Article #57
To meet this week's teacher, or to purchase a copy of MUNIE ~ The Jitterbug Collection, go to www.bobbysteiner.com
Most often, I take proprietary liberties with actual accounts experienced at Asheville Municipal Golf Course (Munie), with the hope of turning life into lessons.
I take no such liberties this week.
Jimmy McMahan was a fine player-near a scratch handicap-but as a player, was better known for his prodigious length off the tee and go-for-broke style of play.
He addressed every shot, whether with a wood, iron or putter, like a bull preparing to charge, digging in with both feet, nearly snapping the shaft with every waggle behind the ball.
As a teacher, I'd say he did nothing fundamentally correct, with the exception of his smooth glide to a finish. His finish failed to captivate audiences, however, as it occurred too near to when a little white ball exploded into the sky.
To all of us at Munie, upon hearing Jimmy had passed on July 12, it wasn't his shot making we talked about, or his aggressive manner of execution. Rather, it was the twinkle in his eye when he said, "Good morning," or the sincerity you felt when he said, "Good shot."
He was a big man, not just in physical stature-though he was certainly that-but, big in the greater sense. He had physical talent most will never realize, but despite it all, will be remembered most for the gentleman he was.
I met Jim's son, Jason, on the Wednesday after Jim passed. I saw in Jason's eyes a great part of Jim, and feel easier for it. Part of Jim is still here.
This week's lesson?
Though, it's easy to view how well we play as the measure by which we make an impact, others remember us more for how we make them feel.
Thank you, Jimmy Mack. That's a lesson I shall never forget.