Golf With Tony

Golf With Tony
Did I ever tell you about the time I called my cousin Rick to round out a foursome with Tony Kukoc (one of the World Champion Chicago Bulls)?

Rick's a big guy, he's got a great sense of humor and we usually end up having a lot of laughs.

Anyway, my friend Augie invited me to join him and his friend Tony the next day. This was back when I was playing everyday. So,naturally, I said sure. Besides, I thought it was nice of Augie to invite me along.

Even nicer, I thought, when he said I should invite someone else along too.

That's where Rick came in.

I phoned him at the office and here's how the conversation went:

Joe: "Hey, Rick. What's up?"

Rick: "Just takin' care of business." (One of Rick's businesses is in Translation - www.wwttinc.com)

Joe: "How would you like to join me for a round of golf tomorrow? We need a fourth."

Rick: "Aw man, I'd love to. But Karen would kill me if I went out again. I played four out of the last 5 days...It seems like all I've been doing is playing golf lately. I don't think so. No. There's no way I can go. Thanks though."

Joe: "That's too bad. I guess I'll have to keep lookin'"

Rick: "Hey, who you playing with anyway?"

Joe: "Me, Augie, Tony and whoever I get as a fourth?"

Rick: "Tony? Tony who?"

Joe: "Tony Kukoc"

Rick: "Ok. What Time Should I Be There?".

And when he said that. We both just busted out laughing!

So, the next day, Rick shows up in the locker room. And he asks...

"Hey, you think it'd be alright if I brought a camera along?".

Rick loves to hang pictures in his office. And he has a story for every one. But, I suggested - "Why not save it for after the round. You know. After we've all had a chance to get to know one another."

It seemed to make sense and reluctantly, Rick put his camera away.

So, we all met up at the first tee...

Did introductions...

Teed off...

Had a few laughs...

A little conversation here and there...

Good time.

After we finished the round we all shook hands and Augie said they were going to be on their way. Rick asked if Tony would mind a picture, but Augie and Tony were heading right out. No time for a shot.

I don't have to tell you how Rick felt. If he had brought his camera, he'd have been able to snap a shot. Instead, he listened to me...and didn't get the picture.

To say he was disappointed would be putting it mildly.

But being the good guy that he is, he never said an ill word to me for my bad advice.

And now I have some advice for you.

Don't take my advice.