By: Pete Kinney
A golf pro fondly remembers a day spent on the course with a country music legend.
I met many famous entertainers, during my years in radio in Binghamton, New York, but never had the opportunity to meet the great Charlie Daniels. I did, however, get that chance on the golf course.
I was a young assistant professional, at the now defunct Waterway Hills Golf Club, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in the early 1990’s. A tram ride across the Intercoastal Waterway was required to reach the course.
One day, while working the counter in the pro shop, I answered a call from the manager of the nearby Alabama Theatre asking for a favor,
“Charlie Daniels is playing here tonight and would like to come over to play some golf. Can you get him out? He would also like to play with some of your guys, is that possible?”
Having worked the morning shift, I knew I could be available and rounded up another assistant, Tom Blount, plus our Head Superintendent, Guy Davis to fill out the foursome.
I was somewhat taken aback when I met Charlie at the tram. Instead of faded jeans, cowboy boots and a large brimmed hat turned low over his eyes, he was wearing standard golf attire of, ball cap, shorts and really high, white crew socks. He easily could have blended in with the Myrtle Beach tourist crowd. Introductions were made and we headed to the first tee. I was lucky enough to have drawn Charlie as my cart buddy and looked forward to spending four hours with a celebrity.
Charlie was exactly what you would expect. An easygoing southern gentleman, who made you feel like you had known him your entire life.
Nearly 30 years later, a few memories of that day vividly stick out. Charlie had a full set of Callaway golf clubs, which at that time was very rare, as well as, expensive. He also was an avid golfer, who was not overly concerned with missed shots. His only exclamations were “Gosh, or Golly.” With his deep southern drawl, my name came out as, “Pate.”
“Gosh Pate, you’d think I’d be better than this!”
I cherished the opportunity to discuss his music between shots and tried to consciously throttle back any school-girl fawning.
The day was perfect with only one minor gaffe. One of the guys remarked that “Fire on the Mountain” was one of his absolute favorites.
In his deep voice, Charlie calmly deadpanned, “Son, that’s Marshall Tucker.”
While traversing the course, we discussed several important topics. He talked of his childhood in nearby Wilmington, North Carolina and I asked if ‘Wooley Swamp’ really existed. He had a way of telling me stories, that made me feel like it was the very first time, he had ever told them to anyone.
The round ended way too fast and Charlie invited us to the show. The seats were awesome and there on the stage, bigger than life, was the Charlie Daniels I had expected to see exiting the tram.
During his show, he stopped to thank us for the round of golf. He admitted the tram ride was scary and joked about almost peeing himself during the trip. It was a day and evening, that I will never forget.
Charlie was a gentle, kind, god-fearing patriot. He absolutely loved his country. Most of all, Charlie Daniels was a simple man. I am positive, that is how he would want to be remembered.
Rest well, Charlie…..The devil never stood a chance.
Guest Columnist Pete Kinney spent many years in radio broadcasting in Binghamton, New York. He became involved in golf in 1990 as an assistant professional and is currently the National Director of Sales for Kentwool. He has been a member of the PGA of America for 24 years and resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife and son, traveling about the country as a proud Hockey Dad.
