Opinion : Arguing the Case for Golf

Golf is called a sport of grass, oxygen, light and friends. You can walk on grass and have a small chat with friends, while enjoying fresh air and the sun. The number of amateur golfers in this country is estimated to be around 3 million as more people find some time and money for the costly leisure activities. There are 165 golf clubs open nationwide, but it is still hard to get booked for weekend courses. It is much more expensive to play golf in this small country than the U.S., Europe and Southeast Asia. Besides, golf has been considered a leisure activity for the rich since it was first introduced.

And there are three kinds of people who hate golf. First, housewives left alone at home hate their husbands` love for golf. Second, environmental activists believe that golf clubs cut down trees and use too much pesticide. Some, however, see golf courses as well-arranged greens and say that 70% of the country is still covered with mountains. If there were not golf courses in Yongin in Gyeonggi-do, those areas must have been occupied by tall apartment buildings. Thirdly, there are people who see golf courses as a place for behind-the-scene deals. Former president Kim Young-sam was among them and urged government officials not to visit golf clubs when he was in office.

Since President Roh took office, the number of government officials playing golf has declined. Lee Yong-seop, head of the National Tax Service, said that he would stop playing golf since it was hard to pay his due for a golf outing. Kim Dong-geon, Justice at Seoul District Court, told judges at the district court not to play golf with lawyers. It must be a good way of relaxing after exhausting work to play golf on the greens with friends. The rub is that some lawyers use such occasions as a chance to make their cases. In fact, a judge had to resign after it was revealed that he played golf with a lawyer involved in his case and was treated with nice food and drink.

It is hard for even high-ranking government officials and judges to pay for a golf outing because fees are expensive reflecting hefty taxes and top-class facilities. Instead of charging too much for food and green fees, golf clubs could let players drive their carts and carry some hamburgers and drink as in the U.S. That way, they will not have to worry about losing clients whenever a new president took office.

hthwang@donga.com