| Review by: Michael Zajac |
Letter to the Editor
I live in Winchester Tennesse and I came to Chicago
Heights area to vist My Family and to see the Western
open. Last year I was here to see the U.S. open. I was
wishful that Tiger Woods would win both Events. That
was not the case. I visted Flossmoor and Idelwild
Country Clubs because I Caddied at both clubs.
I remember when Jack won the Western open at Olympia
Feilds Country club in 1968. I also remember him
playing at Flossmoor Country Club the week before
with Arnold Palmer, Mark MCcormick, and the Late
Bob Mcall.
I thought That day would be just another Thusday, I hoped
to get a ladies bag and come home with 7 bucks. It was a very
quiet day with very little action. The Caddiemaster was
Bob Kenne a short and heavey set man in his late 60,s.
Bob called all us Caddies inside for a meeting. I was fearful
because he fired one Caddie that day for smoking on the course.
Bob called us in and Said I have to send all You boys home.
I wondered if he was going to fire us all, and go with just
carts because it was a rumor going aroud that the club would
do so. Bob flat out said due to an emergency of the clubs
president that the club would be closed the rest of the day.
I thought that the club president was sick or died so I just
went home. On the way I rememberd that I left My lunch at the Caddie
house and went back to get it. I was walking in the parking lot
and saw a large limo come in, I followed it to the clubs main door
the driver opened the Limo door and out steped, Jack, Arnold, and Mike.
The limo driver opened the trunk and He took out 3 sunday type bags.
I had Palmer and Nicklaus sign My lunch bag. Mccormick said He
was not a famous Golfer but I said thats ok, and he signed it,
I said thank You. Bob Mcall came out with his bag and Said
Mike its time to go home. I asked him if I could watch them play
and He said NO! so I left and went home. Saterday morning I came
back and Bob called Me into his office and I though I was done
for. He told me not to say anything about Thusday and He would
make it worh My while. Isaid ok. Two Sundays later at the end of
My loop and paying Me he said, I got a very special tip for you, He
went into his back pocket and gave me the score Card from the
Thusday Round. Palmer shot 63, Mcall 67, Jack 61, Mccormick 70.
Palmer And Mccall beat Nicklaus and Mccormick 1 up on the bestball
match on the last hole. Now I am sitting at My desk writting this
wishing I was 14 again, carrying a bag and walking those fairways . I hope My
Son Phillip who is 5 now Can someday do the same. Not just to earn
a buck but to learn about More about Golf, work, and kindness
of others. Here I am Back in Winchester tn, I see kids hanging out,
Maybe doing drugs, no Caddie Jobs with in 100 miles. I just like
to say to the Caddies out here to have there chin up be proud of
what You do and be graetful to the Members because in short
You kids have it good. Enjoy The job, create long lasting memorys,
because not eveyone has the chances in life as You do.
Michael Zajac
421 country club rd
Winchester, tn 37398
931-968-9768 |