The feature on the hazards faced by people living near golf courses ("Incoming," June) sensationalized residential courses and presented inaccurate information.

You correctly stated that the American Society of Golf Course Architects has no mandatory parameters for its members to use in course designs. However, stating that a "minimum width of 300 feet from the center of a fairway to the edge of a residential property is standard" is not correct.

Today's sensitive environmental sites make it impossible for standards to exist. These sites sometimes only allow minimum widths, such as 200 feet from the centerline. How wide a fairway should be depends upon countless factors.

In fact, there are no standards for course dimensions because every course and situation is different. This is why it is critical that courses retain the services of a qualified course architect who can balance the needs of a club and its golfers and homeowners, all while keeping safety top of mind.

Paul Fullmer
Chicago, Ill.

Mr. Fullmer is executive secretary of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.

At the Root of the Matter

Please pass along my thanks to James Snow for the long-overdue message to the public about televised golf and unrealistic perceptions of maintenance (Grass Roots, June). The same message is represented in magazines when beautiful, but touched-up, pictures show unblemished turf and crystal-clear water. With Golf Journal now writing about maintenance and care of golf facilities, this may communicate to golfers and the public the effort and cost of maintaining a course.

Steve Maas
Hailey, Idaho

Foot in Mouth (Or Sand)

Without any doubt, we all become frustrated from time to time, even those who play golf for a livelihood, as were John Daly and Tiger Woods in the 99th U.S. Open ("Putterboy," July).

Daly criticized the course setup by the USGA, but apologized for his words. The profanity used by Woods at the 15th tee during Sunday's round was mentioned only by announcer Johnny Miller. It appears that Woods is getting out of control with his continued antics, club-banging and use of profanity.

Is this the role model that he wants to be? I don't think so! Woods owes the USGA and the viewing public an apology. Maybe the USGA should consider establishing a rule of conduct before golf goes to the level of basketball and football.

Bobby M. Almond
Charlotte, N.C.

I could not help but notice with some amusement (although Arnold Palmer may not agree) the photograph with the Open story of Tim Herron exiting a bunker during the final round.

While it may not help his game, it may be appropriate if someone were to supply Herron with a copy of "The Spirit of the Game" videotape recently offered through the USGA in conjunction with Mr. Palmer. He may wish to view the section regarding the proper way to enter and exit a bunker.

Perhaps the PGA Tour should consider making this tape a part of its qualifying school, as most golfers look to the touring pros as examples of how the game should be played.

Jeff Young
Tabernacle, N.J.

We received several letters concerning this photograph. If Herron's ball were in the middle of the bunker and he walked up the embankment to the front lip to exit the sand, we would join in the sentiment that his steps were improper. Since Herron's ball was buried below the bunker's lip, his logical exit was to take one step onto grass instead of retreating down the slope and causing extensive damage to exit the bunker from what would otherwise be considered a suitable location.

A Different Reason The story on the fallen tree at Fort Devens Golf Course in Massachusetts (Through the Green, June) ends by stating, "Since the incident, the course was closed ... " giving the distinct impression the incident caused the government to close the course.

Nothing could be further from the truth. I was stationed on active duty at Fort Devens during the time the Army's Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) was planning the fort's downsizing. The BRAC plan to "chop" up the post included the course (built by Army engineers in the 1960s). The unfortunate incident (notwithstanding a government employee suing his employer because an act of God interfered with his having fun) had nothing to do with the course's closure.

Chris Bates
Salem, N.H.

Tales To Tell As part of a continuing research project, I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has stories about the Walker Cup or players who have competed in the matches.

John Gleason
Boynton Beach, Fla.

Anyone wishing to assist this effort can send information to Golf Journal via the street or e-mail address, or fax number that appears below.