Aug
13
Courage
August 13, 2009 |
We have known Chris Bassett for 6 years. Chris is a passionate golfer, who is both a student of the game and who represents all that is grand in this maddening pursuit.
Courage is an over-used word (like ‘great’). We often call a golfer courageous because they sink a 4 foot putt on the final hole to win an event. That’s not courage.
Chris’s golf hero, is Ben Hogan. For those that are familiar with the “Wee Ice Man”, as Mr. Hogan was known, you will remember that he was the most meticulous of people. Mr Hogan was the first professional who kept a yardage book and who would want to know the exact distance he had to the hole. He once asked his caddy how far he had to the hole and the caddy responded that it 173 or 174 yards; to which Mr. Hogan replied “Which is it?”
While traveling to a tournament in 1949, with his wife Valerie (in those days all the top players would travel from event to event by car). Mr. Hogan’s car collided, head-on into a Greyhound bus. Just before the impact, Mr. Hogan threw himself across Valerie’s body to protect her. Valerie suffered minor injuries from the wreck, but Mr. Hogan was not so fortunate. Courage.
Mr. Hogan suffered from a series of traumatic injuries and was told that he would probably never walk again, much less play competitive golf. Less than 12 months later Mr. Hogan was back on Tour and finished second in his first tournament. Courage.
“People have always been telling me what I can’t do,” he said. “I guess I have wanted to show them. That’s been one of my driving forces all my life.”
16 months later, Mr. Hogan won the 1950 US Open at Merion Golf Club. Before playing Mr. Hogan would have to wrap bandages around his legs, and each step he took was a painful tread. What made this feat even more remarkable was that he won in an 18-hole playoff, thereby having to play a fifth round that week. Courage.
Earlier this week, we found out that Chris Bassett has been diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma cancer. It has progressed to a stage (4) and is residing in his neck, back diaphragm, colon, and bone marrow. The cancer is very aggressive, so the chemotherapy treatments need to be equally aggressive.
In Chris’s words: “Somewhat distracted from golf right now but I keep a magazine by the bed. I look forward to swinging the clubs again soon.
I am gaining a new perspective on so many things. Most sound like old clichés. Live with no regrets. Decide what you would do if you had but (24) hours left, and pursue that. The future is now.
Never give up.”
Courage.
The measure of a person is never how they handle the good things that this Life brings us but rather how they deal with adversity. Mr. Bassett and Mr. Hogan are both heroes.
Chris Bassett is going to beat this terrible disease. He will not let this disease, beat him. Chris is a tough man, who will look you in the eye and tell you exactly what he thinks. When Chris plays golf he does it so by honoring the traditions of the game. He is a gentleman in a gentleman’s game. Chris is made up of all the things that we should aspire to be.
Chris is courage.
Comments
8 Comments so far
Chris, I am so sorry that you are going through this very tough time. I know you’ll kick that cancer’s butt for sure! I see that you have your laptop with you quite a bit and we can chat on line any time.
Dear Chris,
This really sucks. If there is anybody capable of whipping this, it is you. I know that you have the strength, the will and the courage. If there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.
We all talk about the process that we go through to improve our golf games. This battle is no different. First the treatment, then the recovery and rehabilitation, and finally the first swings of the club. It will probably take a little time to get back to swinging the club, but it is all about the process. Hang in there and good luck. I’ll be thinking about you and hoping for the best.
See you at the Invitational in 2010. A goal I look forward to sharing with you.
Cheers,
golf guru
Chris, our thoughts are with you and your family. I know you will stay strong and beat this.
Chris:
I have two eyes. They are watching over you. I have two ears. They are listening for you. I have one heart and it is standing in your corner. I only pray when it is important to do so. I am doing that now with your name at the top.
Your positive nature that we have all come to know will serve you well.
God Bless,
Carey
That prayer from Carey, is beautiful, and sums things up better than anything that I can write.
Chris; we are all praying for you, and wish you a speedy recovery.
Shivas
Hey Chris - I also have had my challenges with cancer. Be strong - be patient - keep reading golf mags and watching on the tube - you’ll be back out there soon amigo. We are all here for you anytime, and I look forward to hitting a round with you down the road….
Cheers
Boosh
Chris,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chris,
I remember fondly the best friend a kid could ever have - so many years ago. I’m hoping to see you again at our high school reunion (40th!!!!) next year. Take care old friend.
Craig