The first of two parts.
We’re almost to the finish line, friends.
Two weeks, two days, 14 hours and 17 minutes, (not that I’m counting) left of this strangest of years. The phrase “six feet apart” seems unthreatening enough, until we consider the lingering ramifications. For the better part of a year, 2020 has played a compelling antagonist, dividing us in an effort to conquer. Golf courses, typically a hub for community and camaraderie, have hardly been immune to a growing sense of isolation. As a result, a six-foot barrier between golf companions has, more often than not, felt like a canyon.
If you’re like me, it has become increasingly easy to use the unusual challenges of this year as an excuse to not finish something, or in this particular case, start something. For over a year, I’ve been planning to launch a new series of interview stories titled “A Quick Nine With …” My plan was to play a friendly nine-hole match against my subject, peppering them with questions throughout the round. Maybe, we even play for a buck a hole – a $9 wager.
I had planned to shelve this idea until we’d returned to normalcy, allowing 2020 to win yet again. But then I heard that Bartow’s Herb Dixon, a true living legend, wasn’t letting 2020 beat him. Despite turning 101 in September, Dixon is still playing golf regularly, and still playing well. The rumor is the guy is a legitimate 13 handicap, which is all sorts of incredible. I had to see this for myself.
Recently, Bartow Golf Course named its much-improved driving range after Dixon, who has lived, played and influenced the Bartow golf scene for the better part of a century. It only seemed fitting for us to play our match at his home course. I did have a special request though – would he be willing to team up for our match? I’d play with my friend, Brandon Eady, the best 30 handicapper I know. And because it sounded fun, Dixon would pair with a player 92 years his junior – a competitive third-grader named Jackson.
Dixon immediately said yes. Game on.
HOLE 1
Par 4, Bartow Golf Course. Format: Four-ball.
My partner, Brandon, announces on the first tee that he’s never played the golf course. An excellent start. As a Bartow veteran, I point him down the 18th fairway, away from water to the right. Shockingly, he follows directions well, starting his round with a good driver swing. I play the same direction with a 3 wood, and team Helm/Eady is off to a nice start.
Unsurprisingly, Dixon splits the fairway with a perfect drive. Our 9-year-old opponent pounds one out there as well. Advantage: Team Dixon.
I ask Dixon, “Are the rumors true – are you really a 13 handicap at 101?”
“Yes, I’m a 13 handicap,” he says. “I have still been playing two to three times every week this year.” Dixon smiles. “Maybe a little more. I play in a couple competitive games out here at Bartow each week. I’m still very competitive. I like to win.”
Jackson and Dixon struggle to put enough distance on their approaches, giving team Eady/Helm an early break. My partner proceeds to shank his approach 50 yards right of the green. “There’s the Brandon I know,” I grumble to myself.
After a good approach to the middle of the green, I put myself in a nice position to win the hole when team Dixon struggles with early nerves. But then something surprising happens; Brandon makes a great chip to 4 feet and makes the putt.
HELM/EADY up 1 through 1.
HOLE 2
Par 4. Format: Modified Alternate Shot
For this alternate shot format, both balls will be played through the hole. For clarity; both players hit a tee shot, then play from their teammate's drive, alternating until they hole each putt, taking the better of the two scores.
Because we have the honor, Brandon tees off first, promptly hitting the ball somewhere between 11 and 12 total yards. Thanks, partner.
Not surprisingly, Dixon finds another fairway, and Jackson pounds a drive around the dogleg to the left.
I ask Dixon, “Tell us a little about how you got into golf, and why you did?”
“I started caddying out here (at Bartow) because back in those days, I wasn’t allowed to play. Caddying was all I could do, but I knew that I could play if I had the chance. I was probably 12 or 13 when I first started hitting balls, but I had to hide it” laughs Dixon. “Eventually they started letting us play on Monday’s on caddie day.”
Dixon and Jackson hit good approaches just short of the elevated green on their second shots, and Jackson nearly holes his chip for birdie. Team Dixon cards an easy par. Team Eady/Helm has to make par the hard way after losing one ball into the hazard left, and scrapes out a 4 to tie the hole.
HELM/EADY up 1 through 2.
HOLE 3
Par 3. Format: Scramble
On this good-looking, short par three on the back of the property, into a postage stamp green, I hit a nice wedge about 15 feet short of the hole, putting some pressure on our 101- and 9-year-old foes.
With one swing, we suddenly get a glimpse of why Dixon won more than 50 tournaments during his extensive career; Dixon smooths an iron dead at the flag, leaving just over four feet for birdie.
After Brandon and I both miss our birdie attempts, Jackson promptly brings the match all square with a dead-center putt.
“Good putt there, partner,” says Dixon.
All square through 3.
Stay tuned for the rest of Mr. Dixon’s match next week.
Joel Helm can be reached at helmjoeld@gmail.com.
The Link LonkDecember 16, 2020 at 12:21AM
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Joel Helm: At 101, Herb Dixon is still a 13 handicap - The Ledger
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