NAMES IN THE GAMES : Resignation Paying Off: Watson

Tom Watson said today that his resignation from the Kansas City Country Club to protest its discriminatory membership has resulted in positive reaction nationwide.

Watson’s resignation late last year from the private club where he learned to play golf, prompted the club to change its mind about the membership application of Henry Bloch, co-founder of the nation’s largest tax preparation firm, H&R; Block. Bloch is Jewish, as are Watson’s wife and children.

“I think that’s a very positive step,” Watson said of Bloch’s acceptance last month. “I’ve gotten letters from all over the country and the world from people coming to Kansas City. It’s been heartwarming.

“I hope there’s been a significant change,” he said. “I think there has. . . . I hope this has made Kansas City re-evaluate its prejudices and look at what they are inside.”