One reading the huge praise heaped upon Mr. Forman and the new Audubon golf course might never imagine that a year ago most golfers and virtually all users of the Hurst Walk opposed his plan. While in this case the collective memory seems short, many must still resent the colossal arrogance with which the A.I. imposed its "vision" on a much-loved public space.

The old course was rough ( I believe the pro's word was "trash") and had some dangerous spots that could have been reconfigured, but it was still a beautiful, quasi-rural setting in which, for $7, a guy could spend the afternoon trying to learn the game. The new course, replete with acres of concrete cart paths, is literally right out of Golf Digest. The fact that roughly the same number of rounds is expected to generate three times the revenue says something about who can afford to play there now. And I doubt that the fairway police will view practicing favorably. So, to some extent, one set of users has been supplanted by another, more "executive," set.

The old Hurst Walk was actually a wide gravel road, which was safely traversed even by parents pushing strollers. The new Hurst "Path" is a narrow track of mulch, parallel to two fairways and crossing one, which is probably why the A.I. got a liability dispensation from the state. Go there at your own serious risk.

Nevertheless, the deed is done, and we should try to enjoy the azaleas and new contours. Which is why I suggest the following: On Sundays the course should be closed to golfing and open for the general public to enjoy -- a sort of family day, for biking, skating and picnicking while taking in the gorgeous views. To make up lost revenue the A.I. could put a tollbooth on the Hurst Bridge. Surely many would pay a dollar to partake of what Mr. Forman has placed before us.