Last October I beat my dad for the first time ever

Last October I beat my dad for the first time ever, shooting an 86 to his 89. As we replaced the pin on 18, he offered me a handshake then pulled me in for a hug. He told me “someday YOUR son will beat YOU, and I hope you’ll be just as proud as I am”. I’m proud to be the son of such a wonderful father.

A sunny day in the backyard and Dad was teaching me how to hit a golf ball. I looked at the shiny ball and thought I'm going to hit it as far as I can! I pulled the club back slow like he taught me to, then let it rip! It was a perfect hit, the ball went soaring through the air! All I could hear was my Dad yelling NO!! I didn't know why until I heard breaking glass! My perfect shot went farther than my Dad thought I could hit and went straight into my neighbors window. I have loved GOLF ever since!

Dad loved teaching me about golf and golf etiquette. Once, while teeing off on the back 9 at a local country club, dad didn't notice a golfer from another hole wander onto our fairway to locate his errant ball. Before I could speak, dad ripped a screaming line drive right at the golfer standing 200 yards away. We yelled "fore", but to no avail. The ball hit the man square in the back, dropping him to his knees. We jumped in the cart and rushed to help the fellow to his feet, my dad apologizing profusely. Learn from this, son. You step in front of a man's drive, you'll cost him 40, maybe 50 yards distance...not good." That advice always makes me smile to this day.

My father is now 87. Being up in years, he can no longer hit the long ball. While visiting from Massachusetts, he came to my club to play a round. He was so excited to see the "forward tees" - not the ladies but the junior tees. Being able to compete with his sons and nephew gave him quite a thrill - and definitely something to talk about with whoever would listen.