2011 Golf Memory with Dad Write-In Contest Winners

Grand prize winner: Rich N.

State: Wisconsin

DadMemory: On June 3, 2011 my dad who was 94 passed away quietly in a Hospice. His whole family was around him. Last September I drove dad to the golf course that we had played for years. Pop could hardly walk and couldn't communicate anymore. I helped him in the cart. "We" played three holes. I would hit shots and ask my dad what I should hit next. I'd ask him if he thought an 8 iron would be the right club and he'd smile and shake his head yes. I'd ask him if he wanted to hit a shot and he'd smile and shake his head no. We were on the course for thirty minutes. It was our "final round" and our best one. I'm so glad now that we were able to take a spin on that golf cart one more time.

Runner-up: Craig B.

State: Utah

DadMemory: My favorite memory golfing with my dad is the first time he took me out to play. We played West Bountiful, or "The Sponge" as we called it because it was so close to the waters edge of the Great Salt Lake, when I was four years old. It was not a big course but at that time in my life it seemed like a major championship every time i played it. We walked the 9 hole course and he carried both his and my bag the whole way. We shared a bag of chocolate licorice, which i thought was a great treat. When I duffed a shot he would say "that's OK have another piece of licorice." I do remember hitting one solid shot that day on the 8th hole from the fairway right in front of the green. My dad was so excited for me that he gave me a high five and a hug. It was a special day and I like to recall that feeling in that moment every time I walk up that hole. Thanks for letting me share my favorite memory playing golf with my dad.

3rd Place: James

State: North Carolina

DadMemory: A sunny day in the backyard and Dad was teaching me how to hit a golf ball. It was my turn, I remember him handing me the old pitching wedge and it feeling wonderful in my grasp. He had me practice several times and then he grabbed a brand new shiny ball out of his pocket and placed it in front of me. 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!

4th Place: Jordan

State: VT

DadMemory: As a boy I watched my dad passionately enjoy the game of golf. He was always just an average player, but prided himself on etiquette and made sure to enjoy the full experience of a round of golf: the scenery, the camaraderie, the light-hearted competition. When I grew older he’d beat me handily but was patient as my game gradually improved. He taught me to love the purity of the game and to cherish the experience of a round played with good friends. 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.

5th Place: Paige L.

State: Florida

DadMemory: Two years ago, when I was 10, my dad showed me an ad in a magazine for a father daughter tournament in Doonbeg, Ireland. He said if I wanted to, he would take me. We did go, and it rained every day! But we played, and we came in fourth place. I was thrilled! I asked my dad if we could go again next year, (2010). He said yes. We did go, and once again, it rained every day. On the second day, I shot 88, which was my best score ever! We won the tournament and got two big, glass trophies! And guess what? We are going again this year! This was an amazing memory that I will cherish and remember forever!

Other winners:

Gordon H. from GA

William M. form CT

Gary M. from TN

Dennis H. from ID

Dennis from IL

Terry K. from TX

Foster A. from FL

Joel S. from NY

Shane M. from NJ

Jack D. from WA

Darrell C. from CT

Doug S. from IL

Eric R. from SC

Scott from MA

Craig B. from NH

Hank B from TN

Mike R. from FL

Paul R. from ND

Andre G. from TX

Kevin D. from CA