The Masters

www.masters.org is inviting people to share their ideas about growing the game of golf.  I think that's great, especially coming from an organization that for so many decades was one of the leading offenders in the realm of racism and sexism.  I do believe that the winds of change are beginning to breezily flow through the immaculate fairways in Augusta.  I welcome the kinder, gentler approach to the views of outsiders.  I posted my ideas on the site and just in case they don't appear, here they are for my faithful readers to ponder and share:

"Truly embrace diversity.  Most people in the golf establishment will have politically correct public discussions about diversity being a good thing, but talk is cheap.  There are very few minority executives in golf companies and the photos of leaders at most country clubs are all white men over the age of 55.  Participation in golf is literally dying away.  Golf courses and companies cater largely to their 'core' golfers, which is codespeak for those older white guys that talk a good game about diversity but don't actually play it.  The answer is not to be found from the bottom up, that is, pouring money into youth programs so the guilt of racism can be assuaged.  The answer is to be found from the top down, that is, to invite Blacks and others to fill executive positions, board seats, vendor relationships, memberships and other roles in the business of golf.  The systemic problems of golf being the last bastion of racism and classism have to be cured in order for the game to grow."