Tournaments Pose Logistical Problems

Before writing his commentary about the attitude of 2 private golf clubs toward hosting a Seniors Tour tournament, Rich Tosches should have done a little research. He might have learned that clubs in the Los Angeles metropolitan area were obliged long ago to drop major tournaments for some very practical reasons.

Foremost among the barriers is logistics. Tosches pointed the finger at Lakeside Golf Club, so let’s use that club as an example. The Lakeside parking lot accommodates perhaps 200 cars. Other than residential streets, there is no available public parking within several miles. How would Mr. Tosches suggest that Lakeside handle the “upward of 50,000 spectators” (his figures) who would attend a Seniors Tour event?

If that were not a sufficient deterrent, consider the damage to a carefully maintained golf course by the trampling of thousands of feet (high heels included) for 4 days. Full recovery could be a matter of weeks or months. Member-owned golf clubs are operated for the benefit and enjoyment of the members and not for profit. To charge outsiders for the use of their facilities would be in conflict with their nonprofit status.

How long since you have heard of a tour event at El Caballero, Wilshire, Bel-Air, Annandale, Hillcrest or Los Angeles Country Club? Sure, the L. A. Open is coming up at Riviera.

Riviera is privately owned and presumably operated for profit. Riviera also is uniquely situated to cope with large galleries.

JACK JOHNSON,

Van Nuys