In Your Corner-US Open

Tuesday, June 5th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

One local resident is handling his own hazard of golf, involving a hotel room. He thought he had one close to the golf course after winning a raffle several years ago. But the room is reserved for someone else. KOTV's Diane White has his story in Your Corner Report.

Thousands of people will soon descend upon the Southern Hills Country Club when the US Open comes to town. It's a chance to check out golf's greatest players. And that means you can't find an available hotel room anywhere in Tulsa. Most places have been booked for more than a year. The document says, "It says congratulations...." But Bob Henderson was certain he had a room. "We are pleased to announce that you have won one guestroom for four nights during the US Open in the year 2001."He won the package three years ago, at the grand opening for the Southern Hills Hilton. "I don't win many things so I was kind of elated that I was foturnate to win this." His elation quickly faded when he called to collect in February, and was told there were no rooms available. "I was disappointed." Disappointed because he planned to donate the prize to his favorite charity. The Palomino Horse Breeders Association is based in Tulsa. "My intention was to auction this off to the Palomino Association and the proceeds going to the palomino youth's scholarship fund." He believes the room would have brought in at least $1000. One problem, the manager who signed the letter is no longer at the hotel. "It is still the Southern Hills Hilton but they had changed general managers and he was not aware that this was awarded at their grand opening."

The new General Manager is Jim Abbott. He wouldn't talk on camera but told us by phone that the problem is Bob Henderson "waited 2 1/2 years to call about the room." and the hotel "is completely full". Bob Henderson: "He said they could offer me four nights throughout the year, but not during the US Open." He doesn't think that's a comparable trade. He'd like them to make a donation to his scholarship fund or donate four nights at a Hilton in another city, such as St. Louis where the group will hold its convention in 2 years. That way he could still auction it off and raise money to help send kids to college.

The manager of the Hilton Southern Hills told Diane White, he is willing to work out a deal to try and get Henderson a free room at a Hilton Hotel in St. Louis.