Question of the week [Oct. 13-19]: What is your personal favorite golf memory?

The First Call Inbox archives | View

— — — — — — —

My favorite memory was the 1999 U.S. Open’s final hole when Payne Stewart rolled in the winning putt and did the iconic fist-forward lunge. He then grabbed [Phil] Mickelson’s face and said something to the effect of “you’re going to be a daddy,” which I felt was a way of telling him fatherhood was more important than a golf tournament. 

The following year, I had the opportunity to have my picture made beside that iconic statue of Stewart’s fist-pump lunge close to the [18th hole at Pinehurst No. 2].

Bob Glasgow
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
—————

My wife, son and I were staying at Bay Hill in Florida, on an Easter holiday from Ireland.

We played Bay Hill in the morning and as we were having lunch on the veranda, we saw Mr. [Arnold] Palmer in his buggy approaching the practice putting green. Our waiter implored us to pop over and say hello, which my son and I did. 

We chatted to Mr. Palmer about everything, but especially his memories of playing in Ireland and the 2001 Senior Open Championship held at Royal County Down where he, Mr. [Jack] Nicklaus and Mr. [Gary] Player all took part. My wife Cep and I had attended that memorable event.

He chatted to us for about 10 minutes. Our son Darragh is a very talented golfer and Arnie was keen to see his swing.

Just as the conversation was drawing to a close, Arnie asked us if we wanted a photo. To our dismay, the batteries in our phones were dead from the amount of photos we took of the golf course.

“Follow me,” Palmer said on learning of this, and we ran after him as he swung by his office next to the pro shop. He called his assistant out and asked her to take a photo of the three of us on his phone. We could not believe what was happening. It was truly surreal.

After that he waved us goodbye.

His assistant told us that an intern who was due in the following day would be able to email us a copy of the photo. Unfortunately this didn’t happen. However, the memories of those so, so special 10 minutes with Mr. Arnold Palmer will forever stay in my memory.

Colm Burke
Tullamore, Ireland
—————

Playing 18 holes with actor George Kennedy and son on a public course in the San Fernando Valley years ago. Pro sent me out to the first tee by saying, “You’ll enjoy the surprise,” and I did.

Bill Arnett
Wake Forest, North Carolina
—————

Playing golf in Scotland at [St. Andrews’] Old Course with my two brothers and I shot 74. Awesome day and experience.

Tom Martenson
Rockford, Illinois
—————

My two sons and I, along with my close friend, visited Scotland and enjoyed many of the most recognized courses, including the Old Course [at St. Andrews]. Our last day of a two-week trip was at Carnoustie.

On the 18th hole, I joined arms with my boys as we strolled down the fairway, talking about our never-to-forget trip. A wonderful, most memorable moment enjoying the experience of a lifetime with my sons.

Mike Keller
Fort Wayne, Indiana
—————

The First Call invites reader comment. Write to editor Stuart Hall at shall@buffalogroupe.com. Your name and city of residence is necessary to be considered for publication. If your comment is selected for publication, The First Call will contact you to verify the authenticity of the email and confirm your identity. We will not publish your email address. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.

Front: St. Andrews Old Course’ 18th hole during the third round of the 2015 Open Championship,
Photo: Eoin Clarke  / Golffile

Write A Comment