Ohio Golf Journal August 2020

“Charlie Daniels is playing here tonight and would like to come over to play some golf. Can you get him out? He would also like to play with some of your guys, is that possible?” Having worked the morning shift, I knew I could be available and rounded up another assistant, Tom Blount, plus our Head Superintendent, Guy Davis to fill out the foursome. I was somewhat taken aback when I met Charlie at the tram. Instead of faded jeans, cowboy boots and a large brimmed hat turned low over his eyes, he was wearing standard golf attire of, ball cap, shorts and really high, white crew socks. He easily could have blended in with the Myrtle Beach his deep southern drawl, my name came out as, “Pate.” “Gosh Pate, you’d think I’d be better than this!” I cherished the opportunity to discuss his music between shots and tried to consciously throttle back any school-girl fawning. The day was perfect with only one minor gaffe. One of the guys remarked that “Fire on the Mountain” was one of his absolute favorites. In his deep voice, Charlie calmly deadpanned, “Son, that’s Marshall Tucker.” While traversing the course, we discussed several important tourist crowd. Introductions were made and we headed to the first tee. I was lucky enough to have drawn Charlie as my cart buddy and looked forward to spending four hours with a celebrity. Charlie was exactly what you would expect. An easygoing southern gentleman, who made you feel like you had known him your entire life. Nearly 30 years later, a few memories of that day vividly stick out. Charlie had a full set of Callaway golf clubs, which at that time was very rare, as well as, expensive. He also was an avid golfer, who was not overly concerned with missed shots. His only exclamations were “Gosh, or Golly.” With