Eardley Jones was a golfing icon.It isn’t a word that should be used lightly but Eardley met all the criteria.Ask his fellow professionals, ask the many amateurs he taught and, more importantly, ask the hundreds of youngsters who held a golf club in their hands for the first time and the parents of those same children.He died last week at the age of 73 and for all of the above and many more, he’ll be sadly missed.‘Jolly Jones’ would have been an appropriate nickname as it was rare that he went about his business without an infection smile.Aside from playing and teaching golf, he loved to sing with a voice almost as rhythmic as his swing.I know. I spent a four-hour drive with him through Georgia and he sang all of the way much to the delight of the children in the back of the vanHe was one of those rare species who cared more for others than he did for himself.Nothing pleased him more than to see the fruits of his labour.Children walked off the golf course not only as better golfers but better people, thanks to Eardley.Perhaps he did have a dark side but I never saw it and I’ve yet to meet anyone who did.Golf was his profession but teaching was his passion, particularly with the children who he introduced to the game.On the weekends, helped by wife Jean, he gave up his time to teach the novices and in the summer school break he’d give up his afternoons and evenings to organise ‘mini-tour’ events for those under his tutelage.And his did so with little monetary reward. Indeed he often dug deep into his own pocket. If the children’s families couldn’t afford to buy the clubs he’d make sure they’d get some.The most talented of his pupils were given the opportunity to play in tournaments overseas, including the junior Worlds and the novices Worlds, with he accompanying them to offer encouragement.For the older generation, he’ll be remembered for a different reason.It was his relentless charge that helped break down the racial barriers which had blocked blacks playing on the same courses as whites.That was only 50 years ago.Eardley was in his 20s when he fought the fight which propelled the game into a new era. Those who can recall the injustices which prevailed at that time, say that Jones was admired by his peers for a gritty resolve.It would appear that trait was evident throughout his life.A talented player who went on to be a club professional and a tournament champion, he was possessed by the game. And it’s no coincidence that his son, Nick, has followed in his footsteps.He too is a professional with a burning desire to make the grade as a Tour player. If he makes it to the highest level nothing would have made his father happier or prouder.The tributes that came in this week were from the heart. And he deserved every one of them.* * * *Fairmont Southampton rocked last Saturday night for the kind of sporting event which we don’t see too often in Bermuda.Teresa Perozzi’s middleweight title fight against American Tori Nelson had a raucous crowd on their feet, the atmosphere ramped up by a gombey troop who circled the ring, their drum beat reverberating around the room.The fighters didn’t disappoint with a 10-round slugfest, the result of which nobody seemed quite clear.It had been billed as ‘All or Nothing’.It was neither.Although one judge, Bermudian Vic Richmond, decided Perozzi was a convincing winner, the two visiting judges saw it much differently. They declared it a draw. As such Richmond’s evaluation meant nothing.That means Perozzi retains her WBA title, and the WBC belt once held by Nelson remains vacant.A rematch is almost certain, and most likely here.When the major pro fights are close, a rematch is almost guaranteed, money being the overriding factor. Everybody gets a slice of the pie — the fighters, the promoters and the casinos who normally host the event.But that won’t be the case for Perozzi and Nelson. The driving force will be pride.ADRIAN ROBSON