It was Christmas morning and I woke at the usual time, looked at the clock and said, fuck this and pulled up the covers and fell back to sleep. I was jarred awake with pounding on the door and it was Wyatt. He said wow, I didn't mean to wake you. I figured you would be back from your run. I laughed at that and said Wyatt, I'm on vacation and I'll pay a big price for pigging out all week, what's up? Wyatt handed me the sports section and I was on the front page as district player of the year. I shrugged and asked so Wyatt, did you make the list? He smiled and said next page and there was his picture as the top QB. I smiled and asked him to turn around. He laughed and asked WHY? Wyatt, I want to see if there is already a target on your back. Mike, granddad said the same thing. It turned out that he was only the second freshman ever to make that list. I smiled and said so you have your work cutout for you as no one has ever made it all 4 years. Mike, I just wanted to show you this and say THANKS. MERRY CHRISTMAS and he left for home and damn he had walked.
Once I was alone I put on some coffee and started to look at the article. JJ was defensive player of the year and the article stated that he made two play that saved the champs undefeated season. Then it stated that while he is an outstanding receiver he was born to play free safety and with some luck and hard work this VT recruit could play on Sunday. What blew me away was the linebackers as it was me, Chad and Josh and we were described as possibly the best linebacker trio of all time. Rod was the best kicker and we had 6 on defensive side and Todd, Wyatt and 2 others on offense. I didn't even bother to read the comments on me as it was nice to make it twice but it really didn't matter. My college decision was made months ago over the summer. I took a picture of JJ's article and sent it to him in an email. Then I left a voicemail telling him to check his email. With that I jumped into the shower, avoided the scale and put on jeans, which were a bit tight, and a hoodie and had another cup of coffee. I checked my voicemails and listen to a bunch and they were all congratulations except for one. I laughed at it as it said, " Who the fuck do you know at the paper, you being player of the year is retarded." I just laughed and was about to delete it and then just kept it, along with the number, which my phone had saved. Most of the other messages didn't require a response and were deleted. I was hoping this would not go on all day as this would be the last restful day of the holidays for me.
I wasn't ready to go to the house so I poured another coffee and picked up the Sunday paper and went right to the business section. That was what would be my first mistake of the day and on the front page, below the fold, was a picture of my newly acquired land and a picture of the big building. The headline was, WHAT'S NEXT? HOME RUN OR A STRIKE OUT. I laughed at the baseball analogy but in reading further there were questions why I was slow walking the project? Why no details? Why no announcement about an architect? Why no start date? Then the big one, Has young Mike Simmons finally overreached? All that was followed by details about the sale and a comment from the Mayor, indicating that I might be a one hit wonder. I was fucking furious and was thinking it was time to take the Mayor on, very directly and publicly. No victory with humility and class, just an all out victory. He would be reduced to a figure head mayor. I would love every minute of his remaking time in office. Then I put the paper aside and moved to the loveseat. I just laid there thinking about the day and how I needed to restrict my food intake and there would be no drinking as we were wheels up by 7:30. I got up and went to my desk and reviewed my flight plan. It was pretty direct and the resort had its own landings trip and transportation would not be an issue. It was almost 1:00 when I made the move to the house. Megan was already in the kitchen and I gave her a hug and said please limit the food. She laughed and said find some self control. Well mom, it's all used up after reading the paper this morning, I hope you plans don't require help from the mayor. Mike, what makes you think I have plans? Well don't spend all day in the kitchen. She laughed and said, there you go again with a pivot away from the topic. I waved and went into the game room.
There I found dad feeding Ashley and Cole flipping through a golf magazine. Cole immediately asked MJ, what is Pinehurst #2 like? Cole, I haven't been there but it is a Donald Ross design from 1907, that should tell you a lot. MJ, so it's long and difficult with crazy greens. I laughed and said Cole, that's quite a statement from a kid who plays Oakmont. Dad immediately asked me to be nice. Cole, this course is as hard as Oakmont as it has the same rating and slope. It is hard in a different way as the grass is different. This is a drama free round of golf. I need to have lunch with Mr. Fey and you can practice, putt, drive around the course and I'll have a burger sent your way. The Pro will be very helpful. MJ, there is never a casual round of golf for me and people will be following us. Well buddy you can stay home if you want. MJ, no fucking way in hell. That got an immediate reaction from dad who said Cole Wayne, watch you mouth. Cole left to get a drink and I looked at dad and asked, can't he just have a casual round of golf. Dad shook his head and said you of all people shouldn't even need to ask that question. You have him playing with the USGA Executive Director and one of the top club Pros in the country and you describe it as casual, cut the kid a break. Then I remembered that I had traded with a USGA guy and Oakmont Pro yardage book for some other course and he said it was an even swap. Back at my place I rooted around in a file cabinet and found the book and it was Pinehurst #2. Back at the house I tossed it to Cole and said Merry Christmas. We didn't hear anything from him for at least an hour as he was deep in the book. Those books have detailed yardage and are used by the Pros in every tournament and Cole knew is way around the information and the book. More importantly he was in a more relaxed mood.
