Agostini: Governor's golf tax doesn't make the cut

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not exactly endeared himself to California golfers.

Unless you enjoy being taxed for enjoying the game.

California's bodybuilding governor, reponding to the state's massive $41 billion state budget deficit, has proposed far-ranging new taxes and fees. The one that surely will send California's 3 million golfers into conniption fits, however, targets their favorite game. The idea calls for taxing golfers each time they tee it up.

Light the torches. Clutch the pitchforks. Storm the state capital. It might get serious.

Some California cities could add more than 10 percent to existing green fees if imposed. To no one's surprise, the state's golf industry already has mobilized and is braced for a fight.

"Those in the business know what's happening, but as far as paying customers go, I haven't heard any discussion. I don't think many people know about this yet," said Alan Thomas, head golf pro at Manteca Park for more than 30 years. "We're going to suggest that people contact their elected officials and legislators. Keep telling them you don't want this."

Bob Bouchier, the executive director of the California Alliance for Golf, has reported that the golf tax is part of what is termed an "entertainment tax," although it would also hit veterinary services, oil extraction and car repairs.

What bothers golf officials is that other recreations, such as skiing and snowboarding, aren't being taxed by Schwarzenegger's plan. Golfers are being discriminated against, they complain. Worse, they see it as an exercise tax.

"Golf is lumped in, but it is singled out because there is no other recreational sport in there, although if you went to a professional sporting event in California, you would pay an additional tax under the proposal," Bouchier said. "We have been singled out as a target."

The argument against the tax has been waged at ForeCalifornia.com, where it's charged that public-course golfers will absorb the biggest financial blow. Others to be wallet-clipped include juniors, senior citizens and those with limited incomes. High-end daily fee courses also figure to be hurt.

The tax could be implemented as early as April, according to some sources, though that's subject to change.

"It definitely isn't going to help the industry. Any time you tax people during bad times, it only gets worse," Thomas said. "If it happens, it will catch people by surprise."

THE SHAG BAG -- Big Valley Christian seventh-grade student Matt Mensinger defeated Carter Dewing 2 and 1 to win the overall title of the 12th annual River Oaks Junior Match Play. In the Directors Flight final, Dylan Osborne edged Drake Ortega 2 and 1. Past winners of the event include Canadian Tour pro Ryan Thornberry, Spring Creek CC assistant pro Shea Rollins, former Oregon State star Julianna Uhrik, USC-bound Sam Smith of Turlock and current San Diego Golf Academy student Daniel Mix. ...

David Perry of Manteca globetrotted the world two decades ago as an accomplished instructor, spicing his lessons with a crowd-pleasing presentation of trick shots and golf impressions. He's returned to the game as a part-time instructor at French Camp golf. Call 402-4191. ...The 20th West Coast Golf ValueBook, featuring discounts at 350 golf courses -- including many in the area -- has been released for 2009. Publisher Mark Reynolds says 65 percent of the bargains are good for both weekday and weekend play. Visit 2for1golf.com.

HOLES-IN-ONE -- Roger Townsend, Modesto, 126-yard eighth at Creekside, wedge. ... Sung Chang, Modesto, 174-yard fifth at Dryden Park, 7-iron. ... Ron Nicholas, Ceres, 183-yard 17th at Dryden Park, 5-wood. ... Gary Smith, Modesto, 86-yard 16th at River Oaks, Ceres, pitching wedge. ... Randy King, Modesto, 16th at River Oaks, pitching wedge. ... Bill Hensel, Modesto, 107-yard 13th at Jack Tone Golf, Ripon, lob wedge. ... Sara Shaw, Riverbank, 132-yard 16th at Jack Tone, 5-iron. ... Brian Stewart, Oakdale, 132-yard 16th at Oakdale CC, 8-iron. ... Sophia Stukas, Turlock, 90-yard 12th at Stevinson Ranch, pitching wedge.

Bee sports columnist Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or 578-2302.