Yesterday I had the privilege and honor to play in a memorial golf tournament for a wonderful man who recently lost his battle with cancer. It was a beautiful way to celebrate his life and honor his memory.
Pete was kind, funny, warm and respectful, a terrificly proud father, and had an incredible passion for golf. He passed that passion onto his son, who put the tournament together. It was held at the same golf course where he taught his son to play. That son became a successful golf professional (for privacy purposes I’ll not name him) with a loving family of his own and was the most gracious host. He teed off in the last group which allowed him to welcome and thank all 18 foursomes who came out for the event. He bravely held it together throughout that process and naturally his emotions got to him out on the course. I’m sure Pete is as proud of him as ever.
Propped up on the first tee was Pete’s golf bag. Next to that were his golf shoes and two tall Budweisers along with a touching collage of photographs. Ever try teeing off with tears in your eyes?
Pete, you are missed.
There’s a great abundance of coconuts
And there’s even more ifs ‘n’ ands ‘n’ buts
Lots of coconuts, ifs ‘n’ ands ‘n’ buts
But there’s only one of you.
September 9, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. It sounds like this was a very special & personal tournament. I’m sure it made Pete proud to see those he loved enjoying the game he loved–in his honor.
September 11, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Aw, this almost made me cry just reading this short blog. Sounds like the tournament was quite memorable. Thanks for sharing your story and the memory of a friend.
September 16, 2008 at 2:52 am
This was a very nice tribute to your friend! I am always glad for the memories to which I can find comfort.
September 24, 2008 at 6:07 am
Thanks for the reminder that life is short and we need to take advantage of every minute we have here. It’s easy to forget this.
October 5, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Very nice tribute to a friend…written with passion and conviction.
October 7, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Great tribute and great to see the golfing community come together to memorialize your friend. Really touching.
October 11, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Heart warming story, thanks for sharing
October 24, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Very emotional, and it’s a great gesture for your friend. I’m sure his family appreciated it.
October 26, 2008 at 12:15 am
GC,
Great post. My mom is battling cancer, and to read a story of a son who put together this event and the memorial on the first tee, got me choked-up. Thanks for sharing this story.
November 16, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I too lost a family member to cancer three years ago. Now everytime I play I can still see his big smile. No one enjoyed the game more than he did. He to is gone but not forgotten.
November 16, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Nice post! Being a cancer survivor (knock on wood), I know know how precious each day is.
November 20, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Great Post indeed!!
So many can relate or could share similar stories. It’s great how often the golf community comes together during times like that.
November 26, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Touching story we all have had to saddle up and play in similar events. Makes those 3 foot puts a little less meaningful. Im sorry for your loss. I have a golf blog also anyone want to check it out http://www.improvinggolf.com
December 8, 2008 at 10:39 pm
True golfers are gentlemen.
December 9, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Except when they’re women.
December 17, 2008 at 4:44 am
Thank you, a very nice post indeed!