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I am reminded periodically just how selfish people can be. These reminders always bother me but they bother me most when they come from those who already have much and simply want more.

Human nature is a curious beast. It is amazing how a little bit of talent can sometimes build within some people expectations of preferential treatment.

I recall some members of our national cricket team seemingly being of the opinion that they did not need to turn out for training. Goodness knows how they reached that opinion but there you are, a little bit of talent and they think they can call the shots.

As I see it, Coach Logie should have first booted them well into the next week and then disqualified them from continuing as team members.

The Bermuda Golf Association is working hard to provide opportunities for its better golfers to have increased exposure to competition, both locally as well as internationally. A local golfing programme is currently being redeveloped that will include annually six major national tournaments, six individual 18-hole medal events, together with a few other events aimed at a broader cross-section of the BGA membership.

Fine tuning this programme will take a little while but 2010 should see the roll-out of this renewed programme, no doubt with one or two warts.

Over the years, monthly medals have been a steady offering by the BGA but for the past several years they have not been properly supported by our better golfers.

Monthly medals held anywhere other than at Mid Ocean or Port Royal struggle to get a decent field. Bermuda's so-called better golfers apparently do not find it worth their while to play in the medals when they are not at MOC or PRGC.

This attitude needs to change. Going forward, the BGA will be expecting Bermuda's better golfers to play in its events, wherever they are held.

Bermuda's better golfers need to take a good look inward at themselves and realize that they have a responsibility to participate as much as they can in Bermuda's golfing activities.

Cherry picking just the best golf courses is just plain selfish.

The BGA will also be seeking opportunities for increased international competition, especially now that golf has been readmitted to the Olympics.

As and when opportunities are found, the BGA will hold a playoff to determine the representatives that will be sent overseas. These playoffs will be scheduled such that the greatest number of qualified players will have the opportunity to compete in the playoff.

At no time should a playoff be scheduled to suit any one golfer, however good that one player may be. A bit of a no-brainer really or at least it should be.

At the end of the day, the reality is this: There isn't any room in any sporting programme for players who think they deserve special treatment. In my opinion, the example set by the BFA a few years ago in banning a player who walked off the field demanding to be paid, is a good one to follow.

Eric 'Hav' Trott is a spokesperson for the Bermuda Golf Association.[[In-content Ad]]

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