The Daddy Caddy

I'm a sucker for father/son moments. 

Maybe it's the fact that my dad and I have such a great relationship.  We have the same sense of humor (you're in for it if we're both in the same room together), we love to play golf together, and we enjoy each other's company.  Oh, and that hug we shared, after the priest blessed my mom the afternoon before she died, yeah, GREATEST.  HUG.  EVER.

We have the memories of playing catch after dinner (dad taught me how to throw a sick knuckle ball).  Or looking for golf balls in the woods at _______ (you think I'm going to tell you my best location?!) 

Or going to visit him in jail.

Settle down, he was the warden.  And man, do I have stories from that.  But we'll save it for another time.

Father/son moments, and for that matter, any parent/child moment are very special things. 

My son Ethan was born in November of 2008. 

It was a tough pregnancy and my wife had to go in for a (somewhat) emergency C-section. 

When Ethan came out, he wasn't breathing. 

He was blue. 

Now remember, I'm a golf pro.  I didn't actually know what was going on.  But I did know that when your newborn comes out looking like a smurf, something's not right.

My wife knew right away.  There was no crying and the nurses scampered to resuscitate him. 

I just stood next to him at the table while the nurses did their thing.

Then one of them said to me, "You can touch him."

So I did. 

I touched his belly and his cheeks, his arms, and his shoulders.  I moved my finger down to his hand and put it in his palm. 

Then, there was magic.

He squeezed my finger.

Then a cry.

A huge sigh of relief fell over the room.  Ethan started breathing. 

What seemed like an enternity was merely a minute or two.

Ever since then, I've felt a special bond between Ethan and I.  I can't explain it.  It's just a feeling.  Even when he grabs my hand to cross the street, I feel it.

And it goes full circle.  Because that same squeeze that Ethan gave me to start his life...was the same squeeze my mom gave to me before she ended hers. 

So, yeah, those parent/child memories get me.  There's sad stuff, but there's much more happy stuff. 

And, this year's Daddy Caddy is dedicated to my mom. 


The Daddy Caddy works like this.......

Kids are invited to play Conviction Creek (3,6, or 9 holes depending on age) to compete to see who is Champion of the World.  Yes, the entire world.  If you haven't seen the championship belt before, it's awesome.  And, no you don't get to take it home, but I'll take your picture with it!

Every player must have a caddy.  It doesn't have to be daddy (Daddy Caddy just sounds cool).  It can be mom, or grandpa, or Uncle Leo, or a good friend.  But, the caddy is necessary.  Players CANNOT carry their own clubs. 

Players will be divided into age groups (and some by boys and girls).  You can play with whomever you'd like, but for scoring purposes, the age groups will be used. 

Age groups:

Age 4-5                                   3 holes

Age 6-7                                   6 holes

Age 8-9 (boys and girls)        9 holes

Age 10-11 (boys and girls)    9 holes

Age 12-14 (boys and girls)    9 holes
Age 15-17                                9 holes
Age 18+                                   9 holes

There will be PRIZES FOR EVERYONE.  For those that played last year, you remember the giant prize table.  Every player will be able to choose something off that table.  

And, since I have a sweet tooth, there will be some treats for you as well.

The lowest overall score (for the 9-holers 14 and below) will win the Championship Belt.  But really, it's not about that at all.  It's about spending time with the family, eating a few treats, and having some laughs. 

Here's the best part of this whole event.  It's free. 

Remember that email a few months back about giving and generosity?  I want to give you this event for the simple fact it's going to be something fun to do together.  I'm lucky enough to do something I love to do, so this event is for you.  

The only catch is this....if you register and don't show up, I will find you......remember, I work at a jail.  Space is limited to 45 players per shotgun, so if you want in, register soon.  I know it sounds like a lot, but we had 38 players last year with only one shotgun AND we charged an entry fee.

Check back soon for registration details.