Erik Compton has teamed up with Donate Life America to raise organ donation awareness. Photo Credit: Donate Life America.

Erik Compton, a two-time heart transplant recipient, inspires people as living proof of the goodness in our world. In the golf world, we first heard of his golfing ability when he played on the Palmer Cup and Walker Cup teams while at the University of Georgia. He gutted it out during the first decade of the millennium on the Canadian and Nationwide Tours. Struggling to survive in golf he won a Web.com event to get his PGA TOUR card in 2012 only to lose it. Though he bounced back finishing T7 to get back on the big tour in 2013. That’s when we saw him finish T4 at the Honda Classic which led him to the 2014 season. While last year which is part of this year’s new wrap-around season he didn’t do much, he had two Top-10s at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill and in New Orleans before THE PLAYERS Championship. Then came his heroic second place finish (with Rickie Fowler) behind the precise PLAYERS Champion Martin Kaymer in the United States Open on the Pinehurst No. 2 Course. Now he is an accomplished professional golfer first, a two-time heart transplant recipient second, or actually third as we were introduced in television features to his wife Barbara and daughter Petra. But in that other world, the organ donor & recipient world, I learned, that golfing professional Erik Compton is just the Tip of the Iceberg.

My seat between parents Sandy & Terry and newlyweds Kelsey & Derek.

I went on a city tour of Houston and came back not only with a new perspective of the fourth populous city in America but of the organ donor & recipient world. All by chance mind you. I was excited to be going on a double decker bus tour with fresh memories of exciting times doing so in Mexico City; Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the ‘Journey to Olympic Golf.’ Arriving early at the Hilton Americas in downtown, which was the point of origin for the tour, I was looking forward to a topside seat and a spectacular view on a beautiful summer day. I was surprised, as were the other people in line. to see the bus arrive with a full load of people on top. Determined to sit atop the scenic coach I ventured up and out, passing by discouraged tourists while hearing the words I did not want to hear- “all full , no more seats on the upper deck.” Well, of course I had to see for myself, and what I did see was a seat with my name on it (not really) right in the middle of the back row. I didn’t know it at the time but I sat down right in the middle of a family- mother and father to my left and 21-year old son and his wife to my right. Doing so changed my whole visit to Houston.

Houston hosted the 2014 Donate Life Transplant Games of America.

First of all, in the course of chitchatting with the parents, I learned that they had paid ten dollars less than me for the same tour. If you know Andy the golf travel writer this is not possible. The second thing I learned was one of the most remarkable things I ever heard or saw in my life. Derek, the son of Sandy and Terry, the husband of Kelsey, had received a heart transplant as a newborn baby when he was 11 days old. Their family and pretty much everyone else on that bus was an organ donor recipient or part of a organ donor family. An organ family is a family that lost a loved one unexpectedly and through their loss brought life via an organ, eye or tissue transplant to one or more people.  I would also learn that there is such a thing as a living organ donor (see Myron’s video interview below). Houston was the host city and the Hilton Americas was the host hotel of the 2014 Donate Life Transplant Games of America. The day of the tour happened to be registration day!

Organ transplants (represented by colored circles) displayed chronologically have dramatically increased since 1990.

When the tour was over I went inside the hotel to learn more about these people and the Transplant Games. There was something very special being around organ recipients and organ donor families. I was able to interview several people and there interviews are below. I also was intrigued by a couple of the workshops on Monday so I registered for a media credential. There I learned a great deal more and captured a few more interviews. Now that I have thought about it, if one was to seek inspiration on this Earth wouldn’t this be the one of the best places to find it? I think so and am very grateful for the interaction and experience I had with the people I met at the 2014 Donate Life Transplant Games of America in Houston.

I hope you will take the time to meet these exceptional people through these video interviews. Please take out your driver license now and if it does not have ORGAN DONOR on it please register by clicking here.

Click here for Part 1 of 2 of the Video Interview  with Joe Stott, Heart Transplant Recipient.

Heart Recipient Joe Stott with his wife Judy (left) and her mother Tina (right).

Joe Stott is one of the most heartfelt and inspirational people you will ever meet. In August 1990 he got word from his doctor that it was “either a heart transplant or a pine box” due to cardiomyopathy, a degenerative heart disease. After a waiting a tense six years he received a heart from donor Bryan, age 19 who was tragically hit and killed by a car. Ironically his twin brother also had cardiomyopathy and is a heart recipient as well. Joe jokes that his disease is ‘idiopathic’, any idiot can get it. In this beautiful video interview from Joe’s heart, he recognizes that the Transplant Games are a celebration of life and especially a celebration of donor families. Joe references the two woman in his life- his wife Judy and his mother-in-law Tina who is known as the Georgia Peanut, a lovable character that helps open each version of the Transplant Games.

Click here for Part 1 of 2 of the Video Interview  with Joe Stott, Heart Transplant Recipient.

Bryan will forever be remembered for giving the gift of life to Joe on November 12th, 1996.

In Part 2 of his interview Joe shares a startling fact that the percentage of people registered as organ donors  varies widely from state-to-state with Georgia the highest at 50% and Texas the lowest at 15%. Joe’s humor shines through again with his comment- “we want everyone to be a organ donor but we don’t want you to be one today.” If your desire is to be one, make the decision and register today by clicking here. Joe is very thankful Bryan made his wishes known at the very young age of 19. Joe is not a golfer but knows the name Erik Compton well and stated- “I know the good work that he does.” With Joe’s heart and likeable personality, I think he should be a golfer and compete at Houston’s Memorial Park GC like so many other Transplant Games participants!

Click here for Video Interview with Paula & Bill Fallon, A Donor Family.

Not only is Jonathan’s inspiration directly living through others, his love is contagious, Catch it by registering to be an organ donor today.

The next two people I met were incredible people to say the least. Try to imagine your child dying suddenly with no warning. We can’t do it, we just can’t go there because of fear and heartbreak. But what if you had to because that became a reality in your life? Again, overwhelming, even thinking about it. Then imagine two people who looked for the positive in their moment of grief and asked- how can this help other people? There you would have Paula and Bill Fallon. There aren’t two nicer, more in tuned with life, people in this whole world. The motto that evolved from the Jonathan Fallon Donor Family, shared by Bill in the video, is “In Life He Gave His All, and then He Gave It All to Others.” Paula’s comment about “making our hearts smile” really struck me. Let’s do, why not sign up to be an Organ Donor right NOW? Jonathon did, so can we.

Click here for Video Interview with Myron Thritle, a Living Organ Donor.

With Living Organ Donor Myron Thritle who donated a kidney to his father.

There are times in our golfing life where we don’t even want to give our fathers a 3-foot putt, yet Myron Thritle gave his father one of his two kidneys. Myron is a Living Organ Donor. Organs that can be transplanted are the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestine. Kidneys are the most commonly transplanted organs and the only ones by Living Organ Donors like Myron, in addition to partial lung and liver donation. Myron’s Dad had a kidney disease and was on dialysis for three years. It is not automatic that a father and son match but theirs did and Myron extended his father’s life for nearly ten years. I was touched when he said that the transplant strengthened their relationship and that they were very close at the end of his father’s life. Lesson learned, give Dad the 3-footer and a kidney if necessary!

As I mentioned, I was so inspired by meeting these Organ Recipients, Organ Donor Families and a Living Organ Donor I went to the Resolution Room (I am telling you we can learn something from these people!) and met Bill Ryan, the President & CEO of the Transplant Games of America. I read about the workshops to be held and asked Bill if I could get a Media Credential and he graciously granted me one!

