Columnist Peter Benton: Takefuji Classic put on a great show

Peter Benton

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 | 9:29 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Our second Las Vegas LPGA Takefuji Classic has come and gone, and although there has been some rather negative press regarding this tournament, I personally believe it was a huge success.

Despite the fact that the weather -- particularly the final day -- was not as cooperative as it could, or should have been, some truly outstanding golf was witnessed, and ...

Despite the fact that some of the top women players were not in attendance, (which no doubt affected the gate,) several young amateur players, such as UNLV's Sunny Oh and 15-year-old Florida sensation In-Bee Park, although perhaps not filling the void, proved to be huge crowd favorites, and ...

Despite the fact that the eventual winner, Cristie Kerr and runner-up, Seol-An Jeon, went into a seven-hole playoff, it was terrific to see how many die-hard fans remained for the exciting conclusion, and ...

Despite the fact that the general populace of this town is apathetic and lazy, this event will fortunately be back next year.

Lets face it, sporting events of any kind, with the possible exception of motor sports and the UNLV basketball program (particularly when the Rebels are winning) have a rather dismal record and have invariably met the same, sad ending -- basically because of the aforementioned apathy, lack of crowd support.

Again, despite the disappointing crowds and less than appealing weather, the second of three contracted Takefuji Classics here in town -- covered extensively it must be stated, by Japanese television stations -- was great for our city. One must assume that the sponsors, along with tournament director, Jim Webb, were satisfied -- if not delighted -- with the result of this tournament, which was played over the spectator-friendly Las Vegas Country Club.

The full field of many of the world's most talented female golfers were here to entertain and show off their skills -- which they did in no uncertain manner -- and in addition, both pleased and impressed those in attendance.

It must be added that in this scribe's opinion (and I've watched every sanctioned professional golf tournament staged in town since 1973), these ladies were without doubt, the most friendly and accessible ever encountered.

Their graciousness in signing autographs, their demeanor with the public, along with their genuine desire to interact with those in attendance knew no bounds and was in startling contrast to many previous golfing events in this city.

As in any major sporting enterprise, much of its success is predicated upon the support of the local populace. Without trying to be repetitive, unless we support next year's Takefuji Classic, it could very well follow in the footsteps of our earlier LPGA and Senior PGA tournaments -- and that would be sad, very sad.

Our $5 million dollar Las Vegas Invitational on the PGA Tour was doomed -- or so we thought until recently -- but fortunately it will be back again later this year, but for how long, that is the question?

It's a very sorry state we are in, and as with many things in life (far too many, I am sorry to say), it is often not until we lose someone or something and it has gone forever, that we finally appreciate exactly what we had.

GO VOLS: In any event of the magnitude of the Takefuji Classic, the logistics are enormous and there is no possible way that a tournament could be successful without the huge number of volunteers that is required and who give so freely of their time. In many instances they are taken for granted, but knowing personally the hours they put in and the thanklessness of many of their duties, I personally would like to thank them publicly for a job very well done.