The Game Is Fun Again : Golf: After 10 years away, Tom Weiskopf will begin preparing for senior debut by playing in L.A. Open.

Tom Weiskopf recalled that it was 10 years ago that his motivation to play golf had waned.

He was only 39 at the time and still competitive, having won the 1982 Western Open, his 15th career victory on the PGA Tour--and his last.

“I played a little bit in 1983 and very little in 1984,” Weiskopf said. “I went 18 months without hitting a golf ball from 1985 to 1986. I didn’t want to compete any more, or make the effort it takes to stay competitive. I was going nowhere with my happiness. I wanted to spend more time with my family and pursue golf course architecture, which I’ve done. I just didn’t want to be a golfer all my life.” So Weiskopf, who won the British Open in 1973, walked away from the game. Now, at 49, he has returned.

He said he will play in 15 or 20 tournaments this year, including the Los Angeles Open beginning Thursday at Riviera Country Club, while preparing himself for the senior Tour.

Weiskopf will become eligible for senior events on Nov. 9, when he turns 50.

What rekindled his interest in the game that he turned his back on 10 years ago?

“I have a son, Eric, who is a freshman at Ohio State and he got me back in golf about three years ago,” Weiskopf said. “I’d go months without playing.

“He said, ‘You know, dad, I’ve read and heard so much about you. I want to see you play.’

“I wanted to show him how to play the game, get him started and, in doing so, it became fun again for me.”

Weiskopf hasn’t changed much in physical appearance. He is much taller than the average pro at 6 foot 3 and looks trim at 190 pounds.

“Physically, I don’t feel any different than I was 30 years ago,” Weiskopf said. “I feel good mentally because I’ve had a break from the game.”

Weiskopf is realistic about his chances of winning this year.

“It would be a miracle for me to win at this particular stage,” he said. “If I can prepare myself like I know I have to, and under the right conditions in a particular week, I’m still very very capable.

“Now I’m on a day-to-day basis. When (a victory is) going to happen, or if it’s going to happen, I don’t know.”

Weiskopf, who made the cut in the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines that concluded Sunday, has played some of his best golf in the Los Angeles Open.

He has finished among the top 10 seven times, including second in 1973 and 1981.

Weiskopf doesn’t expect to play frequently, if at all, on the regular tour once he becomes eligible for senior events.

“I’ve had my time out here,” he said. “There’s no reason to do that.”

Weiskopf has become linked with Jack Nicklaus over the years. Weiskopf followed Nicklaus at Ohio State and onto the tour.

Weiskopf has beaten Nicklaus and has been frustrated by him. Weiskopf finished second at the Masters four times, losing twice to Nicklaus.

When it was mentioned that Nicklaus still has a limited schedule on the regular tour, along with some senior events, Weiskopf said:

“Jack has a different ego than I do. It takes a lot to satisfy that ego. I know him like a book. He’s determined that he can still win, and that’s why he’s out here (on the regular tour).”

Such candor isn’t unusual from Weiskopf. He told Golf Digest last year that Fred Couples “had no goals in life,” while admiring Couples’ talent as a player.

When Weiskopf was active, he was sometimes referred to as “Terrible Tom” by the media because of his occasional outbursts of temper.

“I’ve worn many hats,” Weiskopf said, smiling. “I was very tough on myself. I was what you classify a ‘heavy.’ I was very intense and very demanding. I wasn’t really aware of what this arena is like that we’re in. I can look back and see a lot of mistakes that I’ve made.”

Weiskopf said the game he is returning to has changed dramatically since he was active.

“I’m amazed how much different the game is,” he said. “The courses are in much better condition, the equipment is superior and the availability of the equipment is unbelievable.

“Also, the golf ball is so much better. It flies straighter. It goes farther. The players are physically better. They are on a much higher level when they come out here because of the college programs.”

Weiskopf added that because of the equipment he doubts that there will ever be another dominating player, such as Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan or Sam Snead.

“It has equalized the game,” he said.

Weiskopf seems relaxed about his comeback.

“I’m in the top 50 money winners of all time, so I’m exempt on the tour this year,” he said. “I can play whenever I want, at my leisure. I have the time to do it and the will to compete.

“And the preparation is obvious for the Senior Tour. Those guys are excellent players.”

And the public perception of him?

“I don’t know what the perception is, but when I’ve played, people are gracious and say, ‘Tom, it’s nice to see you back.’

“It makes you feel good because you tend to forget the general public and the impact those people had on you when you played.

“If you don’t have people following you, it’s pretty lonely out there.”

* SAN DIEGO OPEN: Steve Pate birdied the final hole to score a one-stroke victory. C2