American flag returning to Waterloo golf course island

Bob Molinaro's flag is getting a mulligan.

The Waterloo Leisure Services Commission agreed to allow the businessman and major golf supporter permission to reinstall a controversial American flag and pole at Irv Warren Memorial golf course's ninth hole pond island.

Two former mayors, several former commission members and a number of golfers packed the commission meeting room Tuesday in support of Molinaro's request to replace the flag removed in 2004 after residents and some golfers lodged complaints.

"I took a lot of pride in that flag," Molinaro said. "It's a small thing, but it really hurt me when it was taken down."

Molinaro, a former Leisure Services Commission chairman, installed the flag and made considerable landscaping improvements to the pond while also donating $200,000 to install a new course watering system in the 1990s - a move that led Byrnes Park golf course to be renamed after Molinaro's father-in-law and co-founder of Warren Transport Inc.

But the gesture came under fire, with some residents complaining the flag wasn't properly illuminated when flying at night and golfers arguing it was "in play" and could deflect golf shots to the ninth green. The flag was removed when Leisure Services staff said it couldn't be lowered to half staff following the death of former President Ronald Reagan.

Current Mayor Buck Clark had urged the commission to reconsider Molinaro's request.

"For all that Bob has done for the city in general - I completely support us trying to get that flag back up there," Clark said.

John Rooff, mayor when the flag was erected, joined in support for the flag.

"If we can't put a flag back up in these times, I don't know what we can do," Rooff said.

Waterloo golf manager J.B. Bolger reiterated the staff concerns about the flag, which could affect a golf shot and can partially block a golfer's view of the green from the tee area.

Course superintendent Tom Klein added, "Some people say it doesn't come into play, but I've been on the island and there are a lot of golf balls there."

Molinaro noted his volunteers will maintain the pole and lights, and they will boat out to the island to lower the flag when necessary. He said the flag pole is not high enough to bother golf shots.

Former Leisure Services Commission member and avid golfer Edgar Cunningham agreed.

"If a person hits that flag, it's a bad shot," Cunningham said. "He's going in the water anyway."

Commission members voted 5-0 in favor of allowing the flag to return, provided Molinaro's crew maintained it.

"Go with it; take the heat," said commission member Bob Frost, acknowledging some may not like the decision.

Commission member Kevin Evans said a local rule could be adopted allowing a re-shot for a ball that strikes the flag.

"But I don't think generally it's a good idea, the way it all came about," he said.

Molinaro hopes to have Old Glory flying in time for the Waterloo Open this weekend.