Megan Baustian presenting her “And in the Last Hour, They Gave a Lifetime” workshop.

The first workshop I attended was “And in their Last Hour, They Gave a Lifetime.” It was a behind-the-scenes look at the organ and tissue donation and transplantation process, including organ suitability and the ‘matching’ process. Megan Baustian, with Life Source Organ & Tissue Donation, gave a very informative workshop. One number that has stuck in my mind is 122,863. That was the number of people who are on the list who need an organ or tissue transplant. At the Phoenix Open last year I was wowed by the record 179,022 people who came out on Saturday. I thought that was a lot of people. Now I only think of all the people who need you to sign up to be a organ donor. Remember Joe said that we don’t have to give now, just register!

CLICK here for a Video Interview with Melissa Devenny, Managing Director of Donate Life America.

With Melissa Devenny, Managing Director of Donate Life America who gave a powerful ‘Voices’ workshop.

Another workshop I attended was simply called “Voices,” presented by Melissa Devenny, Managing Director of Donate Life America. People that are most likely to register as a donor if they know someone who has been affected by donation and transplantation. Basically everyone at the Transplant Games of America- donors and recipients and their family and friends. This goal of this workshop was to come up with a 10-word statement to inspire and motivate complete strangers to register as an organ donor. This is a difficult task. Most people do not want to talk about death. Melissa knows her stuff and there is no doubt in my mind she would make an excellent coach of any professional sports team. People like to still think and say things like “if I die…” Maybe there is an ‘if’ in life for use but there is no ‘if” in death for any of us. Make the decision and register today, let your wishes be known and save your loved ones even more turmoil in the event of your unexpected passing. I like what golf writer Dan Jenkins said at his Induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame about what he wanted written on his tombstone- “I told you this would happen.”

Click here for Video Interview with Tina Klingenberg, a Liver Transplant Recipient.

With Tina Klingenberg, Liver Recipient 20 years ago who then stole her husband’s heart.

Last, but certainly not least, when it comes to the inspirational people I met at the Transplant Games is Tina Klingenberg. She had liver failure at age 17 and a liver transplant to survive at age 18. The day after we were in Melissa’s “Voices” workshop, Tina would be celebrating 20 years with her new liver. She didn’t even look 20 years old total to me. I think all she had to do was smile at people and they would register as an organ donor. Now a wife and mother of two young children she wants to give back and be a voice that is heard for those 122,863 people on the ‘need an organ or tissue’ list. She wonders what would happen if one of her children needed a transplant. She came up with the line “Before I stole my husband’s heart, I received another man’s liver.” With an opening like that and her smile how can anyone say no to registering as an organ donor today?

Click here to see the Video Interview with Bettyann Harlow, a Liver Transplant Recipient.

With Bettyann Harlow, my neighbor and Liver Transplant Recipient.

My neighbor Bettyann is a liver recipient and well she is the best neighbor I ever had, bar none. She was a normal teenager until 15 when she had pains in her stomach and her weight dropped to 65 pounds. She managed her Ulcerative Colitis Disease until age 21 when she had colectomy surgery. Bettyann had an ileostomy until her 40s then an ileo0anal pouch. Now she thinks it”would have been a good thing for people to know.” She started to feel “itchy and tired” in 2005 and contracted an autoimmune disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). About 5% if people with ulcerative Colitis and  Chron’s Disease progress to PSC and the only cure is a liver transplant. After educating herself, she and her husband Bud came to Jacksonville and became active with the transplant group at the Mayo Clinic. On August 11th she received the call that a donor liver was available and that she needed to be at the hospital within the hour. After a four hour surgery she went home six days later. She says simply in the video that someone, an organ donor, left a legacy and she received a liver because someone was an organ donor.

Little Evan received a kidney transplant from his mother Melissa.

Leah Askew  is a proud grandmother as well as a proud mother. “My daughter, Melissa gave her son, Evan, life 2 times!” Once by birth the second time via kidney transplant. Donors, recipients, family & friends, it’s all one big family hoping for you to join as a registered organ donor!

That’s it, that’s all I have to say about organ donation and transplantation. I met some wonderful, awe-inspiring people at the Transplant Games of America but looking back I should not have been surprised.  I hope you enjoyed this article and the videos. Now you know several people of the organ donor give-and-take lovingly family so research and statistics would say you have registered as an organ donor. Have you?

CLICK here for the website of the Island Chapter of the PGA of America in Puerto Rico.

With Aaron West, President of the Island Chapter of the PGA of America.

Aaron West is the President of the Island Chapter of the PGA of America since early 2013. After being at the helm nearly a decade ago of a unique chapter, that is part of the South Florida section, West is back on top with a mission to build a team of member golf professionals and a brand that impacts every golfer, whether a native or a tourist, that tees it up in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While expecting his first child within 10 days, he came out to Trump International during the Open to share his background, insight and vision for the Island Chapter.

West sees golf  as a way to “bring different groups of people together.” A graduate of Michigan’s Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management program, the 36-year old has worked as a golf professional in Texas, Virginia and Florida. A friend brought him to Dorado Beach Resort & Club in early 2003. Since then, as a professional golfer he has earned ‘Player of the Year’ distinction seven times and competed in the inaugural PGA TOUR Latino-American event in 2012 at Dorado Beach. Though with the baby on the way, his focus is being a golf professional and making the Island Chapter the best it can be. He shares his enthusiasm of Puerto Rico as a golfing destination with the convenience of air travel to the island, the beaches, hotels and nightlife complementing the 25 golf courses. Getting to the golf course is half the fun in Puerto Rico!

CLICK here for VIDEO INTERVIEW with Aaron West, President of the Island Chapter.

With Miguel ‘Junior’ Colon, Puerto Rico’s veteran Golf Professional.

Miguel ‘Junior’ Colon is a native Puerto Rican, a consummate golf professional and Lifetime member of the Island Chapter. Originally coming to the game as a caddie, Colon worked at Dorado Beach Resort & Club for 38 years, including the last 24 as the Director of Golf. As the first recipient of the Chi Chi Rodriguez endowed Ed Dudley Scholarship, Junior went on to graduate from the University of Puerto Rico to prepare for himself for his career at Dorado Beach and later Dorado del Mar. He was there when Dorado Beach first brought professional golf to the Island and once gave a golf lesson to President Bush No. 41. A two-time president of the Island Chapter, this likeable guy is also a weatherman that gets it right every time- “the wind chill factor and temperature in Puerto Rico is always 84 degrees!”

CLICK here for VIDEO INTERVIEW with Miguel ‘Junior’ Colon, Lifetime Member.

With Brian Shaver celebrating Chesson Hadley’s win at the 2014 Puerto Rico Open presented by SeePuertoRico.com

Brian Shaver is the Director of Golf at the Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande. The Tom Kite-designed Championship Course has hosted the Puerto Rico Open presented by See PuertoRico.com since its inception in 2008. I caught Brian for an interview at a good time- Sunday evening at the end of tournament week that concluded months of preparation with the crowning of Chesson Hadley. Born and raised like David Toms in Shreveport, Louisiana, Brian is one of the nicest and friendliest guys you will ever meet. His wife is from Puerto Rico, and he has been on the island for 21 years so he is “loving life.” His golf game is extremely competitive but his love for hospitality and hosting folks at Trump International is his primary focus. I think everyone, spectators, folks in the golfing business, and the players here this week for Puerto Rico’s showcase golf event would agree not only is it his primary focus but the he and his team are incredibly talented in what they do. It’s a Caribbean Paradise!

CLICK here for VIDEO INTERVIEW with Brian Shaver, Director of Golf, Trump International GC.

