Conservative, elitist squares Dave Berner and T.R. Massey launch vicious attack against the common golfer on TravelGolf.com podcast

The TravelGolf.com This Week podcast is one of the web’s most professionally produced.

But sometimes even the good shows phone it in for a segment or two.

Such was the case on this week’s This Week. Host Dave Berner and guest TravelGolf.com blogger T.R. Massey attack the true villains of the golf course. Yes, these two grown men make radio magic as they crusade against (drumrollllll): jean shorts on golf courses.

Earth-shattering, I know. I’ve seen O’Reilly Factors with better arguments.

I hope these classy gentlemen feel better about themselves now that they’ve belittled the segment of the sport who weren’t born into families where image and status wasn’t a daily priority.

I’m not faulting Berner much on this - it sounds like he’s kind of half going along with the argument just to fill time on his show. You can’t hit it out of the park every week.

This topic sounds like it was was brought up by Massey, who from the looks of his blog comes from the ultra-civilized, progressive state of Ohio. I suppose dissing the blue collar golfer can be expected from him. Earlier this year, he blogged about the wonderful rankings Ohio received from Golf Digest. Only problem is all those courses are private and of little service to the Travel Golfer. How many Ohio courses in the mag’s public list? A meaty THREE.

I applaud those who show up to the course - whichever state/country that may be - wearing whatever they please. That’s how golf should be. Golf was born as a game for the commoners. So Scotland didn’t have jean shorts when golf was invented. But if they did, you can bet there would be photos of Old Tom swinging around St. Andrews in some “jorts.”

America has turned golf it into a game of status and it makes me barf at least twice a week. The U.S.-Soviet arms race was nothing compared to the droves of grown men scooping up the hottest new gear in hopes of making up for what their sad game can’t bring. They’re no better than the rich, poorly-endowed guy who never leaves home without his Porsche.

A deeper glance into the works of Massey reveals he’s one of “those guys” who wears golf shoes as a spectator at tournaments. There is nothing a $40 pair of Asics sneakers can’t handle walking around a golf course for a few hours. The only thing a spectator and competitor should have similar in their attire on game day is sunblock.

Berner and Massey also condemn wearing hats inside. Look, if I see a sign that tells me to, I take it off. Otherwise, it’s my call - which mostly depends on where I’m at in my haircut cycle. If it’s early on, my hair is short enough I can take my cap off no sweat. If I’m due for a trim soon, removing my hat and revealing the mangled mop underneath … let’s just say it’s far less offensive to everyone if kept that covered. I know the follically-challenged Berner wouldn’t understand this…

I judge a golfer by his score - not his pants. I judge a man at dinner by how he treats the waitress - not his head wear.

Ever wonder why some people feel intimidated about taking up golf? Look no further than Exhibit A: Conservative, elitist squares Berner and Massey on TravelGolf.com This Week.