Worldviews: The Rules Guy
We Are All Playing Golf on Very Different Courses
The previous blog in this series provides an overview of what it's like to play golf from a Red Power-Dominance Worldview. That world is explosive, self-centered, and impulsive. In the cultural evolution of humans, the Blue-Traditional world emerged in response to these attributes, providing a structure beyond power, around which society could organize itself.
Blue: Traditional (aka The Rules Guy)
The traditional world is very structured, organized around authority, with everyone having a role to play, and everyone following the rules so that the community can maintain itself and perhaps even prosper. Larger communities are organized around governments and laws, smaller communities follow their leaders, and families follow the matriarch or the patriarch without question. The Roman Catholic Church is a clear example of a Traditional community, following the supreme authority of the Pope, and the members of the church maintaining tradition under threat of excommunication (i.e., forced exile from the community). 1950s America was the epitome of Traditional culture, organized around the whims of the father and enforced with spankings, curfews, and early bedtimes. University Golf and sports teams are often organized similarly. Team members follow their coaches, and no one questions their authority or decisions or the rules of behaviour set out by the coach (e.g., no eating at 7:00 pm, 3 gym workouts a week, etc). This is the worldview where “respect your elders”, "The early bird catches the worm", "The Lord works in mysterious ways," and many other common sayings come from.
In our own individual development, young children are very emotional beings and sometime around the age of 2 or 3 years, tend to go through what is referred to as “the terrible twos”. This stage is characterized by tantrums, mood swings, and resistance to parental guidance. The child is making a pass at the Red Power-Dominance world and exploring the limits of their personal power. Just how much control do they have over their parents, and can they get what they want whenever they want it? This attempt to dominate through tantrums needs to be reeled in with appropriate boundaries and feedback as to what is appropriate or not. They are now being taught the rules of how to be a “good boy/ girl” and what it takes to be a functional and contributing member of society. They are being taught “the rules” for “their role” in the family/ community/ religion/ society.
This “role” dynamic is very important in the Blue-Traditional worldview. This is a pre-individuated state - individuals are not thinking for themselves yet - but rather learning how to be a “good person” (man or woman, daughter, son, etc) according to the vision and values of the family or community they are being raised in. One “looks at themself” from the outside, based on how they believe others are or will see them, and acts according. You can see this dynamic being reinforced in some of our cultural myths, for example that that Santa Claus “knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness’ sake. It can lead to a feeling of being watched all the time. It’s important that you act like (i.e., play the role of) a good person, even if you are stifling more primal impulses on the inside.
In golf, the accepted authority is the USGA or R&A, with rules etched in the Rules of Golf book that must be followed to be a ‘good golfer’. It’s in this context that the Blue-Traditional player brings a very different vibe to the golf course than the Dominator. In one sense, he or she is not an individual but an emissary or representative of “the tradition of golf”, and that the traditions live on and are passed on to the next generation. There is a lot to be said for respecting tradition and following the rules of golf, but it can be rigid (remember the black and white thinking that characterizes this worldview), as if they want you to play as if your Saturday morning round is part of the PGA Tour. Players who live this way excel at quoting the various rules that apply in any given situation. This definitely has its place, but the complete embrace of tradition can take the fun out of the game and stifle the urge to experiment or adapt the game to modern culture and times.
There is another dynamic about “roles” that can play out in this worldview. Some individuals embedded in this worldview will often do things because it’s what is expected of them. Their father was a golfer, they have been playing since they were a child, and even though they love basketball better, they are accepting the golf scholarship and career path to the prestigious school their father went to. Respecting your elders and doing what is expected of you is part of your identity and training. At its extreme, your life is not about you; it's about fulfilling your obligations to your clan and playing your role so that the collective is happy and well-functioning. This perspective is right next door to the sacred, where you see yourself as wanting to be a part of something bigger than yourself. A professional golfer embracing this worldview tees off not merely to win, but to affirm their place in a timeless lineage of great golfers, proving their mettle, their worth, and their stature; to be remembered as amongst the best that have been.
A person playing from this worldview reveres the game and sees that there are right and wrong ways to do things. Unlike “Impulsive Red”, nudging your lie on bad fairways, “Winter rules”, and “gimmies” are off the table, even on casual weekend golf with your buddies. The strict adherence to rules and traditions risks turning golf into a joyless chore, while most people are just out to have fun. Physical and mental strain can creep in from over-focusing on etiquette, clothing choices, and constantly judging and being upset with others for not following the “rules of golf”.
The real limit shows up when strategy or innovation is considered. Over-relying on classic methods can neglect modern innovations. Is anchoring a long putter to the chest really cheating? What about one-length clubs or bottom-weighted irons? And do we really want pitching wedges that go as far as 7 irons used to? Is it fair that someone can buy RFID golf balls and never lose them in the bushes or long grass (A typical “Orange-Innovator” move, as we will see in the next addition to this series)? Where do we draw the line on innovation? By default, the Traditional golfer says “no” to any innovations. While this worldview keeps us tethered to the strong base that built golf into what it is, this type of player might need to consider golf’s evolving nature and the fact that we have not used feather-stuffed sheepskin golf balls nor hickory-shafted clubs for over 100 years now.
