It was a great Wednesday morning and Cole was up as usual and the coffee was on. We met JJ and it was another fast run. When we finished Cole said guys, thanks but this is my last run for a while but I'll be think of you guys every morning when I run. I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow for Bay Hill and a lot of practice. No run because I need to get to Latrobe. AP is picking us up. Liam and my pro will be going as well and we are staying at the Lodge. I'll see you guys in about 10 days. JJ hugged Cole and wished him well. As we walked to our place I told him about the change at Oakmont and then I said dude, I'm going to miss you. He smiled and said MJ, don't make me cry.
Once inside, I grabbed some coffee and took a quick shower and shaved. I dressed in school clothes Which was jeans and a hoodie. Then I laid out upscale business suit and a dress shirt and tie. I would leave school, change and get to the club. When I came out of my room Cole was already gone so I just drove to school. At school, I saw Cole's car and figured he was in with Doc Johnson but I went right to English and for some reason I was able to participate. Not because I was prepared but because I knew the piece we were starting, it was the Epic of Gilgamesh. As a Sophomore I had done a report on that and damn I had it cold. History was boring as I was totally uninterested and not at all prepared. Physics was the one I still paid attention to as I got to be with Winnie. She showed o signs of being a second semester Senior as she was still working. When I was finished I quickly signed out and drove to my place. I took my time getting changed as I didn't want to be sitting there waiting for the Mayor.
The ride to Oakmont was typical and involved the traffic heavy Route 51 and the Liberty Tunnels then that race track that was US 28. Going 10 mph over the speed limit it was like I was standing still as car after car flew by. It was nice however to be in the Mustang and would have been better with the roof down but that was two months away. I pulled into the parking lot at the club and went right inside even though I was earlier than I had planned. As I made my way to the dining room Clark appeared and said Mr. Simmons a word please. I stopped and he was already heading towards his office. I simply followed and he said please close the door. I simply sat down in a guest chair and ignored the request. He looked at me and said Mr. Simmons, I requested that the door be closed. Well Clark, it's your door do what you want with it, as for me I don't follow directions well. He chuckled and said well that's obvious but he simply sat down and the door remained open. I was determined not to lose my cool but I wanted to see where this was going. I just sat there with my arms resting on the arms of the chair and there was no fucking way in hell I was going to be the first one to speak. Then Clark asked, Mr. Simmons why did you change the location of you meetings this evening and why was I informed about it from the golf shop? Well Clark, that would be because of your attitude and they offered to let you know. Well Mr. Simmons, you are not here very much and when you do honor us with your presence there is always a special request. I almost laughed out loud but composed myself and calmly said Clark, it was just a couple of months ago that I hosted a large wedding here and you are conflicted as I am here because of what exists outside your window. Oh, and so you are not further conflicted it isn't the swimming pool. As for my complicated requests unless I am mistaken they deal with a table location. You have no right to question how often I m here. As for the golf shop it is actually the Pro Shop and if you choose to get into a pissing match with the Golf Pro you will find yourself standing on Hulton Road with you suitcases packed waiting for a taxi. Clark, you did get one thing right you may now refer to as Mr. Simmons. With that I stood up and left his office, closing the door.
Walking to the dining room I actually laughed as Clark called a "come to Jesus meeting" and was conflicted as to who was Jesus. I knew at some point there would be pushback on that as Clark's side would be put out to protect himself. At any rate it put me in a perfect state of mind for the Mayor. At the dining room I was told that my guest was here and had requested a table somewhat out of the way. I said thanks and that the table was perfect. As I approached the table the Mayor stood up and we shook hands and the Waiter appeared and as the Mayor already had a drink, I ordered an Arnold Palmer. Once we were alone the Mayor asked Mike, why are we meeting all the way out here in the boonies as there are a lot of good places in Town? Pete, there is no place in the City where we could talk privately unless we posted staff around us and that wouldn't look good for you. Then the media would hound us for days. Ok Mike, I get that. The waiter returned asking if we were ready to order? I suggested that the Mayor have another drink and the Mayor agreed. Pete asked the waiter where Clark was and the waiter looked at me and smiled and said, he is working in his office. I thought damn, the staff knows already. The Mayor laughed and asked Mike, did you meet with Clark before you came in here? I just shrugged changed the subject to the economics of the region. Pete laughed and said Mike, nice pivot but you know very well that the economy is good or we wouldn't be sitting here about to discuss your new building. Well Mayor, that would be two new buildings and you are correct.
