Mr. Eugene W. Garges Jr.'s letter last week questioning the Manhasset golf team and its expenses contained several material errors. First of all, access at local private golf clubs for matches and practices is free; the clubs are happy to donate playing time to these student athletes. Privileges at public facilities for practice and play is at very reduced rates. In fact, the total budget for the golf team (includes golf balls and access to public facilities) is less than $1,000. Secondly, coaches in Manhasset are paid at four different levels and the golf coach is at the lowest level, which is much less than the amount Mr. Garges suggested in his letter. Lastly, the students find their own way to home matches and practices, and travel by bus, the same as any other teams, to away matches. The stakes are too high during this budget debate to allow for any misrepresentation of facts.

Mr. Garges goes on to call golf an elitist sport and questions whether or not it belongs in Manhasset. While golf in the past was guilty of restricted access, that label now cannot be applied. With the creation of "The First Tee" and other similar programs, golf is open and equipment is available to people from all communities. Look for an announcement soon naming Eisenhower Park as the second "First Tee" location in our area.

There are 41 other schools on Long Island that offer golf teams. Many have a women's team (including Garden City) and a JV team, while Manhasset has only a varsity boys team. The discussion should really be about adding to this program, not cutting it. Golf is a sport this community desperately needs to maintain its wonderful image. Golf is a sport that teaches values that we sometimes find lacking today. Golfers are taught responsibility, accountability, honesty and integrity. There are no officials in golf (therefore, Mr. Garges, no referee expenses); players call penalties on themselves. Golf teaches those who play to give back to the game and their community. Several recent Manhasset golf team members have generously given their time to programs that have introduced the game to first-timers. In a time when so many of our sports heroes disappoint us golf is a reminder of what values are really important.

If we want to continue to live in a town that we all can be proud of and where we all can reap the benefits, then expanding the golf program, not cutting it should be our focus. Golf is a game for a lifetime and all our children should have a chance to experience it and compete at it.

Jack Thompson