On June 22 my friends from the Glen Cove Fire Department and I went to the Glen Cove Golf Course as we usually do for some fun. When I was at the Pro Shop to renew my permit one gentleman waited on me while the other put a piece of paper down in front of me and asked me to sign. I thought it was the receipt for the renewed permit. I shopped a little more and left to play.

As I was getting ready to tee off a man in a golf cart came over to me and said, "The manager wants to see you." I asked why but he did not know. Needless to say my friends and I were intrigued. I thought it was my family contacting me with bad news about my failing 90-year-old mother. As I got to the door of the Pro Shop a young man told me, "Your denim shorts are not allowed." I replied, "You're kidding. These are just on the knee." To which he replied, "Did you read your contract?" Contract? What contract? All I wanted to do was play golf. This statement totally threw me off. I thought I looked good. My hat matched my outfit and so did my socks! I have been playing golf here long before this young guy was born and never had an issue like this before. And the other golfers-one guy had shorts hiked up giving an unnecessary view of his wrinkly thighs and another golfer had holes in his shorts! They looked like they just came back from milking cows!

And why didn't anybody bring this to my attention when I was at the Pro Shop? I could have run home to change! As far as the contract, had the man given me a copy I would have read it and realized what I had signed. Even the police are kind enough to give warnings to first offenders. I was so embarrassed that the other golfers saw and heard this. It turns out that my friends knew the fellow who approached me but he did not care. He said, "I don't care if you are playing with the mayor!" I worked for the City [of Glen Cove] for several years and anyone can attest to that fact that I was always dressed neat and tidy.

So, fellow veteran City of Glen Cove Golf Course golfers, let this be a warning to you and don't forget to wear your Calvin Kleins the next time you get ready to tee off!

Vincent Martinez Sr.