I took up the game of golf when I was 13.  I had the privilege of watching Arnold Palmer in his prime through the 60’s, when he would play in the L.A. Open at Rancho Park each year in January.  I saw Jack Nicklaus in his first PGA tournament, the L.A. Open in 1961.  He finished last of those who made the cut.

I wanted to become a great golfer, but life has a way of humbling  people like me.  I practiced a lot but had just so-so talent, if any.  Today, I don’t play much, if at all.

All that being said, I heard Dan Patrick interview Tom Watson last week after he almost pulled off what would have been the greatest all-time story in the history of golf, in my opinion…winning the British Open at the age of 59.  Tom was disappointed but philosophical and shared his thoughts and feelings with Dan.

What is so terrific about golf is that if you look at the greatest players in recent times, e.g. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, Gary Player and others, you will see one thing in common.  They are genuinely nice people who demonstrate genuine humility in the way they deal with fame and treat their fans. Golf is probably unique in this way.

I remember once in 1962 at the LA Open I walked past Gary Player after a practice round and just said “hi” and asked him how he was. He stopped and talked to me for a couple of minutes and asked me several questions about myself just because of the love he has in his heart for people in general.  He, in particular has impressed me through the years with his intelligence, eloquence, sense of humor and genuine love of life.  He has been one of golf’s great ambassadors.

More to come…