Davis Love III writes moving book on fathers, golf, and life
January 14, 2000
Davis Love, III is a favorite of many golf fans. Those who want to learn more about him and his upbringing should read his book, Every Shot I Take.
This book is not easy to categorize, however.
First, this book is a biography of his father, Davis Love, Jr., a golf teacher whose dedication to his profession led to his untimely death. He died in a small plane crash on the way to a golf school.
Davis Love, Jr. was, by all accounts, a remarkable man. His peers respected him. His sons agree he had a major, positive influence on them. His wife deeply loved him. In the game of life that can be scored a hat trick, and it’s pretty rare.
Second, this book is an autobiography. Working with Michael Bamberger, a writer for Sports Illustrated magazine, Davis III outlines his formative years. Readers learn how, with his father’s close and careful instruction, Davis III developed into the accomplished touring professional so many have enjoyed watching over the last dozen years or so.
Davis III completed the book before he won his first major at the 1997 PGA Championship. In an amazing finish, Davis III triumphed just as a rainbow appeared over the 18th hole. For those who enjoy watching good people be rewarded, that was an incredible, stirring sight. His father would have been so proud.
Third, this book is a eulogy. Davis, Jr.’s widow, Penta, his long-time friend and fellow golf teacher Jack Lumpkin, his two sons, Mark and Davis III, and Davis III’s wife, Robin, each contribute portions of this book that would have been perfectly appropriate for a memorial service.
Fourth, this book provides useful playing tips for golfers. Davis, Jr. kept hundreds of notes during his career. Davis III found and used them well in this book. His father also was a constant list maker, and the advice contained in the notes and lists described in this book will help any golfer.
Finally, this book is a guide to living. Davis, Jr. seems to have figured out how to balance his work life and family life, and how be an effective parent. He knew enough not to push his sons into golf. Instead, he slowly encouraged their participation until they themselves chose to seek improvement. His advice extended well beyond golf lessons, to how to conduct oneself in work and in life.
The chapter titled “Do What Tom Kite Does” contains valuable advice that would help any young man or woman starting out in adult life. It doesn’t hurt older readers to be reminded of the same advice, either.
Davis III is known as one of the real gentlemen of the PGA Tour. Now we know why.
Short Putts
The National Kidney Foundation of the Delaware Valley is pleased to announce that its 2000 Cadillac Invitational Golf Tournament Series will include Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View. The outing, presented by Bear Trap Dunes and Carl M. Freeman Golf, is scheduled for Monday, June 12, 2000.
Cadillac scheduled more than 125 of these tournaments nationwide, all benefiting the National Kidney Foundation. The winning foursome from each local tournament is invited to the National Finals at Pebble Beach Golf Resorts for a four-round finish, in January 2001.
Last year more than 16,000 golfers played in the series, raising more than $5 million for local National Kidney Foundation affiliates.
For more information, contact Karen McGrath at 302-541-4618.