Wednesday, May 14, 2003 | 9:50 a.m.
Possibly the most memorable and enjoyable evening that I can recall for many along day occurred last Monday when I was invited by All-World Sports director, Jerry Holley, to attend the awards party at the conclusion of his 18th annual "A Day with Golf's Greats," honoring 1964 U.S. Open champion, Ken Venturi.
This event, which was played at the Canyon Gate Country Club, saw 20 Senior PGA Tour golf professionals join with 80-odd amateurs from around the country in a one low gross and one low net ball of fivesome tournament. The winning amateur team was the local Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority group consisting of LVCVA's Julian Dugas, Silverstone Golf Club General Manager Tom Judson, 51s General Manager Don Logan and UNLV's Tina Kunzer-Murphy.
What made this evening so special was when Venturi (after a brilliant 40-minute, Holley-produced video highlighting his career) was introduced and began relating his life's story to the enthralled and captivated audience.
He recounted starting out as a stuttering youngster of 13 who was trying to learn this wonderful game, through to his last days as an announcer at the 2002 Kemper Open. A career, incidentally, that lasted only 10 years as a Tour player (carpel tunnel surgery on both hands being the reason for his early retirement) and 30 years as our premier television golfing commentator.
What was so fascinating listening to Venturi and his lifelong friend, Bob Rosburg, was the candor, humor, honesty and humility they shared. To a man they were adamant that their time on Tour was far, far more enjoyable and friendlier than that of today's Tour players. Camaraderie was the key.
Venturi said there was no such thing as a personal trainer coach or physiologist, and what-all that present-day pros indulge themselves with. Fellow players filled some of those positions and if further assistance or solace was required after a round at the conclusion of play, a group of players would consult with Drs. Jack Daniels or Jim Beam.
During Venturi's days, the Tour was an entirely different and far more friendlier ballgame than it is today, and not for all the money in the world would he swap those years for today's. It was the norm, not the exception as it is today, for players to thank the marshals during a play, along with scorers and standard bearers at the conclusion of their round.
He did not say that today's Tour players are spoiled, pampered, aloof, arrogant or overpaid, but their involvement with each other is as different as chalk is to cheese in comparing the different eras.
At the conclusion of the evening the beautiful plaque presented to Venturi by Holley said it all:
"We are pleased to present our Honoree Award to you this year as our gesture of congratulations and thanks for personifying all that is the very best in the game of golf.
"Through your relentless determination and perseverance, you have emerged a champion in your life both on and off the golf course. Alongside your name are the titles of United States Open Chamion, PGA Tour Player of the Year, Sports Illustrated Sportman of the Year, 14-time Tour winner, President's Cup captain, Ryder Cup team member and legendary television golf commentator.
"These impressive titles are equalled by your dedication to give to others. Thousands of individuals, many who suffer with conditions you have overcome yourself, are assisted by your charitable work. Cancer victims, children at risk, those unable to see or struggling with difficulty of speech, continue to live better lives because of your unselfish nature.
"Throughout your life, you have accepted success and failure with equal dignity and grace. We salute you today, Ken, as one of golf's greatest ambassadors who has accomplished much and positively influenced many, through this, the greatest of all games."
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