With Puerto Rican golfers, Erick Morales, Max Alverio, & Miguel Suarez and retired Texas Ranger baseball player (in red shirt) Ivan Rodriguez (golfer Rafael Campos not shown).

Miguel Suarez, Director of Golf at Royal Isabela, is both a golf professional and a professional golfer. The friendly golfer has competed in all seven of the Puerto Rico Opens presented by SeePuertoRico.com. He, having grown up 13 miles from Royal Isabela, and her, the Crown of the Caribbean Cosmos, are a perfect match. Miguel shares his love of Royal Isabela in words like unforgettable, beautiful, different and being one with nature. She sees his love of the land, the people and community. Suarez conducted his first golf clinic at age 15 and mentors Young and promising Peurto Rican golfers. His personalized service to all members and their guests while on property at Royal Isabela gives new meaning to the phrase “being treated like royalty.”

CLICK here for VIDEO INTERVIEW with Miguel Suarez, Director of Golf, Royal Isabella.

With Alberto Rios at Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club.

Alberto Rios is the Director of Golf at Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club Puerto Rico. Inspired by nature, with a spectacular Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course, a St. Regis Luxury Hotel and a Beachfront Members Club opening this summer, Bahia Beach is one of the premier golf resorts in Puerto Rico, if not the entire Caribbean Cosmos. Rios, who came to golf from a tennis family tells us why golfing Bahia Beach is so special- each hole is enveloped by nature and isolated from the others whether in mangroves or along the beach. The best part of is meeting people from all over the world, learning a little of their culture and them starting them off on their 18-hole journey with nature.

CLICK here for VIDEO INTERVIEW with Alberto Rios, Director of Golf, Bahia Beach Resort & GC.

With Bobby Halinski, the Dancing Gringo of Puerto Rico’s Golf Community!

Bobby Halinski, known as the ‘Dancing Gringo’ is one of the first Golf Professionals I met in Puerto Rico. I think he gets his name from how much fun he has instructing folks how to golf, especially youngsters. A product of the harsh winters of Springfield, Massachusetts he came to the game at age 14 through a cherished uncle. His main perspective as an instructor is for the student to learn how to swing the golf club versus hit the ball. He works with Max Alverio, one of four Puerto Ricans to compete in the PGA TOUR event. He was excited to see another local Rafael Campos finish T29 and is working with a 13-year old Melvin Morales who could be even better and compete in Puerto Rico’s flagship golfing competition in the years ahead. Golf is the most challenging sport but with Bobby it is an easy two-step.

CLICK here for VIDEO INTERVIEW with Bobby Halinski, the ‘Dancing Gringo.’

Pedro’s the tiger, I am just another fruit loop in 2011 on my first visit to Puerto Rico.

Pedro Amengual is the creative and enterprising Marketing Manager of the Island Chapter, South Florida Section of the PGA of America. He is the one who invited me to Puerto Rico to meet, get to know and write about the Golf Professionals of the Island Chapter. I did most of the interviews onsite at the Puerto Rico Open presented by SeePuertoRico.com at the Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande. A native of Puerto Rico, Pedro, known simply as “the golf rep of the Caribbean,” is teaming up with chapter president Aaron West, the leadership team and the membership to make the Island Chapter better than ever.

Here’s the hippie bus that brought Pedro & I together at the 2011 PGA Show in Orlando.

Pedro first came to golf not as a player but in a helpful role to assist a golf course emerging from Chapter 11 many years ago. He grew up in the south, in Ponce, on an island that measures 100-miles-by-35-miles that is the center of the Caribbean Cosmos. For the first time this year, Pedro will organize a merchandise and golf professional education show in San Juan to attract all countries that border the Caribbean Sea, including Bermuda and South America. This is not business as usual for the little chapter that is trying new things to promote golf, including their very own website. Amengual has a marketing plan but more importantly he has an innate hospitality to end any conversation, including our interview with “it is my pleasure, always.”

CLICK here for the VIDEO INTERVIEW with Pedro Amengual, the Marketing Manager.

Here are the pics of the Island Chapter and the Puerto Rico Golf Association (PRGA):

[Show slideshow]

Shaking hands with the legend Chi Chi Rodriguez at Dorado Beach after our long interview!

I had the great pleasure to interview Chi Chi Rodriguez at the Dorado Beach Resort & Club in Puerto Rico in March 2014. For over an hour we sat and talked on the terrace of the Plantation Clubhouse overlooking the Sugarcane and Pineapple Courses. Like our meeting in 2010 it was intriguing, honest and fascinating to hear Puerto Rico’s iconic King of Golf tell stories from his poor and humble beginnings as a caddie to his rise as one of the premier golfers on the PGA TOUR. The eight time winner in the 1960s and 70s went on to win 22 more times on the Champions Tour including two majors. His inspirational career, on and off the golf course, is part of golf history forever with his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1992.

The video interview was so long I had to split it into four segments.

CLICK here for Part 1 of 4 of Video Interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez

Chi Chi happened upon a visiting group and warmly welcomed them to Dorado Beach!

In this first segment Chi Chi readily admits that he would not change anything in his life and that he has never grown up! I agree in that his exuberance for life is childlike and maybe that is his secret to happiness, success and longevity? He credits Ed Dudley, the first Head Golf Professional at Augusta National Golf Club as being an inspiration to him along with his father who also came to the game of golf as a caddie. His dad suggested he “learn the ethics of the game” and that he did along with other great life principles like “Freely Ye Receive, Freely Ye Give.” Shortly after Ed Dudley passed in 1963 Chi Chi created a scholarship and named it after his mentor. Miguel ‘Junior’ Colon was a recipient of the Dudley Scholarship and went on to serve at Dorado Beach for 38 years, the last 13 as Director of Golf. It is obvious that Chi Chi did grow up and not only made a contribution to golf on the world stage but also back home in his native Puerto Rico.

Chi Chi giving a kids clinic at the Puerto Rico Open in 2011.

The first segment concludes on a lighthearted note with Chi Chi telling the story of his first win in the Denver Open in 1963. He had a one shot lead going into the last hole and should have hit a conservative 2-iron but went with the driver because the fans “came to see the long ball.” Afterwards his playing partner Dave Hill said “you’re the dumbest player I have ever seen or maybe the best!”

Also Chi Chi reveals he has successfully pulled off his most famous trick shot, hitting a fade, then a hook and having the balls collide in midair, at least 25 times. He attributes it to “pure luck” but noted one of his mentors growing up in the game was trick shot artist Paul Hahn and that “kids learn what they see.”

CLICK here for Part 2 of 4 of Video Interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez

With Chi Chi and his beautiful wife Iwalani who is native Hawaiian. They have been married since 1964.

In the second segment of four the good-natured Chi Chi speaks of the role of humor in his life. His mother and father were always telling stories and through these stories letting their children dream their dreams. With parents that were always happy, never complaining Chi Chi grew up knowing “money cannot buy poverty and money cannot buy happiness.” The 78-year old kid told the story of how his unusual birdie celebration evolved over the course of his life. First as a young child he lost a hole when a frog emerged along with his ball. Then he covered it with his hat which was frowned upon at the professional level. The final version came from being named after a bull fighter. Pulling his sword, stabbing a bull and cleaning it off before returning it to its sheath. Though like Bob Hope, Chi Chi would not hurt a fly unless it is open. Interestingly enough this portion of the interview began and ended with Chi Chi and me laughing. What fun this guy brings to life!

CLICK here for Part 3 of 4 of Video Interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez

Chi Chi’s place on the Walk of Champions at the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida.

