Sir Walter & I go back a long way, here we are the the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla.
I was fortunate to visit Muirfield Village Golf Club, stay in the Jones Villa and play the Tournament Course on two occasions back in my Corporate America days. Besides the club and the course, which are exceptional, the experience was memorable and special because I did it with my golfing and life buddy Sir Walter. I called him Sir Walter because of his love for the game and incredible knowledge of its history. Most of the places I have traveled to play golf, he had already traveled to play golf, especially to Scotland and Ireland, the latter of which I sadly have yet to be. Sir Walter and his lovely wife Mary Jo call me Prince Andrew in return. A kind gesture which speaks to the love of the game and the love we have for each other that uniquely manifests itself when we play golf together, no matter the golf course, no matter the occasion.
Jack’s idol Bobby Jones was the first to go into the Memorial Garden at Muirfield Village GC.
But oh those two trips were the essence of our golfing lives—staying onsite at Jack’s Place a few steps from the Memorial Garden. I have only had that sense of golf’s history and in-explainable sense of what the game is all about two other times in my life—teeing off the first tee on the Old Course at St. Andrews within the shadows of the Clubhouse and teeing off the first hole on The Slammer & The Squire Course within a pitch of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
I have yet to be introduced to and personally meet Jack Nicklaus though I have shaken his hand and acquired his autograph. One memorable time was after he received the PGA TOUR’s Lifetime Achievement Award during the 2008 THE PLAYERS Championship, my first. Something was said there that not too many people took note of but I thought it was a big deal especially now looking back at the career of Tiger Woods since that time. In Tiger’s own words, read by Commissioner Tim Finchem because he was injured and not present, Tiger said to Jack that “your impact on golf has been incredible to say the least and I count myself among the millions of fans who consider you to be the greatest of all time.” Wow, I was surprised at the time and now it looks like Tiger may never challenge Jack’s record of 18 Majors.
With Mr. Palmer in the home office in Latrobe, PA.
If I have one golf dream it would be to spend a few moments with Jack like I did with Arnold Palmer in his home office in Latrobe. It was an amazing feeling to be in the presence of the legend himself. It took me back to my childhood days watching their golf on TV with my Dad, my brother L.P. and sometimes Uncle George. The iron club and putter in the corner would always come out with an ensuing discussion on posture and swing mechanics to be like Jack and Arnie!
Being there all week in 2010 for Justin Rose’s win was pretty special. There is nothing like a golf club, any golf club, spruced up for a big tournament. The tees, fairways and greens in the best shape ever and enveloped by the extra special landscaping and flowers of tournament week. The buzz of the world’s best golfers testing the course, each other and most importantly themselves to greater golfing heights. The people, the galleries and the celebratory atmosphere of drink, food and good times!
Jack Nicklaus with 2010 Memorial Champion Justin Rose. Photo Credit: Google Images
Justin Rose’s 2010 Memorial Tournament win was his first win on the PGA TOUR and he did it in high fashion with a bogeyless 66 on Sunday. Seve Ballesteros was the Honoree and awarded a spot in the Memorial Garden a year before he passed. Jack’s tournament is the best looking forward and looking back at the game’s greats! I hope an opportunity comes my way to meet him and ask him a few questions.
My times there at the Muirfield Village Golf Club with Sir Walter and in 2010 are special ones!
Prince Andrew
ps here are 55 picture memories from the 2010 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village GC:
