Life is good, especially when it comes full circle and on the golf course

The Echo’s Lee Griffi won a contest recently and flew to Calgary to play a round of golf with Masters champion and member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, Mike Weir. (Rogers Charity Classic photos)

Lee Griffi, Editor

Some people say life repeats itself, déjà vu if you will. I recently experienced something I never thought I would again. A chance to share a round of golf with Canadian golf icon and Canadian Golf Hall of Fame inductee, Mike Weir. Oh, he also won a green jacket at Augusta. I think I shed a few tears when he beat Len Mattiace on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff in 2003. Tiger Woods, as defending champion, suited Weir up with his new sport coat.

I remember exactly where I was. I was playing a round of golf at the Stratford Golf and Country Club, a place where I worked for nearly 20 years. I started in the back shop at the age of 12, cleaning clubs and making sure members and guests had what they needed before teeing off. I eventually earned my way into the pro shop and was knowledgeable enough about the game to begin teaching lessons.

I made the high school team at the former Stratford Central all five years I was there, and I believe it was in my grade 12 or 13 year when the Western Ontario Secondary School Association (WOSSA) tournament was held at Craigowan, just north of Woodstock. I had heard about this Weir fellow, and I knew how good he was. I was a pretty good player, but oh boy, could I knock the cover off the ball. My self-imposed nickname was ‘Lee, Long Ball Griffi,’ which I proudly displayed on my Jones carry bag. Some of you old golfers might remember the best carry bag ever made.

I had some success, winning a few stops on the old junior Tyson Tour. But the mystique surrounding Mr. Weir was huge. I just never had the chance to play with the Brights Grove native until one wet, snowy day in October. And I beat him.

I always tell people that is my golf claim to fame, and I never thought I would see him again. But after entering a Rogers draw online, I was given the opportunity once again. I was the only winner of the Beyond the Seat contest, which gave me a chance to play a round with Weir for the first time in nearly 40 years in Calgary as part of the PGA Champions Tour during a pro-am event.

Besides watching some of the best over-50 golfers compete, I was proud to be a part of the charity aspect involved, as is the case in any PGA and PGA Champions Tour event. Since the tournament’s inception, over $137 million has been raised for over 290 children and youth charities across Alberta. I was a bit bummed John Daly, Fred Couples and Ernie Els weren’t there, but there were plenty of big names around, including former world number ones David Duval and Vijay Singh.

I don’t think Weir believed me on the first tee when I mentioned I beat him years ago. He likened it to a fish tale where he caught a 30-inch trout, but it was all in good fun. Also playing with us were three Rogers and Wasserman fellas, along with a club pro from Calgary. I can’t remember a more enjoyable round of golf. Wasserman is a sports management company Rogers works with on the sports side of its operations.

My partner and I were very well taken care of with all expenses paid, including a ride to and from Banff during our free day. I have never had the majestic experience I did there with one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders so present.

I guess my point in writing this column is to be humble and thankful. I have never had a lot in life aside from my family. I don’t need much, mind you, so if they were all I had, I would be content. When something great happens in life, we should all be very appreciative. I’m not getting any younger, and with the amount of arthritis in my back, I honestly don’t know how much longer I can play the game I love.

My brother Tony was a professional golfer in Alberta before passing away during the pandemic. All I wanted when he died was his golf clubs and bag. I took his Mizuno staff bag with me on the trip, so it felt a bit like he was there with me. I know he would have been pleased.

I normally don’t give plugs to big companies, but I truly want to thank Rogers and Wasserman for their incredible customer service. They made this a once in a lifetime experience. A video of some of my trip is available at https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNYrspiPRZv/.

Lee Griffi is the editor of the Woodstock-Ingersoll Echo and a contributor to other Grant Haven newspapers.