On The TunneySide of Sports February 11, 2019 #731 Up Next… Moving On!
After further review… With the conclusion of yesterday’s successful AT&T Pro-Am Golf tournament at the iconic Pebble Beach golf courses (with a bit of Crosby weather thrown-in), the Monterey Peninsula Foundation will annually contribute money in double millions of dollars to local charities. It has done so for many years. This tournament includes well-known celebs in its pro-am field as well as leading pros on the PGA circuit thereby drawing massive crowds.
A few years back, professional golfer, Jeff Sluman was one of those who regularly played in this tournament. His friend and mine local banker Clay Larson, tells this story about how one moves-on after a difficult time. Larson calls it “Cure for Disappointment.” Larson’s teenage son, Derek, asked Sluman if he would help improve his (Derek’s) game. Sluman agreed.
As the tournament week flew by, it seemed that there was not going to be a time for those two to get together. Jeff said, “Derek, let’s get together on Sunday after the final day of the tournament.” However, in that final round on Sunday Sluman made a 22-foot putt to tie Mark O’Meara for the lead. The two went into sudden death starting on the 16th tee at Pebble Beach.
Both Sluman and O’Meara reached the 16th fringe in two. O’Meara chipped his ball in for a birdie. Sluman’s 40-foot putt died short. O’Meara won that AT&T on the first playoff hole. Watching on TV, Clay and Derek groaned. Being concerned that since it’s been a long week with a tough loss, there was no chance for Jeff to meet up with Derek. So, they headed off to their favorite golf course to play a few holes.
As they were putting out on the 15th par-three, down the path walked Sluman and said, “Hi guys, I knew I’d find you here.” Both Clay and Derek were stunned to see Jeff appear with apparent ease and a smile on his face. “Come on, Derek,” Jeff said, “grab your clubs. Let’s play 16, 17, and 18, I want to see your golf swing.” They did play those three holes with Jeff assessing and critiquing every shot, every minor improvement in Derek’s swing mechanics.
Sluman had just finished nineteen holes of professional golf, lost the AT&T by one shot in sudden death, yet he was willing to spend time with a teenager to help him with his golf swing.
Will you be willing to help others after you have suffered a disappointment?
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