# The Rough Stuff explained — Golf Stories

> Chapter companion for Golf Stories by P. G. Wodehouse.

## What happens

The Oldest Member tells a story about Ramsden Waters, a meek man who proposes to Eunice Bray after being paired with her in a mixed foursomes golf competition. On the course, Ramsden transforms into a confident, commanding golfer, surprising Eunice and asserting authority over her and her brother Wilberforce.

## Themes in this chapter

### Gender Roles and Relationships

The chapter explores the tension between Ramsden's meek demeanor off the course and his commanding presence on it, challenging Eunice's expectations of male behavior.

### The Pursuit of Excellence

Ramsden's intense focus on winning the mixed foursomes reflects the golfer's quest for excellence, overriding social niceties.

### Humor and Absurdity

The absurdity of Ramsden's transformation and his stern treatment of Eunice and Wilberforce on the course provides comic contrast to his earlier timidity.

## Character check-ins

### Ramsden Waters

A meek man who proposes to Eunice Bray after being paired with her in a mixed foursomes; on the golf course, he becomes confident and commanding.

### Eunice Bray

A beautiful young woman who learns golf from her admirers; she is paired with Ramsden in the mixed foursomes and is startled by his transformation on the course.

### Wilberforce Bray

Eunice's little brother who accompanies the pair during the round; Ramsden orders him to be quiet.

### George Perkins

A 16-handicap youth paired with Marcella Bingley; considered a weak opponent by Ramsden.

### Marcella Bingley

A weather-beaten female golfer with bobbed hair and strong wrists; she once appeared in the women's open championship and is a serious rival.

## Key lines

> She is a dear girl... a dear girl in every respect. But somehow⁠—I don't know⁠—when I see her playing golf I can't help thinking that woman's place is in the home.

A young man expresses discomfort with his fiancée's lighthearted approach to golf, suggesting that women should focus on domestic roles.

_This sets up the chapter's exploration of gender expectations in golf._

> What we've got to do is to play steadily. Don't try any fancy shots. Go for safety. Miss Bingley is a tough proposition, but George Perkins is sure to foozle a few, and if we play safe we've got 'em cold.

Ramsden gives Eunice a confident, strategic plan for the match, surprising her with his assertiveness.

_Highlights Ramsden's transformation on the course._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters/the-rough-stuff
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/golf_stories_se/chapters