LONDONDERRY, New Hampshire – Now that the cuts have been made at the 118th U.S. Open, a few things have become quite apparent. Conditions at Shinnecock are no joke, the spirit of Francis Ouimet may indeed be with Matt Parziale, and DJ is on a completely different level right now.
As has been the case since 1965, the U.S. Open’s final round will be played on Father’s Day. As we move towards that moment when we find out this year’s winner, one more thing becomes apparent, the love of a parent, our Fathers.
It is our fathers who love us enough to work their fingers to the bone to pay the bills. It is our fathers who love us enough to teach us how to be men and one day, fathers of our own. And it is our fathers who love us enough to teach us the game of golf. Father’s Day is a day when we get to celebrate just how much we appreciate our fathers, and how cool is it that the U.S. Open takes place this day each year? And what’s better than watching the Open alongside your old man….playing a round with him of course!
The time I’ve gotten to spend on the greens with my Dad has been wonderful. We haven’t played many rounds together, but when we do, it is always a great opportunity to spend time with each other. I’m taken back to my youth, and I’m just a kid again, playing with my Dad. Those few hours on the course are some of the most valuable you will ever have while on the links. Maybe the only thing to rival that would be the honor of playing with my own children. All of my kids who can hold a club have been golfing with me, and it is awesome! The joy in sharing the game I love with the ones I love most has truly been one of my life’s highlights.
I can only imagine what it must have felt like for the Father-Son duos who have both played in the U.S. Open. That’s quite the accomplishment! Here’s a list of the Fathers and their Sons who have played in the U.S.Open (not necessarily the same Open). Of the select group, only Willie Anderson, Payne Stewart, and Curtis Strange were able to best their Dads at the Open.
Father-Son Pairings – Includes an Open Winner
Name Champion
Tom Sr. and Willie Anderson Willie (1901, ’03, ’04, ’05)
Julius and Guy Boros Julius (1952, ’63)
Johnny and Billy Farrell Johnny (1928)
Hale and Steve Irwin Hale (1974, ’79, ’90)
Johnny and Andy Miller Johnny (1973)
Jack and Gary Nicklaus Jack (1962, ’67, ’72, ’80)
Gary and Wayne Player Gary (1965)
George and Alfred & Harold Sargent George (1909)
Bill and Payne Stewart Payne (1991, ’99)
Tom Jr. and Curtis Strange Curtis (1988, ’89)
This Father’s Day, if you’re watching the U.S. Open on TV., playing a round somewhere with your Pops, or maybe just hitting the local putt-putt and ice cream shop, be sure to let your Dad know how much you appreciate him. Let him know how much it means to you that he did what he needed to in order to provide for you as a youth. Let him know how much you enjoy cruising down the fairway with him laughing about old times.
And above all, let your Dad know that you love him. As a Father, that’s always more than enough of a gift to receive this day, the love of our children.
I dedicate this article to my Father, Ron Ford, a decorated Vietnam Veteran, retired Deputy Sheriff, and better than average golfer who always showed me love, and taught me how to be a man.
I love you Dad, Happy Father’s Day!
Gregg Ford
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