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As I think back on the Outstanding Douglas
Cup a few thoughts come to my mind. Three
Days before the cup I requested Jeff not
to put me in the last Foursome, so what
does he do, he puts me in the last foursome.
The night before the event when we were
all meeting each other etc. I went up to
Bryan Pennington and introduced myself and
jokingly said, don't worry I will carry
you. He looked at me kind of weird, and
replied "oh Yea". It must have
been a premonition. Being cast into the
spot light was a totally unexpected experience,
it was beyond nervousness, it was insane.
When I was on the 18 tee, I knew there were
a lot of people watching but I refused in
my mind to look over, lest I make eye contact
with anyone. I asked Bryen what club I should
use and of course he said Driver, and added
"just think of your best drive today
and let it rip." After I hit it and
heard all the cheers I was shocked, not
me a 25 handicap. I was starting to feel
confident. The next shot out of the fairway
sand trap was nuts, my adrenalin was pumping,
I had no clue what club to use, I want to
thank Shane and Bryan. They both advised
me to use the sand wedge and just get it
out. If I had to make that shot today I
am not sure I could, it was an out of body
experience and I think Mike Sacks must have
inserted himself into my body and helped
me with the shot. After I made it he hugged
me and he wasn't even on my team. I had
a great time, my foursome was fun(Bryan,
Ivan and Sullivan). The golf and club staff
Dave, Paul, Mike Manny and the gang were
great. In closing, I am officially asking
Jeff two years in advance, "please
don't put me as the last foursome".
Dr. Matt Leif
Once in a great while something very special
comes along. The first Douglas Cup was one
of those. It may never be duplicated. At
the very least, it will be spoken about
for a long time to come. Firsts are always
difficult. Not in this instance. We had
a “down to the wire” finish.
We all saw the first victory dive into the
lake (alligators not withstanding). We saw
“D” players making clutch shots
with an audience. We all experienced camaraderie
and sportsmanship. This gentlemen, is what
traditions and legends are made of. And
in 2006, at a brand new golf club, 32 phenomenal
guys became part of it. We were there and
we watched it happen. Actually, we all made
it happen. We saw the whole become greater
than the sum of the parts. How very, very
special this is. There will be others, but
this was the first. How often have any of
us been there first? Thank you all for being
who you are and being there with me. Joel
Barkin
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