Michigan Golf Journal February 2021

9 February 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com to be 18 holes… making fun out of the game again.” Q You were an accomplished college golfer (1967 NCAA Champion) and 2-time first-team All- Big Eight football player at Colorado… did you struggle to decide which sport you wanted to pursue the most? A “That’s the easiest question you’ve asked. No, absolutely not (chuckling). There was never any doubt. I could say with a big ego, ‘oh yes I’m going to go to the NFL.’ But come on, let’s get real. My size, are you kidding me? My top speed was slow, and my top weight was 180 pounds. Where was I going? I’d be going to the hospital, every time.” Q The Payne Stewart Award is given as one of the top awards in golf that really has little to do with playing ability and more about service and character… what thoughts went through your mind when you learned you had been chosen for 2019? A “I was proud of the fact that my involvement included others. I never felt that it was just my show; it was a team effort, and that team could have interchangeable parts. It was more the effort of a lot of people to bring happiness, or better health, particularly to kids. I want it to be an award that I share with others because that’s exactly the pride and satisfaction I felt for the people who were part of that award.” Other Personal Notes: • Says if he could meet one famous person dead or alive his choice would be Abraham Lincoln, because he came along at a very tumultuous time in our history and had a positive influence. • Leans toward the 2-iron he hit at the last hole to win the 1974 U.S. Open at Winged Foot as his all- time favorite shot. • Broke 70 for the first time at age 14. MGJ