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.
