A Tribute to Rules Official Doug Brecht
The LPGA tour made its way back to US soil after its overseas swing. Unfortunately, during that swing the LPGA lost a vital member of their (our) family–Doug Brecht. Doug lost his several month battle with West Nile Virus over a month ago. In a moving tribute to Doug, the LPGA placed a golf cart on No. 17 at Twin Eagles, site of this weeks CME Group Titleholders LPGA Tournament, as a reminder of the man who policed the game for 22years.
LPGA Commissioner, Mike Whan explained the tribute in this email to all the players:
“LPGA Titleholder Players,
As I explained in Korea, our plan for remembering Doug Brecht this week is very unique, and very consistent with ‘how Doug would want it’.
On Friday and Saturday, just after you walk over the bridge on the par 3, 17th hole — you will see a red golf cart (Oklahoma Red to be precise). The sign on the front of the cart will say “LPGA Rules Official — Doug Brecht”. You notice the OU sticker and Chicago Cubs sticker on the side of the cart, as well. :))
We would invite you to take a quick seat in “Doug’s cart” and/or say a little prayer to our teammate, as you pass. Also there will be a silver and black Sharpie on the steering wheel. We hope you and your caddie can/will sign the cart (anywhere you want — sides, on the seats, tires — whatever).
After Sunday’s round we will take the cart to LPGA Headquarters in Daytona, where other staff members will sign as well. Then, we’ll give the cart to Steph Brecht (as our gift to her).
As Steph told me, there is nothing Doug enjoyed more than chatting with players, caddies, and fans in his cart. As you head to the 17th green, if you are feeling like a quick chat with Doug, or want to sign a little note to him — please do so. If not, no worries — we simply wanted to make it easy to do. Best of luck to all of you this week.”
Mike
(thanks to Ron Sirak for reporting this)
From what I have read, player after player stopped in the middle of their round to pay tribute. Stacy Lewis wrote, ‘We miss you Doug’ and Katherine Hull added, “Thanks for all your passion and love of life and the tour. God Bless you!”
The empty red cart seemed to sit at peace waiting to embrace everyone who came close. It has a wonderful view of a wooden bridge and perfect grassy spot to enjoy the whispers of the wind and the songs in the hearts of the birds. It was the perfect spot for Doug, a place he would feel at home watching ‘his’ players.
I personally will miss you Doug. You always brought a smile to my face no matter what horrible shot I had hit to bring you to my aid. If I remember correctly in Chicago one year, you said, “Well, Kate, I never thought a player could hit it over here…I now stand corrected! So, allow me to give you the relief you deserve and then simply say ‘A lot of great players come in from this angle'”…and with that I got a quick wink and a smile. It made the errant shot feel not so bad anymore (and trust me it was BAD.)
Thank you Doug for you and sharing your heart with us all. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Take time to yourself now and enjoy the Heavenly Courses….and if you get a chance…grab my grandpas and Uncle Mike to make a foursome and enjoy a real Irish round of golf. Rest in Peace my friend!!! God Bless.
‘keep smiling and always believe’
By Kate Hughes
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