A Friend Indeed

Lessons in Loyalty

In 1981, while covering the PGA tour in Columbus, Ohio, well-known sportswriter John Feinstein decided the best way to learn more about golf great Tom Watson was through his caddy, Bruce Edwards. So Feinstein introduced himself and asked for a few minutes of Edwards’ time. “He gave me two hours,” said Feinstein.

Author John Feinstein, center, on the course with, counterclockwise, tennis champ Andy Wirth and golf pros Davis Love III, Tom Watson and Jim Furyk. PHOTO: CAROLYN ANDROS

That became the beginning of an enduring friendship, one so strong, that when Edwards was dying from ALS in 2003 and people urged him to write his story, Edwards agreed—but only if Feinstein would write it. Initially, Feinstein made excuses, fearful about watching his good friend succumb to the disease.

But when he realized there was a powerful story to be told, Feinstein relented. “I hoped telling his story would inspire others dealing with ALS.” Released two days before Edwards died, Feinstein’s moving account, Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story, would become a national bestseller.

Last month, under a blue sky at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Md., Feinstein reminisced about his friendship with Edwards. With Watson’s help, golf enthusiast Feinstein had assembled 125 high-profile friends to launch the Bruce Edwards FBR Celebrity Golf Classic.

Guests at the event included University of Maryland basketball coach Gary Williams and Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, and authors Tom Friedman and Bob Woodward. Dinner at the clubhouse and silent and live auctions capped off the evening. At the end, Packard Center research was $400,000 ahead.

Far from somber, everyone there had a fabulous time poking fun, as golfers do. How fitting, Feinstein offered. “Edwards had an incredible sense of humor, to the very end.” Two days before he died, Edwards had sent Feinstein an e-mail dig about Connecticut—Edwards’ home team—beating Duke—Feinstein’s alma mater—in the Final Four. Edwards wrote: “Too bad your boys choked. You knew they weren’t going to beat UConn.”

And although Edwards couldn’t beat ALS, Feinstein and Watson hope the annual event will boost ALS research to help others. Said Feinstein, “It’s a very tangible way to keep Bruce’s name alive.”

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