The former mayor of Anderson (S.C.) is on special assignment this week at the British Open at St. Andrews. Richard Shirley is the winner of Golf World magazine’s inaugural “Dream Assignment” contest. As the winner, he will attend this year’s Open and experience life as a golf journalist. He will also write a column recapping the tournament that may be featured in Golf World’s British Open Coverage Issue (July 26 – August 2 issue).
Golf World began its search for America’s next great golf writer by inviting aspirants to submit an 800-word story covering a professional golf tournament that has taken place during the month of April on any of the pro tours. Entries were evaluated by a panel of judges consisting of Geoff Russell, Golf World editor-in chief; Bob Carney, creative director for Golf Digest Publications; John Marvel, Golf Digest Digital Managing Editor; and Jimmy Roberts, NBC Sports contributor.
Currently retired, Shirley is the former mayor of his Anderson and a former senior vice-president of Arthur State Bank. Shirley’s winning essay describes his experience at the 1975 and 1986 Masters while following golf greats Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and makes the connection to the 2010 Masters where Arnie and Jack served as honorary starters for the first time together. His essay includes the following excerpt:
“At 7:40 on one of the prettiest Thursday mornings ever in Augusta, I was not disappointed. Arnie's hitch and Jack's methodical approach to the ball now show some age, but their allure is ageless. When they exited the tee box minutes later, my day on the grounds could have concluded as well. Woods, Mickelson, and the golfer du jour can come and go, but in my universe, the sun and moon had just appeared and left.”