In the third and shortest segment of the four, Chi Chi describes his island home in Puerto Rico as being beautiful with beautiful golf courses. Reminiscing on his life, he speaks to his roots and bearings in life. Being as poor as anyone in this world and making it to the top, his perspective is that if he lost everything, he could be happy because he knows how to make it. Rodriguez credits Jack Nicklaus as an inspiring competitor, a good friend and someone instrumental in the founding of the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy which “prepares students for the game of life.” Another inspiring golfer was the ever clever Roberto De Vicenzo who Chi Chi described as ‘the best player the world ever had.” The self-described diminutive but strong Rodriguez shared his secret to how he added 50 to 75 yards to the length of his drives. He wraps up the segment by sharing his secret to success- determination, desire and discipline.

CLICK here for Part 4 of 4 of Video Interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez

Chi Chi Rodriguez, a World Golf Hall of Fame member, a proud Puerto Rican and a great American!

In the final segment of our interview, Chi Chi goes back to the beginning of his career at the very start of the Dorado Beach Resort & Club and tells a story about Laurance Rockefeller, Ed Dudley and being humble. Chi Chi received his first invitation to The Masters from Chairman Clifford Roberts while practicing with a 2-iron hitting over palm trees. When asked what he would like to do for the rest of his life he responded to continue helping children and become a statesman for Puerto Rico. He would also like to meet President Jimmy Carter, the best man and peacemaker of the Middle East.

Wow, what an inspiring interview with Chi Chi Rodriguez. A conversation about more than golf, a conversation about life too. All the best to you Chi Chi and Happy 50^th wedding anniversary to you and Iwalani! Thanks for the interview and visit to Dorado Beach Resort & Club!

Lucy Li with caddie Byron Bush in the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Photo Credit: Google Images

Lucy Li, the youngest ever to qualify for the US Women’s Open, probably caught your attention playing, smiling and eating ice cream at Pinehurst. Mine too! David Edel caught my attention too since the name of his company Edel (Golf) was on her bag. But David Edel was on my radar even since his name came to me in terms of the Journey to Olympic Golf and the only World Golf Hall of Fame member on that Journey south of the American border- the one-and-only Roberto De Vicenzo.

Golfweek’s James Achenbach wrote an article on how Byron Bush became Lucy’s caddie for the 2014 US Women’s Open on Pinehurst No. 2. They were a formidable team of an experienced caddie and 11-year old girl shooting a pair of 78s while connecting with the hearts and minds of folks all over the world. David Edel, Bobby Dean and Edel Golf brought Byron and Lucy together. I loved the quotes from David in  James’ article about his relationship with Lucy. “We love the publicity,” Edel said, “but this is just a little kid we’re talking about. The last thing in the world we want to do is take advantage of an 11-year-old golfer. It’s exciting to watch her play, no matter what’s in the bag.”

These words rang true to me but in a different context- his relationship with the great Roberto De Vicenzo. I think it is vintage David Edel, the same guy whether protecting the space of an 11-year old kid playing golf or protecting the legacy of a 91-year old Legend of Golf. I had a chance to interview David at the closing bell (literally) of the 2014 PGA Show. He, his staff and the Edel booth were mobbed most of the show as it took me numerous visits to get my interview!

Click here for Part 1 of 2 of a Video Interview with David Edel on Golf.

With David Edel at the 2014 PGA Show.

Here’s a guy that grew up with golf in his life, courtesy of his father and grandfather who introduced him to the game at an early age. After being separated for the game for a while his father gave him some inspiring advice: “if you are going to be a golf pro, be the best golf pro you can be.” Two groups of people, Ben Doyle and Ross & Randy Henry, intersected in his life and the rest as they say is history. Ben Doyle, wrote the Foreword to Homer Kelley’s book- The Golfing Machine (Geometric Golf, The Computer Age Approach to Golfing Perfection) in 1978. Ross & Randy Henry teamed up with Jim Griffitts to make and assemble fitted clubs back in 1983. David’s approach some 30 years later is simply stated in the interview- “I want to mean something to the game so I have to mean something to the person playing the game.”

Click here for Part 2 of 2 of a Video Interview with David Edel on Roberto De Vicenzo.

With Roberto De Vicenzo at Ranelagh Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina on the ‘Journey to Olympic Golf.’

It’s not the same video though I used the same introductory segment. Roberto De Vicenzo is not the same as Lucy Li but in the world of David Edel they are. “Once a journey starts, it never ends,” are David’s prophetic words which I could not agree with more when it comes to golf and life. While living and teaching in Argentina David met Roberto De Vicenzo through one of his students. Now as the owner of Roberto’s whole golf collection amassed though the pursuit of 231 tournament wins around the world, David is the foremost historian of the champion of the 1967 Open Championship and nearly the 1968 Masters Tournament.

Another connection to David Edel and his life in golf was his grandfather living on the 7^th hole at Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California. Here is an article I wrote about visiting and playing California’s Golfing Destination.

Here is more information on Edel Golf and David Edel’s partner Mike Adams:

Purpose Built for You.

A truly customized golf club goes far beyond having a few options to make an adjustment here or there. We get it. At Edel, our fully customizable putters, wedges and irons means you are playing handcrafted, tour proven golf clubs that are properly fit, purpose built and personalized just for you.

David Edel
Founder and President

David grew up in Oregon, and developed a passion for the game of golf at an early age. He has been working in the golf industry since the age of 15 and has been a PGA Class A Member since 1994 and a Golf System Engineering Master (GSEM) since 1991. David began designing golf equipment shortly after graduating from the University of Oregon. After several years working with renowned club maker Henry Griffitts, David formed Edel Golf in 1996. David’s initial vision for Edel Golf was to develop the world’s most comprehensive putter fitting system and build the most precise putters in the industry by enabling an unparalleled level of customization based on multiple attributes of every player’s unique putting stroke. After the company’s initial success in the custom putter market, David used the same customization and fitting philosophies to expand Edel Golf’s product offerings to include wedges and irons. David serves as the company’s visionary leader, working tirelessly to innovate and develop ground-breaking products that shift the thinking of the golf equipment industry. His extensive club design and engineering expertise allows Edel Golf to continually push the envelope of equipment technology.

Mike Adams
Partner and Co-Developer of Wedge Fitting System

Mike Adams is a valued partner and advisor to Edel Golf. He is a nationally renowned golf instructor who has been teaching the game for over 33 years, and has been listed on every GOLF Magazine Top 100 Instructor and Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher list that has ever been produced. Mike has written or co-written 18 golf instruction books and is the creator of the “LAW’s of Golf”, a philosophy to help golfers of all levels find a swing to fit their physical build. He has coached multiple USGA champions, PGA professionals, and LPGA professionals, and is seen as one of the most well respected figures in golf instruction today. His expertise in both golf swing mechanics and club design has been instrumental in the development of Edel Golf’s proprietary wedge fitting system. Mike recently completed his sixth season at Hamilton Farm GC in Gladstone, New Jersey and spends winters as the Director of Instruction at The Medalist GC in Hobe Sound, Florida

Fran Quinn with 15-year old son Owen after Sunday’s final round. Photo Credit: NBC Golf & USGA.

Fran Quinn’s 68 in the first round of the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 caught everyone’s interest. Who was this guy with his 15-year old son on the bag who was tied for second, three shots behind Martin Kaymer, in the biggest golf tournament in America?

I already knew who Fran and Owen Quinn were. They are the quintessence of good people in this world. If you are lucky enough to meet them you don’t forget them.

Not even five years later. It was the 2009 Nationwide (now Web.com) Tour Championship at Daniel Island outside Charleston, South Carolina when I first learned of this inspiring duo.

