A great injustice was righted this past week. Thanks are due to a very good man acting as a very good friend felt it necessary. It is unfortunate that his efforts were not recognized or considered on their true merit two years ago. The cost to our municipal course in dollars is small compared to the lack of decorum that was displayed in the initial assessment of the matter.
Consider a man who spent thirty five years as the head golf professional at an extremely respected and profitable municipal golf course. He served the town as reliably and honestly as any person could be expected to for over three decades. In actuality, he went above and beyond the call of duty in a very many respects. It was he who was first to the course, day after day, pre-dawn. It was he and his family that were ever present with help and assistance, even with after-hour leagues and into evening hours on tournament weekends. Their name was synonymous with golf in the area, as they played many roles, both at the course itself as well as in the golf community at large. Youth programs, state tournaments, professional leagues and amateur events; all benefited from their knowledge and generosity and their unparalleled level of professionalism.
And then consider this: that a man who so caringly served his community would retire and subsequently be required to purchase a membership from that same municipality. A bit of a slap in the face, I’d say. Here he had devoted his career to the excellence of the course and what thanks did he get? None at all, apparently.
This inequity was quickly brought to the attention of the administration but met with strong opposition. How could they compensate other town employees in a similar manner, they countered? What they failed to consider is that the fact that this very golf professional carries with his title a perk, retired or not. As a member of the Professional Golf Association, the presentation of his card at any course will gain him a round of golf, gratis. How is it then, that he would have to pay to play the same course that he nurtured for so many years? This scenario was inconsiderate, at best; shameful, at the worst.
Enter a thoughtful friend and long time golf course member who saw the true disparity of the situation. When the suggestion of a complementary membership was broached and rejected, this gentleman persisted. And last week, after two years and, perhaps, with a more considerate board in place, a membership was granted to the retired pro at long last. No free range balls, though, as if that would cost the town a heap. As it was stated to the board, the balls don’t disappear when hit you know; they are reusable. A matter of them saving face, I guess, with regard to their initial decision. With thousands of members, it wouldn’t seem that adding one more to the mix would have been such a big deal. It does, however, go to show that the real cost of a municipal golf membership is not necessarily the $580-odd dollars; the true cost of this one was honor and well deserved respect.
