Arnold Palmer, for more than a quarter of a century the biggest name in golf, heads a man roster that also includes defending champion Dale Douglass, Gary Player, Bruce Crampton, leading money winner Chi Chi Rodriguez and Billy Casper. At a time when sports have become big business, athletes are often unhappy and drug problems keep cropping up, the senior tour seems to be a refreshing return to what sports once were--relaxing entertainment.
The seniors exchange quips with fans and fellow players, and seem to enjoy themselves thoroughly. The money, although it is rapidly increasing, seems incidental. Of course, there is good reason for this.
For almost all of the golfers on the senior tour, it is like getting a new lease on life. There is another chance to play against old rivals, and get paid for it. Several others would still be playing occasionally on the regular tour, but for the vast majority, it is a Godsend. Bob Charles, the left-hander who won the Vintage last week at Indian Wells, said he would be driving a tractor on his farm in New Zealand if there were no senior tour.
Jim Ferree, almost always among the leaders, said he would be doing his job as head pro at a club on Hilton Head Island, S. It is so much fun, playing with old friends and seeing old friends. First, there was the junior and amateur life. Then, there was the PGA Tour. Now there is the seniors. Crampton, who was a serious, no-nonsense player on the regular tour, is an amiable, friendly fellow on the senior version.
You fly in and someone meets you. How can you beat that? Not everyone is happy, though. Charlie Sifford played in this tournament last year when it was held at MountainGate.
