Brad James, Danny Yates and Augusta National
It started with an email in early March of 2014 from Brad James, Director of Development for the Australian Golf Union. It read "Do you know anybody at Augusta?" Brad had been a friend of mine for many years. I responded with, "Not really, what are you thinking?" "I'm trying to get someone on Augusta National," he wrote.
I first met Brad when he played golf for the University of Minnesota in the mid 90's. He stayed on as a coach and eventually was named the head coach in 2002. His sincerity and warm personality enabled him to recruit high quality individuals to the University. He brought Minnesota to national prominence by winning the NCAA and Big Ten championships before he moved back to his native Australia in 2010 taking the job he currently holds.
As we do a few times a year, he called me on FaceTime. With his ready smile and the ability to make the listener feel like he is your best friend, Brad relayed the story. "One of our players, Oliver Goss, has an invitation to the Masters as a result of being runner-up in the US Amateur last year. My boss, Steven Pitt, CEO of the Australian Golf Union, is going to the Masters, along with Oliver's coach, Ritchie Smith. They were considering going over a couple of weeks early, playing Augusta National, then going on to meetings. A call was made to the pro shop to see if they could play Augusta National. They were told that Oliver could play, the coach could walk with Oliver, but Steven would have to be accompanied by a member. They asked if there was a member who would host them. Given every indication the pro shop could find someone, Steve and Richie went ahead and bought tickets."
Brad continued. "With their departure date drawing near, they made another call to make certain there would be a host so they would be cleared to play. This time the message was no host was available and, as a result, they would not be able to play. So my guys have tickets to Augusta but right now will not be allowed to play. A complete waste of time and money. So I sent you a note thinking you may know someone to help."
"When are they coming over?" I asked.
"Next Monday, wanting to play Tuesday," said Brad.
"What? You want me to get somebody on Augusta National six days from now, when I have never gotten myself on?!"
"Right, mate."
"I know you think I'm a magician, but Houdini couldn't pull this off!" I said. "Seriously, I wish I could help you, but one guy I know is over 90 and not playing."
"No worries, just thought I'd give it a shot," Brad said.
Our conversation took place on Wednesday. Thursday afternoon it suddenly dawned on me - my friend Danny Yates, from Atlanta, was a member at Augusta National. I had known Danny for more than 30 years. Danny had been a premier player since the 60's. He won the Georgia State Amateur three times, was the runner-up in the 1988 US Amateur and won the 1992 US Mid- Amateur. The highlight of his career was being named to Walker Cup Teams in 1989 and 1993, the latter held at Interlachen. He was named Captain of the Walker Cup Teams in 1999 and 2001.
As a member of the USGA Mid-Amateur committee I knew Danny as he frequently qualified to play that tournament. Because we were both in the insurance business, with similar agencies, representing several insurance companies in common, we became friends. When Danny played the 1994 US Mid-Amateur at Hazeltine he stayed at our house for the week. Thus, Danny was more than a passing acquaintance.
The Yates name in Georgia golf is like the Lehman or Herron family in Minnesota - everybody knows it. Danny's uncle, Charlie Yates won the Georgia Amateur twice and was on the Walker Cup Teams in '36 and '38. He played in many Masters Tournaments being the low amateur in 1953. Danny's father, R. Dan Yates, won the Georgia State Amateur. A most distinguished golf family.
I immediately called his office and not finding him in, left a voice mail briefly outlining the situation. My phone buzzed the next day with Danny on the other end. "So, what's the deal?" Danny inquired.
I explained in more detail finishing the story by saying "and they want to play next Tuesday."
"Next Tuesday - wow," Danny said with his Georgia drawl. "Those guys in the shop get swamped about now, with all kinds of requests. I'm not surprised they didn't take care of your boys. You know, there is nothing I can really do, I'm sorry."
End of story. Nothing I could do to help. I had tried.
Sunday afternoon I sat sipping a cold beer with sons Tyler and Eric as we got ready to go to a Maverick's concert when my phone buzzed.
"Cal, it's Danny. I been thinkin' about this and here is what I can do. I have a meetin' in Washington, GA at 10:00 on Tuesday, which is about half way to Augusta. I could go to my meetin', then drive over to Augusta and host your boys. You know I can't really walk or play because of three surgeries on my hip. However, I will drive over and ride around in a cart so your boys can play. I would be willin' to do that."
"Fantastic," I said. "You are so kind! What time can you be ready to go?"
"Two o'clock would be fine," he said, "I need the contact information on the guys and an assurance that Oliver Goss will be playin'."
"Thank you so much!" I said. "I'll get back to you." And we hung up.
I immediately sent Brad James a text saying, "Call me immediately."
Within 30 seconds the phone rang. It was Brad from Melbourne, Australia.
"Ok," I said, "Here's the deal. They are on Augusta National. I just need your guys contact info. I will send you Danny's number. Your guys need to contact Danny when they get into Atlanta on Monday and make sure Oliver is playing."
I promptly got the contact information Danny requested and sent it on to him.
It was out of my hands. Would they get together? Would it be possible that this could actually work? I had no idea. It was not up to me now. I had done my part.
I heard nothing on Monday, as I slipped back into my Arizona lifestyle. At 5:30 Tuesday afternoon it dawned on me, if the plan was successful the round would be completed. I quickly called Brad in Australia.
Brad answered, "Well, did it happen?"
"I just got off the phone with Steven. It was the greatest day of his life."
"Wow, that's strong," I replied.
"I owe you," said Brad and we hung up.
And I owe Danny Yates.
It made me feel good knowing I was able to facilitate an event so meaningful to someone. A "pay it forward" event. It struck me, I facilitated getting someone on Augusta National whom I did not know while I have never been able to play myself. However, I felt good knowing it was pay back for the many people who have helped me play great courses in A Life Of Golf.
