My Other Bag, and a story

[TPDawnPatrol]

For those that get a kick out of My Ultimate Bag (http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/355729-my-ulltimate-bag/), I present My Other Bag, of more historical significance.

 

First, to place the bag in context, notice the essential elements of a manly environ: leather Barcalounger (with matching chocolate lab who does her best to blend in before being booted off), remote control within easy reach, framed St. Andrew's print, killer Hsu subwoofer, and excellent Monitor Audio speaker, all framing a circa early 1900's leather stovepipe bag with unique metal scrollwork trim and a full set of hickories: wood, mid iron, niblick, mashie niblick, mashie, and putter.

 

Other pics show increasing detail of My Other Bag.

 

It's a nice corner to sit in and reflect on my two rounds at St. Andrew's Old Course in 1996, one of which was played in 40 degree temperature, 30 mph winds, and occasional hail, with an afternoon round at Carnoustie that followed in similar conditions.

 

I was so jazzed about that day that I just had to call a dear friend in San Diego, a fellow Torrey Pines Dawn Patroller to talk about it, at about 6PM Scotland time. When he answered, I said "George, I'm number one in the lot, do you want to play tomorrow?" He said he already was planning on coming down to sleep in the lot because he had a foursome to get out, but asked "Wait a minute, why are you there so early, it's only 10 AM?" I told him that I wasn't at Torrey, but if he could just make it to the course in time, I would buy his round. He pressed me for my whereabouts, and I finally admitted "I'm at St. Andrew's Old Course." After a few choice expletives, he went on and on about how thrilled he was that I chose him of all people to call to share my experience.

 

George was a storyteller, and for years to follow he told the story of that phone call every chance he got. At some point he was remarried and my wife and I attended his wedding and reception. A few days later I got a call and it was George. He asked me what I was doing on Wednesday, and asked if I would like to play golf. I said "But you're on your honeymoon!" He said, "Never mind, if you can get here I'll buy your round." I asked him where he was, and he said Pebble Beach. So I flew up on frequent flyer miles, stayed in a motel 6 with a beater rental car, and played Pebble for free. Needless to say I sent them a nice present to their room.

 

Years later George succumbed to a rare form of cancer, and my wife and I attended his funeral service. His wife had prepared a eulogy but asked the pastor to read it. He opened by talking about the day George called the happiest day of his life. It was the day he got to play Pebble with his son, his brother and a guy named George while he was on his honeymoon. That lucky fourth, the other George, had been me. I remember that day he striped a 4 wood over the ocean to six feet on #8, jumped in the air and exclaimed "I've been waiting MY WHOLE LIFE to hit that shot!"

 

As family members and close friends each got up to say a few words from the pulpit, I finally realized that I had to contribute my sentiments. I got up and told the story of my call from St. Andrew's, George's incessant retelling of that tale, and his incredibly generous gift of the day at Pebble. I told the gathering that I had once told George I wished I had a nickel for every time he told that story, so by my calculations, he had told the story 8000 times warranting the $400 round at Pebble. (He was an accountant)

 

A few days later, his brother, son, another friend and I played a commemorative round and scattered George's ashes on his favorite course, and I shot the round of my life, a 74 with five birdies from the back tees. I swear on a stack of Bibles that George was up there guiding my shots towards the hole.

 

I will never forget these moments, and My Other Bag provides a gentle reminder of those special times.

[Fatsack540]

That for sharing a great story and cool pics of your man cave.

[TPDawnPatrol]

My pleasure.

[JJH]

Very cool story. Mind if I give you my number?

[poorputter]

Good story

[Johann10]

Love the story. sounds like a great friend. If only we were all so lucky to have a friend like that in our own lives. I cant get my buddies to buy a beer let alone a round at pebble.

[MMIX]

Great man cave, but even GREATER story...

 

Amazing people do exist and once you find them, you cherish them for a lifetime.

[kdmtuscani]

That was an amazing story! He sounds like a great friend and I am glad the two of you could share in the great experiences and rounds together. Hopefully every time you are on the course you will be reminded of the previous rounds and think of him.

btw... LOVE the HSU sub and monitor speakers =) Great setup!

[Harry13]

Exceptional story!!! I'm sure this type of story brings back memories for a lot of people. Thanks for sharing!!!

[walterjay25]

Thank you for a wonderful story. Like George, you're not a bad storyteller yourself! We should all be so lucky to have such a great friend in our lives, no matter how long or short that period of time may be. Golf is a wonderful sport and golf buddies are why we keep coming back! Here's one for George, Cheers...

[shorrrno]

Thanks a lot for the story it was an awesome read.

Oh how I wish I would get a call inviting me to play St Andrews or Pebble.
Both of those along with TPC Sawgrass are on the list of things to do in my lifetime

[TPDawnPatrol]

OK shorrrno! How about this, I'll buy your round on Torrey Pines this Saturday, all you have to do is let me know you're coming and show up by 5AM ! No rain checks since it never rains here (well, almost never).

[nvr stsfd]

Great story. My allergies acted up a bit while I was reading it though.

Were you featured on the Golf Channel "Golf in America" by chance?

[shorrrno]

Haha oh you make me laugh. Well at least I can say Ive been invited to play Torrey Pines. And I would take it up if I had a few spare G's in the bank to fly half way around the world.

[TPDawnPatrol]

I suspect that's why George didn't show up at St. Andrews, not to mention the short notice!

Look me up when you finally move to the US!

[shorrrno]

i was thinking he may have had a bit of trouble getting to scotland in under 24 hours.

dont worry i'll remember you when i finally do. mid you that probably wont be another 5 years at least but your offers a good enough to keep in mind.

[TPDawnPatrol]

[quote name='nvr stsfd' date='25 March 2010 - 05:59 PM' timestamp='1269565173' post='2341108']
Great story. My allergies acted up a bit while I was reading it though.

Were you featured on the Golf Channel "Golf in America" by chance?
[/quote]

Yup, I was the guy cooking the steaks in the parking lot the night before we played, ruminating about lobster. They miked me up for a half hour while cooking, but my steaks got more face time than I did! My wife and I played in the first group off the next morning with Tom Abbott.

Check out my website, www.torreyrat.com for more info on the Dawn Patrol. I've got pics and stories on some of the guys, and links to a bit more of the publicity we've received over the years.

[shorrrno]

torreyrat.com is a great read there George. If San Diego were to be my home I wouldn't mind joining you guys.

[TPDawnPatrol]

Always up for bringing another into the fold. Although if that is you in the photo that pops up next to your name, you may want to avert your eyes while we swing. Wouldn't want to corrupt that perfect position at the top!

[shorrrno]

[quote name='TPDawnPatrol ' date='26 March 2010 - 02:51 PM' timestamp='1269579087' post='2341612']
Always up for bringing another into the fold. Although if that is you in the photo that pops up next to your name, you may want to avert your eyes while we swing. Wouldn't want to corrupt that perfect position at the top!
[/quote]

yeah thats the gallery that comes to watch me haha

nah thats geoff ogilvy. dont worry i wont be putting anyone to shame

[TPDawnPatrol]

Ahhh, I neglected to notice the gallery, I was captivated by the backswing...

Good, you'll fit right in!