Recently, a friend of mine (and fellow hack) had unfortunately lost his father. You see, his dad was an avid golfer and the game was a big part of their lives. Not only was he his father, he was also his first and best golf buddy. A lot of their issues were discussed and resolved on the course. Needless to say, it was almost therapeutic for them to be out there together.
As an advocate for the game this means a lot. This is something that goes above and beyond winning a tournament. The more I thought about it the more I realized that a loss of this magnitude is life changing. Don’t get me wrong, if there was a slight a chance that I could win the Masters that too would be life changing but, I’m referring to something that is much more significant than a green jacket.
When my buddy’s dad would hit the course, it was “Big Bird” and “Lady Luck” that would come through for him in the clutch. “Big Bird” was his Big Bertha driver and “Lady Luck” was his lucky #7 iron. According to him, these were his essential clubs that he relied on so much almost like a safety blanket. He was confident with those two clubs.
I’ll never forget my friends ultimate tribute to his dad and favorite golfing buddy. A couple days after his father passed, we took him out for a quick round to help him get his mind off of what was going on. As he placed his bag on the cart, we all noticed something different…there stood “Big Bird” and “Lady Luck”.
Hit’em Long…yell FORE! Enjoy the game.
My last living uncle used to play golf a lot. In the last couple of years before he died, he and I managed to get out and play a few rounds together. Neither of us played particularly well at the time, but we both enjoyed ourselves.
After he died, my aunt told me that she appreciated the times I went out with him. Apparently I was the only person he would go play with in those last few years.
You’re right, Pete — golf has meaning far beyond the score.