A Major Success

October 13, 2008

Over one year ago, discussions began internally at the Athletic Department and among a small group of volunteer leaders about a new athletic event at Georgetown.

Dubbed "The Major," I wrote about the enjoyment of playing one of the top golf courses with fellow Hoyas back in April, when I first decided to play in the event. Recently, on the last weekend of September, this new event unfolded in Ponte Vedra, Florida at the TPC at Sawgrass.

I want to report that The Major lived up to its billing. The venue was superb. We were treated like touring pros from the time we arrived. Unfortunately, I didn't play like one. On the first day, hitting off the back tees, I was usually happy just to reach the fairways.

On the second day, with the pin placements positioned in their Sunday tournament locations, I had just one approach shot that gave me an opportunity for birdie.

Director of Athletics Bernard Muir addresses the dinner gathering of Hoyas attending The Major golf weekend

On the famed 17th hole, I hit three tee shots at the island green. All were wet.

Still, I had a blast of a time. I was in the company of some outstanding Georgetown golfers. It was a pleasure to watch them play for two days and to swap stories of the Hoyas through the years. A very special part of the weekend took place at dinner on Sunday evening when coach John Thompson III spoke, following the introduction of a splendid video on Georgetown athletics. He candidly expressed his pride in being a head coach on the Hilltop where he knows the quality of coaching is very high. He also talked about the urgent needs of the athletics programs at Georgetown. I listened with both pride and a heavy heart.

I've written in the past about some of those needs right here in this space. But it is another thing to listen to one of the finest young coaches in America in any sport explain how Georgetown, one of the finest universities in America, lacks the athletic facilities and resources it deserves. I came away with the intended conclusion: it's time to raise our game.

You can count on one thing. I'll be writing about this again.

Philadephia-area golfers Greg Kelly'83, Alan Leahey '83, and Gary Iococca flank John Thompson III and director of development Blanton Jones


Classmates Pam Donlin '83 and John Bermel '83 at the pre-gala reception

All for One: 68er's present and accounted for: Bob Andrews, Mike Vespoli, Joe McGuiness, Ed McManimon, Jamie Gavigan, Paul Maloy, Jack Gillies

PHOTOS CREDIT: Cal Paulsen

PJM - View From The Hilltop

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