From the Editor

Bob Albright

It was probably the first Golf Digest tip this writer, and then fledgling golfer, ever tried. New to the game and struggling mightily with staying balanced through impact, Johnny Miller’s tip of trying to do a smooth swing while standing on a board on top of a round log spoke to me. One turned ankle and a skinned elbow later, however, I realized that even Miller was not going to alleviate my equilibrium deficiencies.

Nearly 20 years later, it is an image that still pops up every time I hold my patented finish with all of my weight squarely on my back foot. Given that history, when the contact sheet of photos for this month’s cover story hit my desk it was not surprising that Miller’s image not only came flooding back again, but suddenly was rendered inconsequential.

I had heard about Will Parr. An inspiring figure if there ever was one who not only golfed on one leg, but did it quite well. Just as readers of this month’s issue will attest, however, it’s not until you see it — either in photographs or in person — that you truly appreciate what an athletic feat Parr accomplishes with each and every swing. It’s the kind of accomplishment that is worthy of plenty of ink on its face alone, but read Will’s story and you will find it is just part of the story, not the defining one.

The beauty is that golf is just one piece of the puzzle that this well rounded 15-year-old crams into a tight schedule. It is no bigger than his job at the Salem Witch Museum or his duties as class vice president. The balancing act that he does on the course, has nothing on the one he does in his everyday life and that’s why I can not think of a better way to wrap up another year then highlighting this golfer who spends about as much time dwelling on his handicap as he does over a one-foot tap in.

Speaking of overcoming adversity, you will also want to check out Cindy Cantrell’s story on wheelchair tennis in our tennis section. Only the number of bounces – two – are different for this dedicated group who can be found on local courts wheeling and dealing from one corner of the baseline to the other in specially designed sport chairs in this well organized sport. Once again, it is all about not letting a physical impediment get in the way of pursuing and athletic endeavor they love.

So as we head into what is arguably the best part of the golf season, remember to appreciate the little things as you look for your wayward tee shots in the leaves. Posting that record round is indeed nice, but just getting out on the course, or the courts, is even better.

I’ll see you out on the fairways,

Bob Albright
editor

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