Teeing it up with Dad by Cam Schultz

Father's Day and the U.S. Open. What a perfect combination. There are facts to back up that these two annual events are meant for each other. Golf is the #1 sport mentioned in tweets on Father's Day (courtesy Research Industry Voices). Drive by any course this Sunday. Look at the groups. What will you see? Fathers, daughters, and sons enjoying each other for four and a half hours.

There are moments etched in our minds that bring the two together. Remember the late, great Payne Stewart squeezing a young Phil Mickelson's face? "You're going to be a great father", exclaimed Payne! Forget the championship he had just won. He wanted to let Phil know the real prize was what was about to happen just one day later in a hospital delivery room.

The latest heartwarming, tear-jerking moment that links the two are courtesy of the folks at Taylormade. If you haven't seen the Jason Day/Dash Day TV spot yet click here, but not before grabbing a few Kleenex. Not all of us can play in a major this weekend.

But if we're fortunate enough, we can still tee it up with Dad. I talked with a few of our VGM Clubbers in the office this week to have them share their stories:

Keaton Juergens, Ohio Valley Member Development Rep: "My dad and I try to get out and play every Father's Day at our home course in Elkader, Iowa. Because of my move to Pittsburgh to cover the Ohio Valley territory, we have had to be a bit more flexible on dates and location. Despite the distance, every year we make it a priority to meet up and play a few holes on or around Father's Day."

Shawn Krusey, Midwest Member Development Rep: "The old man and I have played golf together on Father's Day every year for as long as I can remember. I'd say at least 17 years. We head down the street to our small-town, Iowa 9-hole course, pull out our sticks and share a few laughs. This special Father's Day tradition is something I look forward to every summer."

Mike Sawyer, VP Contract Development: "My Dad cut down some clubs for me and introduced me to the game when I was about five and we played a good amount on the weekends. Fast forward about 40 years and I have two kids into golf. I've always enjoyed that relationship with my son who's 11 as he was hooked early on. But in the last year its been a blast playing with and watching my daughter start to enjoy the game. She's 15 and played on the high school team this past season as a freshman. She's really getting into it! It's such a great family sport¦one that you can enjoy for a lifetime. This comes full circle for me now with Father's Day approaching. We're heading as a family up to see my Dad (and Mom) this Sunday. Any idea what we'll be doing?"

                                        

As for me, I can't wait to tee up a ball for my 6-year-old son and listen to him talk about out-driving his 9-year-old sister only to have her pipe one by him. That's what a dad lives for, right?!

From all of us at VGM Club, we want to wish all the fathers across our membership and beyond a Happy Father's Day weekend.