Well, the news has spread quickly about the new Old (new Old?) Tom Morris Award winner, Col. John Morley. It's kind of exciting that the news broke right at the same time as the magazine came out with our story on Col. Morley... it's nice to have the timing down right where we can immediately direct readers to a GCM story on the topic, rather than having to get it on printed paper a month after the announcement. In this day and age of up-to-the-second breaking news, it's sometimes hard to time things right for a magazine that gets written as much as a month before it sees the light of day.
I got a phone call from John Spodnik, GCSAA's president in 1969. John, 80-years-young, was featured in my story on Col. Morley, and has been getting a lot of phone calls about the news that Col. Morley was named OTM winner. "We're a proud group," he told me. "And we really think you guys did a great job with this award."
Getting to know Spodnik was one of the highlights of that Morley story for me... he's just so proud of this association, and so thankful for the work we do here... Every time you talk to him, it's almost like a pep talk. You get off the phone and you want to immediately do something great. I should try to get him to come and speak to my city league basketball team and see what effect that has. "Guys, I brought a special guest to talk to us before we play this game for the championship..." "Who? Bill Self? Mark Mangino? ...Chuck Norris?" "Nope. John Spodnik, GCSAA president, 1969."
I'm telling you, we'd win by 30 points.
So, what do you think of the 2009 OTM Award winner selection? Post a comment here in the comments section so the world can see what you think.
An outstanding choice for the OTM award in my opinion. Its especially relevant at this time, when our organization's ability to withstand tough economic times is being tested once again. I am ashamed to admit I had not heard of John Morley, but his vision and motivation clearly helped elevate our profession and the game of golf.
Posted by: Christopher Fortnum | December 04, 2008 at 02:02 PM