Masters Legend Errie Ball visits with Willoughby Golf Club's members -- everyday but Sunday
When it comes to national treasures, few Florida golf clubs can claim to offer their members such a truly legendary experience. At Stuart, Florida’s Willoughby Golf Club an exclusive club has an exclusive golf instructor emeritus. There is only one surviving member of the original field of 72 men who played in the first tournament that would become known as the Masters: his name is Errie Ball.
Errie Ball (L), Charlie Yates and Bobby Jones
In 1934, when Welsh-born Errie Ball competed, the tournament was called the Augusta National Invitation Tournament. Today, the Masters is perhaps the most coveted of all golf prizes, and bestows upon its winners the storied green jacket.
2009 Masters Champion Angel Cabrera
Ball was not victorious that year, everyone lost to Horton Smith, even the great Bobby Jones who did the inviting. Scott Michaux interviewed Ball recently about the event 75 years ago, and the soft-spoken Ball has not changed much when it comes to his passion for the game. Golf is a rare game with reverence for its history. We admire those who went before us, because they played a gentleman’s game so well long before the advanced designer equipment that today’s professionals get to gear-up with. The game changes and so do the players. Errie Ball may be “the last man standing” from that 1934 golf challenge, but he is first in line to be praised for his continued teaching of the game.
Legendary Experiences Await You...
For a limited time, the members of Willoughby Golf Club are offering a “discovery package” where you can tour and experience many of the benefits of membership. Go there to play golf and get a spa treatment.
If you don’t visit on Sunday — you might just tee it up on the driving range next to a true golf legend.
Dear Mr. Ball,
Congrutulations on the anniversary of your 100th birthday. As a former
caddie at Oak Park Country Club I never had the honor to carry your bag
however, I once had the privelege of shagging for you one day, and I re-
member it well. It was on the sixteenth hole at Oak Park, I set up around
the large bunker on the left hand side of the fairway some 300 yards from
the tee. You motioned me back, but I said who does this little guy think he
is Sam Snead ? Well, the first ball sailed over my head, so I retreated a few
paces, again you motioned me back. I said to myself come on he’s not Herc-
ules. Well, the next one nearly hit me on the fly. So I learned my lesson and
retreated about twenty five paces and began scooping up ball after ball as
each shot split the fairway. Being an avid golfer, although not a very good one, I remember watching you TV show with Danny O’Neill trying to pick
up the tips that were going to fulfill my dream of becoming a professionsal golfer like yourself. Alas, that was not meant to be. I do however still en-
joy the game as you prescribe, by the rules, for fun, and as a gentleman.
I was saddened to read your response regarding the 2011 Masters. As the
“Last Man Standing” I had hoped you would receive an invitation, and you
“would” accept if asked. It would give us all pleasure to see you once again
tee it up, and split the fairway. And I would be honored anyday, to carry
your bag.
With all best wishes for another 100 years of all the best life has to offer.
Sincerely,
Tony Poczos #36
tpoczos530@aol.com
Frenchman’s Creek is quite familiar to me. I used to work in PBG. What did you have in mind? Send me a note at reinsonk@gmaildotcom Thanks!
How do you pick what to write about? Could you write about Frenchman’s Creek Country Club Community in Palm Beach Gardens, FL?