DAD TAUGHT ME SO MUCH about the game of golf. Where do I begin? Athletic skill was important, no question. But more important was the positive mental attitude that a player must develop to play the game well.
Dad was brilliant at manifesting this essential trait. He believed that you were never out of a hole and he demonstrated this by making miraculous putts or sand saving shots many more times than not. He was my hero, and some of his character rubbed off.
He had a quiet demeanor on the golf course, quite becoming a doctor. He was such a solid player of the game. He also had this infectious smile he wore when making these amazing shots, quite pleased with his performance and the outcomes, just not too pleased. He loved the gamesmanship that golf offered. Match play was his favorite game on the links.
But the greatest lesson he imparted was recovering from a bad shot. He was always in the game. He believed in the power to overcome adversity, and it applies to life in general.
This philosophy he nicely conveyed to Fred and me as we matured and learned the subtleties of the game. It became imbedded in our own personalities and abilities. We never quite achieved his level of proficiency at the game even though at times we both would come close. Competition at its finest. Father and sons. Brother Dick chose other hobbies and pursuits, probably a smarter direction than trying to challenge Dad on the links.
Even with Dad’s last rounds on planet Earth, when he had trouble even walking, he would produce remarkable shots, forever grinning. He was a gem and a master. Thoughts of him striding along the verdant turf with a golf club in hand makes me smile.
He is forever my hero.