By Ron Sirak April 5, 2009
Dear Mr. President:
Not that you don't have a lot on your plate already, but I know you like sports, both as a participant and as a fan, and I thought I'd drop you a line about a game I love -- golf. You see, my game is under attack right now, most of it unfair and all of it a shortsighted action that can sabotage the health and well-being of the country we love. Let me explain.
The matter leapt to the forefront because many professional golf tournaments are sponsored by companies from distressed areas of the economy, particularly automotive and financial services. What's overlooked is that these tournaments are not boondoggles that waste corporate money but rather well-spent marketing dollars that also contribute greatly to local economies.
These critics overlook three things essential to the business model of professional golf:
• PGA Tour and LPGA tournaments generate more than $150 million dollars for charity every year. And that does not include the millions donated by charitable foundations created by individual players.
• Tournaments pour millions of dollars into local economies. And among those industries struggling right now are hospitality and travel.
• Sports marketing works. Corporations sponsor golf tournaments because it generates business, creates exposure and establishes a hospitable atmosphere for networking.
Anyway, I don't really want to talk to you about professional golf, Mr. President. I want to discuss recreational golf -- the fun, healthy activity being damaged by those trying to paint the game in a bad light. You play golf, Mr. President, so I know you understand when I say ours is a sport that nurtures not just the physical heart, but the spiritual one as well.
I couldn't help but admire that swing set at the White House you got for Sasha and Malia. And I absolutely love the fact that you can see the girls playing on it from the Oval Office. That is way cool. As a Dad, I totally get that. I also love the fact that you want the girls to get out of the house and be physically active. That's why I have this suggestion.
Get Sasha and Malia into a First Tee program, the initiative to get more kids involved in golf and to teach them life skills through the game The First Tee in Washington D.C. is at Langston Golf Course. And hey, is that putting green President Eisenhower had installed still on the White House grounds? Get a golf club into the girls' hands and take them out for a little chipping and putting.
From what I have read, I know that among your many challenges -- one that matters greatly to you -- is to be both a great President and a great father. Here are three reasons why I think golf can help you with both (You've probably noticed by now that I am a list-maker).
• Fitness: Obesity is a problem in this country, and childhood obesity is epidemic. Now I know that those who don't play the game like to portray golfers as a bunch of lazy slugs. And while that stereotype is not completely without merit, it doesn't have to be the case.
Mr. President, call on all those who can to get out of their carts and walk when they play golf. As part of your effort to reform health care, an emphasis must be placed on preventative care and exercise is a big part of that. A round of golf is a five-mile walk. Let's encourage people to do that.
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