In golf, honesty is the name of the game

By Al S. Mendoza

BAGUIO CITY–I am still here holed up for the second straight week holding twin jobs:  As rules man for and journalist covering the 60th Fil-Am Golf Invitational at both courses here.

I said it before and I’ll say it again: In golf, honesty is the name of the game.

Also, as in poker, the one-word rule is observed strictly in golf.

Golf, like poker, is supposed to be a game played by gentlemen.

I cite the above again in lieu of a recent incident last week in the Seniors side of the 60th Fil-Am Golf.

But to be sure, the players involved in the unfortunate chapter of the tournament were not seniors.  They were in the men’s regular of Flights E, F & G.                                             But to save them from ridicule and infamy, I won’t name them.

Somehow, even scoundrels need protection.

Besides, this space is too precious that to allot space for their identities would be utter wastage.  Might even be blasphemous.

To give undue salutation to people undeserving of recognition is to give a snappy salute to any one among the prime suspects in the grisly Maguindanao Massacre.

OK, to finally cite the case at hand.

One player, confirmed to have made a practice swing at the tee box as attested by a flight mate and after due investigation, was cleared of an alleged rules infraction by a rules man.

A rival team objected to the ruling.

Now, listen.

Not once or twice but thrice did the captain of the complaining team argue his team’s stand before the rules man.

Thrice, his appeal was denied.

Not satisfied, the captain went back to the rules man a fourth time with his three players in tow and said, “OK, we now agree with the ruling and we are here merely for academic discussion of the case.”

Over coffee, they had a lively discussion and before parting, the team members all chorused:  “We are enlightened. Thank you for your time.”

Handshake here and there ensued.

You think that was it?

Uh-oh. They came back with a written protest, demanding a written decision on the case.

First time such stupidity happened in any tournament anywhere in the world.

So, their demand had only one destination: the garbage can.

Still, the Tournament Committee members, always teeming with humility, dignified their letter and, through Atty. Louie Sison, replied but merely to acknowledge receipt of the note.

No, in the reply, they were not called poor sport, non-practitioners of palabra de honor – although it was obvious they answer to that calling.

They know who they are.

In shame, they ought to bury their heads in the sands of Camp John Hay and Baguio Country Club.

Sorry, but their kind have no place in such an esteemed event like the Fil-Am Golf.

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