In The Wood
The U.S. Supreme Court slammed one right down the PGA's throat Tuesday, ruling that Casey Martin, who has a disease that prevents blood flow to his right leg, has a legal right to ride in a golf cart in PGA tour events. Martin ruling opens
up a Pandora’s boxThe ruling does not necessarily stop with Martin, despite PGA Commissioner Tim Finchem's optimism that it does. The commish may wear a crown when it comes to decisions within the PGA, but the Supremes -- the long-ball hitters in the black robes -- called this one and it could mean plenty of trouble.
For example, can other players with degenerative diseases or players with a bad back such as Hal Sutton ride? And perhaps Paul Azinger may have been helped by a cart when he returned to the tour after battling cancer. And what about pregnant women?
I go along with wizened Golf Guru Keith Tanaka, owner of Roots and Relics, where the faithful flock to his Queen Street shop to buy, sell and trade new and used golf equipment. Even Keith, in all his wisdom, says he has struggled with the Martin situation and flip-flopped on it many times. But he concludes the PGA made a big mistake and should have let Martin use the cart, rather than letting the case reach the courts."It was a no-win situation for the PGA," Keith said. "To play with that handicap is terrific. To keep him out does not promote the game."
But having the court rule opens a Pandora's box. "His was a unique situation. I think the PGA made a big public relations mistake," Keith said.
ONWARD: Retired Army Col. Billy Olds manages the Rancho Mirage Country Club in California. Billy proudly says he is the only Native Hawaiian managing a private country club.The Hawaii Golfers of Southern California Club held a two-day tourney at Rancho Mirage last weekend. Finishing 1-2-3 were: Hank Patao of Hilo, Joe Kauanui of Honolulu and Ray Komine of Hilo. Executive Chef Romy Abelon of Lanai cooked local food for the isle group.
Others with isle roots who have checked in with Billy and golfed at Rancho Mirage include: Jesse Sapolu, Dan Saleamua, Merv Lopes, Hal Okita, Darren Akana, Hugh Yoshida, Jim Donovan and John Olim. Sunbeam Beamer, sister of entertainer Mahi Beamer and golfer Sonny Beamer, lives in the area.
ACE OF ACES: Society of Seven leader Tony Ruivivar fired his first hole-in-one last Sunday on the 160-yard eighth hole of Mauna Lani's North Course, using a borrowed 5-wood. He was playing with SOS members Bert Sagum, Gary Bautista and Ray Guerzo. Tony was feeling bad over the May 9 death of his brother, Francis, and had to be pushed to play. The ace lifted his spirits. He bought lunch for his group and the following foursome of Fran Kirk, Ron Lee and Marvin and Susan Ling.
Ben Wood, who played his first round of golf at Ala Wai
50 years ago, vows to learn how to play the game well even if
it takes another 50 years. E-mail him at bwood@starbulletin.com.