When that happens [the demise of golf], old men will…
![“When that happens [the demise of golf], old men will furtively beckon to their sons and, like fugitives from the guillotine recalling the elegant orgies at the court of Louis XV, will recite the glories of Portmarnock and Merion, of the Road Hole at St. Andrews, the sixth at Seminole, the…” quote by Alistair Cooke](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/7d2/alistair-cooke-9876_age_when-that-happens-the-demise-of-golf-old_1053238.jpg)
“When that happens [the demise of golf], old men will furtively beckon to their sons and, like fugitives from the guillotine recalling the elegant orgies at the court of Louis XV, will recite the glories of Portmarnock and Merion, of the Road Hole at St. Andrews, the sixth at Seminole, the eighteenth at Pebble Beach. They will take out this volume from its secret hiding place and they will say: "There is no question, son, that these were unholy places in an evil age. Unfortunately, I had a whale of a time."”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker humorously predicts that older generations will romanticize past golf courses as forbidden pleasures, despite their moral decline
In simple terms: Old men will glorify past golf courses as rebellious fun
Key Takeaway
Remember that nostalgia can mask reality
Themes
nostalgia
rebellion
sport history
cultural decay
humor
Mood
wry
reflective
humorous
Type
anecdotal
satirical
When to use this quote
- Golf clubs
- family storytelling
- sports journalism
- cultural commentary
- historical reflection
Key Concepts
Romanticism
cultural critique
generational contrast
Questions to Reflect On
- How does nostalgia shape our view of past leisure activities?
- What does calling a golf course “unholy” reveal about cultural values?
A Different Perspective
The quote may exaggerate for comedic effect, overlooking genuine concerns about the sport