Remembering My Greatest Golf Partner

If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him

I'd play a song that would never, ever end

How I'd love love love

To dance with my father again

                         Luther Vandross

                         Dance With My Father

The best days of my life were those spent with my father.

The greatest days of my life were the ones we spent together, playing golf.

He is gone now and I miss him immensely.

I miss those days. I miss knowing he'd be ready, early, always ready, never late.

He looked forward to the rounds as much as I did.

Everything I accomplished in golf was because of him. My junior golf career was a success because of him. He was the one who made sure I had the opportunity. My part was easy—hard work, practice and execution on the course.

The wins and losses from long ago are meaningless today. It was the rounds with him that meant the most to me and still do.

He came late to the game. The demands of a career naval officer left no time for golf. His God, his nation and his family were his priorities. 

He finally got his chance after retirement. He found regular games and great friendships where he lived in the Pinehurst (NC) area. But it was the chance to play with me that excited him most.

By the time he was in his 70's, he had managed to break 90, now and then. The greatest day of all, we were together and he broke 80. His 79 was a career round and a joyous moment for me. I always seemed to play my best with him as a partner. My best shots, my best rounds were in front of him. But there was something oh so special about that day—his day, his 79.

He was an amazing man.

At age 77, we were able to share Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the 1993 Masters. He walked 27 holes the Thursday opening round at Augusta National.

My dream to get him to Augusta was fulfilled. It was one of the best days of my life.

At age 85, he could still walk nine holes and carry his bag.

At age 87, Parkinson's took golf away from him. It broke my heart to know our playing days together were over.

Two years later he was gone.

And I miss him.

He was the ultimate officer and gentleman.

He loved the game of golf and I believe in my heart to this day, that he knew how much I loved to play the game with him and for him.

These days I mostly play by myself. I walk, carry my bag and often imagine that he is there with me, walking beside me.

It's Father's Day and I continue to miss him.

I miss my Captain, my father, my greatest golf partner.