ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, August 9, 1996                 TAG: 9608090046
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: B-10 EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: LOUISVILLE, KY.
SOURCE: Associated Press 

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT CADDIES SWEAT OUT PROTEST AT PGA

The PGA of America and caddies at the PGA Championship found themselves on a collision course instead of a golf course Thursday when the bag carriers for the pros protested a ban on short pants and were told the policy would not be changed.

Two caddies tested the restrictions when they started the first round in very hot, humid weather wearing shorts. They were confronted by a tournament official on the second tee and told if they did not change into long pants, replacement caddies would be summoned.

The caddies, Andy Martinez and Scott Jones, complied by removing the shorts and stripping to their underwear before donning pants on the remote tee where only players, officials and media were allowed. Martinez carries the bag for Tom Lehman, and Scott Jones helps his brother Steve.

The third caddie in the group was Fanny Sunesson, who totes the clubs for Nick Faldo. Sunesson, one of the few female caddies on tour, always has been allowed to wear shorts or culottes despite the PGA Tour rule that states: ``Caddies shall not wear shorts while on club property.''

A PGA of America official said female caddies are allowed to dress in a manner consistent with the dress code for LPGA players, which allows shorts and skirts.

Later in the day, the Professional Tour Caddies Association asked in a letter to the PGA that the no-short ruled be lifted because the extremely hot, humid weather raised health concerns.

But the caddies got nowhere.

Asked if the no-shorts policy would remain in effect for the rest of the tournament, PGA of American CEO Jim Awtrey said: ``Yes, it will.''

Apparently about 40 other caddies had shorts with them and were prepared to change if the protest worked.

``I may talk to some lawyers tonight,'' said Martinez, a longtime caddie. ``I know plenty of lawyers and they would probably love to get hold of this.''

The temperature in the 90s all week at Valhalla Golf Club, combined with high humidity, has left caddies and players drenched in perspiration after a few holes. Dozens of spectators have been treated for heat exhaustion during the week.

The issue of shorts for caddies comes up frequently, most recently when the U.S. Open was at Oakmont in 1994 and when the PGA Championship was at Southern Hills in Tulsa the same year.

Martinez wore shorts while carrying Lehman's bag when Lehman won the British Open in July and was not challenged by British golf officials.

LENGTH: Medium:   58 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  AP. Caddies Andy Martinez (left) and Scott Jones (right)
          were forced by PGA officials to wear long pants Thursday at Valhalla
          Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., but Fanny Sunneson (center) was not.