New Formal Finish in Golf

While waiting to hit my final shot into the green at a beautiful Japanese golf course two years ago, I witnessed the Japanese group ahead of us finish their putts and go directly to their bags. There was no handshake or doffing of caps to bring closure to a glorious match in a wonderful setting. They departed the green directly to the clubhouse. Odd since this avid golfing nation has great traditions like having to wear a jacket in the clubhouse and a mandatory (and delicious) lunch between nine’s. Is this our own new normal? I always take my hat off, shake hands with my comrades with a warm smile and say good match. This is a tradition that will be altered now. Will it be an elbow bump? Reach out with a golf club for a pseudo-shake to maintain 2 metres of physical spacing? A quick nod to each player with furrowed brow? This surreal coronavirus era has allowed me to wonder what things we took for granted will be seen now as a privilege rather than a right. Hopefully we can sit at the same table in the clubhouse and hoist a pint without using a megaphone.