Golf Getaway was created as a way to share inspiring stories about people, places and passions through the vehicle of golf, so it was fitting that after Craig Parry’s guest starring role on Golf Getaway’s Hamilton Island double feature and experiencing first-hand what a great man he is, that an idea was born.
What if an average, every day Australian golfer could win the chance to play with Craig Parry and experience what it’s like to spend a day in the life of the social golfers golfer?
I put the idea to Craig and he loved it!
Such is the generous nature of Craig Parry (with the help of his manager Tony Bouffler) he even arranged for his sponsors Callaway to supply the winner a set of X-Hot Irons and bag to be personally fitted at an On-Course Golf Store, a year’s supply of Gatorade from Schweppes,a Sureshot GPS and a Stay n Play at his personally designed Kooindah Waters Golf Resort – all for nothing in return.
Now there is a man who knows how to give back to a sport that has given him so much!
The competition had over 7000 entries and the lucky winner was Steven Morse, a gardener from Scone in New South Wales.
“I couldn’t believe it – it was the first thing I’d ever won – and the thought that I would be playing with Craig Parry was unbelievable – I couldn’t stop talking about it”, explained Steve.
The big day arrived and we were all greeted with the perfect blue sky and a course that was in near tournament condition.
“What a brilliant course – it’s so picturesque – every hole is a challenge- compared to my home course where I can almost shut my eyes and play the hole”, laughed Steve.
With Steve playing off 5 at his local Scone Golf Club and me having blown out to 13 we foolishly challenged the three time Presidents Cup team member to a wager – we needn’t have bothered – he killed us, shooting two under and giving us a master class on how to play his course – all whilst casually sharing great stories, career highlights, tips and advice.
“One tip gave me 15 metres more distance and power from my swing”, Steve beamed excitedly.
As Craig birdied the last hole in front of the clubhouse the humiliation was complete–we headed up to the balcony with tails between our legs for a nice beer and a few more stories before heading off into the sunset to reflect on our perfect golf day.
If the Golf Getaway dream ended today I would die a very happy man and as for Steve playing with Craig is something he will never forget.
“I was a bit nervous when I got there knowing what was in store but Craig made me feel very welcome and being at a course that he co-designed was the icing on the cake. He is a true gentleman – I could not fault the guy.
Just spending time with Mirror and Craig Parry and talking like normal people about great golf things – like playing with Tiger Woods and hearing about Craig’s amazing golf course design plans were a real eye opener– he didn’t hesitate to share anything and everything about golf.
Today was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget – a dream come true!”, says Steve (as we leave him pinching himself in the pro shop getting the lead removed from his heavy handed putter.)
To watch Golf Getaway at Kooindah Waters – with Craig Parry Click Here
To watch Golf Getaway at Hamilton Island Part One – with Craig Parry Click Here
To watch Golf Getaway at Hamilton Island Part Two – with Craig Parry Click Here
Written by Andrew “Mirror” McCombe www.GolfGetaway.com.au
