GOLF707: Remembering Willie Mays and the Game of Golf-

By BRUCE MEADOWS

JULY 2024 . . .

Memories of the ‘Say Hey’ Kid . . .

   When we said good-bye to baseball legend Willie Mays recently, many people came up with their own “Willie stories.”

   A lot, probably most, were memories from a distance . . . maybe an amazing  catch seen on TV or at the ballpark, or a towering home run, or a daring dash around the bases.

    Some, from friends, family or former teammates, were more personal.

     But if you ever saw the man play – no matter where it was – it was impossible to not come away with some kind of memories.

   As a sportswriter for many years, I had a chance to see and talk with Willie on numerous occasions.  I recall him always being gracious and friendly,

eager to talk with you, no matter if you represented a relatively small newspaper or a big one, Sports Illustrated or a TV network.

  And he didn’t just answer your questions . . . he wanted to know something about you and your life . . . that made him very special, unique.

   My brother-in-law, Jim Clark, worked as a supervisor for American Airlines – Willie’s flying choice – and over the years became a very good friend of his, and stayed in touch until Willie’s passing, and has lots of memories.

   But while we think more about baseball memories when we recall the “Say Hey” kid, people such as Bennett Valley GC General Manager and longtime Sonoma County fixture Greg Anderson can offer a different view, this one more related to golf and personal experiences.

According to Greg:

   “Willie used to travel up north to play golf at Mountain Shadows Resort in Rohnert Park. It was in 1990 that I met him. His playing partner, Eugene Smith (Smitty) would call me up and I would meet them in the parking lot with a golf cart. Usually, my simple task would reward me with a signed baseball.

    “As I got to know Willie, he would often invite me out to play. On one occasion, when meeting him on the first tee of the North Course, I asked WM a number of questions: How you been? You been traveling much? You getting any rounds in?

 “Willie responded: “What the f… are you? A reporter or something? You’re asking me all these questions!”

   “So, out of embarrassment, I kept to myself for eight holes, without saying a word to Willie. Then, on the 9th tee, Willie gathered by me and said, “I was just kiddin’ man.” Hilarious!

    “In 1991 I had a brother, Johnny, succumb to melanoma cancer at the age of 37. But, much to my joy, Johnny’s last months were filled with great thoughts of his childhood hero, Willie Mays.

   “One Friday night, I had a dream that my brother was talking to Willie, he was cured of his cancer. Saturday morning, upon arriving at the club, I noticed Willie’s car in the parking lot. He was never there in the morning!

  “So, I approached Willie and mentioned to him that I had a dream that he made my brother better.

    “What the hell! You dreaming about me. You are a sick dude!“ He laughed.

    “Well, I told WM my dream, and he said, “get him on the phone! I’d love to talk to him.” About 20 minutes later, WM hung up the phone, and gave me a signed bat and a Giants watch. My brother lived another few (bonus) months with the bat by his side and the watch on his wrist. I think his last words may have been ‘Say Hey’!

    “My dad joined Willie and I on the course one day. A lifelong fan, I remember my dad and I in our back yard listening to the Giants games on the radio. We would stop everything when Willie was up.

   “Well, I have never seen my dad so nervous as when he teed it up on the 8th hole on MSR north course. The golf memories were great, but what stands forefront in my mind is the time after the round, talking about sports and life in San Francisco.

    “Willie loved my son Rich, now 23. To this day, Willie has a picture on his refrigerator of my three-year-old son! Richie has spent three of his birthdays in Willie’s suite, and sometimes invited some friends.

   “I have a video of Willie and Richie rolling a ball in his suite for about 20 minutes. Rich was not able to stand up yet, and he was playing catch with Willie.

    “Willie had baseball handle grips on his clubs…the fattest that I have ever seen. He had huge hands, and was obviously comfortable with the fat grips. He sort of push-blocked his shots, as he hit the baseball later in his years.

   “I did win five dollars from WM, and he paid me and signed the $5 bill.”

