The golf industry in the Gulf Coast is starting to react publicly to being left high and dry by lawmakers who snubbed them --along with massage parlors, liquor stores and gambling establishments -- in its bill giving tax breaks and other relief measures in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

"To be singled out like this -- as though the owners and operators of golf courses in this region are not part of the mainstream business community and do not make significant contributions to local economies -- is outrageous," said Mike Hughes, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association.

"Golf is a centerpiece of the tourism industry in the Gulf Coast region and is responsible for generating millions of dollars in revenue and thousands of jobs," he added.

I have to agree. What are these lawmakers thinking, lumping in golf courses with massage parlors? Golf isn't on the periphery of tourism on the Gulf Coast -- it's right there in the center. It's a wholesome, healthy, family activity that draws millions. Golf is about as maianstream as you can get. These lawmakers need to get their heads out of the bunkers and make this right.

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