Players That Exemplify This Worldview
Jack Nicklaus: Nicklaus’ career was marked by respect for golf’s traditions, meticulous preparation, and adherence to sportsmanship. His disciplined approach and reverence for the game’s history (e.g., honoring Augusta National) align with Blue.
Tom Watson: Watson’s commitment to golf’s etiquette, respect for its institutions (e.g., the R&A, PGA), and disciplined play style reflect Blue’s focus on order and tradition.
Ben Hogan: Known for his rigorous practice routines and perfectionist approach, Hogan embodied Blue’s discipline and respect for the game’s technical and moral standards.
Arnold Palmer: While charismatic, Palmer’s respect for golf’s traditions, fan engagement within the bounds of etiquette, and role in upholding the PGA Tour’s values place him in Blue.
Butch Harmon (coach): Harmon’s structured coaching philosophy, emphasizing fundamentals and discipline (e.g., with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson), reflects Blue’s focus on traditional methods and authority.
Books That Exemplify This Worldview
“Golf Etiquette” by Barbara Puett & Jim Apfelbaum: A go‑to handbook detailing the unwritten rules of golf—proper attire, pace of play, course care, playing through, and respectful behavior on the course. Emphasizes courtesy, order, and maintaining harmonious group play, which mirrors Blue’s respect for standards and social cohesion.
“The Spirit of St. Andrews” by Alister MacKenzie: Written in 1933 and “found and published in 1995,” this book, by the architect of Augusta National, explores golf’s historical foundations, guiding principles, and the ideal of a true golf hole, and gives us a sense of the traditional culture as it was embodied back then. MacKenzie advocates that golf “promote[s] the health, pleasure and even the prosperity of the community,” placing the game above profit and ego —a hallmark of Blue’s sense of collective purpose and moral order.
“Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf” by Ben Hogan: Hogan’s classic focuses on disciplined, rule-based swing fundamentals, aligning with Blue’s structured worldview. The goal to master golf through tradition and the purpose to uphold its legacy reflect values like discipline and duty, offering a timeless, orderly approach.
Worldview Snapshot
Worldview: Views golf as a disciplined practice bound by rules and historical etiquette. Embrace and deeply appreciate golf’s rich history and traditions and historic courses. Team-affiliated players will have a strong rivalry with their competitors, but more in the spirit of tradition and gamesmanship. It’s important to respect the elders of the game and play your part in keeping the traditions alive.
Goal: To play golf under strict adherence to traditional rules and etiquette.
Purpose: To uphold the legacy and order of the game.
Motivations: Sacred order, moral duty, collective stability.
Interpersonal Dynamics: Hierarchical loyalty, deferential respect, judgmental correction.
Values:
Discipline: Valuing structured practice.
Order: Prioritizing rule-following.
Tradition: Honoring golf’s heritage.
Duty: Embracing responsibility to the game.
Fairness: Seeking justice in play.
Strengths
Promotes Fairness and Integrity: Strict rule adherence ensures equitable play, building trust among players and preserving golf’s reputation as a game of honor - e.g., calling penalties on yourself without witnesses.
Fosters Discipline and Consistency: Structured routines (like Hogan’s drills) yield reliable improvement, helping players master fundamentals and perform under pressure in team or tournament settings.
Strengthens Community Bonds: Honoring roles and traditions creates a sense of belonging, as seen in club rituals or rivalries that celebrate shared history rather than raw competition.
Weaknesses
Inhibits Spontaneity and Joy: Overemphasis on rules and etiquette can make casual rounds feel like audits, draining the social fun and turning buddies’ outings into tense, dry experiences.
Stifles Innovation and Adaptability: Resistance to modern gear (e.g., forgiving drivers) keeps players anchored to outdated methods, potentially hindering improvement and enjoyment in an evolving sport.
Encourages Judgment and Isolation: Constant enforcement of “proper” behavior can alienate less serious players, leading to interpersonal strain, withdrawal, or alienation from less serious groups.
Common Phrases:
“That’s not how we do things here.” (Rules and fairness)
“Honor the game above all.” (Honor and Tradition)
“Play your part, and the rest falls into place.” (Roles and Duty)
“Tradition isn’t optional—it’s the foundation.” (Rules and Tradition)
“A place for everything, and everything in its place.” (Rules and Order)
Summary
These first two worldviews - The Dominator and The Rules Guy - are clearly present on our many fairways around the world. The proportions will likely change depending on the region of the world one looks at (and even within countries). I suspect that these two worldviews are not as common now as they were in the early to mid-1900s. In the past 70 years (since Traditional values dominated the modern world), thanks to our rapidly changing world, many more worldviews have become available to us. Views that we take to the golf course with us, whether we are conscious of them or not.
The next two installments of this series will cover what is likely the most common worldview right now - The Orange Optimizer (aka Tech/Data guy). Then the less common, but growing (especially as the Boomers age out of direct play), is the Green Relational - Community guy.
After these, we get into what’s called the 2nd and 3rd Tier, which cover the most recent, much more complex, and leading-edge innovations in the mental game of golf - Teal Deconstruction Guy, Turquoise Insight Guy, and last but not least, Transcendent Zen Guy.