John Wirenius ([info]jwirenius) wrote,
@ 2007-07-12 21:41:00
Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Don't Mess With a Finn!
That's the lesson the administrators of Eisenhower Park are learning--the hard way:
Despite County Executive Thomas Suozzi's recent "Healthy Nassau" initiatives, the county on Monday will require all golfers on Eisenhower Park's premier Red Course to use electric carts, prompting protests from duffers who walk for their health.

"My doctor says 'walk'," said John Wirenius, 68, of Floral Park, a retired public health engineer who has been playing at Eisenhower since 1995. "And what better way than on an easily walkable golf course like the Eisenhower Red."
Oh, and before you ask, aren't you a lawyer, John?; it ain't me--it's my Dad (affectionately known as Captain Daddy from 1970s voyages of exploration during rainy vacations) they're quoting. So what does the Captain do? He contacts every legislator in Nassau, and demands redress. Scrambling, the County claims that they're doing it speed up play on the course--and not to extract another $29 for the mandatory use of the cart. Meanwhile, the status quo cannot be surrendered to; according to the article, "I believe a lot of golfers who normally walk will opt for Bethpage rather than pay for cart rentals," Wirenius said. "I know I'll be one of them."

OK, I think we know where I get it from. Sorry, Mom.

(Post a new comment)

Duffers Unite! (One Person Can Make a Difference)
[info]trooothseeeker
2007-07-13 05:01 pm UTC (link)
I've often had the pleasure of listening to the happenings & non-happenings (if you get my drift. MULLIGAN!) of John D. Wirenius and his many adventures on Long Island's many public golf courses. Afterall, he is my dear father-in-law.

Over the years I've also had the pleasure of not only listening to these stories, but on occasion, played with him as well. In fact, I have the honor of being the only living family member to have witnessed his only hole-in-one. Although, Captain Ahab maybe more approriate then Captain Daddy, as any golfer, amateur or professional, would tell you; golf's quest is more about not beating yourself, perhaps then any other game.

It has been said that President Nixon did not pick up his golf clubs ever again, after finally hitting a hole-in-one. I guess he felt it couldn't get any better then that. Too bad he didn't apply the same principle as president, when he created the EPA. But the same cannot be said about my father-in-law. He is as avid now as he was the day he hit his shot. The Newsday article bears this out.

There are professional golfers who can span their entire careers and cannot claim having a hole-in-one. It is that rare. As is my father-in-law, who continues to show his unrelenting passion for a game, that for the most part, elude us all. But it is a game and as a parent, watching my kids grow up, I am constantly reminded that games are supposed to be fun. If you want to walk, walk. It's fun! Duffers unite! My father-in-law, who continues to inspire, show's us how one person can really make a difference.

(Reply to this)

Create an Account
Forgot your login?
Login w/ OpenID
English • Español • Deutsch • Русский…