 Thanks for your memories, Greg.

 Here are a few notes about Willie pulled off the internet . . .

  Despite his amazing baseball career, Willie Mays loved playing golf. He was known worldwide for hitting home runs and being an All-Star 24 times. Yet, Mays also enjoyed the calm and fun of golf.

   He started playing golf when he was young. For Mays, golf was like baseball in many ways. It was a challenge and offered chances to get better. This helped him keep his competitive edge sharp. Getting involved in golfing gave Mays a lot of joy. It also allowed him to make friends outside of baseball.

  Once his baseball career ended, Mays focused on golf. In 1969, at 38, he said he played golf for fun and exercise. Golf was a break from the stress of baseball for him. It showed how committed he was to sports.

   This switch to golf proved Mays’s drive to be great in any sport. His love for golf and baseball alike has won the hearts of many fans.

   Mays didn’t stop being great once he left baseball. He took his drive and skill straight to golf. Everyone knows him for his 660 home runs in baseball. But he was just as fierce on the golf course.

   With 24 All-Star titles in baseball, Mays had a lot to live up to. And boy, did he deliver. His love for golf pushed him to always get better. Just like in baseball, he picked up the Rookie of the Year award in 1951.

  Mays knew how to play the game, whether it was baseball or golf. Winning at baseball with home run titles and high batting averages helped him in golf. He understood sports in a way that made him a strong competitor. His focus made him great at using the right moves and strategies in golf, just like in baseball.

  Willie loved golf and saw it as more than a hobby. It became a strong passion that matched his famous baseball career. The golf course was like a safe place for him. It gave him the same excitement he felt playing baseball, but with a new sense of togetherness.

    Golf was a special community for Mays. Here, he could connect with others while playing. Being a famous baseball player didn’t stop him from making new friends. He enjoyed the diversity of the golfing community, much like the fans he met during his career. This shared passion for golf was key to his love for the game.

Coming up . . .

At Santa Rosa G&CC . . .

At Bennett Valley GC . . .

JUNIOR GOLF 365

The only year-round golf program in Santa Rosa
Learn Golf FUNdamentals
Chase Kanarek | Director of Instruction
ckanarek@bennettvalley.com | 707-528-3673
$200 per session | Ages 6-13 | Choose from Thursday, Friday, Saturday morning or Saturday afternoon sessions

3330 Yulupa Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95405
Discounted U.S Kids Golf Clubs, Range Cards – $50 Value for $30

Women’s Wednesday Golf

July 17, 24, 31, Aug. 7 and 13

Open to the public

Taught by PGA Director of Instruction, Chase Kanarek

5 sessions of instruction plus a $10 voucher to Iron & Vine

Week One – Course basics & putting

Week Two – Chipping & Pitching

Week Three- Full Swing Fundamentals

Week Four – Full Swing Continued

Week Five – On course play

Call 707-528-3673

At Valley of the Moon and Foxtail . . .

August 17 & August 18: Valley of the Moon and Foxtail North

2-Person Better Ball Gross and Net Tournament. 36-Holes.

Tee Times start at 7 am. All Flights include Gross and Net Prizes;

$420 per Team – includes Green Fee, Cart Fee, Tee Gifts, Prizes, Range Balls and Lunch on Sunday; Annual Members or Loyalty Club MUST purchase directly with the golf shop for reduced pricing.

 We’d love to have you join us . . .

  GOLF 707 currently has sponsorships available.

  If you’d like to support our online golf column, we would be able to feature your golf course or business in the column on a regular basis.

  If you’d like some details, contact Dave Cox at ysn365.com

Thanks . . .

Bruce Meadows

Let’s hear from you . . .

Thanks for your comments, questions and suggestions. I appreciate them and would like to get as many as possible.

 If you have information about anything golf-related, including upcoming clinics, activities, tournaments or sales, let me know.

  And if you have questions, complaints or compliments about golf in our area, let me know and I’ll make some inquiries. Email me at bmeadows4sports@aol.com