Tuesday, April 28, 2009

What a DAY!

Yesterday could not have been better for a golf tournament. What a day....it was picture perfect with temps in the low 90's, but just enough of a breeze to keep things cool and club selection something to think about. The course at Westwood Country Club was in prime condition with the fairways rewarding well placed drives, the rough punishing wayward strokes, and the greens running true and fast.

The day started with a quick business meeting at 9:00 am and then a run to the local car wash to have the 335i cleaned for the debut appearance to her sponsors. At 10:30, my better half Suze, and a good friend Judy Butler (both lovely women) manned the registration desk. On cue, the first of the players arrived to check-in and it was official, the 2009 Drive to End Prostate Cancer Golf Tournament was underway.

As participants began to arrive in rapid succession, Suze and Judy went to work in raising donations in support of ZERO buy "selling" mulligans for $5.00 each or $20.00 for four mulligans AND your personalized "Stick It to Prostate Cancer" sticker on the car. I don't know what they did besides show their lovely smiles, but at the end of the registration we had raised another $2,000 in the fight to end prostate cancer. Peter O'Rourke made a large donation in support of his dad who is a prostate cancer survivor. THANKS Pete....you and many others are making a difference!!!!

The time slips away quickly as players are warming up and I am trying to catch up with everyone. The turn-out is spectacular with 104 golfers participating......WOW! Just before tee time, I am overcome with emotion as Glenn Brown, the head pro at Westwood, announces why everyone is here and I think about Tom Holcomb and the great times we had together before he lost his fight to prostate cancer. This is all in memory of you Tommy.......your friends, our friends, dads, uncles, brothers, grandfathers.

As the noon bell tolls, 26 foursomes head out for a day of fun. Woody, my co-driver and the hot shoe of Team ZERO - 2009, and I grab a golf cart and head out for an afternoon of "poor shot" harassment, including my own offerings made to the golf gods. We crisscross the course many, many times, regale stories, and have numerous laughs with everyone. Suze and Judy have a cart of their own and are certainly a prettier pair than Woody and me. In the end, the four of us become beer wenches as the weather temperatures and fierce competition have sparked a thirst among the players. In five short hours, the "game" is over and the crowd rushes back to the club house to hand in their cards and await the final score postings.

As the postings are being calculated, teams head up to the main banquet room for cocktails and snacks. From listening to everyone it has been a great day filled with fun, some terrific golf, catching up with friends and business associates, and supporting a wonderful cause in men's health. Dinner is served and I am handed the final results of the tournament winners. After a short address and HUGE THANKS to everyone for supporting ZERO, I announce the men's and women's winners for the longest drive and closest to the pin along with the teams with the three lowest scores. Jamie Bearse, COO of ZERO, also offers a few words about prostate cancer and ZERO's role in ending this disease.

After a wonderful dinner, folks begin to say good-bye and the day comes to a peaceful and successful end. Suze and I remain at the club for awhile longer and savor a glass of wine or two on the lawn while watching a setting sun. Next stop....South Bend, Indiana on Thursday!

I'll end this post by again thanking everyone for participating in the event and to the sponsors of the event, especially the tournament sponsor, Patella.

1 comment:

Dave Ramos said...

Robin and Woody

As you said, it was a great day. Thanks for making it happen and for championing a great cause

Pedal to the metal!

PS: I have never won money at a charity golf tournament before, but I always said that if I did, I would give the money right back. I was happy to do so yesterday.

Dave
Ramos