The P.G.A. of America was intolerably rigid back in the 1960's

Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin congratulate each other (right) after halving the final match in the 1969 Ryder Cup. With the halve, America retained the cup. Jack Nicklaus conceded a shortish putt on the 18th green and many Americans, including Sam Snead, the captain, supposedly were not too happy about the concession, wishing to win the match outright. In many minds, it was the best example of good sportsmanship in golf up to that date and since. 1969 was the first year Jack Nicklaus was allowed to play in the Ryder Cup. Can you believe that? Johnny Pott and Dave Ragan played on the 1963 team. Tommy Jacobs and Dave Marr played on the 1965 team. And, Bobby Nichols, Johnny Pott, Gay Brewer and Gardner Dickinson competed for the U.S. in 1967. Up to that date, Jack had won seven major tournaments and thirty total professional tournaments, but the P.G.A. rules dictated Nicklaus was ineligible until he was a member of the P.G.A. for five years.

I can almost forgive the PGA of America for 1963. He only had eight tournament wins and three majors by then. But, in 1965 and 1967? Gimme a break. I know groups, including the PGA Tour and the PGA of America, circle the wagons to protect their own, but, WTF? Look at the biased tournament exemption policies - top 125, major medical extensions and especially how low the new Q-School and Nationwide players are on the exempt list. Look how they over inflate most fields to 156 golfers for pension purposes and thereby guarantee five hour rounds and mayhem if there is a rain delay. Look how they fought (and cried) about the modification to the 70 and ties cut rule (again only for their pensions)?

Bob Kostis, CBS's roving on-course reporter, recently suggested a 10% 'pay cut' for tour players. Now, that is funny! Some of these guys are like United Auto Workers. They would rather the Big Three go out of business before they make any other concessions.

So, here are the three forward thinking past PGA of America presidents during that era. They should be given awards for "Caveman Thinking" over and above normal bureaucracy caveman thinking.

Lou Strong, Illinois, 1961-1963
Warren Cantrell, Texas, 1964-1965
Max Elbin (above), Middle Atlantic, 1966-1968.