THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 30, 1995 TAG: 9507280172
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Bill Leffler
LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
Notes on a frayed white cuff. . . .
City officials are having second thoughts about a long-term lease for the Bide-A-Wee golf course.
Earlier, it had been announced that bids would be accepted to operate the course for a prolonged period of time. Twenty-five years had been mentioned.
Several bids were received prior to the July 1 deadline.
After the request for proposals was released to bidders, officials said ``changes have occurred.'' They now will recommend to City Council that the contract not be awarded.
Some of the regulars at Bide-A-Wee have been pleased by recent improvements in the course. Hole signs have been erected. Cart paths probably could add to the life of golf carts.
Stay tuned for additional developments.
Remember when the Ladies Professional Golf Association first came to Portsmouth in 1979? The ladies tour could count its million-dollar winners on one hand.
Recently, Kelly Robbins became the 53rd LPGA career millionaire.
Kelly was 9 years old when the LPGA first played here.
Golf really is a humbling game.
In the recent First Flight tournament, one player shot 198 for his two rounds. In the field of 192, he finished 191st.
But, make no mistake, he has sports credentials very few of the contestants could match.
The player was Billy Moran.
Does that name ring a bell?
Moran was one of the finest pitchers in Wilson High School's long baseball history, going on to compile a 14-1 record at Louisburg Junior College and racking up 72 mound victories in minor league baseball.
Moran had a pro record of 72 and 23 with 38 saves. In 1976, he was a 15-game winner.
Likely, the 6-5 Moran could throw the golf ball around Elizabeth Manor in fewer strokes than he takes to hit it.
Sometimes, stories you hear that never reached print are the best.
At the Eastern Amateur, officials were discussing one noticeable change in the annual champion.
In bygone years, everyone wore long pants. Nowadays, every winner wears short pants.
Recalled one tourney official: ``Betcha didn't know that one of our former champions didn't get to play when he first wanted to because he didn't listen to mama?''
How's that, I inquired.
``The first time Curtis Strange entered, his mother told him he couldn't play unless he got a haircut. That was those years that long hair really was in vogue.
``Curtis wouldn't get a haircut, so mom said Curtis couldn't play. And he didn't.'' by CNB