HOW about them Rainbows? Tigers’ drive brings
golf to forefrontThey pulled off the biggest victory in University of Hawaii basketball history with a 76-65 shocker over No. 2 Kansas. The win -- Tuesday night in the final of the 34th Rainbow Classic -- came in front of a sellout crowd of 10,300 at the Special Events Arena and a national television audience.
Nothing comes close to rivaling the victory, not even the glory days of the Fabulous Five.
I was so ecstatic that, in a moment of delirium, I told Rainbow coach Riley Wallace that he didn't have to give me strokes in golf anymore. Which means I have to brush up on my game, even though Wallace doesn't touch his clubs during the basketball season.
Now how's that for segueing into my favorite subject?
I need to sneak in comments on golf because Dave Shapiro, the managing editor, groans when I write about my favorite pastime. When he groans, let alone whisper, I listen.
He's as bad as Kim Yong-sam, the outgoing South Korean president. They both think golf is a four-letter word. Kim said "no golf" to his cabinet members when he took office four years ago. Now Kim's out on his ear, which should teach him a lesson. Doesn't the guy know golf is a presidential thing? Hasn't he ever heard of Bill Clinton's love of the game?
MANAGING editors aren't elected, so I have to walk softly when I'm carrying my Big Bertha.
The last time I devoted a column to golf, I got an admonishing note from Shapiro: "Keep writing about golf, I'm going to rename your column, 'Golf Watch.' "
I politely reminded him that he has written more about his dog, Bingo, than I have on golf. Will he call his column, "Dog Watch?"
I thought it was a funny comeback. He was not amused.
Anyway, I have a legitimate case for beginning the New Year with a column on golf -- it was the biggest sports story in the nation in 1997. And that figures to carry over into 1998, thanks to Tiger Woods.
He was the first golfer to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year in 26 years. Not even Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer have won the award.
Woods earned it not only for his success on the golf course, but because he made golf a crossover sport.
Golf reached unprecedented popularity in 1997 as Tiger became one of the most talked-about sports personalities in the world, rivaling Michael Jordan. Tiger's impact was even felt here when he appeared in the MasterCard Grand Slam on Kauai.
AND it's because of Woods that the PGA Tour was able to secure a $30 million TV package that shook up the tournament calendar. Starting in 1999, Hawaii will host two major events, including the Mercedes Championship at the Kapalua Resort on Maui.
However, Tiger's presence doesn't just affect those who play golf for a living. He also has heightened the awareness of those who play the game and those interested in taking it up.
Many people have the wrong idea or attitude about golf. They fail to see that it's a sport that requires athletic regimen, but can be played recreationally.
Only a select few can make a living at it. Then there are the championship-caliber amateurs. But the majority of golfers, myself and Riley Wallace included, play it for fun and fellowship.
Oh, golf can be challenging at any level. Frustrating, too. But it's the greatest game. And the 19th Hole fellowship afterward isn't bad, either.
Anyway, how about them Rainbows?