Megan finally appeared with a wine she looked at Ashley playing in the contraption I had bought her and said Mike, that was a great gift as was the wine. I laughed and asked, so what is it you need me to do? Mike, I need you to meet with Don, when he calls next week. Megan does Don have a second name? Sorry Mike, I've known Don Wuerl since grade school. Please meet with him and just listen to what he would want you to do. Megan, I'm not talking at Central's graduation ceremony, I will consider other venues. Mike, thanks and I'll let him know. I looked at her and asked so what you running for and when? Mike, Governor in 5 years. Megan how does Don help? Mike, he will be a Cardinal by then and the Catholic vote matters. Damn, I was considering doing that and we both laughed. Ok mom, I'll meet with him but in the come to Jesus meeting he better not be conflicted as to who Jesus is. Mike that will be a fun conversation and he will not underestimating you. You should keep that in mind. With that I went to fill my iced tea for the third time and stopped at the powder room and recycled some.
I needed some fresh air so I went out and stood in the driveway. It was a gray ugly day but I was aware that the weather would be fine as I really wanted to make the trip south and shorts and golf shirts. I knew Megan wasn't giving up her Federal Judge position to run for Governor. This meeting with Don was an interview and they had me in mind for something. At this point I was intrigued. In 7 years I would be eligible for federal office, as a congressman. I went inside thinking that was too far down the road, but I would take the meeting and Don was traveling to Oakmont. Back inside dad and Megan were prepping the beef tenderloin for the oven. Cole and I talked about the day tomorrow. I tried again to reassure him that this wasn't a big deal. It went better this time. Not because of anything I said but because he had some information he could deal with.
Soon enough Megan yelled in, Guys dinner is almost ready. I grabbed Cole and we went into the kitchen. I handed her a glass or red wine and said, go sit down, we have this. All that was involved was cutting the meat and filling serving dishes. It was a very simple thing but deserved as she had worked almost all day on the dinner. The beef was perfectly done as was the asparagus and the baked potatoes. There was also a salad of mixed greens. Ashley had been fed and she happily munched on a biscuit of some kind. We talked about the upcoming week and I was by far the person with the least down time. When we were finished Cole and I cleared the table and Megan produced a home made apple pie. I just smiled and dug into something that was delicious and that I hadn't had in years, an actual home made desert.
Dad and I volunteered to deal with the kitchen and Megan, Cole and Ashley went into the game room. Dad was loading the dishwasher and I was putting leftovers in the refrigerator dad asked Mike, did you see all the paper today? I laughed and said yes and it will be dealt with when I am ready and I'm not taking any prisoners. Dad, what's up with Megan and the Bishop and why does he want to interview me? Dad laughed out loud and said damn, I knew that ruse of her running for office wouldn't work. Mike, he is looking for the Pied Piper of the next generation. He needs so,e one in the middle politically, someone who wants change. He knows the realities and he knows that a conservative Catholic isn't the ticket. He has seen you in front of a large group and how, with no effort, you lead them whichever way you want them to go. Dad, there is no way in hell he is getting me to go to church and pretend. Mike, I'm sure that is an issue he will discuss with you. Dad and if at some point I opt out. Michael it will be what it becomes.
