Buddy JC Moving On

I'm going to miss JC as he moves on to an assistant coach job at UNLV. He's one of my best friends. We roomed together in an apartment in Jupiter, FL. when we started our pro careers in golf. But our history goes way back.

In our amateur days, we trekked far and wide competing as fierce foes in junior tournaments. Our parents took their summer vacations to drive us wherever we needed to go. It helped build experience and a track record for entry to a U.S. college.

During our college years, me at Kent and JC at UNLV, we crossed paths as foes again. But then I'd go visit JC in Las Vegas to have some fun and celebrate birthdays.

We did some more trekking as pros on the Canadian Tour. I always felt at home hanging out with JC and my other Canadian buddies. The best times were after a hard day on the course.

The one experience that stands out most was in Mexico when the "swine flu" (H1N1) broke out and we thought we were stranded. After one round at the second tournament the Can Tour cancelled all tournaments in Mexico. We had to get out fast.

We were really scared about catching the flu. The airlines had no seats available for at least four days as everyone was trying to leave. There was a rumor that Mexico was closing its borders. Picturing that meant both ways, we started to panic. So we burned up the phone lines to our parents who got us out in hours.

I'm happy for JC. It's a great opportunity. He has a lot to offer and he will make a great coach. JC has a positive personality. Plus, he has lots of experience. As golf is not an easy game, young players will be better for knowing JC.