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It had been a whirlwind summer full of golf,
swimming, practicing and making new friends and suddenly it all seemed to come to a halt.
Kindergarten.
It was a real shock for the whole family. Kyle and Paul were used to spending their days in preschool for half
days and the rest of the time golfing. Suddenly, Monday through Friday was gone and training couldn't begin until
3:30. Then the weather changed, the days got shorter and after only two tournaments for Hank Haney, there were no more
competitions. It seemed like February would never arrive. Coach Wesley was confident, but we had no idea what
to expect.
When we arrived, the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Sunny, cool, with temperatures in the 70's.
Kyle was excited to get the US Kids duffle bag, Jekyll Island Sea Turtle head cover and to see the ocean for the first time.
On Saturday night, right before bedtime - a cold front blew in. Day 1 of the tournament meant temperatures in
the 40 - 50's with 20-30 mph winds. Unbelievable. Our only consolation was that it didn't rain during
the day.
Kyle did great though. He shot a 38 and was tied for second behind Crimson who had the lead
with a 35. It meant that Kyle would play the last round in the final group with Crimson and Andrew. The next morning,
as the officials were setting up the scoring table, they were also putting out the trophies. Kyle had seen plaques,
medals and trophies at the tournaments he'd been in - but never a large silver bowl. When he saw the really large
one he asked what that was for. "First place," I told him.
"I want that
one," he said with determination and awe in his voice.
He was three strokes behind Crimson on the final day
of the tournament. I said the only thing I could think of. "Well, Kyle, you know what you have to do
to get it."
Kyle didn't say anything. He simply went out and shot the best round he'd ever had
to date. A 32. Kyle won the tournament by 4 strokes after being down 3 !!!
When we got back to Texas,
Coach Wesley had a cake and a celebration. It was the start of another incredible year.
| Jekyll Island |
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| Kyle sees the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. |
| Jekyll Island 2006 |
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| Warming up. |
| Jekyll Island 2006 |
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| Showing off his new golf bag. |
| Jekyll Island Round 2 |
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| In the fairway. |
| Jekyll Island 2006 |
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| Putting for birdie. |
| The final group. |
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| Kyle - Crimson - Andrew |
| Trophy Presentation |
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| Kyle & Paul with the trophy |
| Coach Wesley Francis |
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| Kyle and Coach Wes celebrate the win. |
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