As a Fan of Golf, I’ve gone to Heaven!

Earlier this week, I had the privilege to attend an event hosted through the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) which honored the late Payne Stewart. Anyone who has observed the game of golf for some time can remember Payne as a member of the PGA family who respected not only the game, but honored his family, his faith and his community.

As a much younger golf fan, I admired Payne’s commitment, his flair for life and his dress code. Following his passing, the PGA and the Payne Stewart Foundation established the Payne Stewart Award which is given annually to a member of the PGA family who represents the ideals of respect, tradition, heritage and charity.

During the awards event I had the opportunity to meet PGA greats like Nick Price, Jay Haas (from my home town of Greenville), Ernie Els, Hal Sutton, Brad Faxon, Kenny Perry and this year’s recipient Tom Lehman. I felt like a kid in a candy store! Beyond those moments of excitement I realized that PTA has an opportunity, to recognize the talents and dedication of male role models throughout our nation.

As part of his acceptance of this year’s honor, Tom Lehman said he had two heroes in his life; his wife and his father. Afterwards I told Mr. Lehman that he and I shared one common belief, our hero’s!

If you’re a dad; granddad; uncle or male role model, you’re a future hero. Take today’s opportunity to make sure the children in your life today see you as a hero tomorrow. Get engaged!

Charles J. “Chuck” Saylors,
National PTA President