Finchem stories ‘well done’
Shortly after joining The First Tee I spoke at a PGA Tour quarterly all-staff meeting. After which I received a note from Tim Finchem saying, “Well done.” A simple but meaningful expression.
I say to the staff of Global Golf Post concerning the articles written about Tim and the gift he and his wife, Holly, made to PGA Tour Charities (“Giving Back,” Aug. 24, GGP): Well done, very well done.
Joe Louis Barrow
Jacksonville, Florida
Joe Louis Barrow is the retired CEO of The First Tee.
‘One of my great heroes’
I enjoyed John Hopkins’ article about Tim Finchem (“Commissioner’s passions belied first impressions,” Aug. 24, GGP). I have been a huge fan of Tim’s. As you probably know, his politics were quite a bit different than most of his players. He was the primary fundraiser for Walter Mondale in his futile bid to become president [in 1984] and a lifelong Democrat.
I last saw him walking the course during a practice round for the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine. We met by chance near the 18th green. As he looked at the wrappings around the bleachers and nearly everything else he said, “Too much red for my taste.” I agreed. He was very kind to invite me as a guest official at the Presidents Cups in Australia and South Africa. My wife, Jane, and I walked the course with Tim and Holly one day and then had lunch, joined by President Bush. Pretty high test for a kid from Chaska, Minnesota.
I was very sad to hear about Tim’s mental decline. I thought the GGP writing about Tim, and Tim and Holly's gift to PGA Tour Charities, was high quality and I appreciate especially John Hopkins’ thoughts about one of my great heroes in the game.
Reed Mackenzie
Victoria, Minnesota
Reed Mackenzie was the USGA’s president in 2002-03.
Monahan portrayal rings true
Perhaps the best collection of stories I’ve ever read in GGP (“Giving Back,” Aug. 24, GGP). I literally could not stop reading, then flipping. I was moved by the stories of Commissioner Finchem, someone I knew only casually when I got my start managing a title sponsorship for a tour event in the mid-2000s. He was somewhat bigger than life, but a man who was always warm and inviting.
The story on Commissioner Monahan, however, was one I will share with all my buddies. From a distance, those casually involved in golf only saw Jay as the guy who stumbled in the early days of the LIV and PGA Tour discussions. Thank you, John Hopkins, for capturing the real Jay Monahan. The guy I came to know over my 20-plus years in the business of golf is warm, kind, engaging, and a friend.
When I lost a job in golf, it was Jay who stopped me at the Arnold Palmer Invitational to ask if he could help. He did! When I ran into Jay this year at the Players, it was an embrace from Jay and a quick word of shared grief, about how he was thinking about me having recently lost my spouse to cancer. A few days later, I received a personal card from Jay that again brought tears. That card is one of my treasured possessions from my time in golf.
Excellent writing throughout this issue, and stories that were equal to the men and women on whom you focused.
Kevin Rinker
Braselton, Georgia
Kevin Rinker is the chief foundation officer for the American Junior Golf Association.
‘Just a number’ resonates
I loved your piece (“Divot: Just a number,” Aug. 24, GGP). As I read it I couldn’t help but confirm each of the thoughts you were/are going through.
I turned 70 three years ago and can definitely relate to those feelings. While I was fortunate to first shoot my age at 68 and have done it multiple times since, except the year I actually turned 70 (had eight 71s that year), your article almost felt like something I could write about myself.
It’s definitely true that the reality of our mortality hits home when we turn 70. The body has more aches and pains, less flexibility, and we definitely notice the loss of power and distance on the golf course. I too have to put on the reading glasses to view scorecards, and both my “home” courses play 6,215 and 6,209 yards. I have, however, resisted going to hybrids and 7- or 9-woods, opting to stick with my 4- and 5-irons.
But you hit the nail on the head with the silver lining being that in our 70s we can still get out there and compete for new goals. God has blessed us with this life and we should be grateful for every new day He gives us. I’m sure your piece rang a bell for a good many of us who love the game. Yes, it’s “just a number” as long as we choose to move forward with gratitude that we can still play the game pretty well for “old guys.” Thanks for your inspiration!
Terry Buzzell
Byron, Minnesota and Fort Myers, Florida
Play till you drop
Congratulations on turning 70 (“Divot: Just a number,” Aug. 24, GGP). I consider that a very young age.
I am turning 84 in November and have shot my age or better twice, the crowning moments of my golf career. Golf is a love of my life and after recently reading about a woman who is living independently at the age of 108, I plan to keep playing until I drop.
I love the Monday magazine and thoroughly enjoyed reading about your perspective on aging.
Connie Driscoll Burmaster
Fort Myers, Florida
Enjoy the clubhouse journey
I am 88 and shot an 87 (“Divot: Just a number,” Aug. 24, GGP)! It felt good and reminded me that golf is not so much a game of scoring but an opportunity to continue enjoying the challenges and sharing the camaraderie of friends as we all end up in the clubhouse.
Nick Callazzo
Townsend, Delaware
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