Off the Fringe
I've never really understood why people would rather walk than ride a cart when they play golf. Game of golf can be
a walk in the parkAt some courses, like resort courses, you don't have a choice. But I find it easier to just step up to the starter's office, pay the extra $10 or so, load up my bag, and off I go.
Besides, you can play faster if you ride a cart.
I have to admit I do ride a cart most of the time -- OK, almost every time.
But don't call me lazy.
I still consider myself physically fit enough to play a best-of-five game of racquetball with guys 10 years younger than me.
And beat 'em.
But it wasn't until last Friday that I realized why I could, and should, walk -- instead of ride a cart -- when I play golf.
"This is the last day I play golf when I'm 79," said Jerry Hashimoto.
Seventy-nine?
I asked Jerry if he is giving up the game.
No way, he said.
"I turn 80 tomorrow."
I could only marvel at how someone turning 80 could walk, carry his bag and drink his favorite beverage while playing golf.
Granted, we only played nine holes that day, but upon talking, Jerry said he has also walked other courses, including the hilly Pali course, where he again carried his bag and drank his favorite beverage -- on the first tee and at the turn.
His secret?
"Wine, women and song," he answered.
Jerry isn't the only senior to walk when playing golf. It seems to be the norm with the ones that play the Ala Wai. But I got to wondering, why doesn't everyone do it, walk that is, when they play? Especially guys like me.
Jerry has made me realize that I can.
And you can bet that the next time my buddy Wes and I walk up to the starter's office at the Ala Wai and the starter asks us if we're going to walk or ride, I'm definitely going to say walk.
Three join Hawaii's best
Congratulations to Larry Stubblefield, Chuck Davis and Marshall Garriss.
The trio will be inducted into the Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame April 23 at the Hawaii Prince Hotel in Waikiki.
I haven't met Garriss, but I had the pleasure of playing golf with Stubblefield, and he was one the most cordial players that I have been paired with.
And Davis?
He was the very first player I met who played the game left-handed -- and he was very good at it.
All three have won their share of tournaments in Hawaii -- Garriss was the youngest ever to win the Manoa Cup, Stubblefield is an Aloha Section PGASenior Championship winner and Davis captured the Hawaiian Invitational.
They won countless more titles, locally as well as on the mainland. So it is fitting that they will be included in the Hall with Hawaii's best.
The induction luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $35. Give the Aloha Section PGA a call at 593-2230 for more information.
Star-Bulletin assistant sports editor Randy Cadiente is a once-a-week hacker who carries a 15-handicap. He can be reached at 529-4785 or: rcadiente@starbulletin.com