Mr. Mayor, I just wanted to let you know that from this point on you and I will be dealing directly with each other. In 12 days the finances will be finalized and that means that means in less than two weeks I expect construction will start. We both have teams that work for us but there is nothing like direct communication. There should be no games or issues like we had with the zoning issues when I was buying the property. You see it is in both our interests to work together. Pete, I get to build the two most modern and energy efficient buildings ever built and you get to attach your star to that. Also, it will go a long way in attracting other tech companies like Google to have a large presence in the City. Just then the Waite came and the Mayor ordered a Monte Christo sandwich and I ordered a Caesar Salad and added Chicken.
Once we were alone the Mayor laughed and said well Mike that would be nice if I was staying as Mayor. As I'm running for Governor I'll need more, much more. Well Pete, I'm a business man who runs a company with a lot of government contracts. It no issue supporting a candidate for Mayor but supporting a candidate Governor of a large state is another issue. While we get along with the professional people in the government we spend a lot of time and energy being nonpolitical. Supporting someone for Governor is not and will never be on the agenda. Pete I'm giving you a chance to re develop this City and this Region like David Lawrence did when he redeveloped the Point. Mike, you do know he went on to be Governor. Pete that's correct and at the age of 70 in 1959. You see it needs to be the right time, is this the right time for you? There was no answer to that and the food arrived.
We started to eat in silence as I assumed the Mayor was thinking things over. So I said Mayor there is always the Senate or a Presidential appointment. He smiled and said well it's time to move on, whatever that is. Now it was my turn to think and eat. If any of this got out there would be a scramble for power. What I realized is that I had to get the President of City Council on board as that was the next Mayor. I was wondering how much of this was out there even as rumors. Then I was shocked and the Mayor said Mike, you building permit will be approved tomorrow and stay in touch. We finished eating and we shook hands and the Mayor said good luck and he simply left. Now I was wondering how quickly this would happen. I was sitting there finishing my drink and thinking about all this and an approach.
I was about to get up and head for the Pro Shop when John Birmingham said Mike can I have a word. John was one hell of an amateur golfer and Chairman of the Club. I had talked with John before and he had spent some time with Cole. As was his style he got right to the point saying Mike, I understand you had a discussion with Clark earlier? John, that didn't take long for him to complain to you. Mike, I'm the chairman and everyone complains to me. John, in that case our Club Manager is a real pain and needs to be more respectful to the members, even those members he thinks has no business being here. John, burst out laughing. Mike, I have heard that before and he does seem to dislike you being a member. I reminded him that who is or isn't a member is above his pay grade and that he owes you an apology. John, that isn't necessary and he is right as I'm not here a lot except for golf. Mike, I also suggested to Clark that he find a way to end his spat with the Pro. Mike, what happened today gave me the opportunity to have that talk with Clark.
With that done John said Mike, I understand you have three interviews this evening with agents so I assume the rumors are true and he will shortly turn Pro. I knew it would be known around the club so I smiled and said John, that's correct. Any thoughts? He smiled and said good for golf but I'm no so sure about your brother. He is a good kid and very level headed, more than a bit like you. Then John said Mike, along those lines please pick your fights very carefully around here. You are well respected here and we need young blood. I looked at him and said John, I didn't pick that fight. Mike I am aware and you sent several messages to Clark that I reinforced. If you need anything just let me know. I smiled and asked, do you want to be Cole's agent. John shook his head, Mike that's why I didn't turn Pro, I hate the business side of golf, enjoy your evening.
