Golf is still great, but I miss:

The clickety clack of metal golf spikes as you walked on the cart path.

The feel of a perfectly struck persimmon driver.

The TV announcing of Henry Longhurst, Peter Alliss and Ken Venturi.

Walking off yardage distances instead of using a rangefinder.

Watching players who may look like us (Billy Casper, Craig Stadler, Laura Davies and Lumpy Herron) beat all the flat-bellied pros.

Golf fans that were respectful to all players and obeyed “Quiet Please” signs.

Watching “Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf” telecasts.

The silence of the golf course, broken only by chirping birds instead of Wi-Fi speakers.

Standing in the middle of a gallery at a professional tournament and using a periscope-style viewer to watch the action.

Golf courses that smelled like natural grass instead of chemicals.

Playing with your natural swing, instead of trying to copy the touring pros.

Playing a balata golf ball with a big smile in its cover.

The wonderful sound of your irons clanging against each other as you carried your bag down the fairway.

Watching grainy TV telecasts from The Open Championship.

Buying Spalding Kro-Flite golf balls with S & H Green Stamps.

Playing winter golf with institutional-size peach can cups on the greens.

Watching Jack, Arnie, Gary and Lee playing in their prime.

If you’re too young to remember these things, I’m sorry because you really missed out on experiencing some wonderful memories.

Rich Bernstein is a resident of Sun City - Hilton Head. Rich has been experiencing the joy, challenges and frustrations of golf since his selection as the 6th player on his 5-player high school golf team.