Observations Involving a Longtime Friend and Golf - Time Out #305

One of the many things human maturity brings as the

years roll on is utter joy when you observe young people blossom. You closely follow them throughout their youth and formative years, then on into adulthood. At some point along the way, there is an explosion, and you realize they have fully grown up and matured. They are light years away from the person you knew way back when.

Such was the case recently for my bride, Lady Deborah, and me, and our study subject was someone we had closely watched and helped mentor, as he grew up with our youngest child in Our Town.

My subject for today's discussion, Bryan Karns.

Our second son and youngest child, Robbie, and Bryan struck up a friendship early on in Our Town. Heck, for many years and even today, our

family affectionately refers to Bryan as our 4th child, along with oldest, Michelle, and next in line, Allan. Bryan spent many occasions with us in our home, joined us on family outings, and played with us on little league sports teams (I coached one). Robbie occupied the same "family" positions with Marcia and Tom Karns' immediate and extended relatives. .

During those formative Stillwater Public School years, the Bree

dlove and Karns families frequently functioned as one large gathering of folks. We made many memories together, whether it be the two Final Four OSU men's basketball appearances in Seattle and San Antonio, or Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings in the warm Karns' home. Add to those events, MANY more together experiences.

Now, fast forward past Bryan and Robbie's college years at OSU. both getting married. and scattering to live in various locations throughout our great country. Arriving in the present tense, my bride and I were graciously invited by the Senior PGA Tournament Director, Bryan, to attend the recent KitchenAide Senior PGA Championship golf tournament. This event was held on Tulsa's Southern Hills Golf Course, and Bryan and his wonderful wife, Ashlie, had been on-site, planning the spectacul

ar event for the past two years. Details, details, and more obscure details were all under Bryan's extensive job description, and the event appeared to run flawlessly. Ms. Debbie and I attended the second day session, and spent most of a Friday afternoon in the large hospitality pavilion, specifically overlooking the 15th hole green and the 16th hole tee box. The extended Karns clan was present during the session we attended, and great conversations were enjoyed by all. Even though my bride and I have next to a golf course for almost 40 years, neither of us play the game. I have, however, followed the challenging sport in the past, especially when Tiger Woods was in his prime. It was always a thrill for me to watch him perform his magic athletic maneuvers on television each tournament Sunday afternoon; the day the winner is always decided. Of course, frequently, the winner was Tiger; thus my former intense interest!

Aside from the on-the-course action, my primary focus recently at Southern Hills was to watch "our 4th child, Bryan" in his real life occupation. In my mind's eye, I could see the pre-teen boy now functioning as a mature man, directing a worldwide sporting event, and shouldering incredible responsibility. From the moment we walked into the beautiful venue, until we departed hours later, I observed many moving parts and his successful leadership skills. He appeared to perform flawlessly, and I was duly impressed, dear readers in Our Town and far beyond.

The last thing I would leave you with is Bryan has the future challenge to repeat his role a year from now. In May, 2022, the regular PGA has scheduled their 104th championship tournament on Tulsa's Southern Hills Course. Yes, Bryan Karns is slated to be that tournament director, too.

Wow, wow, and triple wow.