targeting the notables and quotables of kansas city
Tom Watson, Kansas City's "hometown hero." Tom Watson, Kansas City's "4th pro franchise." What can there possibly be left to say about Tom Watson?
Jon Jacobson, Executive Director of Midwest Section, PGA, can add something, but it's also favorable, like just about everything said about Watson: "He's very well educated, focused, competitive, introspective, and loyal." Someone who knows him less well but has worked with him sporadically says simply, "Tom Watson is a genuinely nice guy."
Every golfer knows something impressive about Watson's stats - PGA Tour career earnings of over $9 million, including 34 victories. Or that he's a six time PGA Player of the Year. Or that he joined the Senior Tour in 1999 and already has two Tour victories and several others as well. Or that he played on four American Ryder Cup teams and captained one of them to victory. Or that he limited his schedule last year to just 13 Senior Tour events but went over the million dollar mark in season earnings for the first time in his career. And those are just the stats that roll easily off the keyboard.
But the man is more than golf. Although he doesn't make a big to-do about his contributions, his involvement and advocacy are critical to several major charitable endeavors here in town. The one that he is most connected with is the Children's Mercy Hospital Golf Classic - he's been deeply involved with that since he began it in 1980 and has helped raise over nine million dollars for thousands of kids. He's avidly promoted and sponsored the Greater Kansas City Junior Golf Foundation and its First Tee Chapter program, helping to build 3-hole golf courses for young and disadvantaged players all over the U.S., including one at Swope Park.
Tom Watson, a magic name here in Kansas City. Tom Watson, genuine nice guy. We hear the latter is actually pretty rare for big-time sports guys but all the more appreciated for its rarity.