Thanks for the Golf Lesson Dad

My father, Sam Hicks Sr., PGA Golf Professional, passed away just over a month ago on May 29, 2009 at the age of 84. He died peacefully in his own bed at home surrounded by his family. Dad's last 2 years of life were filled with hospitals, office visits, medication and almost constant pain and discomfort, but he never complained. He met every new physical challenge that befell him with a fortitude I think few people could muster. He was the ultimate fighter, competitor and gentleman.

My experiences on the golf course with Dad ran the gamut. We were usually at each others' throats because of our passion for the game. More importantly though, I had to keep dad away from other peoples' throats because of his passion to play quickly! It was always an adventure to play with my father. You didn't have to worry about a boring 18 holes.

One of the last times I played with my father was just before his health began to deteriorate. I was only going to play a few holes with him because, at the time, I thought my business ( the golf course we were playing) was much more important than actually playing with Dad, and boy did he let me know how he felt about that! He said to me "Sammy this G** D*** golf course business will be here tomorrow, you and I might not. Relax and enjoy your life a little. Plus, I want to beat your a**!" Well I relaxed a little, and he beat my a** a lot!

My father is gone now, but the lesson he gave me that day has continued to influence my life tremendously. Nothing is more important to me now than the people whom I love and cherish, and the time I can spend with them. No more wasting precious hours and minutes on superfluous monetary endeavors. Thanks for the lesson Dad! It really helped my game!