Letters

Local pros do more than just golf

I read with interest the column by Mr. Bergum (Don’t discount area pros based on short trend, July 24). I am sure there are many readers that have wondered why our local pros are seldom in the final pairings of the Rosauers.

As Steve pointed out, the majority of the final day contenders are full-time teaching pros. This means they do not have to open the shop at 5 a.m. or help with the after-closing cleanup. It also gives the teacher pro ample time to play every day, even going a few days early to play the tournament course.

In contrast, our local pros are responsible for opening, closing, making sure the restrooms are clean, helping take tee times, being a part-time marshal and full-time public relations person. In addition, we expect these same people to be full-time family members.

In summary, I think we are fortunate to have “golf professionals” working our local shops and not “PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS.”

Frank Knott

Spokane

We love you, Edgar, but …

Regarding John Blanchette’s article (Aug. 10) on the retirement of Edgar Martinez, I am in agreement that Edgar holds a special place in the heart of Mariners fans, and for the most part has been a class act, but I do think he has a tarnished halo.

In the last weeks of the 2003 season and much of this year he has been selfish. Last year when he was insisting on playing with an injured toe, he hurt the team. And when he returned this year he has continued to be a drag. Sure, there have been the occasional bright moments, but he definitely cannot see as well as he used to and, when he does get a hit, he can’t run. Also, he does not have the defensive value that John Olerud had or Bret Boone has.

I think Edgar’s choice to stay in the lineup and management’s decision to keep him in because of his popularity have hurt the team. He should have retired last year.

Janet Salomone

Spokane