Golf Rules

Re “A Misbegotten Golf ‘Rule,’ ” editorial, Jan. 16: Rules? Rules? We don’t need no stinking rules! Certainly not in that pseudo-sport called golf. That’s what your compassion-driven editorial about the Casey Martin dispute with the PGA seems to suggest.

I don’t play the game, or care much about it. But it seems to me that there should be some integrity about sports that is not subject to the ill-conceived Americans With Disabilities Act. Sure, rules can change. And some may be misbegotten (like the designated-hitter rule in the American League). But while they exist, they should apply to all competitors.

Compassion is good, but it should not be the basis for policy. What’s next? Moving the free-throw line from 15 feet to 7 feet for nearsighted basketball players?

EDWARD M. YOUNG

Pasadena