Golf Has Something Other Sports Are Missing

Is there any place in American society left where decorum and mutual respect remain the order of the day? Yes.

At the U.S. Open on Father’s Day, Lee Janzen and Payne Stewart battled head to head for the prestigious title over 18 holes on one of the world’s most challenging courses. When it was over, and Janzen had won by two shots over his more seasoned rival, the gracious Stewart smiled warmly, placed his arm around Janzen, shook his hand and offered genuine praise for the 28-year-old’s excellent play.

Golf has been criticized for being dominated and controlled by an elite group of stuffy, would-be aristocrats. I say look again. Maybe there is something that golf and professional golfers can teach the greater society about courtesy, good manners, observing rules, respecting tradition, and simply having good clean fun.

RICHARD RIOUX

Stevenson Ranch, Calif.