The Best In Golf

I’m going to try and act a little more like Joel Johnson in 2009…here’s a story that came across my e-mail last week from friend Doug Hart.

Trent Peterson is a senior for the South Dakota State golf team. In June, he won the Minnesota Match Play championship at storied Northland in Duluth.

In July, Peterson won the Minnesota State Amateur championship at Windsong Farm. A week later at Keller in Maplewood, he missed qualifying for the Minnesota State Open by one stroke, leaving him as an alternate. The qualifying field was 156 golfers, mostly professionals.

Hopeful for a chance to get into the State Open at Bunker Hills in Coon Rapids, Peterson showed up at sunrise the first day and hung around the putting green, just in case a qualifier took ill or didn’t show up.

There were no openings in the field, however. Joel Johnson, an accomplished golfer and insurance agent who plays out of Keller and is twice Peterson’s age, was on the putting green and spotted Peterson, whom he recognized from other competitions.

Johnson approached Peterson and asked what was his tee time.

“I don’t have one,” Peterson said.

That surprised Johnson, who figured surely the best amateur golfer in the state would be allowed a spot in the State Open.

So Johnson took Peterson across the putting green to discuss Peterson’s status with tournament officials.

Too bad, they said.

Johnson then asked officials, if he were to give up his spot, could young Trent get into the tournament?

Sure, they said.

Peterson was in.

Johnson had just one request of Peterson.

“Now, can I caddie for you these three days?” he asked.

Of course, a thrilled Peterson said, then beat every professional in the field, finishing as runner-up in the tournament as an amateur.

Johnson’s caddie fee? Peterson’s parents bought him a beer, which is all he would accept. And they invited him and his wife to Thanksgiving dinner at their Eagan home.

In October, Peterson was named the MGA’s player of the year. At the banquet at Midland Hills to accept his award, Peterson asked Johnson if he would accept for him.

Johnson was overwhelmed.