It’s all about a “little white ball”. It possesses the ability to capture and fascinate men and women. This “little ball” has the power to change people’s lives whether they start playing as a two year old or a forty year old. Four new inductees to the World Golf Hall of Fame were enticed by this “little white ball”. Their passion for golf changed their lives forever. On Monday, November 2, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Christy O’Connor, José María Olazábal and Lanny Wadkins became legends recognized for their contributions to the game they love – golf!

Under a beautiful, clear starry sky emcee, Rich Lerner, Host of the Golf Channel, welcomes us to the 2009 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. During the induction, we learn how each of these men became enticed by the game and their individual journey to this remarkable achievement. The unique story of how golf came into their lives allows us to better understand the person and the impact of the “little white ball”. While recognition goes to the individual, a theme constant during the ceremony is the parents whose confidence, support and sacrifices allow a child to live his dream.

Imagine your son at 16 years old stating he wants to become a professional golfer. Imagine sending two young brothers ages 11 and 13 on a train alone from Richmond, VA to Orlando, FL to compete in a golf tournament. What is it that has some parents recognize the talent or passion of their child? Parents who make the “right” decision to allow their child to pursue a dream. Especially, when the parents don’t understand the game and at a time golf doesn’t have the “glamour and allure” of today.

Listening to José María Olazábal of Spain, in his acceptance speech for the International Category, share his story of how he came to golf brings these thoughts to mind. His moving tale of his mother putting the flags out for the first time on a nine-hole course in Spain the day before he was born. At 19 months someone gave him a putter and a “little white ball”. He learned you could putt it from 3 feet out and it would go in the hole, or 10 feet and sometimes maybe 30 feet. The “little white ball” could fly high or low, it could go left or right. With a love for the game and winning numerous tournaments, at sixteen years old José announced to his parents he was going to be a professional golfer. With the condition he finish school first, Jose’s parents support him in pursuing his dream. They could easily have said “no way José” but they didn’t. How proud they are today! José has 29 worldwide titles, 21 European Tour wins and represented Europe in seven Ryder Cup teams. Their shining faces and eyes are moist with tears as José thanks them in their native language for their support in allowing him to pursue his dream. This “little white ball” is powerful as evidenced by José’s induction to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

“I like Ike” pins are everywhere! It is 2009 not the 1950’s. Dwight D. Eisenhower, a former U.S. President, popularized the game of golf during his presidency and afterwards. Many of us from the Baby Boom Generation saw golf for the first time on TV because of Eisenhower. Arnold Palmer’s tribute to Eisenhower during the Induction Ceremony brings us closer to Ike and his love of golf. When Arnold Palmer won the 1958 Masters at Augusta National, he was asked if he would be able to play a round of golf the next day with President Eisenhower. Of course Arnie was available, thus beginning a lifelong friendship. Ike’s passion for the “little white ball” during his presidency popularized the game. He is credited for increasing the number of American golfers to 6.4 million by the time he left office in 1961. Arnold shares that Ike’s approach to golf was like his approach to any job he tackled. Ike’s focus was to excel in everything he did. We can be sure that Ike’s work ethic and drive were fostered by his parents. For his passion, love of the game and popularizing it to future generations Dwight D. Eisenhower was awarded the World Golf Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Category.

Christy O’Connor of Ireland was awarded the Veteran’s Category for his contributions to the game of golf. Christy, known as “himself” defined golf in Ireland during his career spanning four decades. Christy’s nephew, Christy O’Connor, Jr., presented the award giving insight into Christy’s unique personality. When you have a personal crisis or tragedy Christy, Sr. easily assists in bringing a calm to the situation. Additionally, Christy shares how Christy, Sr. was always there for his family with support and guidance. Christy O’Connor won 24 Titles on the European Tour. He participated in ten Ryder Cup Teams and holds the Irish Record for most appearances in the World Cup at 15. “Himself” accepted his award by video and you could see and feel the pride he had in achieving this recognition.

Golf eliminates the generation gap. Young golfers compete with their heroes and even beat them. These comments are shared by Lanny Wadkins in his acceptance speech for the PGA Tour Category. At the age of 15, Lanny was invited by Arnold Palmer to play in a charity tournament in Florida. His first opportunity to compete with his hero. Golf is also unique in that an individual can become a “legend”, Hall of Fame Member, while still being an active participant in the sport. In Jim Nantz, CBS Sports Host, presentation to Lanny, he tells the story of Lanny’s parents putting him and his brother, Bobby, at the age of 11 and 13, on a train from Richmond, VA to Orlando, FL to compete in a golf tournament. Lanny shares how his father worked extra shifts to provide better opportunities for the family. He thanks his mother, smiling in the audience, for the continued support and encouragement he and his brother received in their pursuing the “little white ball”. His parents made the “right” decision. Lanny is recognized as one of the most dominate forces to ever play in Ryder Cup competition. He competed in eight U. S. Teams, compiling a 20-11-3 record, one of the strongest in the history of the event. Since winning the U.S. Amateur Championship in1970, Lanny has won 21 PGA Tour victories and has competed on the Champions Tour since 2000. He won the 1977 PGA Championship and the 1979 Players Championship.

In his closing statement José states that the real winner is always the “game”. As I look over the inductees and the past winners, it seems the winners are the parents. Imagine seeing your son or daughter on stage accepting a World Golf Hall of Fame Award, golf’s brightest and greatest honor. Yes, you made the “right” decision in supporting you child in his dream and passion for the “little white ball”.

If you go:
While the ceremony is past the opportunity to experience golf and the Hall of Fame members is there for all to enjoy. The World Golf Hall of Fame has a fabulous collection of memorabilia and all you want to know what golf from its beginning until today. The displays for the new inductees and all Hall of Fame members provide insight into these individuals. Attending the Induction Ceremony is a truly special event. I recommend it to all golfers. There are terrific packages which include accommodations, the ceremony, post-even gala and golf. You can check the website for the 2010 induction.

Be sure to plan a trip to experience the World Golf Hall of Fame. You can also schedule to play golf at the Slammer and Squire or King and Bear during your visit.

World Golf Hall of Fame
One World Golf Place
St. Augustine, FL 32092
(904) 940-4123
www.wgv.com