Phil, Tiger and Simon by Ray Shay

Phil, Tiger and Simon 

By Ray Shay 

Billy, John and Chad

 My brother in law, Billy Mok really loves the sport of golf.  He frequently plays it, watches it on television and can even be found in our small backyard swinging a golf club at imaginary little white golf balls. 

It appears that Billy falls into some type of trance when he is swinging the club through the dark green grass.  I have never asked, but I suspect his family knows he has a little problem which is likely related to a small strand or two of his DNA which is labelled, "Titleist."

I am far closer to the other end of the spectrum.  I enjoy playing golf in fundraising tournaments where as a member of a foursome I can play best ball, drink cold beer and laugh frequently.  I apologize to many of my friends who are golf aficionados who may suffer from Billy's affliction. 

I mention this because it helps to explain why I decided to take Billy to the Farmer's Insurance Golf Tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Club. I was privately dreading this experience, until I walked on to the beautiful and immaculately prepared golf course that San Diego locals just refer to as, "Torrey." 

Ray and Phill Mickelson

As you can see to the left, I stopped to say "hi" to Phil Mickelson who is both a great golfer and family man.  Callaway Golf made the right call to partner with him. 

Thanks to some old friends, Billy and I were fortunate enough to be allowed into the VIP area where many of the top golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods were warming up.  I found myself wondering why Tiger is still such a big draw to golf fans.

In years past, my voice was among the chorus of people cheering for him.  All that changed for me about the time he ran his car into a fire hydrant outside his 2.4 million dollar estate home in Florida.  There is something 

prophetic about his now ex-wife Elin Woods using a golf club to break out his car window. 

Tiger Woods

I think that is when many of us realized Tiger had an unfortunate character flaw that revealed a darker side to his personality.  As he and his executive protection detail stood only a few feet away from us, I realized I really had no interest in following him.  I turned to Billy and we both agreed we wanted to follow Phil Mickelson."

As we walked along the eighteen hole of the south course, we both met, "Simon."  I did not get his last name.  Simon mentioned he was not receiving any pay for his work but he just enjoyed  the crowds and the excitement of this event in our city.

Ray and Simon

His comment, "Our city" hung in the air around us like the cool morning fog.  He then smiled.  I immediately liked the guy. He is not what you would call tall or likely rich, but he struck me as having more value than many of the super stars I was standing with.

When we began following Phil's foursome, I also noticed a nice group of women chatting and smiling near us.  As it turns out, one of them was his cancer surviving wife Amy, who is also a class act.

Amy and Paul Hubka

 Later in the day the big news was that Tiger dropped out of the contest.  He quit.  Phil Mickelson did not make the cut and was sent home. God bless him for giving it his all and loosing.  With his wife by his side he stayed true to his sport, his fan and his integrity.  I love that.

When Billy and I walked away from the nationwide broadcasted tournament, I waived goodbye to Simon.  He did not recognize me at first.  I yelled his name again and I got that million dollar smile.

He, like Phil Mickelson is a true superstar.  After all, Simon is was just one of hundreds of volunteers who help showcase our City. 

Have a great week,

 

  

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