Each year about this time, a 'care package' arrives at my door, courtesy of Drew Chapman, PGA, a.k.a Drewitgolf, Head Professional at Highland Country Club in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The package always contains multiple copies of the annual Masters Journal for my Masters guests and usually something special just for me. This year was no exception. Thanks, Drew!
[For those who have never seen this publication, I highly recommend it. With the Journal in hand, a hi-def TV and a 'men'o cheese samich -- I keep a supply of green wrappers on hand just for the occasion -- it's almost like being there. I freely admit being inspired by Bagger's dad, a.k.a. Papa Bagger.http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/s...ht=papa+bagger For more on the Masters Journal, go here and click on the Journal:http://www.barkerstores.com/themaste...e=2&pn=&page=0. ]
I opened Drew's goodie box this morning and immediately began flipping through the 2008 Journal. Just that simple act is a zen-like experience: The spirit and color of the Augusta National Golf Club -- arguably the most famous golfing grounds in the world -- leap from its magnificent pages and you are there!
Suddenly, on page 114, I was stopped cold by the photo of my TOUR friend, Damon Green. He was sitting on the boat dock of his Florida home, dressed in his Masters caddy uniform and surrounded by a sea of yardage books from tournaments past. Damon is Zach Johnson's long-time caddy and was on the bag for last year's triumph. His contribution to the victory is recognized in a 5-page article, Augusta's Men On the Bag. As Zach himself said: "Having a good caddy is important, but having a great caddy who understands his player is priceless."
The article briefly alludes to the fact that Damon played the minitours in another life. What it failed to mention was that he was basically the 'king of the minis'. In fact, he won 65 events on several tours.
Also, that at the ripe young age of 47, his skills remain intact. Just last fall, he won the Bermuda Open with rounds of 72-71-72-66=281. Not too shabby for a full-time caddy!
I called Damon this morning and congratulated him on the feature. He was on the way to his day job at the Zurich Classic -- Zach goes at 12:23 CDT -- and we chatted about a number of things. One of those things was whether or not he sees a go at the Champions Tour in his future.
"Could it happen?" I asked.
There was a pause, and even over the phone, I could sense a sly smile and twinkle in his eye.
"You never know," he answered. "You just never know."
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