By Staff
Anyone who watched late last month as pro golfer Heath Slocum shot a 64 during the second round of the Chrysler Classic of Tucson -- a tournament he went on to win -- no doubt came away thinking a number of positive things about the young athlete. In taking the title, he made evident to viewers a number of the characteristics he and other professionals nurture along the way to playing their sport at the highest level.
But what a lot of golfing fans might not know about Slocum is that his fight for excellence has been even harder than most of his peers', due to the fact that he suffers from ulcerative colitis, a disease of the digestive system that creates many challenging physical problems. The malady cost Slocum a year of golf in 1997, when its symptoms caused him to drop almost 30 pounds. That he's bounced back to compete at his current level is an inspirational accomplishment.
Heath's dad, Jack, has created the Dreams of Joy Foundation to serve victims of colitis and other diseases similar to his sons', and a Pro-Am tournament to be held at Country Club of Brewton on the 29th will benefit the group. We encourage our golfers and golf fans to turn out in support of the event. It will be a day of fun, and a chance to help fight an illness that afflicts thousands in our area alone. Call the club at 867-4100 for more info, and start polishing your swing.