from junior clinic to U.S. Open

[YodasLuke]

I got one of the best phone calls I could imagine, last night...

My first golf job was at Newnan Country Club in Newnan, GA. I was the Assistant Golf Pro, and I was in charge of the junior program. This was from 1993 to 1996. One of the phenoms in the class was a tiny little girl with a beautiful motion. She was certainly a natural.

Many of the ideas that would take the kids a week to get, she could get in minutes. She had the mind and the confidence of a 20 year old, seemingly trapped in a 9 year old body. We all knew that she was capable of doing great things.

She called me last night with a noticeable excitement. She started with some small talk, but then asked, "Guess what?" I asked what was up. She said, "Nothing much. I just made it into the U.S. Open!"

I was so excited for her, I couldn't stand it. She was so happy to be able to call me, and I was certainly happy to hear the news.

She wants me to make the trip to Minnesota this week, so I can refresh her memory on the technique for putting lightning fast greens. I've got to juggle a bunch of lessons and get a last minute ticket. But, it will all be worth it.

It's a teacher's dream to have some influence in a child’s life and have them accomplish great things. I guess you can tell that I'm very proud of her.