Playing with the "Bull" and the "Bear"
By Johnny Orsino

While going through my apprentice program to secure my class "A" Professional Golfers Association card, I was fortunate to work at Turnberry Isle in North Miami during the winters of 1981, 82 and 83. It was a great place to be. Julius Boros was the Director of Golf . Don Souffer, a very flamboyant and connected gentleman, was the owner at that time. There were always many celebrities on the property, which made working there exciting. Lucille Ball, James Cahn, Jerry Lewis, Evil Knevil, Joe Pesce to name a few of the celebrities that would be seen either playing golf, tennis or in the clubhouse playing cards. Joe Pesce loved to play golf and would come out late in the day and play with the Pros. He would always say, "I'm going to make it real big someday, DiNero likes me" needless to say, he was right and became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.

After only being at the club for a short time, Sebby, the starter told me to get my clubs and throw them on Julius' cart. He said, "Your playing with the "Bull" today. He needs you to fill out a foursome." I felt my heart drop and I began to sweat profusely as I realized I was about to play with Julius Boros, a winner of many PGA tournaments and a two time U.S. Open Champion. Considering my demeanor, I played respectable, although, on the 10th hole I hit a ball in the water. I looked over at the old pro. He smiled wryly and said, "That wasn't very good."

My next adventure at Turnberry was more successful. I showed up for work and Sebby said to go in to see Julius. I found him in the Pro Shop. He asked me to sit down and began to explain that Jack Nicklaus was coming to the club today for a seminar and a round of golf with American Express Executives. He said he was scheduled to play with Jack and the executives but he couldn't get out of an important appointment. He asked me to take his place. It didn't take me long to agree to play with the "Golden Bear", the greatest player in the world.

Jack arrived in a helicopter around 10 am. I was there to welcome him and asked if there was anything he needed. He shook my hand with a strong grip and said, "Take care of my clubs. Don't let anyone near them." I nodded and threw his clubs on my cart. He spent the morning giving a clinic on the driving range. He was very impressive with his instruction and exciting to watch as he demonstrated the basics and fundamentals with precision, technique and execution.

After lunch we started our round of golf. Jack and I were teamed up with two of the company's vice-presidents. It was the first time he had seen the golf course so he considered my recommendations regarding each hole. He listened, but made his own decisions. On the 4th hole, a 'shortish' 378-yard par four, I explained how I hit a 3 - wood off the tee and then have a short iron for my second shot. He looked at the hole and said, "Why hit a 3 - wood." He took his driver and hit a majestic drive down the left side of the fairway and had a flip sand wedge to the pin. He made birdie. On number 11, a demanding 540 yard par five with water protecting in front, after hitting a perfect drive just under 300 yards down the middle, he asked what I thought about going for the green. I said, "You'll have to hit a perfect shot, don't be short". He smiled and replied, "I don't plan to be". He proceeded to hit a brilliant 3 - wood that carried the water and nestled 12 feet from the pin. He lipped out his eagle and had a tap in birdie. Jack continued his flawless round ending with a score of 66. I felt inadequate during the round but managed to score a respectable 71.

During the later part of the round, Jack told me what a baseball fan he was and how, as a youngster fantasized about playing in the major leagues. He asked what it felt like to play in the "Bigs". I told him about the excitement and pride I felt. But said, "It can't compare to the thrill of playing in a major tournament and scoring four rounds in the 60's. How do you do that"? He explained, "Johnny, I don't have the best golf swing on tour, but what I do better than anyone else is concentrate. At times I feel I can actually think the ball in the hole". I can understand where he was coming from after watching some of the greats of today. Tiger, Phil, Ernie and others have the same focus.

The day ended on a great note with Jack hanging around the bag room area taking pictures and signing autographs for the assistant pros and the bag boys. He made the day a very special one with his upbeat personality, considerate nature, and being a first class professional in every sense of the word.


 

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