Columnist Peter Benton: Van de Velde shows he’s a good sport

Peter Benton

Wednesday, July 21, 1999 | 9:38 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Golf and golfers never cease to amaze me.

Being in this business, visiting local courses, renewing old friendships and making new ones (along with listening to many tales of woe plus some so grandiose, they stretch the bounds of one's imagination), makes me realize that the depths of emotions displayed by golfers is like viewing a microcosm of life in general.

During these forays I invariably also hear and/or witness bad sports who pout and carry on if they miss a three-footer for a $2 Nassau; those who throw a tantrum over a poor shot and even those whose inability to control their emotions seems to necessitate the tossing of an odd club or two.

Poor sportsmanship and temper tantrums, both on and off the course, have always annoyed me.

That is no doubt why the French golfer, Jean Van de Velde, whose 18th hole collapse cost him the coveted British Open, proved to me that he is indeed a true champion.

How can you not admire a man who had to be totally heartbroken with his devastating loss, yet who could offer these comments:

"Don't be sad for me, I made plenty of friends because a Scottish man won on his home soil, so at least that is something.

"Yes, I blew it on 18, but there are worse things in life. Some terrible things are happening to other people. This is only a golf tournament."

Bravado? No, I don't think so. The impression I received from this classy sportsman is that although indeed disappointed with his final hole performance, he realized it was, after all, just a game and life should be kept in perspective.

Incredibly refreshing, and it would indeed be nice if some of our excuse-laden prima donnas (both amateur and professional) would take a page out of Van de Velde's book and realize that although we like to win, golf is just a game and losing is not the end of the world.

* JUNIOR CLINIC: Junior golfers are reminded that there will be a free clinic at TPC at the Canyons on Wednesday, Aug. 4.

Trick shot artist Dennis Walters will host an exhibition and for the first 100 to register, a gift bag plus food and drinks will provided.

For information, call 256-2000.