why does Sweden churn out so many great golfers?
RJ_Daley:
Wayne, it isn't so much about the Swedes demographics, specialization,
or other sports alternatives professionally or even recreationally, for Lou?
The obvious fact that Sweden is in no way "underwhelming" in placing a significant number of people on high achievement or rosters of sports they DO participate in, escapes Lou.
It is about his pledge and mission to challenge the use of the word or notion of 'socialism' where ever it is uttered of offered as a rationale for anything... even their achievements in better outcomes and universality of covered citizens in medicine! ::) ;) ;D
Lou_Duran:
Oh Comrade Daley, at the very least you're consistent. But why must you always be so damned WRONG? ;)
I merely suggested that one needs to look beyond one rather simple observation of incomplete data before drawing wide conclusions. I realize that it is hard for you to look at the plethora of facts which challenge whatever cozy notion of how the world works imprinted in your noodle 50+ years ago. I know, Dick, workers of the world unite! Vive le Revolucion! Free healthcare and free golf for all!
Actually, if one wanted to make your argument- that of equating socialism and achievement in sports or is it socialized medicine?- Cuba may actually be a better example than Sweden. Come to think of it, I think you might have in the past. I do understand that it is much easier to immigrate to the People's Diverse Paradise of Cuba than to the Homogenized Monocultured Social Democracy of Sweden. You would probably make a better boxer than a golfer anyways, and there are too damned many filthy rich people in Sweden anyways. If you need some help in moving, let me know.
But all kidding aside, if anyone knows how to get a hold of Eric Franzen, he could provide some real insights. BTW, on the men's golf tours, have any Swedes won a major? What inferences can be drawn from this? Maybe this weekend will be a breakthrough.
Brian Phillips:
--- Quote from: Lou_Duran on April 09, 2008, 07:50:50 PM ---
In drawing conclusions from the linked article and this thread, it might be worthwhile to consider the other major professional sports in the U.S. and elsewhere- baseball, basketball, football, hockey, tennis, soccer, etc. I don't have any evidence, but I suspect that Sweden's contribution to the rosters of these sports may be underwhelming.
--- End quote ---
Lou,
Three of the six sports you mentioned are not really played at all in Sweden or Scandinavia for that matter. Basketball is played but it is not a major sport here.
The success is down to a type of socialism in that no golf club in Scandinavia can be a member of it's ruling body without a certain % of children members.
Junior membership is the norm over here, If i didn't see lots of kids on the golf course over here I would wonder what was going on, it is that normal. I love seeing a four ball of kids carrying their bags that are almost as big as themselves and walking a golf course. No carts for kids in Scandinavia...and only if you have a doctors note from your doctor on many courses I know for adults.
We are doing a design and build at Stavanger golfklubb in Norway as I write (I am living on site) and they have existed as an 18 hole golf course since the 50's. They encouraged junior golf so much that they built their own junior clubhouse right next to the main clubhouse so that the kids would feel welcome and have their own place to have.
Sweden is a very strong sporting nation, especially in winter sports, athletics, football (that sport you guys call soccer and the rest of the world call football), swimming and equestrian sport.
The Norwegian Golf Union and Football Union, now have a rule that 50% of board members in the clubs must be women. The football union only this year stopped those clubs without this equality from voting at the year AGM this year and the representatives from those clubs had to leave the room while voting took place.
It is all about equality...which in the end is Socialism...which also means I get taxed to death but it keeps my wife as she is a communist by heart....
RJ_Daley:
Lou, you are slowing up. It took you over an hour to come up with your spuriously ascribing my statements as a hail to socialism as the reason for Sweden's achievement in sports. It was you that predictably jumped up upon Tepper's mention of 'socialism'. I only pointed out your apparent life's mission to save us from the socialists, no matter the issue or implication. And, as usual, you assumed the wrong spin on the data, saying that the Swedes participation in a list of sports was 'underwhelming'. As anyone knows who follows, from the list you gave, the ones the Swedes actually pursue as nationwide popular sports, they excel quite well, perhaps even disproportionately so. It took Brian the Swede to point out that the concept of equality (of opportunity and facility to participate in sports) whether that is socialistic or just plain in the national psyche to promote fairness and equality of opportunity, really is at the heart of the matter.
One might conclude in the realm of sports achievment: exclusionary-private+cost/class barrier = bad.
Inclusionary, fair and equal access+ affordable and part of national policy trait to promote equality = good.... same with health care, which may actually be related to the health/sports nexis.
And, I really do get the distinction between fear and repression in Cuba, which is no where near the constitutional monarchy with liberal freedoms the Swedes enjoy. I can't imagine why you'd try to pin that on me unless it is from the Rovian play book... ::) ;D
nighty nite.
Sean_A:
Sweden doesn't really participate in all that many high awareness international sports. Hockey, football and golf are the obvious three and to be fair, the Swedes to very well in these sports, especially in hockey. Its my belief that players from Sweden, Russia and a few other European countries have vastly improved the NHL and its marketability - essentially, these guys have created a modern NHL which has gained a true international flavour. I would say that Sweden does much better than one would expect on the international stage. Remember, the population of Sweden is roughly equal (it could be less!) than the population of NYC.
There are other sports which Sweden has done well in the past such as skiing and tennis. And still other sports that are low profile in which Sweden does well in such as equestrian events. In fact, I think horse stuff (I know very little about it, but my seeester in law is into this stuff) is hugely popular amongst females in Sweden. In short, Sweden is sport mad and the government supports this craze whole heartily partly because its more expensive not to when one starts to consider health issues.
Ciao
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version