Back in the game room I asked Cole about clubs and he said Mike, there are 3 sets in the basement and two of the sets are still in the shipping boxes unopened. Well dude, pick a set and I'll see you in the morning at 6:30. I hugged dad and Megan and went to my place. Once there I called the airport and checked the weather in North Carolina and was told Sunny and that the high would be 73 degrees. I selected navy golf pants and a white golf shirt with a small VT logo. Then I chose a silver gray Nike golf hat and matching gray shoes. I was looking around to see what else I needed and threw jeans and a hoodie on the table to wear on the way in the plane. I just sat down with ice water and was about ready for bed when JJ called. He was all excited about the article I sent him and the fact that someone actually thought he could play on Sunday. I gently reminded him that he needed to play on Saturday first. He laughed and said his old buddies here think I was infused with yankee blood. They say I talk funny and lost the ability to drink. So JJ did you hook up with any old girlfriends? Mike that was the other thing everyone said changed as I kept it zipped. He said they would be home late tomorrow night and I said JJ those blue balls are all mine Friday morning and just be aware mine need service as well. He laughed and said damn, I was hoping that was the case. We chatted for almost an hour and finally I told him I was flying to North Carolina tomorrow morning and needed to get to bed. He laughed and asked, how in the hall did you make it through today it's no drinks? I simply said good night and hung up. I prepped the coffee and set the alarm for 5:45 and jumped into bed and thought about the wonderful Christmas I had had and I didn't have to hide in my room to avoid the swearing and nasty fight. I was also excited about the new ride and was a bit worried about the image change. Then there was the fact that it was a foreign car. That bothered me, a lot.
I was up at 5:30 before the alarm and turned the coffee on and jumped into the shower. Looking in the mirror I almost cried as my 6 pack was still there but fading and it would be weeks of work to recover. I grabbed a mug of coffee and packed my golf clubs and grabbed my clubs from the closet and laughed as I had clubs stored at 3 clubs and here in my room and I wasn't that fucking good, just spoiled. I threw the clubs in the trunk and my bag on the backseat and headed back inside and Cole yelled, good your early let's go. Cole there is no rush as I told them 7:30 and it won't be fueled yet. Cole wanted to go anyway and was hoping the plane would be ready early. I shrugged and got in the car. When I stopped at McDonalds for coffee and a breakfast sandwich Cole was less than happy but didn't turn down the sandwich but asked for juice.
At the airport there were a number of planes at the service line and Cole jumped out of the car and made a beeline to the fuel truck which was servicing another plane. I simply went inside and took care of business at the office and filed the flight plan. Outside Cole was loading the clubs in the plane was being fueled. I took a deep breath and asked Cole, how did that happen? MJ, I asked nicely and signed an autograph, I'm important. Cole finish what you are doing, then get in the plane and don't ever fuck with my flight operations again. Once you are certified to fly one of these, I won't give a fuck what you do but not until then. I did a very careful walk through and thanked the guy for fueling the plane early. Once strapped in my seat I started a very careful onboard check and started the engines. I looked at Cole and said dude, it's fine but I had us there early and now we will be there for breakfast, just relax, put the headset on and don't touch anything or say a word until we are in the air. I got a smile and a yes, sir.
Once we were in the air I looked at Cole and said dude, I'm good but please understand what we do on the ground is every bit as important as what we do up here. Those people on the ground service a lot of other people and their planes. We respect them always and never act entitled and unless it is really important never ask for favors. Now can you relax and can we enjoy the flight. Cole smiled and said, sure. The flight at that point became fun as Cole enjoyed sitting up front and listening to the communication with the tower. We actually, by choice, flew over VT as Pinehurst was just below Blacksburg. As soon as I saw a marking, small town, that I knew was in NC I contacted the Pinehurst tower. It was a very informal communication and I was given the coordinates and was cleared to land. Cole and I secured the plane and I checked in and we were the only scheduled flight in and there was 6 takeoffs later. The entire time I was thinking, if I ever come here again I'm flying into a real airport as this was way too casual for me.
Once the plane was secured I tried to check in at the terminal and it was closed, well no one was around. An attendant appeared and asked if we needed a ride to the resort and Cole asked if we could simply take a golf cart and find our on way. He was told that was not possible so we loaded our clubs and bags in the van. It was immediately clear why the colt cart option wasn't practical as it was about a 20 minute ride. At the resort things instantly became first class, the van was unloaded our clubs were placed in a golf cart and we were asked to simply follow the signs to the Pro Shop. I know we were very early but there was no stopping Cole as he went right in and introduce himself to the person at the counter. I just stood back and watch, it was amazing as he instantly was in control and very professional. As if by magic the head Pro appeared and Cole shook hands and said, hi Pete, it's nice to see you again. The Pro laughed and said Cole you are early how about we grab a cart and I show you the course. The asst. pro managing the shop asked if I could help me and I said well, I'm with that character who just left and it's too early to practice but where can I get a cup of coffee. There was a club room near by and I took a cart and drove the few yard to the place and went in. I was hungry and I ordered coffee and a bagel with cream cheese. I was asked for my room number and said well I'm not staying here so simply bill my Oakmont account. The waiter said well what is your dad's account number. I smiled and said well my dad doesn't have an account but here is my number. Please feel free to check with the club. A few minutes later he returned with the coffee and said Mr. Simmons, I'm so sorry and I didn't mean to disrespect you. I smiled and said, it's fine as it happens a lot. I had a nice relaxing day p minutes and realized that I was not appropriately dressed so I found the locker room and chatted up the attendant and was given a locker. As I was expected and my bag was already at the locker. I quickly changed and now looked the part.
