Columnist Peter Benton: Rude behavior by a few can't spoil senior event

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

The 14th Las Vegas Senior Classic is history and congratulations must go to the victor, Vicente Fernandez, and his 13-under-par 274.

Perhaps just as pleasing as this victory by the popular Argentinian was the fact that many players among the top dozen finishers were not the household names and repeat winners of the PGA Senior Tour.

Sure, Hale Irwin was there, placing sixth at 279; John Jacobs, seventh, and two-time winner Larry Nelson placed 11th. But to see the likes of unheralded Dave Eichelberger, second; John Mahaffey, third; Frank Connor, fourth; Tom Wargo, fifth; Fred Gibson, eighth; and Ed Dougherty, ninth; was terrific for the game.

Certainly it is good to see repeat winners, but it is even better to see journeymen players in the hunt.

One disturbing note, however, was the arrogance, rudeness and primadonna antics displayed by a few of the professionals.

Fortunately, they were in the minority. Most of the guys are truly super and seem to genuinely enjoy playing with and assisting their amateur partners who put up big money to participate and play with the big boys.

If only those bah-humbug pros would realize that it is these same amateur golfers who largely are responsible for their financial status and upscale high standard of living, then perhaps they just might treat the amateurs and spectators as decently as they expect to be treated themselves.

However, let's forget those few arrogant players -- it was a wonderful week and a wonderful tournament, thanks in large part to the hundreds of volunteers.

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