The Quinn twosome raise their arms in triumph walking up the 18th fairway on Father’s Day. Photo Credit: NBC Golf & USGA.

After twelve straight seasons on the Nationwide Tour, Fran Quinn needed a solid round on Sunday to stay in the Top 25 (now Top 20) and earn his PGA TOUR card. Not only was he experiencing extreme pressure from golf, he was fighting off a painful bladder infection.

Inspired by the words spoken early Sunday morning by his then 11-year-old son Owen, “Dad, you’re going to do it. You’re going to have a great day,” he went out and shot a suitable Sunday 74 to make the big tour on the number. “Those words (of my son) were an inspiration for me all day,” the elated Quinn said afterwards.

It was special back then and it wasn’t even Father’s Day that Sunday! To see them finish Sunday afternoon at Pinehurst No. 2 was quite extraordinary.

Father Fran & Son Owen embrace after completing 72 holes together in the US Open. Photo Credit: NBC Golf & USGA.

We all have a father and if we are fortunate we have a chance, even if only once in life, to experience that special bond so prominently displayed by Father Fran and Son Owen. For me it was caddying, when I was about Owen’s age now, for my dad when he won the club championship at Ely Park Municipal Golf Course in Binghamton, New York. It wasn’t all graceful or calm or easy but in reality it is not supposed to be. We finished together. Dad fulfilled his dream of becoming the Club Champion and I had a memory of us working as a team that will last my lifetime.

There were many inspirational story lines this week at Pinehurst- the restoration that took courage to do was one. It is not easy, even for a business, to return to its roots amidst a complex and changing economic environment. Even if we can go back and do a make-over, there is no guarantee of our success or being accepted.

When all was said and done there was that look of respect and admiration between father and son. Photo Credit: NBC Golf & USGA.

Phil chasing the career grand slam, Martin Kaymer’s dominant performance and Erik Compton’s authentic performance were others. Now, the world knows Compton as a golfer first and as a twice heart transplant second.

But Fran and Owen made my US Open this week. Who would have thought that Fran Quinn or three shots was the closest anyone would ever get to Kaymer? Who thought Fran Quinn could compete and win the U.S. Open? His son Owen did for sure.

Here is my article from 2009 on Fran Quinn, the 2009 Nationwide (now Web.com) Tour Championship, and the beautiful and challenging Daniel Island Club. This was my very first ‘Play-Write’ article where I play the course the Monday after and write about the experience!

Daniel Island Club hosted the Nationwide (now Web.com) Tour Championship from 2009 to 2011.

Golf writer Andy Reistetter was on site at the 2009 Nationwide Tour Championship at the Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina last week. He helped cover the action for The Golf Channel and thoroughly enjoyed witnessing in person the crowning tournament of the Nationwide Tour where 25 golden golfers earned their 2010 PGA TOUR cards.

To top that experience he was invited by Greg Keating, Vice President of Club Operations and Bobby Donnellan, Director of Golf to play the Rees Jones designed Ralston Creek Course on Monday morning. From the tips and with Sunday hole locations this devoted amateur golfer tells the story of the Nationwide Tour Championship and his “Monday Morning Golf” outing in his own words.

I have always wanted to go to Charleston, South Carolina so it was a no-brainer to drive up from Jacksonville Beach, Florida on Thursday morning to catch all the action of the Nationwide Tour Championship at the Daniel Island Club.

The Prince of Tides is a 1991 romantic drama film based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Pat Conroy; the film stars Barbra Streisand and Nick Nolte. Photo credit: Wiki.

My connection with Charleston was through the movie The Prince of Tides. You know the one nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1991 with Barbara Streisand and Nick Nolte. I loved it when Nolte drove over the picturesque bridge in a convertible. So my dream was always to go to Charleston and drive over that bridge with the top down.

The Daniel Island Club is a couple of miles off the interstate highway. It’s a Wizard of Oz Munchkin like moment. It is that dramatic of an entrance into an enchanted land of Low country natural oaks, beautiful palms and saltwater marshes.

What is the quickest way to paradise from Interstate 526 around Charleston, South Carolina? Take Exit 24- Daniel Island and proceed to the Daniel Island Club.

Sixty of the best golfers on the Nationwide Tour did exactly that for their championship event- the culmination of the landmark 20th season of PGA TOUR Driven excellence. There is no question that the skill, desire and work ethic of these golfers mirror that of the big tour.  

In fact the PGA TOUR is simply the grown up version of its younger brother. Nationwide Tour graduates account for 258 PGA TOUR wins including 13 Major and 3 PLAYERS Championships. Make that 259 PGA TOUR wins with Nationwide Tour alumni Troy Matteson winning the Frys.com Open last week.

You do the math on that one- 20 years, about 40 PGA events a year is about 800 events… so about one in three come from the Nationwide Tour. With Tiger Woods with 71 victories and players coming directly from the European Tour being the key exceptions.

Matt Every, 2009 Nationwide (now Web.com) Tour Champion.

Matt Every who came in at No. 49 shot 63 in Friday’s second round and a pair of 67s on the weekend to overcome the tour’s best golfer Michael Sim who came out firing on all cylinders with a 64 on Thursday. The 25-year old Every would make his first win on the Nationwide Tour his biggest and hopefully his last. His stellar performance vaulted him to No. 10 on the money list. That gold status earned him his playing card on the PGA TOUR in 2010.

The heart pounding and heartwarming story of the week on Daniel Island was 44-year old Fran Quinn. Turning pro in 1988 he made it to the PGA TOUR for the first and only time in 1992 when he finished T8 at Q-School.

First and only time until now.

After twelve straight seasons on the Nationwide Tour where he is now ranked third in all-time starts at 324, Quinn fought off a painful bladder infection and was inspired by his 11-year-old son Owen. “Dad, you’re going to do it. You’re going to have a great day,” were the words spoken early Sunday morning though it was the tone that was really inspiring.

With Fran Quinn who finished No. 25 to earn his 2010 tour card.

The son in his heart already knew his father was a champion and all he hoped was that everyone else would know the same thing come the end of competition on Sunday. His father was locked in as No. 25 when Brian Stuard missed an eight foot birdie putt on the final hole to finish T14 in the Championship and only $2,844 out of the Top 25 and a golden passport to the big show next year.  

Quinn’s success really was determined by his finish on Saturday. At 6-under par for the tournament he missed a short par putt on the 13th green. He then hit a poor iron from the fairway bunker on No. 14 failing to get out which led to double bogey.

On the par-3 15th he hit a poor chip shot and then a good one for a one-putt bogey. On the 16th he drove it left into the water and came away with another double bogey. In total, he was 6-over par for four holes and back to even par for the tournament. It easily could have been the end of the story but not for this gutsy competitor playing hurt.

Beware of the ill golfer. After steadying the ship with a two-putt par on No. 17 he finished strong with a birdie on No. 18. That was the key to the tournament for Quinn. Despite his ailment, he finished with a birdie put the poor stretch of golf behind him. He came through with a decent 74 on Sunday, a T46 finish and the $3,750 he needed to finish in the 25th slot after starting the week at No. 20.

“Those words (of my son) were an inspiration for me all day,” the elated Quinn said afterwards.

Fran Quinn was one of 25 players to sign the Top 25 flag at the end of the day.

While Quinn was fortunate to remain in the Top 25, another golfer named Steve Wheatcroft came into the gold with Every. The 31-year old Indiana University graduate from Indiana, Pennsylvania shot three rounds in the 60s and an even par 72 on Sunday to finish T3, win $58,000 and vault from No. 31 to No. 20.