As I was going outside the attendant asked if I was going to the range and I told him that first I had to meet with Mr. Fey. Oh, I'm sorry I knew that, this way please and I was shown to a room and the door had a sign on it MEMBERS ONLY. It was a very old school room and I was instantly at home. There were pictures of the various courses and nothing was overstated. There was also a vied of one of the courses and I had no idea which one. I ordered an iced tea and was informed that Mr. Fey was at the Pro Shop and would be right along. I was hoping Cole hadn't started something. When David appeared I stood up and we shook hands. He said Mike, Cole is hitting balls at the range with one of the best caddies, that guy is excellent, and he has worked on the Tour before. Cole mentioned something about a sandwich? David have them find a divot and add some salad dressing and send that down. David laughed out loud and said, so a burger and fries? I shook my head indicating yes. When the waiter came David took care of the order for Cole and included food for the caddy, then ordered a club sandwich and I ordered a chicken salad.
David started by asking, how was the flight? I replied it was great to be in the air again but I'm not landing here again. Well Mike, they might get 12 flights in and out of here a week unless there is a tournament. We talked about family and the holidays and general stuff. I didn't know David very well but I knew he wouldn't talk business until we had finished eating. When the food came he turned the topic to Cole asking how his game was developing? I shrugged and said, well Western PA weather isn't conducive to HOF this time of the year but he has been practicing a lot. Mike, why is he playing in the Hawaii tour event? David, I have no idea and there are a lot of people involved and I'm not in that loop. I do know that your invite to play Pebble Beach is on the list for Presidents weekend and the entire family is going. It will be my first long trip in my new Jet.
Our drinks we refilled and the table cleared and I looked at David and asked, what's up? Mike, your name has come up in our last 3 meetings and we are about to have 2 openings on the USGA Board and we would like you accept appointment to our Board. David that would be a great honor but I simply can't make the commitment necessary at this time. There will be football from mid July till late December. Then the business and buildings and college coursework. I simply can't take on anything else. Mike, we feel that you could impact golf for generations. David, I would have to be there to do that and there is no realistic chance of that happening. David was quiet for a few seconds and said lets hit some golf balls. I was thinking it would be along day.
We grabbed a cart and went to the range. As we approached I saw Cole in sweats and knew he was hiding his outfit. He was even from a distance having a good time with the Caddy. Pete was watching and hitting a few shots. I went up to Pete and thanked him for looking after Cole. Mike, the first time I saw him was at Oakmont and he was hitting balls at the range he has a great swing and a tremendous work ethic. I play in a few Tour events and Cole and I were paired together in an event and there was the outfits and the interaction with the fans, that can be a distraction but he is very respectful when it is someone else's turn to hit and expects that from his following. He is always ready to hit when it is his turn and the is totally focused and his caddy keeps him in line and mutes his tendency to be reckless. Then Pete laughed and said well he plays a lot like Palmer and I assume they talk a bit. I smiled and said well more than a bit. With that I went and tried to warm up but I hadn't played since football started. At the putting green Cole quickly adjusted to the slower green and comments that the damn grass effects the putts. Mack, his Caddy laughed and said you Yankees have no idea how to play on real grass. I found that funny and Cole just shook his head. Just before we headed to the tee, Cole grabbed the waist of his sweat pants and pulled hard and the snaps opened and there he was in black plus 4's and old gold and black striped socks and black golf shoes. Then he took off the jacket and revealed a white golf shirt with Wake Forest logo. Then he went to his bag and took out a Scally cap with the Deamon Deacon logo.
