Tomorrow begins the 126th opening of the US Open Golf Tournament; the final day always occurring on Fathers’ Day. There is a strong father/son, father/daughter connection when it comes to golf in general and particularly at this iconic tournament.

One of the memorable stories is when Tom Watson at age 60, playing his final US Open asked his son to caddie for him. Another is when Justin Rose won in 2002 he felt “really connected” to his father who had died that year of cancer looking up to the heavens after his final putt.

I personally recall the 2006 US Open because it was the first time since my husband’s death in August of 2005 that I sat alone watching the tournament with tears streaming down my face. Not only was I missing him but I reflected on the many times we had played golf together especially when we were just the two of us walking 18 holes on an early Sunday morning. I thought of our three sons missing his presence, his invaluable guidance and his love silently wishing to play one more round of golf with him.

Every golf fan remembers that in 2006 Tiger Woods missed the cut. It was just 6 weeks after his father’s death. Anticipating the imminent death also affected his performance at the Master’s in April. He admitted that he didn’t take time to process the profound grief he experienced after the death of his father, his mentor and best friend.

We can’t hide from grief. Grief is always in control!

-Harriet