As Father’s Day approaches, many of us fondly remember playing golf with our dads. In my case, my dad was not only a great player, but he also played on the PGA Tour for a summer, qualifying in seven out of 11 attempts and playing on iconic courses like Pebble Beach and Riviera. After his brief stint on the tour, he returned to Western New York to run a car dealership and continued to pass on his love for the game to me through many rounds of golf together.
One of my favorite memories with my dad on the course was during a trip to Ireland, where I had a hole-in-one and he sunk a 50-foot putt for birdie. It was a magical moment that brought us closer together. Through our countless rounds of golf, I learned valuable lessons that have shaped my approach to golf and life. These lessons include the importance of quality time spent together, the value of hard work and patience, and always being willing to help others in need.
My dad’s expertise in the short game and his ability to scramble out of tough situations taught me the importance of these skills in golf. His unwavering support and belief in me helped me build confidence in myself both on and off the course. Playing in bad weather conditions taught me to focus on the controllables and not let external factors affect my game. Additionally, my dad’s encouragement to explore the world and pursue opportunities outside of our small town led me to play golf professionally in various countries.
While my dad instilled a love for golf in me, he also supported my interests in other sports and always cheered me on, regardless of the activity. His presence at my games and matches reminded me that sports should be fun and enjoyable, and he always encouraged me to do my best. As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is important to reflect on the valuable lessons and memories we have shared with our dads on the golf course, and to continue to honor their influence in our lives.
