Sometimes, life’s most memorable moments come unexpectedly, woven together by chance, kindness, and a little bit of daring spirit. My journey that day began with a simple decision to catch a train to Columbia, South Carolina, for a basketball game between the Warriors and the Gamecocks. I didn’t know then that this trip would lead me to an experience I’d cherish forever—one that combined the thrill of sport, the charm of camaraderie, and a golf course that is nothing short of legendary.
Al had made me a promise. If I could get to Columbia, he would take care of everything else. That simple deal set the stage for an adventure that would linger in my memory long after the final whistle of the game. Al was not just a friend but a man with a unique perspective on the game of golf and life itself. Sharing a room with him was an experience in its own right, and after the game, he posed a question that caught me off guard but thrilled me all the same. “Want to play Augusta tomorrow?” he asked. I jumped at the chance. Who wouldn’t want to play on one of the most hallowed grounds in all of sports?
The morning after the game, the plan was simple yet extraordinary. Al and the owner of Medalist chose to ride motorcycles to the course, embracing the freedom and spirit of the day, while I took the wheel of a rental car. The course was still being prepared for the big tournament scheduled for April, but that didn’t diminish the magic one bit. The air was crisp, the grass fresh, and the aura of Augusta National was palpable.
Al shared something with me that felt like a secret: he never used a wood to tee off. That was typical of Al—always marching to the beat of his own drum, blending respect for tradition with his own style. But what happened next was unforgettable. Al proceeded to dig a trench in every tee box. Watching him do this was almost surreal, as if we were participating in a ritual that few outsiders ever witnessed. It was his way of preparing the course, making it his own for the day, and setting the tone for a round unlike any other.
We were handed clubs and shoes to play with, equipment that was unfamiliar and a bit challenging to get used to. After nine holes, Al turned to me with a grin and said, “With all respect to Sam Snead and Ben Hogan, I can’t play another hole in these shoes—they’re too tight.” I couldn’t help but laugh. The image of a man so skilled and composed on the course, admitting defeat to a pair of shoes, was both humbling and hilarious. So, what did we do? We played the back nine barefoot, in our stocking feet.
My caddie, who had been at Augusta for 25 years, watched us with a mix of disbelief and amusement. “I’ve never seen anything like that,” he said, shaking his head but smiling. There we were, two grown men navigating one of the most revered golf courses in the world, shoes off, spirits high, and laughter echoing across the greens. It was a moment that encapsulated the pure joy of the game and the bond that sports can create.
When we finished, Al turned to me and said something that stuck with me for a lifetime. “Mike, look out over this course. If you do, it will stay with you.” And he was right. The sight of Augusta National, with its immaculate fairways and majestic azaleas, is a vision that stays with you forever. It’s not just a golf course; it’s a sanctuary, a mecca where history, passion, and excellence converge.
That day was just one chapter in the story of my relationship with Al. There are countless other memories—many of them coming after I stopped playing for him—that truly defined our bond. It was in those moments away from the glare of competition that we really connected, sharing stories, insights, and life lessons. Al was one of a kind, a man whose spirit and approach to life left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Reflecting on that day, I realize how fortunate I was to have been part of it. From the train ride to Columbia to playing Augusta barefoot, it was an experience filled with unexpected twists, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the game and the people who make it special. It reminds me that sometimes, the greatest moments aren’t the ones you plan for, but the ones you embrace when they come your way.
Al’s words still echo in my mind whenever I think about that course and the time we spent there together. “If you look out over this course, it will stay with you.” And it has. Augusta National, with all its beauty and history, remains etched in my heart—not just as a place where golf legends have competed, but as the backdrop for a day of friendship, fun, and unforgettable memories.