I was glad to get out of the dining room and took my time getting to the Pro Shop. The Pro said that he had two assistants who would run thing for us and they are aware that these guys needed treated with respect but needed to follow the guidelines. They would be escorted in the conference room and taken to their cars and encouraged to leave quickly. I said thanks and was told that Cole's Pro would be right there and everyone else was here. We agreed that Cole would start things off and introduce his team then ask the first question and we would just follow along from that point.
Cole's Pro came in with our first guest. As he was sitting down he said, good afternoon gentlemen I am Chad Hambrook CEO of Hambrook Sports Group. Cole smiled and said Mr. Hambrook I'm sure you know but I'm Cole Simmons and it's nice to meet you. Before we start I would like to introduce my support group. At the end of the table on my right is Mike Simmons, Mike is my stepdad. Next to me, again on my right is Mike Simmons. MJ is my stepbrother. Next to me on the left is Liam O'Toole. Liam is my caddy. Mr. Hambrook, you already met my swing coach. Seated next to him is William Gentry. Bill is my attorney. Hambrook looked at Cole and asked Son, if you have an attorney what can we do for you? Cole hesitated and said I assume that question was directed to me but going forward I would like to be referred to as Cole and not son. Hambrook sat a little straighter in his chair and said Cole, I apologize that's a bad habit. However, the question still stands. Bill immediately said Mr. Hambrook, I'm surprised by the question as my field is not Sports Management. We assume that your firm can handle most of Cole's needs. Cole immediately asked Mr. Hambrook, how about enlightening us on what your firm can do for me? At this point Holbrook went into a 20 minute info commercial about how they would mold an image for Cole, schedule appearances and manage contracts. Cole immediately asked, Mr. Hambrook as CEO you have a lot on your plate who will be working with me directly. Hambrook replied Cole, if we decide to work with you you will have team of 3 people and we will fine tune how you deal with the media and your fan base and how you dress both on and off the course. Cole, smiled and said Sir, make no mistake about it I will be the only person who determines what I wear on the course. Hambrook said Cole, what I see here is a young guy with a lot or ability, who has had some success but you and your team have no idea what it takes to make it on the Pro Tour let alone to be highly successful. I just about lost it and dad asked Mr. Hambrook how would you rate Cole's fan base? Hambrook replied well it is young, active and noisy and disrupts play. Then I said Chad do you think the PGA or US Golf need an image change. He laughed and said, I do not. Then I asked Sir, how familiar are you with the USGA? Mike, I'm very familiar and work closely with many of them. I reached for my wallet and took out a USGA business card and slid it across the table and said well you should contact this guy sometime. His reaction was priceless and when he started to say something Cole interrupted and said thanks for the time Mr. Hambrook, I'll let you know if we want to explore your organization further. With that Cole's Pro stood up and said Chad, I'll walk you to your car. When we were alone Cole said guys, no fucking way in hell am I working with those guys. No one disagreed and we waited for the next guy.
A few minutes Cole's Pro appeared and I was surprised to see he had two guys with him and I would have bet it was a father and son. The older guy wasted no time at all and said, good evening I am Quinn McGuire and the other gentlemen with me is my son Colin. I founded Elite Sports Management in 1970. Colin is here because he has proven to me that he is ready but I'll let him get into his qualifications. Cole said, thanks Mr. McQuire but before we start let me introduce the people I have with me. Cole introduced us exactly the say way he had earlier. With that done Quinn said Cole, I hope that introduction and the way you did it is telling us we can all use first names. Cole smiled and said Quinn, please I hate the formal approach. Colin looking directly said guys, I'm 28 years old and have been cutting my teeth on this company as dad started it when I was starting 1st grade. You don't need to hear about my education but I would like to tell you that I graduated from Duke with a degree in Sports Management and a minor is psychology. Rather that join the company I went to law school at Harvard. With that all done I joined the family business. We have tennis, football, baseball and soccer players under contract. Over the years we have had a golfer or two. We currently have no golfers and now I hope we have Cole. I have played golf since 6th grade and been at more tournaments than I can count. Cole, it was the Tournament where you set the golfing world on notice and won. I have watched the interviews you have given about a 100 time each. Very impressive for a dude your age but there are some things that need fine tuned. However it was the trip to Hawaii that impressed me the most. Well until I watched those 9 holed in a 35 mile an hour wind at Pebble, that totally blew me away. When I got back Home, I asked dad to do whatever was necessary to get me here in front of all of you.
