In 1991, when our three sons were in college, as a ploy to play at least one round of golf a year together, I bought a green sport coat, emblazoned with an Irish crest, and challenged the boys to a round of golf for said jacket and family bragging rights for a year.

A small trophy was added the third year, and exchanged several times evolving in to the less-than-austere,-able- to- hold -a -bottle- or- two- of- celebratory -champagne silver cup we now play for. Make no mistake, this is real competition! Our green jacket play has been a part of all three of the boys' weddings.( Oldest son, Steve had new clubs made and overnighted to brother Matt's wedding in Beaufort, S.C.), and now has settled into play at our yearly outing in the Outer Banks.

Play has to be at a neutral course that no one has played before, clubs are counted,and everyone must play with Titleist Pro V! balls. Alarm clocks have been set and placed under beds to disrupt sleep, Dad's Pro V1's were replaced with pink balls this year and pink tees to match,and the honor of arriving back to where the rest of the family awaits wearing the jacket, is serious business.

Even when the temperature prohibits comfortable wearing, the jacket rests proudly on the shoulders of the champion.

This year wives and children were waiting by the pool for the outcome. The gate opened, and Steve walked through without a word and jumped into the pool, golf shoes and all, a clear indication that his round was rewarded possibly with champagne but not the jacket.

Win or lose,this yearly outing is definitely a wonderful time to be with each other as Steve and Dad live in Virginia, Matt in Connecticut, and Chris in Dallas.....Priceless memories!