The Burning Clubs of Chinatown

If you happened to be driving thru Chinatown in the late 1960's, you actually might have been a witness to this infamous FHGC spectacle. 

A pile of golf clubs, out in the street directly in front of Tai Tung restaurant, had been set ablaze and was burning. A throng of spectators lined the sidewalk, but, no one seemed the least bit concerned to be calling the fire department. In fact, the mood was more a celebration of sorts. People were cheering, laughing, and, at times, breaking out in a whimsical victory dance. Duffy Kiyohara of the FHGC had just lost a golf wager to Bill Ishii and was now paying off his bet. On the previous day, the two golf rivals had approached the 17th hole in a FHGC tournament dead even. By this time, the constant trash talk that was common in these matches had been regurgitated several million times and the only thing left to say that would have any sense of bravado was "Bill, if I can't beat you today, I'll burn my *#$&*@# clubs!". So, the following day, Duffy, true to his word, showed up at the Tai Tung restaurant with his bag of clubs in one hand and a bottle of gasoline in the other. Oh, Bill was prepared. He had brought along his camera and took several photos of this amazing event. A few days ago, I had lunch with Bill. He walks really slow now. He has since given up the game as we all must certainly do someday. But, his recollection of that wild and funny day is as sharp as ever, and, with those treasured photos, it makes for a great story over dim sum. Bill's advice to everyone; enjoy the game, the competition, the camaraderie, the moment, because it will surely pass, and when it does, you will miss it tremendously.