Is the USGA easing out Palmer over ERC flap?
Back when the Soviet Union was the world's most secretive superpower, one of the ways Kremlin watchers would determine who was out of favor was by observing whose portraits were removed from the hallways of the great building. While the USGA says Arnold Palmer will remain as honorary chairman of the Members Committee, it's as if his portrait has been removed from the office walls in Far Hills, N.J., because of his endorsement of Callaway Golf's nonconforming ERC II driver.
USGA president Dr. Trey Holland said Monday that Palmer, head of the committee for 25 years, is still in the fold, but a day earlier Holland told Golf World that, "The December (membership) mailing did not go out over his (Palmer's) signature" and that "the (2001) yearbook listing the committees will not have an honorary chairman for the Members Committee."
Holland, who said he last spoke to Palmer Jan. 5, added: "We have been in an awkward position since October when Mr. Palmer made his comments about the ERC II driving club. Part of our dilemma is that while we have differences on this issue, no individual has done more for the game of golf and no player has done more for the USGA than Arnold Palmer. We are still discussing this with him, looking for common ground."
So what happens next?
"The Executive Committee meets in New York next week," Holland said. "I'm sure this will come up."
Clearly, the USGA doesn't want to split with Palmer, which has the potential to be a public-relations nightmare. But just as clearly, it wants the icon to change his stance on nonconforming drivers. An indication of the ugliness of the situation is that just as Palmer blindsided the USGA with his ERC endorsement, the USGA apparently returned the favor, neglecting to inform Palmer of its action ahead of time.
Palmer, who was en route to Hawaii, did not return phone calls, but a confidant told Golf World: "I have no idea if he is aware of it or not. What you are telling me is news to me." Asked if there was room for compromise, the confidant said: "There shouldn't ever be any dispute that can't be resolved. I know that Arnold feels that way. How (the USGA) feels is up to them."
A second source familiar with the situation said the USGA acted after Palmer posted a position paper on the ERC on The Golf Channel Web site. "They saw he wasn't going to change his stance," the source said.
Asked to comment, Callaway Golf founder Ely Callaway said, "It would not be appropriate to comment until I talk to Arnold. He may not know about this."
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