Being a better person

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Years ago, fresh from a war that had the enemy shooting at me for two years and nailing me once, I was a poor example of a good guy entering the broadcast business.

One day, an officer of a local prestigious golf course told me I was nominated to become a member. I flat turned it down.

Golf — I laughed inwardly — who in his right mind would want to play a stupid game like that? It was among the biggest mistakes of my life because it took me another 12 years to wake up and join the game I now love.

I speak often on how golf is a game that someone can play for the remainder of their life, barring illness. But that’s not what it’s about.

I play golf because it has allowed me to meet the nicest people around. It has given me friendships that I never would have thought were possible. It has opened doors that I was unable to open on my own.

Golf has given me the wonderful experience of a knowing Stew Manthey, who recently shot a horrible 53 on the front and then a blistering 39 on the back. I’ve met nice people such as Ray Epperson, Steve Sprehe, J.D. Norris, Jerry Fletcher and Mike Pullen.

It’s an honor to know Alan Howell and Dora Garcia and a wonderful thrill of being friends with Hall of Famers Harry Davis, Bob Schultz, Helen Perlman, Jerry Edwards, Deb Crowley and Ginny Nicewonger.

I never thought I could rub shoulders with the class of Willard Anderson, Rick McArdle, Dane Winger, Jim Canfield, George Rhatigan, Tony Maltese, Kee Rhee, Pete Donlan, Jack Gronwoldt, Pete Hatch, Frank Hopler, Jake Jacoby, Bob Lawrence, Judd Canty and George Pollio.

I was given the honor of shaking hands with Jim Simes, Dale Bell, Bob Ross, Bill Ivey, Dick Ackerman, Mike Joyce and the gem of all in the kingdom, David Ragsdale.

It took time to sink in, but one day, arrival came. Golf taught me how to be a better person and that’s why I think the world of it. It’s why I urge men, women and youngsters to get out there and play.

Oh, the world is not a piece of cake, especially for anyone who grew up poor and with a huge chip on both shoulders. Go out there and meet an Elmer Stainbrook, a Joel Schwalb, a Hawley Rogers. That’s where you’ll meet the good men and women of life, and find true and worthy friendships.