That was just the introduction but let me tell you how I see this working. First of all I would like to limit the number of appearances Cole attends. They involve travel and are tiring. Some of these events are necessary but not all of them. We will not be limiting media coverages but we will manage all those aspects but Cole, you can say whatever you want and however you want to say it. I think if you screw that up there will be a long line of people to straighten your ass out. Cole, I am aware of your connections here at Oakmont and at Latrobe and with Mr. Couples. Oh, I am aware of the Callaway contract and as I don't want to take Mr. Palmer on, that contract is for your attorney to manage. The other choice is that I do it pro bono. Cole, do you have any questions? Cole had a bunch as he wanted clarification on what he heard. The last question was Colin, who determines what I wear? Colin, laughed and said on the course you do and I would assume Jessica has a say. At other times for a few more years you mom. We all laughed at that. Cole, if you select our firm it will be me and my secretary and my assistant. I will have administrative duties at the Firm but you will be my only client. My wife and I would like to have you and a guest at our place in Dublin, OH for dinner. As far as fees the Callaway thing is exempt as are your Tour winnings. The rest will be industry standards and I'll work with your attorney. Does anyone else have a question? Dad said well Quinn what will your role be in his? Mike, I would imagine is will be very much like your role with MJ, I'll stop him from fucking up. There were no further questions then Colin looked at Cole and asked, are you ready to sign with me. Cole smiled and said well you will here from me directly, one way or the other, thanks.There was a lot of conversation nd none of it negative as we waited for the last group to make a presentation.
Next were three guys and they were obviously brothers and the older of them started by saying, good evening and thanks for the opportunity to be here today, I am Ian Brunner and together with my brothers Carl and Larry we started the Brunner Agency in 1988. We have under contract a number of sports figures 4 Baseball guys and 3 NBA guys nd last month we signed a hockey player. Our main concentration is in the entertainment industry with 12 Artist under contract. Cole, appeared slightly agitated and he did the introductions this time leaving out our first names. Cole, shot a look at Bill then asked guys, what do you know about me and my golf game? Well dude, you won a tournament and have a number of top 10 finishes and a big following. Then Cole, now totally annoyed asked is your agency certified by the PGA to be a representative? Well dude, Cole spoke loudly and said Ian, I'm not a dude and I am Cole Simmons, I don't like to be called dude. Please answer the question. Well we have applied and it is pending and a formality. There was another glance at Bill and Cole said guys, thanks for coming and feel free to get back with my attorney when that happens. This is a very quick process for me and I need a group who's ready on day one. The Pro escorted the trio out. As soon as we were lone Cole looked at Bill nd said what the fuck was that. In fact why did you waste our time. The first group had a broom stick up their asses. The second group was the only real option and this last group could have been substitutes for the Three Stooges. Here is what you need to do, have Quinn and his team at Bay Hill for dinner at 6:30 in the lodge and tell Tim he needs to be there. I'm actually pleased with Quinn and I will discuss your continued role with me once I have a chat with Tim. Understand there are no fucking shortcuts. Then Cole looked at dad and asked dad, will it be ok if I ride back with MJ? Dad smiled and said son, I was hoping you would ask to do that. Cole smiled and said, thanks I'll see you at home. Cole looked at me and said MJ, I need 15 minutes with my coach and I'll meet you at the car.
