Joining Club Not A Gimme
Judy Bell, who on Saturday will become the first woman president of the United States Golf Association in its more than 100-year history, will create an interesting situation for the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland. That group always has been all-male but it usually grants membership to the USGA president.
“I don’t know what’s protocol,” Bell said. “I do know that I was greeted with open arms last year at the British Open.”
Michael Bonallack, secretary of the Royal and Ancient, said it is not automatic for the USGA president to become a member.
“The only way you can become a member is to be proposed by a member and seconded by two existing members,” Bonallack said. Asked if Bell would be proposed and seconded, Bonallack said, “I would have no way of knowing that.”
Money matters
Appearance money is great for the players but it can cause headaches for tournament organizers. One of the overseas events that offers big money for big names to show up is the Dubai Desert Classic.
This year it falls on March 14-17, opposite the Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando, Fla., a tour stop that benefits the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women.
Among those considering skipping Bay Hill in favor of traveling to the Middle East are Fred Couples, the winner in Dubai last year, and U.S. Open champion Corey Pavin.
“I have talked to some who have expressed their concern as to whether they will play,” Palmer said. “There are some doubtfuls. But no one has told me definitely yet that they are not coming.
“Heck, I played when appearance money was a part of the game too,” Palmer said. “Maybe not the same price as now,” he said with a laugh, “but a price.”
Chip shots
The 1997 Tour Championship will be at the Champions Golf Club in Houston, where it was last held in 1990. The Tour Championship this year will be at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Okla., in October.
Three of the four participants in this week’s Senior Skins Game picked the Dallas Cowboys to win the Super Bowl. Jack Nicklaus, Ray Floyd and Jim Colbert look for the NFC to continue its domination of the game. Arnold Palmer, who grew up near Pittsburgh, picks the Steelers. “I’m taking the spot,” Palmer said about the point spread.