In the tough reality of championship golf and a limited number of PGA TOUR cards to pass out at the awards ceremony late Sunday afternoon when two come in two have to go out.

Along with Brian Stuard who started at No. 23 Alastair Presnell the “bubble boy” at No. 25 coming in slipped to No. 28 despite a respectable T19 finish.

The big picture of the Top 25 movement for 2009 was that Matt Every (1^st) and Steve Wheatcroft (T3) came out of nowhere and surged ahead to No. 10 and No. 20 respectively on the final money list.

Quinn held on for dear life to remain in the Top 25 while Stuard and Presnell were bumped out despite reasonable finishes in the Tour Championship at Daniel Island.

Welcoming entrance to the Daniel Island Club for the 2009 Nationwide (now Web.com) Tour Championship.

Daniel Island was the perfect place for the championship with the difficult “U.S. Open Doctor” designed Ralston Creek course, superb facilities and near perfect weather. The winning score of 21-under par on the 7,446 yard par 72 masterpiece was due surprisingly to a lack of wind in this beautiful coastal community. Generous fairway widths in the landing zones despite the deep Rees bunkers was also good news for the bombers.

The winding 557-yard par 5 9th hole with water right off the tee and water short left of the green on the second shot was an exciting finishing hole. A perfect drive meant an opportunity to reach the green in two and possibly make eagle.

The beauty of the grounds with the purplish hue to the whimsical vegetation and the majestic clubhouse setting on high ground to the left as the player walks down the 18th fairway for the last time on Sunday afternoon.

Imagine the thoughts, feelings and emotions of Michael Sim as he completed perhaps the most dominant season ever on the Nationwide Tour.

Or Matt Every who triumphed as Nationwide Tour Champion just in time to catch the train to the PGA TOUR for 2010.

The informal hospitality of the Low country and that of Daniel Island was certainly evident on the grassed plateau behind the clubhouse. Overlooking the vast marsh the view is literally endless with natural beauty as far as the eye can see.

An open hospitality tent designated the 19th hole provided spirits and musical tunes to dance to as the evening sun set over the marshland.

Jerry Foltz, the broadcasting face of the Nationwide (now Web.com) Tour, mc’d the tour card presentation ceremony.

On Sunday afternoon the festivities were taken inside the large ballroom where Golf Channel Host Jerry Foltz emceed the final chapter of the Quest for the Card series where the 25 golden graduates of the 2009 Nationwide Tour receive their official 2010 PGA TOUR card.

The graduation ceremony started with 25 empty chairs on stage draped in the numbered gold caddie bibs. One by one the successors are introduced and come across the stage to shake hands with Bill Calfee, President of the Nationwide Tour and Jim Lyski, Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide.

Better than a high school or college graduation, this ceremony utilizes high tech life size portraits of each golfer with a twirling PGA TOUR card framing the background for the handshakes and presentations. There is no pomp and circumstance playing over and over again.

Family and friends whoop it up a bit as each player is introduced. This ceremony being the culmination of the hard work of a year or of a career brings out the emotions and tears of joy especially for the successful bubble boys and streakers like Every and Wheatcroft.

The joyous gathering spilled out to the grassy plateau where Jerry Foltz continued the festivities recognizing a Nationwide Tour volunteer for the past 31 years in a very inspiration manner.

Lady Lainey and her new car exemplify the family spirit of The Golf Channel and the Nationwide (now Web.com) Tour.

Lady Lainey drives to many tournaments from her home in South Carolina. Her car with over 300,000 miles on the odometer has seen better days. A grassroots collection was taken up with contributions received from players, caddies, other volunteers, and the media among others to purchase her a new car so she could continue her volunteer activities.

Though she did not leap on the car like Rich Beem did when he aced the 14th hole at Riviera in the 2007 Northern Trust Open Lainey was obviously moved by the outpouring of love and respect for all she has accomplished in a humble manner the last 31 years.

The celebrations on the grassy plateau continued on into the darkness on Sunday evening with hugs and kisses and pictures and toasts occurring nonstop for a few hours as players, caddies, family, friends and fans milled around enjoying the special moment.

Want to experience the Nationwide Tour family up close and personal? Make plans to attend the 2010 Nationwide Tour Championship at the Daniel Island Club in Charleston, South Carolina.

I was like a kid on Christmas morning amongst the purple pageantry of the Daniel Island Club.

I was like a kid that simply could not wait for Christmas morning to come. An opportunity to play the Ralston Course with exactly the same setup of the tour players was granted to me for which I am extremely thankful. My peg was in the ground at 8 a.m. walking and playing in a twosome with a distinguished member named Richard.  He was distinguished to me in that it was immediately evident he loved the game and cherished the walk in the park we would surely enjoy over the next few hours.

Off we went with me playing from the tips a la my friend Sir Walter’s way… go to the back of the back tee, take one step with your right foot, then another step with your left, bend over and put the tee in the ground at the tip of your left shoe.

Wait a minute, this course measures 7,446 yards. Even for a 7-handicapper that is quite the challenge. Especially for a 7-handicapper who doesn’t get out as much as he use to. It is definitely try what they say about being in the golf business—you do play less golf.

I lied about my drives carrying 270 and rolling to 300… this one stopped well short of 250!

The key to being able to play a golf course of this length is having the fairways hard and fast so the ball rolls like crazy. That is the only way my 260 yard drives will ever stretch to the needed 300 yards. Looking back the length of the golf course was not overwhelming to me. It was long and I did hit every club in my bag. I was hitting the ball extremely solid and straight for the most part.

On the four par-3s I hit two hybrid 4 irons and two drivers to carry the marsh on the 250-yard 9th hole and to carry the water into the wind on the 227-yard 12th hole. I bogeyed No. 9 pulling my drive way left though I two-putt for par on No. 12.

On the par-5s after reasonable second shots I hit 6-iron, 8-iron and pitching wedges into Nos. 6 and 18. I played the par-5s one over par and the par-3s two-over par sadly three-putting No. 15 from 30 feet.

The heart of the Daniel Island Club like any golf course is the 14 par-4s which bring the designer’s challenge and intrigue into play. The shortest iron I had into any par-4 was an 8-iron on No. 17 which I played from the back tees at 368 yards. The longest was a 3-wood into No. 10 playing 468 yards into the wind.

The green at the par-3 third hole.

With Richard as a wonderful playing companion I started off well with hybrid 3-irons into the par-4 Nos. 1 and 2 and coming away with par. Thinking I was off to a good start with the third hole a par-5 coming up I pulled out my 3-wood to advance the ball as far as I could on the second shot on the 618-yard hole. A quick swing trying to hit the ball from the top of my backswing resulted in a duck hook that rolled to a stop in the left fairway bunker.

Now I was in Rees Jones country—a fairly deep fairway bunker with 160+ yards to the hole over water and the front part of the bunker. Another quick swing resulted in a top shot that encountered the signature Jones grassed finger trying to escape the bunker.

With the ball still in the bunker I was challenged with the same shot only ten yards shorter. Trying to calm myself down a bit I exchanged my 6-iron for a 7-iron. Taking a deep breath I made a perfect swing with the ball rising over the lip of the bunker, carrying the water, covering the back left flagstick all the way to the hole.

 I chipped delicately from slightly past the putting surface from light Bermuda rough with an 8-iron. The challenge of disaster had passed as I tapped in for a bogey. Still a good start one over par after three holes.

The marsh views are spectacular and make for a memorable experience no matter how good one’s golf game is that day playing the Daniel Island Club.

After a hybrid four iron to 30 feet and a two-putt regulation par on the 188-yard par-3 4th hole disaster struck quietly but soundly on the 402 yard par-4 5th hole.

