Each week on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, etc., there are dozens upon dozens of golf shots that will make you say, "Wow!" These are the type of golf shots that will make even the Tour players watch a replay of. Of all of these shots each year, there are still two (it used to be three) that stand out above all others for me -- the ceremonial tee shots at Augusta National to officially start the Masters Tournament. Every year those are my favorite shots hit in any professional event. However, as much as I love those shots and the Masters Tournament, there are three other golf shots that are my absolute favorite to see each year. I would fail miserably if I attempted to explain the range of feelings and emotions that I have while watching these golf shots.
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| May and RaeAnne cheering on Jeremiah |
The annual Ranken Jordan golf tournament starts with three tee shots that are nothing short of amazing. Each year we have three of our own "Legends of Golf" hit tee shots to start the golf tournament. They could be inpatients or former patients, but all three have learned to play golf while at Ranken Jordan and enjoy playing the game. Just like at the Masters, our three golfers receive wonderful introductions from KMOX sports director Tom Ackerman. A couple of hundred golfers playing in the tournament surround the tee box and watch as our junior golfers get the tournament underway. I see the kids hit shots like this every week, 52 weeks a year, and I am still blown away each year by these three shots. This year the three golfers, Jeremiah Moore, RaeAnne Toennies, and May Reynoso, confidently addressed the golf ball and hit wonderful tee shots right down the middle of the first fairway! After these shots there were smiles all around and not many dry eyes as the players headed to their carts to get the tournament started. I am already looking forward to next year's tournament to see three more shots like these!
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| Jeremiah getting ready to let it fly! |
Before we took our "Legends of Golf" to the first tee to hit their tee shots, I spent some time with each of them explaining what would happen and what they could expect. While talking with RaeAnne, she looked straight at me and asked, "Will you help me?" It took me a minute to find my voice, but I told her, "Of course I will!" That brought a smile to Rae's face and a few minutes later we were all headed for the tee. RaeAnne, Jeremiah, and May, all had smiles on their faces the entire day. For the second straight year, May played as part of the foursome I play in and we finished tied for first (this year we lost a scorecard playoff so finished second) thanks to her carrying our team!
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| May's team |
I say it frequently that there is no better feeling than putting smiles on the faces of the kids at Ranken Jordan -- regardless of whether those kids are there as inpatients or have gone home. Seeing the smiles and how much fun the kids have each year hitting these tee shots is beyond priceless. I am very, very fortunate to be able to go to Ranken Jordan every week to spend time with the kids and also to have a front row seat for their tee shots each year starting the golf tournament. If you are in the St. Louis area, join us for golf sometime and you will see up close why I say the kids always do more for me than I could ever do for them. And if you are not in the St. Louis area, find a pediatric hospital or children's charity in your area and lend your talents to create those smiles. I guarantee you will be glad that you did!
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| Look at that smile on May's face! |
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| RaeAnne is getting ready for her tee shot as Tom Ackerman introduces her |
