Long Jim's Lament
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This opinion advocacy poem is written as the result of months and months of correspondence and discussions with PGA researchers, archivists in charge of investigating and presenting the accurate history of the PGA and its founding fathers going back to 1916 in New York. The PGA Professional Golfers Association is one of the largest sports organizations in the world. The PGA gives millions of dollars to charities each year.
'Tis disquieting thought that forever will be
a secret injustice to be buried with me.
This tale of a great golfer you never heard of,
his sad spirit speaks of his "lost win" from above.
Long Jim Barnes did win the very first PGA Championship,
for years, the PGA refused to recognize it.
Golf's ruling bodies hold integrity in high praise
this championship error will set fair minds ablaze!
In 1916, there were two inaugural tournaments;
strangely enough, Long Jim Barnes won both these events.
One question is why the first one was rejected -
the record of "majors" forever effected.
Am I really the last one to whom this truth is known,
that Barnes' hidden win will never rightly be shown?
I've chased windmills without reservation
old quotes and newsclips as documentation.
Chained by pettifoggers, I've been flailing
to reach the true hearts of golf powers prevailing.
Convincing them that Barnes' first win wasn't bogus,
showing evidence that the trophy needed more focus.
Barnes shot 276 total to set a low scoring mark
at the venue of play, Van Cortlandt Park.
His records aren't accepted in halls of fame,
like a gentleman, he never placed any blame.
Attested by Hagen, Mackie, Maiden and more -
reports Grantland Rice in print with others galore!
If only the PGA could make this factual remark -
that its accurate birthplace was Van Cortlandt Park.
Copyright © Greg Gaul | Year Posted 2020
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