I wasn't going back inside the Clubhouse as I had had enough drama there today. I stayed at the Pro Shop and found the Pro who said Mike, I need to apologize as I should have told Clark sooner about your change. I laughed and said Bob don't apologize for something you did on purpose and he is a pain in the ass. Besides I had a long chat with John Birmingham and we understand each other. Bob, Clark called a come to Jesus meeting but he was conflicted who Jesus was and Bob laughed out loud. Then Cole stuck his head in the door and said MJ, I'm ready when you are. Bob and I shook hands and I said, Jesus just summoned.
We weren't even to Hulton Road when Cole started on Bill. MJ, Bill hadn't done anything like that before and I'm going to find out what the fuck happened and if he has a relationship with Quinn I'll have the fucker brought up on ethic charges. Cole, I'm on that you have enough to do. This had to be a solo thing as Tim would never tolerate anything unethical. MJ, I need to be at the Latrobe airport for an 8:00 flight and I'm picking up Coach in Fox Chapel and Liam is meeting me at the house. I have a 1:00 practice round, I need to see the course and the setup. I hear it won't be easy. Cole what's your goal? MJ, I need to make the cut and then whatever happens happens but I really want a top 10. This is an intense field and I want an invite to Jack's event in May. Then I'll take a week off and play every event through the Masters. Ok Cole, what about Jessica? MJ, mom and dad are flying down commercial on Tuesday and I was hoping you could bring her down Friday evening and I have Room reserved for her. Cole, is it your room? Cole laughed and said MJ, I have an image to keep up and while it could easily be a wasted room there is one for her. Cole, don't think for a minute that people won't be watching your every move. MJ, I'm aware but we will find time to be together and if I miss the cut we will have a lot of time. The rest of the trip was idle chitchat and when we pulled into the driveway Cole went right in the house, to be with Megan.
I went to my place and changed into comfortable clothes and called Winnie. We chatted about our day and she said that we needed a day away. I laughed and said well figure it out we can fly somewhere and make it an adventure. Then I said, think about it and I'll see you in school tomorrow. I went to the refrigerator and was trying to decide between iced tea or beer when the phone rang, I looked and saw it was Tim. I immediately reached for a beer and then my better angles won out and I put the beer back and filled a glass with iced tea. I sat on the loveseat with my feet up and my back resting on the arm and my phone dinged indicating a voice mail. I listened and all it said was to call him back tonight. I simply hit the number on the voice mail and the phone made a few sounds and then started to ring. Tim said thanks for calling back so quick, what's going on? I laughed and said Tim, how bout you tell me? Well Mike, the City called late this afternoon and we can start construction on Monday. Mike what did you do to the Mayor? Tim is all good and we can talk tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up. Well Mike, there is something else would you meet with Bill and me tomorrow? Tim, I don't think that's a good idea. As you are aware Cole is flipping out about him and I think next week would be better as you apparently have a weekend in Florida. Mike, this is me asking, please. Ok Tim but I'm leaving for the gym at 4:00. Tim said thanks and let's make it 2:00. Tim are you sure? Mike, I had no idea it was going the way it went and I'm hoping we will hear something good, this is me asking and Bill will find out about it in the morning. Tim, I know you have to trust your people and I'm not blaming you, I'm sorry you had your weekend blown up. Tim, laughed and said well at least the weather is warm and I'll take the wife. Ok, I'll see you tomorrow.
I refilled my iced tea and called JJ. Wen he answered I asked bro, we working out tomorrow? MJ, just like the last time as I have lessons at 6 & 7. Oh, I'm cleared for next weekend I can even leave Thursday. JJ has to be Friday as I have Trey and his family. I also askedWinnie and Cole asked if I would bring Jessica, so that's 6. Well MJ, I was hoping there was room for Carla. JJ, who the fuck is Carla? JJ laughed and said my Prom date. I laughed nd asked do you mean Rally Girl? MJ, why is your mind always in the gutter, I'm done with that shit. I laughed so hard I l most dropped the phone. JJ said, well I'll see you at the gym, don't be late.
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