My drive right landed in another fairly deep fairway bunker. Failing to get my 8-iron I managed to escape barely with a 9-iron. Granted I am not the most skilled fairway bunker player but I am not bad. There is something about these bunkers that subtlety pull you into misjudging the lie or height needed to escape in a routine manner.

A skulled wedge over the green left me with a snarly heavy Bermuda rough lie that I was fortunate to get up near the green only to mischip and two-putt my way to a quadruple bogey 8- a snowman on a warm Charleston morning.

So much for the good start at least score wise. Though battered a bit I felt confident this was still my day. After parring the par-5 6th hole I drove right again on the par-4 458-yard 7th. Forced to punch out with a 5-iron I wedged to the green only to lip out a 40-footer and make bogey.

After a perfect drive on the 395-yard dog-leg-left par-4 8th hole the beauty of the Daniel Island Club unfolds with a vast marsh to the left of the fairway. The marsh goes forever necessitating a carry over it on the long par-3 9th hole.

The openness continues the full length of the 468-yard par-4 10th hole and then simply expands in all directions. To the north along holes nos. 11, 12, 13, and 14, To the east as far as the eye can see. If the marsh was an ocean you would be at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland.

What a feeling to be in awe of these natural surroundings.

The par-3 ninth hole with a intimidating carry over the marsh.

A good par on the 8th and the previously mentioned driver over the marsh pulled to safety left on the 9th and I carded a plus-7 43 on the front nine holes. Not bad but I played really well though the score does not indicate it.

I hit a pro long bunker shot from the short right bunker on the 10th green only to miss a 6-footer for par. Other than that putt and a similar 6-footer for par on No. 9 and the 3-putt on No. 15 I putted well all day.

An alligator-less par on the 583-yard par-5 11th hole and a solid driver par on the par-3 12th got my round back to stable condition. Another plus-1 start over the first three holes. I was determined to post a good score on the back nine possibly break 40 for my normal low 80s posting.

Though this was not a normal course. At 7,446 yards it carried a rating of 77.3 and a slope of 143. Who said only Pete Dye was diabolical? Honestly thought the course played fairly with no tricked up holes. Only solid well designed good golf holes coming at you.

I made a good par on the dog-keg-left par-4 467-yard 13th hole. Driving left I hit a flyer with a hybrid 4-iron that just kept rolling and rolling down the firm fairway. A nice chip and tap in gave me confidence.

Plus the back nine holes were the ones I covered for the Golf Channel so I knew them well. I had seen some great golf shots over four days. In fact, I have seen a lot of good golf shots at over 40 PGA TOUR events in the last two years.

Not that I am one of them but I have seen and know how it can be done. Get the ball in the hole however you can—great drive, recovery shot, long putt whatever just get it in the hole in as few strokes as possible and there you have the game of golf.

The par-3 15th hole at the Daniel Island Club.

A key to success for my back nine performance came after I pulled a 6-iron in the left bunker on the par-4 424-yard 14th hole. I had to carry 30 feet of sand, an embankment to a near sided hole location.

An honest assessment is that I did not have the skills let alone the lie to carry that shot off. I played out sideways and two-putted from 30 feet for a “good” bogey.

Two over after five holes on the back nine with a par-3, tough par-4, short par-4 and the par-5 finishing hole left I started to actively think about how good it would be to break 40.

Distracted I three-putted the 15th after a nice hybrid 2-iron to 30 feet. There’s nothing worse than a 3-putt to kill the mojo on a golf course.

Now I had the toughest hole of the Nationwide Tour Championship in front of me—a 450-yard par-4 dog-leg-left with water all the way down the left side with bunkers right.

After a solid drive I hit a hybrid 4-iron to 25 feet and drained the putt for my only birdie of the day. What a treat to birdie the toughest hole on the golf course. Richard was beginning to think maybe I was a pro disguised as a golf writer if there ever could be such a thing.

I tried to step up an 8-iron from 140 yards on No. 17 and fell short hitting the bank and rolling back in the bunker. Though I did not get my bunker shot all the way to the green I did perform well with a delicate chip and tap-in bogey.

Four bogeys and a birdie on the back nine. With a par on the closing par-5 I will shoot a respectable 39 on the back nine.

After a drive and a lay-up hybrid 4-iron my wedge fell short of the ridge protecting the back hole location I was faced with a difficult two-putt from 60 feet. The lag putt almost went in and left with a tap-in par for 39.

The 18-hole score of 82 putt a smile on my face.

The Top 25 Class of 2009!

Though no Top 25 finish or 2010 PGA TOUR card awaits this golf writer it was a fantastic round to play the course after seeing the professionals compete for four days.

I guess I should keep my day job if only I had one.

Daniel Island Club—Charleston’s in-town country club amidst a remarkable planned community.

Only a dream for some but if you can make it a reality I would highly recommend doing it. Did I mention the “other” golf course there is the Tom Fazio designed Beresford Creek?

 By the way I did drive over the bridge a few times with the top down.

 I think it’s a new replacement bridge but quite spectacular with its twin towers and streaming cables. 

 With great sadness, I leave the Charleston area for now.

 Remember if you can; catch the Nationwide championship there in 2010.

With Michael Breed, Bill Calfee, Stephanie Sparks and Curt Byrum. It was a memorable time at the Daniel Island Club!

The 9th at Pinehurst No. 2 for the 2014 U.S. Open is Linda Hartough’s 25th consecutive creation for the U.S.G.A. Image is property of and used with permission of Linda Hartough.

The 2014 U.S. Open returns to the No. 2 Course at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina for the third time. Designed by Donald Ross, the two previous U.S. Opens there have been won by Payne Stewart (1999) and Michael Campbell (2005). In addition to hosting a PGA Championship (1936, Denny Shute) and the 1951 Ryder Cup (USA) it will host its first U.S. Women’s Open the week after the men’s tournament. Pinehurst, founded in 1895 by James Tufts was the historic host of the North and South Open (1902 to 1951) and holds a legendary place in the history of American golf. So too does Golf’s Landscape Artist Linda Hartough who has completed her 25th consecutive and final United States Open painting for the U.S.G.A. This series of articles will present her 25 iconic U.S. Open landscapes five-at-a-time leading up to the June 19th tee-off for this year’s competition.

CLICK here for the Video Interview with Linda Hartough and her 25 U.S. Open Landscapes.

With Linda Hartough at the Karis Gallery on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Even more fascinating are the video interviews with Linda sharing her insight into how each hole was selected, what her vision was and how she created each masterpiece. The series starts in 1990 at Medinah CC. Her humorous reaction when questioned about what she thinks about when she sees the 13th is that is was “my first one.” Questions like what is so significant about the 18th at Pebble Beach? or What determines if a Clubhouse is included? are all part of the conversation. Native wildlife too. One of my best assignments ever, please join me and Linda as she looks back over the last 25 years as the ‘Queen of the U.S. Opens.”

CLICK here for the Video Interview with Linda Hartough reminiscing about her first five paintings (1990 Medinah No. 13, 1991 Hazeltine No. 16, 1992 Pebble Beach No. 18, 1993 Baltusrol No. 4 and 1994 Oakmont No. 18).

Linda and I played a little game. we reviewed her 25 U.S. Open landscapes five at a time. For each group I asked her to name her personal favorite. At the end she would choose her overall all-time favorite U.S. Open painting. Stay tuned as we progress through the five sets of five paintings each. All 25 paintings are present for viewing in the gallery at the end of the article.

Linda’s first favorite, the 19th at Pebble Beach in 1992.

