Question of the week [Oct. 13-19]: What is your personal favorite golf memory?
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My favorite memory was the 1999 U.S. Open's final hole when Payne Stewart rolled in the winning putt and did the iconic fist-forward lunge. He then grabbed [Phil] Mickelson’s face and said something to the effect of "you’re going to be a daddy," which I felt was a way of telling him fatherhood was more important than a golf tournament.
The following year, I had the opportunity to have my picture made beside that iconic statue of Stewart’s fist-pump lunge close to the [18th hole at Pinehurst No. 2].
Bob Glasgow
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
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My wife, son and I were staying at Bay Hill in Florida, on an Easter holiday from Ireland.
We played Bay Hill in the morning and as we were having lunch on the veranda, we saw Mr. [Arnold] Palmer in his buggy approaching the practice putting green. Our waiter implored us to pop over and say hello, which my son and I did.
We chatted to Mr. Palmer about everything, but especially his memories of playing in Ireland and the 2001 Senior Open Championship held at Royal County Down where he, Mr. [Jack] Nicklaus and Mr. [Gary] Player all took part. My wife Cep and I had attended that memorable event.
He chatted to us for about 10 minutes. Our son Darragh is a very talented golfer and Arnie was keen to see his swing.
Just as the conversation was drawing to a close, Arnie asked us if we wanted a photo. To our dismay, the batteries in our phones were dead from the amount of photos we took of the golf course.
"Follow me," Palmer said on learning of this, and we ran after him as he swung by his office next to the pro shop. He called his assistant out and asked her to take a photo of the three of us on his phone. We could not believe what was happening. It was truly surreal.
After that he waved us goodbye.
His assistant told us that an intern who was due in the following day would be able to email us a copy of the photo. Unfortunately this didn't happen. However, the memories of those so, so special 10 minutes with Mr. Arnold Palmer will forever stay in my memory.
Colm Burke
Tullamore, Ireland
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Playing 18 holes with actor George Kennedy and son on a public course in the San Fernando Valley years ago. Pro sent me out to the first tee by saying, "You’ll enjoy the surprise," and I did.
Bill Arnett
Wake Forest, North Carolina
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Playing golf in Scotland at [St. Andrews'] Old Course with my two brothers and I shot 74. Awesome day and experience.
Tom Martenson
Rockford, Illinois
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My two sons and I, along with my close friend, visited Scotland and enjoyed many of the most recognized courses, including the Old Course [at St. Andrews]. Our last day of a two-week trip was at Carnoustie.
On the 18th hole, I joined arms with my boys as we strolled down the fairway, talking about our never-to-forget trip. A wonderful, most memorable moment enjoying the experience of a lifetime with my sons.
Mike Keller
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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I am a 78-year-old disabled veteran.
Last year, I joined the Carolinas Golf Association during our time in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was informed of a golf tournament held every year in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, sponsored by Buddy Golf, the range finder company.
The tournament is three days of various formats for two-person teams. One participant has to be a veteran. I asked my son to join me for what promised to be a nice opportunity to spend a few days together, enjoying golf and each other's company. The experience was far better than I imagined.
Not only did we thoroughly enjoy our time together, away from his work and whatever issues I had to deal with, but we met some wonderful people to play golf with, to sit with for dinner and drinks and learning about them — where they came from, what life was like for them. We both had a tremendously good time, golf was fun and more rewarding than either expected. The golf courses we played were all in great shape and fun to play.
One course in particular, Long Bay, was really special. Many people from the community came out to offer food/beverage stands, people sitting in yards watching the play and offering cold water, snacks and such, a tremendous outpouring of respect, thanks and support for veterans and their partners that made the whole trip seem wonderful.
As a Vietnam veteran I had not experienced such an outpouring of love and thanks, a true welcome home, in all the years since [the time I served]. The tournament is very well run, the Myrtle Beach area is a true golf haven, and we had never been surrounded by so much support from so many wonderful people.
Thomas Page
Charlotte, North Carolina
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As a 19-year-old golfer relatively new to the game, my best friend Dan and I found ourselves staying in St. Andrews, Scotland, hosted by a prominent local family. The year was 1981.
An early morning golf game on the Old Course was arranged at the start of the next day. We got halfway down the first hole when the golf course closed due to a torrential rain storm. We did as any college kids would do, returned to the beautiful home and went back to bed. Upon waking up in the afternoon we returned to the Old Course and secured a late afternoon tee time.
Typical of Scotland the storm had passed and now it was warm and sunny with zero wind. A dream scenario to say the least. What transpired was my most memorable round of golf. Despite many golf vacations since 1981, this remains the most memorable. Best of all my friend Dan and I were wise enough to understand how special it was to play the Old Course on such a beautiful day. We savored every moment. Youth is not always wasted on the young.
Reid Farrill
Toronto, Ontario
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Front: St. Andrews Old Course' 18th hole during the third round of the 2015 Open Championship,
Photo: Eoin Clarke / Golffile