"I desperately want to do this."
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After reading Larry Dorman's account of Ken Green's return to golf Friday followed by the AP account of Green's future plans, and then just perusing his post round press conference transcript, I'm really glad the Champions Tour policy board vetoed his medical exemption application.
Because this is the kind of positive, life-affirming story that could only happen in the world of golf. Yet it's just too taxing mentally and spiritually for the golfing public and frankly, threatens to overshadow promotional opportunities. Most of all, after reading Green's comments to Jim Moriarty, he would take up field spots that could go to more deserving old cranks.
Green will be exempt until his birthday in July and thereafter he'll be dependent on sponsor's exemptions after the PGA Tour refused his request for a major medical extension. Because of the loss of much of his right leg, he's further limited by the nature of the golf course's terrain. "I could play the PGA Seniors in Des Moines and the Regents in Birmingham but the courses are too hilly," said Green. "I can't play them. So, my only chances are Mississippi and Dick's Sporting Goods and Montreal. Those are supposed to be relatively flat. I'll still get in those. After that (his birthday) it's not in my hands."
**Lorne Rubenstein reaffirms why Green must be stopped by the Champions Tour Policy Board from clogging up fields on the non-exhibition tour, nor must Green be allowed to set a dreadful precedent for future victims of an unthinkable tragedy who have thoughts of medical exemptions to reclaim lost playing opportunities.
He leaned on golf and his love of the game to provide him hope. He wanted to return to competitive golf. Not any competitive golf. Not a skins game with his pals on a Sunday.
No, not that at all. A Champions Tour event on a Sunday, during the last round of the tournament.
That’s where Green found himself in Savannah. He hit two fast hooks to start the tournament, and then settled down to play some fine golf throughout the course of the three-round tournament. The swing coach Peter Kostis had worked closely with Green to develop a swing that would work. Rehab specialists worked closely with him.
The work will continue. Green is a work in progress. At the Legends, he became a legend himself just by teeing it up in the tournament.
