Love of the Game

The Masters begins this week. Last year at this time, my father, brother, and I were returning from Augusta after watching the practice rounds. One thing my brother and I always wanted to ensure was that my father made the trip to Augusta National. After endless applications, two years ago my dad secured two tickets. He made the hard choice of taking my brother. I approved since the two of them play golf together, share the same passion for the game, and my brother manages a golf shop in KC. But, my dad still hoped for all three of us to make the trip.

Last year, I received four tickets, so the three of us, plus our friend, Reid, made the trip. It was amazing. Not just seeing Tiger or Phil, but seeing the course itself through the eyes of my father. The television definitely does not do the course justice and it is indescribable.

Now, I have been asked how I can appreciate the Masters, especially considering they still do not allow women to play, and the fact that they were late comers in allowing minorities. My answer is that the Masters is different for us.

My dad was twelve-yeras-old when he caddied at Crestview Country Club, what is now Braeburn at WSU. He would walk from 23rd and Market to WU every day to caddy for seventy-five cents for eighteen holes. He was proud of that money in his pocket, earned to help his mother. He learned a work ethic at that tender age which would carry throughout his life. And, he fell in love with the game of golf.

On Monday, the caddies were allowed to play. It was then that he taught himself the game by mimicking the golfers whose bags he carried the rest of the week. A few members even took the time to teach him the basics, encouraging this skill and fueling his passion. At 76, he plays three times a week, usually with friends who used to caddy alongside him.

This is why it is different for us. My father's love for golf transcends those boundaries. This is why we watch the Masters each year, as a family. My brother, although in KC, will even call after missed or amazing shots. We cheer on our favorites. After all, this is the Superbowl or Final Four of golf. But, again it is more than the game. It is seeing the game through my father's eyes that allows me to see it for all that it is worth and more.

      More pics of last year's Masters in pic gallery.  

Comments

[Jess]

That is an amazing story! I knew your dad loved golf but I had no idea when he actually started to play or was introduced to the game.
Big hug to you all!