19th Hole: The Readers Take Over

ANDY AND T.C.
Sir:
Being from Wisconsin, I always pull for Andy North, and I know of all the setbacks he has suffered during his career. It was good to see him win the U.S. Open again (A Blast From The Past, June 24). However, I was impressed with T.C. Chen. He gave the crowds at Oakland Hills plenty of thrills. He played well, and he attacked the course from the outset. He never backed off. Although his last gamble cost him the tournament, he should be complimented for his play. I know that when I watch golf I prefer to see the leader continue to push the course, rather than coast along or play scared.
DAVID ZEBROWSKI
Milwaukee

Sir:
T.C. Chen took it on the chin not only in the U.S. Open, but also in SI. Why you showed photos of the one hole out of 72 that he played poorly is beyond me. Chen can hold his chin high for his remarkable play, and you should have chipped in more evidence to confirm that fact.
PAUL R. MEYER
Bloomington, Ill.

Sir:
We need not ever again wonder what T.C. stands for in T.C. Chen's name. It means two chips—Two Chips Chen.
KEVIN G. GOUGH
Bellevue, Wash.

•Chen's initials really stand for Tze-Chung.—ED.

HIGHS AND LOWS
Sir:
Bruce Newman's article (A Taste Of High Society, June 24) on Manute Bol was as delightful as the world would be if everyone were to say, as he does of his height. "You don't have to bother yourself, because God give it to you. I don't get mad." Thanks for the introduction to one more person who makes us realize that sport—and life—are to enjoy.
GARY L. ELLENBOLT
Hudson, Wis.

Sir:
Thanks for the article on the Rhode Island Gulls of the USBL. It's great that there is a summer league for soon-to-be NBA players to practice in. I especially liked the photograph showing Manute Bol towering over Anthony (Spud) Webb. I live in Raleigh, right next to N.C. State, and even though I am a die-hard UNC fan, I am also a Spud Webb fan. Good luck to Spud, Manute and all the other NBA rookies next season.
MIKE RAKOUSKAS JR.
Raleigh, N.C.

Sir:
I am sick of the USFL, and when I read your article on the USBL (Undeniably Sorry Basketball League) I nearly flipped. There is a season for every sport, and these leagues are trying to ruin that idea. The thing that really gets me is that they call themselves pro—I call them reject.
BILL FE
Falls Church, Va.

THE SWEDES
Sir:
Congratulations on Curry Kirkpatrick's timely and insightful article on the highly successful Swedish junior tennis program (New Breed From The North, June 24). An oft-mentioned characteristic of the Swedish stars is their good sportsmanship, politeness and "inner peace" on the court. Also often raised is the question of why many American players lack these same qualities.

The positive attitude of the Swedes is sometimes attributed to the stoic nature of the people. Another possible explanation may be their reason for playing the sport. Their motivations are more performance-oriented—they work hard to play to the best of their ability, regardless of the opponent, tournament or score. With improved performance come positive results. American youngsters, on the other hand, are taught to win, and in some cases to win at all costs. This supercompetitiveness breeds success but at the expense of sportsmanship and perspective on the game as a whole.

Maybe we Americans need to reevaluate our motivations for participation in sport.
KYLE TONG
Holden, Mass.