The Trophy
As most of you know I'm a certified professional clubmaker. I trained to make golf clubs for all golfers whether beginners or more proficient. My training involved a comprehensive understanding of both the golf swing and the golf club, and how these fit together for the individual golfer. And that's the reason Lloyd and I met 16 years ago then became friends.
Lloyd came into my shop in Duncan, and as most people that entered the shop, he ended up in the hitting area swinging a golf club. He had a solid golf swing. We talked golf. At first I couldn't quite make out why he was there. Anyway, I had a 7 wood that I seldom used and he was hitting it very well. So I told him to take it away and if he liked it, it was his. In his hands this 7 wood became famous everywhere he went. It was magic in his hands.
A number of years ago I asked Lloyd (Coach) if he would like a trophy for the annual social gathering and golf tournament. His initial reaction was negative for whatever reason. Anyway we talked about it and the result was the pictured trophy. I called it "Lloyd's" but I should have called it "The Coach's" 7 wood invitational golf tournament. Oh well, nothing is perfect and as I said to Lloyd, after his remark "It sounds like Lloyds of London!" the plate can easily be changed. It hasn't been.
The materials for the trophy may have a bit of interest for some. The base material came from Haida Gwaii (formally Queen Charlotte Islands). The clubhead came from Louisville Ky. It is a persimmon wood head that was made by Louisville Golf in memory of Elmore Just who was one of the founders of the Professional Clubmakers Association and owner of Louisville golf. He had a real passion for golf and especially for the equipment that golfers used. Elmore died on the golf course.
We have always had a very diverse group attending the annual event, and that, rather than gathering dust in my shop, the materials for the trophy have been put to good use. The trophy is now played for annually.
The next "gathering" and tournament will be held in April. Apparently the trophy has travelled from Victoria to the United States where it has resided for a number of years. The "Coach" would like a team from Canada (Victoria) to go down there to reclaim "Our" trophy. Contact the Coach. I haven't made it down there yet, but apparently it's a real good time. Maybe this year. Getting older is a good thing but it does have it's drawbacks. Happy New Year and may the golfing Gods smile upon your game (and not die laughing). Cheers!
