Yesterday I watched the end of Cam Champ’s Safeway Open win on the Golf Channel. I didn’t really plan to watch it but found myself doing so.
Somehow I didn’t hear the story of Cam Champ’s grandfather Mack’s health. In case you are in the same boat as I was, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 stomach cancer back in July. He is currently in hospice care in Sacramento, about 65 miles from the Safeway Open venue.
Cam, along with his dad Jeff, had been commuting back and forth each day of the tournament to allow them to spend time with Mack at night. Understandably, it was an emotional scene when the final putt was holed. Cam teared up immediately and his dad did the same. They got Mack on the phone before Cam even talked to the Golf Channel.
I had heard the story of Mack’s upbringing and the racism he had to deal with throughout. This was detailed pretty well around Cam’s first win. I suggest reading Tim Rosaforte’s brief story on it here. It represents a sad time in our country’s history. While we have progressed, we still need to be mindful to love our neighbors. Racism is still alive and well today.
As a white male, I cannot relate to the struggles Mack, Jeff, and Cam have dealt with because of their race. I won’t even try to comprehend that struggle. What I can relate to is the relationship of a grandfather and grandson.
I spoke on that a while back when my own Grampa passed away. It was my most heartfelt post to date on this site.
Seeing Cam dealing with the declining health of his grandfather made me think about the relationship I shared with mine. I was lucky enough to have him around until he was 92. While he lived far away, I was still able to see him twice a year. For that I am grateful.
I am also grateful that he got me started in golf. It’s a love affair that continues to this day. I am happy Cam and I can share this gift we got from our grandfathers. Congrats Cam! I’m sure you’ve made Mack more proud than you can know.