AK's Column: A tribute to fatherhood, golf and storytellers
Father’s Day for this “Daddy’s Girl” has been about celebrating memories since 1996. One of my favorites is of my dad, Floyd (Pop) Kerr, who used to hit golf balls in the yard. I thought it was a strange habit. Why would this man, large in stature, want to use a skinny stick and chase around a small white ball? I watched anyway as he launched it across the yard occasionally using some choice words when it didn’t land in the “right place.”
Between watching him on his construction sites and in card games in what was formerly known as “The Cut,” I imagine there wasn’t anything Pop couldn’t turn into an adventure.
This summer, I decided to read more and mourn less. Following the stories of others has always been my great escape. I ran across a signed copy of James Dodson’s bestseller, Final Rounds. The book by this North Carolina-based journalist, author and publisher offers a touching memoir of his father's dying months, during which the two men reflected at length on life, death and golf ... of course.
When Dodson learned his father's cancer had returned, he planned a final tour of England and Scotland that included Troon, the Old Course at St. Andrews and the celebrated ancestral ground of the game.
Photo: Amazon
I first learned about the book years ago when the witty Dodson was invited by a fellow Kiwanian to speak at our weekly meeting. Stories of Dodson preceded him. As a freelance writer for Dodson’s Greensboro-based O. Henry Magazine, I adored his passion for local writers. In addition to other accolades, Dodson is the founder of award-winning PineStraw Magazine in Southern Pines, North Carolina, the arts and culture magazine of the Carolina Sandhills. That inspired a spin-off of O. Henry Magazine, the arts and culture sister publication, and Salt Magazine in Wilmington. Upon the acquisition of Business North Carolina Magazine in early 2015 by Old North State Magazines, Dodson was named editorial director.
The O.Henry “veterans” often exchange Dodson stories. Writers seemingly often embellish but over the years I have found the tales are true. One in particular begins with a prank call from someone pretending to be Winnie Palmer, the wife of golf legend Arnold Palmer. Dodson and his college buddies often engage in these types of practical jokes.
According to Dodson, the late Winnie said her husband had just finished reading Final Rounds and called it one of the “finest, most moving books we’ve ever read.” The female voice on the other line said one of the greatest golfers of all time would be “honored” if Dodson would write his autobiography and share a front cover. In jest, Dodson used a few choice words. Something about being too busy getting “expletive” with Jack Nicklaus before hanging up on the prankster. Thankfully, the Palmers have a good sense of humor because it turned out it wasn’t a prank. When Winnie called back, she confirmed such and said her husband thought it was hilarious and wanted Dodson to write the autobiography more than ever. Thus, the beginning of A Golfer’s Life by Arnold Palmer and James Dodson. You’ll want to hear the colorful story from the author’s mouth on YouTube. James Dodson: What NOT to Do When Arnold Palmer's Wife Calls.
After hearing one of the greats speak, I introduced myself as a writer for O.Henry after the meeting. Dodson had read several of my stories but didn’t recognize my name (at the time most of us reported to wildman-turned-editor David Bailey). Yet the larger-than-life wordsmith and I found common ground about the loss of our fathers. Then, he invited me to a private reception at the O. Henry Hotel where he would be releasing his latest book. Of course, I had to hold back my nerdy fan girl dance of celebration while saying “Thank you” in my most distinguished voice.
I arrived with a copy of Final Rounds in tow after debating if it would be appropriate to ask my “boss” of sorts for an autograph. Upon arrival, I snuck over to the aforementioned Bailey and casually mentioned why the book became so important to me. The ever-joking Bailey started with something like, “Have you lost your mind? He hates that sort of thing!” before patting me on the back and escorting me right over. This time, Dodson made a joke about actually remembering my name. “How could I forget Antionette from Lexington?” he assured. “Did you ever read Final Rounds?” I proudly presented my book for signing.
But the most moving part of the entire experience was being able to discuss parts of his tale one-on-one. To Dodson and his father, Brax, golf was more than a game or even a way of life: It was life. The pair celebrated rites of passage and adventures that resonated with my heart and my relationship with Pop.
Dodson penned, “The golf course—any golf course, anywhere—became our playground and refuge, the place where we sorted things out or escaped them all together, debated without rancor, found common ground, discovered joy, suspended grief, competed like crazy and took each other's pocket change.'' Among the lessons the younger Dodson took from this conviction, he said, “Golf is mostly about who you choose to play with.''
I’ve tried to play golf as an adult but I find it incredibly boring. It’s not a trip to Scotland but going to McDonald’s for breakfast and watching my old man putt around in the front yard makes me appreciate every moment of my fatherhood adventures.
Enjoy memories, memoirs and moments this Father’s Day and moments in between.
