Lilly Shakes Off The Rust With a Return To Golf Camp

 

When I took Lilly to the Texas Tech Women’s Golf Camp last year, she told me she wanted to return in 2026.  Unfortunately, in the Fall of last year, she began to have trouble with back pain, and, in December 2025, she had major back surgery and had two rods inserted in her back to correct a curved spine.  By the time she was cleared to begin swinging a golf club, the Texas Tech 2026 golf camp was closed, but we were able to land her a spot at the institution I affectionatley call “The Evil Empire” —  The University of Texas at Austin.  Her parents dropped her off at our home on the lake on Friday, May 29, 2026.  I took her to the Bandit on Saturday to hit practice balls and work on her short game.  Sunday afternoon, we drove up to Luling so she could get some on-course practice in the day before the beginning of camp.  I dropped her off at camp a little after noon on Monday, June 1, 2026.  She and the other campers stayed at a dorm on campus in downtown Austin and traveled to the UT Golf Club each day for camp activities.   When her roommate, Sloan, checked in, we discovered that she was the granddaughter of one of my old friends from Orange, Texas, named Gene Hutchison.  Although we went to different high schools, Gene and I practiced together many times at his family’s driving range on Jack’s Island Road north of Orange, Texas.  In 1968, Gene and I both qualified for the state junior golf championships in San Antonio, so we went early and stayed with his family’s friend, Chuck Klein, who owned and operated the driving range and par 3 course located on San Pedro Ave. in San Antonio.  I was saddened to hear that Gene passed away some time back, but enjoyed remembering the fun times we had together due to our mutual love of golf.  

The Golf Camp lasted four days and finished with a little scramble tournament and a luncheon with an awards ceremony at the UT Golf Club.  I arrived early so I could watch Lilly and her team play the back nine at the UT Golf Club.  Lilly was definitely the star of the putting department, as she made several very nice putts for her team.  Way to go Lilly!

Meanwhile, After Golf Camp…

Lilly stayed an extra week at the lake after golf camp.  On Monday, June 8, 2026, she played in an STPGA Junior Links tournament at Windcrest Country Club.  I was able to pass the online caddy test so I, for better or worse, was her caddy at the tournament —  it was great fun!  J.D.’s Nana brought him out to watch her play, and he solidified his status as her #1 fan.   

In addition to the STPGA event she played in, Lilly kept busy the rest of the extra week she spent with us at the lake.  She practiced her golf (at the Bandit, at Starcke Park in Seguin, and at Fair Oaks Ranch Country Club),  took a couple of boat rides in our new pontoon boat, and hung out with her cousin, Little J.D.  We actually spent two nights at J.D.’s house in Fair Oaks Ranch, and he kept us very busy —  Lilly and I took him to play basketball, putt-putt golf at PopStroke, and arcade games at Andretti’s.  One evening, Liz and J.D. also took her down to Fair Oaks CC to hit some balls.  J.D. was so excited to have Lilly spend a couple of nights at his house.  She was very patient, loving, and kind with him.  His mom told me that, one evening, he told her “I wish Lilly could be my sister!”.   Thank you Lilly for being such a great example for little J.D. and sharing your love with him!

Epilogue…

I am grateful that Lilly was able to spend time with us at the lake and attend the UT Women’s Golf Camp.  It was amazing to see her back hitting golf balls so soon after major back surgery.  I know that she was frustrated by the state of her golf game after the long lay off, but am confident her fierce determination to get better will result in positive results.  After golf camp, I was surprised when she replied “UT” in response to my question of where she wanted to go next year.  I guess we shall see!

I appreciate Lilly for many things —  she was so sweet to Little J.D. and was always willing to help him and play with him.  She is such a good example for him, and I am grateful that J.D. got to experience her kind and loving nature.  She also gives me hope for our younger generations —  about a week after she returned home, we received the letter below.  We love you Lilly!