Tampa's Mallory Code: A Golf Hero For the Ages Who Left Too Soon

Wanted to show you the picture of true courage. Her name is Mallory Code.

She was golf's real picture of courage because she began her life 25 years ago with a death sentence. She was born with cystic fibrosis. Her life expectancy was 16-18 years.

Tampa, Florida was her home and there was no one in golf and sports circles here who did not know of her. She was a champion from an early age. She remained a champion who had a golf game to envy and the courage to fight a battle that could not be won.

She has been on HBO's Real Sports and on NBC's Today Show.

Her story was that impressive.

She left us this week. She finally could not overcome the toll of the disease, one complicated by diabetes and asthma.

She packed a lifetime into those short 25 years. She became a state high school champion and earned a scholarship to the prestigious University of Florida. She was that good and that determined.

She was from a golf family. Father Brian was always a good player. Brother Jordan and sister Whitney played at Florida.

National junior tournaments saw her win time and again on the AJGA circuit.

But more impressive than her golf game was her amazing attitude, the attitude that never left her, the attitude that inspired others, the attitude that made us all feel that we have no problems.

As the disease advanced, the treatments became more radical and dramatic, yet she never complained, never felt sorry for herself. She spoke to groups to make others aware of the disease. She was tireless.

Her smile was contagious.

She loved her God, her family, her school, and her friends.

She was what we all should aspire to be—an incredible person.

Incredible golfer, for sure.

Incredible spirit, you bet.

She's gone but won't be forgotten.

She accomplished so very much in so little time.

Thanks, Mallory; thanks for showing us all how we ought to live our lives, on and off a golf course.