It all started with the 13th at Medinah in 1990. Where were you in 1990? Linda stayed in the clubhouse but did not paint it into the artwork as it is far from the 13th, the signature hole at the time. When asked to comment she responds “my first,” an indication that is wasn’t going to be her favorite of the 25! Hazeltime, the 16th in 1991. Beautiful place for a landscape- soft, very pretty, good lighting and a little flag on the point. Pebble Beach, the 18th in 1992. Iconic, never to be repeated, the tree there today is “not the same,” too straight, could not have grown up there in the wind. The sky was there. Sometimes the sky there doesn’t fit the scene and she puts one in that matches. Oh, the secrets we learn from artists! Baltusrol, the 4th in 1993. Beautiful painting, the first in the series with a clubhouse. Oakmont, the 18th in 1994. Back when they had trees. Like how it takes your eye to the clubhouse. Significance of the bird on the tee? “It was there!”

Linda’s chosen painting from the first set of 5? See painting above! The 18th at Pebble Beach of course…

CLICK here for the Video Interview with Linda Hartough reminiscing about her second five paintings (1995 Shinnecock Hills No. 16, 1996 Oakland Hills No. 16, 1997 Congressional No. 17, 1998 Olympic Club No. 18 and 1999 Pinehurst No. 5).

Linda’s second favorite, the 16th at Shinnecock Hills in 1995.

On to the second set of 5 paintings… the 16th at Shinnecock Hills in 1996. Very beautiful, almost links like Scotland, instant love with the sweep of the 16th and the windmill. Manipulated a few things to get what I wanted. The 16th at Oakland Hills in 1996. Love the sky, just love it although it is from the low country! The beautiful willows are gone now. The 17th at Congressional in 1997. At that time the 17th, now the 18th with the old par-3 18th now reversed to be the 10th! Threatening skies? Linda starts her paintings at the farthest point out. The 18th at Olympic Club in 1998. The 18th hasn’t changed that much. Great trees, so fun to paint! Never a golfer in her work. Medinah had two but edited them out. If you put a person in it becomes a story. With no person, you put yourself in there and it becomes a feeling. Maybe a person on a beach for scale. The 5th at Pinehurst No. 2 in 1999. First one at Pinehurst, all green, all trees. No specific signature hole, no water. Chose the 5th because of the light.

Linda’s chosen painting from the second set of 5? See painting above! The 16th at Shinnecock Hills.

CLICK here for the Video Interview with Linda Hartough reminiscing about her third five paintings (2000 Pebble Beach No. 8, 2001 Southern Hills No. 12, 2002 Bethpage Black No. 4, 2003 Olympia Fields No. 12 and 2004 Shinnecock Hills No. 9).

Linda’s third favorite, the 4th at Bethpage Black in 2002.

Here’s the third set of 5. The 8th at Pebble Beach in 2000. Stunning, fabulous with Stillwater Cove, the Pacific Ocean, and a huge chasm. Pink sky, morning after dawn. The 12th at Southern Hills in 2002. Linda really likes the lighting- dramatic, dramatic, makes the painting for her. She is an avid watcher of golf but knows the game, visually oriented and feels the stress to get the shot over the bunker. Definitely a little Pete Dye in Linda Hartough! The 4th at Bethpage Black in 2003. Gorgeous course, elevated tees are stunning, fall colors are fabulous. Pigeons eating seeds on the tee. The 12th at Olympia Fields in 2003. Lighting, scenic, trees and little creek. Shows how hard it is to it this green. High cliff behind you. The 9th at Shinnecock Hills. Stunning view, trees removed, what left are very dramatic. Pheasant in the high grass, tree is the centerpiece with the clubhouse behind it. The sky fits beautifully.

Linda’s chosen painting from the third set of 5? See painting above! The 4th at Bethpage Black. Tough choice, Pebble Beach and Shinnecock Hills already selected previously.

CLICK here for the Video Interview with Linda Hartough reminiscing about her fourth five paintings (2005 Pinehurst Nos. 16 & 17, 2006 Winged Foot No. 9, 2007 Oakmont No. 14, 2008 Torrey Pines No. 3 and 2009 Bethpage No. 17).

Linda’s fourth favorite- the 3rd at Torrey Pines in 2008.

On to the fourth set of 5, isn’t this fun and exciting? Almost like a game show! The 16th & 17th at Pinehurst in 2005. The lighting is the thing that makes this painting. When arriving at a golf course, she has someone knowledgeable with the course show it to her and she likes to hear what they have to say and see any renovations. Probably was a bit shocked though in a good way when she arrived at Pinehurst for the 2014 painting! The 9th at Winged Foot in 2006. Great clubhouse. Great job clearing the view by removing some trees. So dramatic. Same squirrels as the painting she did for Jack Nicklaus. The 14th at Oakmont in 2007. So different than it was made it a no brainer to do the 9th. USGA objected, they wanted the 14th for strategic, historical reasons. Head Golf Professional Bob Ford was the tie breaker, the 14th “absolutely!” The 3rd at Torrey Pines in 2008. The 3rd hole, with La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean in the background, summed up the place the best. Dramatic, sweeping cirrus sky at evening. The 17th at Bethpage Black in 2009. “Compelled to do it,” such a strategic hole. Lighting a little subtle, jet in the sky. Middle tees. Linda loves that sky!

Linda’s chosen painting from the fourth set of 5? See painting above! The 3rd at Torrey Pines in 2008.

CLICK here for the Video Interview with Linda Hartough reminiscing about her final five paintings (2010 Pebble Beach No. 9, 2011 Congressional No. 10, 2012 Olympic Club No. 8, 2013 Merion No. 16, 2014 Pinehurst  No. 9).

Linda’s fifth favorite is the 9th at Pinehurst in 2014.

On to the fifth and final set of five Linda Hartough U.S. Open masterpieces! The  9th at Pebble Beach in 2010. Pebble Beach is always dramatic especially with Carmel Beach in the background. Folks on the beach there to give the painting scale. The 10th at Congressional CC in 2011. New par-3 10th, old 18th reversed. Linda loves the shape and composition. The 8th at Olympic Club in 2012. Brand new hole, trees removed, clubhouse sets it off like they did it on purpose. Linda works with a mirror behind her to give her a fresh view of the composition of the painting. If anything is wrong it pops right out. This painting looks familiar, like the 18th, to Linda backwards in the mirror. Kind of strange, an artist thing, like playing Beatles records backwards? The 16th at Merion in 2013. Felt like you are in England. Has that type of character to it. So many famous holes. Fascinated by the quarry and the Scotch burn (?) yellow gorse-like plants. Last, but not least, the 9th at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2014. So dramatic now, morning light, reminds Linda of Pine Valley.

Linda’s chosen painting from the fifth set of 5? See painting above! The 9th at Pinehurst in 2014.

There you have it, all 25 of Linda Hartough’s U.S. Open landscape paintings! She has selected five favorites and the overall grand favorite is… drum roll please… Pebble Beach 18, Shinnecock 16, Bethpage 4, Torrey Pines 3, Pinehurst 9… c’mon Linda make a decision, which one is your favorite? Commercial break, come back after a cup of coffee. Even though Medinah 13th was “my first” and Pinehurst her last she loves all 25 of them and certainly can’t pick one of the five chosen to be an overall Best of Linda Hartough’s 25 U.S. Open Masterpieces.

I hope you had as much fun as I did learning a little bit about Linda and her paintings!

Excited to see what her next projects will be!

Here are all 25 of Linda Hartough’s U.S. Open Landscapes. Images provided by and used with permission of Linda Hartough.

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