Bob Toski
Yesterday was my final day at the Legends of Golf in Savannah, Georgia. The Demaret Division (age 70 plus) professionals wrapped up their two-day best-ball event. Jimmy Powell and Al Geiberger shot 18 under to win by five shots.
I had wondered on the drive to Georgia if my experience would be another golf high like last year, my first at Legends of Golf, or if the luster of rubbing elbows with the old pros would disappear.
It was still a great time. I already had a familiarity with the venue and being around the pros that was helpful. And, once again, it was fun hob-knobbing with them, including some of the caddies I now know, and hanging around the clubhouse and dining room to hear the pros swap stories.
This is not the norm, but as a personal guest of one of the players I did get to tag along into the locker room and dining area where I lunched with Billy Casper, Fred Hawkins and others. As you might imagine, that interaction is pretty special.
I also met Bob Toski who joined us Monday afternoon at the watering hole at the Westin, where the players were staying. Toski was a renowned golf teacher long before the proliferation of golf coaches, psychologists and the like. He’s a great guy. When I was introduced to him, I shook his hand and said, “The original teacher.” He got a big grin on his face.
I stood a few feet away as the Golf Channel shot an instructional piece with Jack Fleck that will air in the next week or so. While I was waiting for Jack, I introduced myself to Lanny Wadkins, who was practicing his putting. (One of the caddies had egged me on.) I wasn’t sure how Lanny would react, but he was cordial.
Finally, Savannah is lovely in April. It’s a nice town and the golf course was in gorgeous condition. I just might go back next year, too.
−The Armchair Golfer