Size doesn't matter

Earlier last month, Marty Baumann, superintendent at Anchorage Golf Club, called me to ask a favor. He said that there was a young man from his club, Ian Bruchhauser, who qualified for the Regional Drive, Chip and Putt contest at Chambers Bay on September 12. The community and the golf club rallied together and raised enough money for Ian to travel to Tacoma, Washington, to compete. Marty asked if I could contact the golf course management staff at Chambers Bay to see if Ian could get a round of golf while he was there. Marty explained that Ian is from a single-parent home and golf is the world to this kid. At age 11, he has already managed to score par at Anchorage Golf Course and being able to play at the U.S. Open venue would be a dream come true. I reached out and as I expected, Josh Lewis came through and delivered.

Marty called me recently to report on Ian's trip. When Ian arrived with a set of junior golf clubs, he was instantly a target for teasing from some of the other contestants.  A Ping representative was made aware of Ian’s need for clubs and the rep arranged for Ian to be fit by the Ping Tour Fitter! To top that off, Ian caught the attention of a couple college scouts that were there as well.

But, the scouts were not the only ones left with a good impression from Bruchhauser. Ian’s playing partner for the day had a caddy. The caddy was so impressed with Ian’s play that he asked his name and said he'll be watching for him on the tour. Following his round on the course, the bus driver also took him over to the pro shop and purchased a divot tool for Ian. The driver said that Ian was very talented and he wanted to do something special for him.

Ian Bruchhauser (right) placed 3rd overall in the 12- to 13-year-old division

The teasing turned out to have no effect on Ian’s performance. Ian placed 3rd overall in the 12- to 13-year-old division, missing second by only a stroke. What is remarkable is how well he competed for his size. You see, Ian is barely four feet tall. The only reason he didn’t get first was because he was outdriven in distance. He actually beat the first place finisher in the chip and putt portions of the contest. What Ian lacks in size, he more than makes up for in heart and talent. 

Every once in a while there is a small kid that stands out like a Tiger, a Bubba or a Jordan. Perhaps we are seeing one of our next generation's star in the making. Oh, and by the way, he finished his round at Chambers Bay at even bogey. That’s not too shabby.