Tuesday, June 18, 2013


On Course With LaRue Temple-113th U.S. OPEN

 By Karimu Hamilton
 






There was a tinge of excitement everywhere in Ardmore P.a. The Norristown High-Speed Line was jammed pack with middle aged men and some women in khaki shorts, skirts or pants, white visors and a rainbow assortment of polo shirts. Business boomed for residents and local businesses of the region alike.  The 113th U.S. Open was held in the suburban region of Pennsylvania on the Main Line and every one was excited. “Oh I can’t really explain it…” Dale Venable of Dales Beauty Salon Reflects; “but there was a sense of excitement in the air, it would have been even better if Tiger Woods had won.” She giggled. “My daughter”, another main liner beams as she walks up Lancaster avenue actually secured a Job at the U.S. Open for the week, she sold concessions and  this was a perfect way for her to start her summer.’ These are the type of stories that are being told; generously sprinkled throughout the Main Line regarding the past U.S. Open Event in Lower Merion, Ardmore, Pa last week. The local story however that has had a lasting impact is of Temple Larue, a young gentle man, a North Philadelphia residents who works at The Merion golf course;  was solicited to  be the caddy for golfer Michael Kim at the U.S. Open. “The Caddy has knowledge of the course; he assists the golfer around the details of wind factors, club and shot selection, distance and textures.” “The caddy is sort of like an assistant or guide to the golfer.” Larue explains. Growing up Larue was a huge fan of baseball. His mother would take him to the games during the season and he would always stay after the game to get autographs of his favorite players. “There is a click of the same people that always hang around after the game to get autographs of players and that’s when I met a woman named Lisa Jinn who recommended me to work at the Merion Golf Club.” Larue has been working at The Merion Golf for 16 years. “It has been a great journey working at The Merion, you have to have discipline, be able to withstand the heat and carry heavy golf bags.” “It was an amazing experience to work with Michael Kim.” He was a great player, actually a stellar player and very easy to work with.”” We had a lot of fun on the course we were working but we were also cracking jokes.” Larue is a big fan of Tiger Woods. “Well Merion is tough and Tiger he wasn’t prepared, I think that a lot of players undermined The Merion and were just not able to gain harmony with the course.” Larue reflects. Larue is definitely a gentleman, he has an excellent work ethic, he also works as and has a passion D.J ing, and he is a bartender. He does enjoy playing golf for leisure and believes that working at The Merion Golf course is a good place for him to be, he is surrounded by successful entrepreneurs and businessman and being in that environment has place him on course.