David Fey came up to me put his hand on my shoulder and said Mike, see what you can do. I took a step away from him and said David, I had nothing to do with that. David sailed and said, you didn't stop it either. Mr. Fey understand, I'm not involved with Cole's golf. That is his mom, his stepdad, AP, Fred and the swing coach at Oakmont. All I do is cover some expenses. Ow can we play golf and I walked to the first tee. Cole said he was hitting last as that would be the only time all day. Then he laughed and suggested that I hit first as that would be the last time that would happen. Everyone laughed at that and I stuck a tee in the ground and hit a big hood that missed the heavy rough but was in the native area beyond the rough. Pete and David hit reasonable drives on the fairway and Cole was handed a driver and the hole is 402 yards. There was the usual pre swing routine and a drive that started down the right side and moved slightly left and ended up 312 down the fairway right in the middle of the fairway. No one else managed to get on the green and Cole was sitting there 91 yards from the back center of the green. The greens all have a rise in the middle and many shots roll off. Cole talked with the caddy and they selected a gap wedge and Cole hit a very high shot that ended about 15 feet left of the hole. We were all in with 5's and Cole and the caddy looked it over and there was a discussion about the correct line and Cole shrugged and said Mack, you know this place better than me, I'll try your line. I don't know what that was all about but Cole's putt was dead center. The Pro managed a par on the next three holes as did Cole and it was getting a bit competitive.
The fifth hole is one of the best holes on the course and is a risk reward par 5. I had to this point two pars and bogies and I had no idea what David had as I was definitely not paying attention and it was easy to do as we had individual caddies. The hole is about 586 yards and features a fairway bunker which required a 300 yard carry. the three of us were hitting driver as it was unlikely the fairway bunked was reachable. Cole and Mac were having their fist disagreement of the round as Mack wanted Cole to lay up and Cole finally simply took his driver out of the bag and handed the head cover to Mack. He shrugged and and said if you put it in that damn trap you will me even par for the round. Cole shrugged and said, well my gut says eagle. Both Mack and Pete laughed out load. Cole did his thing and sent a rocket right towards the bunker and we had no idea what happened as we didn't see it bounce. The general feeling was that it was in the bunker. The three of us had to lay up and we were each on the green in regulation andPete was about 10 feet away, having hit a great shot. Cole's drive had cleared the bunker by a bit but hit the downslope behind the bunker and rolled a good way. Well after that great drive he was still 249 yard away. He didn't even talk with Mack and grabbed a 3 wood and tossed the head cover to Mack, who snapped it out of the air. The shot was almost unbelievable as it hit just short of the green and rolled to the flat area and was 20 feet from the pin. Mack just shook his head and asked Cole, do you want help reading the putt or are you going to continue to play the course with your gut? Cole, smiled sweetly and said, will you please help. Turned out Cole had an eagle and Pete had birdie and David and I has pars.
I want up to Mack and said, you know his caddy would have broken that driver. Sh smiles and replied Mike, so would I have if it wasn't a casual round but if he ever needs a fill-in caddy I'm all in. The round continued uneventfully and Cole finished -3 and beat Pete by one stroke. David shot 79 and I mucked it around with a 77. After the match, I found Mack and slipped him a big tip and asked, were you serious about being a fill-in. He smiled and replied, absolutely. The mid afternoon "lunch" was relaxed and friendly. As Cole and I were heading to the locker room for showers, David asked that I please consider the offer to be on the board. I shook my head and said sure. It was for both of us a very long shower and we doing a van and a driver that took us to our ride home.
We were both tires and it was a quiet ride to the airstrip. Once there I checked in and found a more professional approach. It was the usual check and we didn't need fuel and we were quickly cleared for take off. Once we were in the air I asked Cole if he had played the course before? He smiled and said 15 times on a simulator. We both laughed at that and it was a smooth flight home. I though damn this was great as it wasn't even 9:00 and we were home. As we were getting into the car I almost jumped for joy when I saw our jet land and I knew JJ was home as well. At our place Cole went to the house and I went to my place and immediately opened a beer. I was hoping that JJ would decide to stop over and spend the night. I was on my second beer when the door flew open and JJ went right to the refrigerator and opened a beer. He threw himself beside me on the loveseat and asked, how was your. Christmas? We talked for a while and I asked if he was spending the night? MJ, I can't but you are my breakfast and I'll see you for the run.
Please remember Nifty and if possible make a contribution.
Thanks for the many notes and for continuing with the story