 |
|
 |
© 1995- The E.W.
Scripps Co. and the Abilene Reporter-News. All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement. We also have a Privacy Policy. |
Camera ban is not totally Tiger's fault
By SUSAN FORNOFF
San Francisco Examiner
Tiger Woods may not deserve all the blame for the PGA Tour's ban on cameras, which no doubt disappointed the star struck who've enjoyed photographing celebrities at pro-am events such as the AT&T Pebble Beach National ProAm over the years.
It was Woods who complained a year ago that the galleries who flocked to watch him and Kevin Costner were snapping during swings. Even 10 marshals weren't enough pesticide for the shutterbugs.
"It seemed like everybody had a camera," Woods said. "It was ridiculous."
Woods was so distracted, he wouldn't commit to returning to play in 1998. Now cameras are banned, and although pros don't have to officially say so until 10 days before the event, he - and defending champion Mark O'Meara already have indicated that the event Feb. 1 is on the itinerary.
"It's sad, because it's been a part of the event forever," said Pebble Beach Company president R.J. Harper. "But I think the problem had a lot to do with those new throwaway cameras: When you wind them up, there's a grinding sound. And with a group like Tiger Woods and Kevin Costner, with galleries 10, 15 deep, you'd really hear that grinding."
So, blame Tiger and technology for the end of a wonderful tradition. Fans who want to protest can do so by attending the practice rounds Monday through Wednesday (although rain washed them out the last two years), when they're still allowed to photograph away, and skip the more expensive main event.
And don't look for Woods to team with Costner again; he wants to play with his father, Earl, who has been invited. No word yet from the senior Woods, but Jack Lemmon, Jimmy Connors and Huey Lewis are among the celebs who had RSVP'd 10 days after the invites went out.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)
|
|
|
© 1995- The E.W.
Scripps Co. and the Abilene Reporter-News. All Rights Reserved. Site users are subject to our User Agreement. We also have a Privacy Policy. |