A Round With Bobby Bowden in Orlando

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My Golf Round with Bobby Bowden — Legend (and Caddie)

David Rider and Bobby Bowden

David Rider, Chief Strategy Officer, Caddy Time with legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden

I have been an FSU fan my entire life. From elementary school, I knew I wanted to attend Florida State University. Over time, I realized that Bobby Bowden was more than just a football coach; he was an icon. I eventually attended FSU during its 16—year streak as a top 5 team in college football. I even worked for a Tallahassee TV station post-college, which included weekly interviews with Coach Bowden. His legend grew not just for me but for the entire sports world.

Years after college, near the end of Bobby's coaching career, I had the serendipitous fortune of being paired with him for a charity golf tournament in Orlando, Florida. It was a dream come true—18 holes of golf and conversation with the legend himself. Bobby's grace under pressure, his "aw—shucks" attitude, and his compassionate leadership were qualities I admired and strived to emulate.

Upon arriving at the course, Bobby and I exchanged pleasantries and headed to the first hole. I was eager to ask him numerous FSU football questions but decided to wait for the right moment. Bobby initiated the conversation, showing genuine interest in who I was. I shared my story, and he offered insightful advice that I cherish to this day.

On the fifth hole, I seized the opportunity to ask, "Bobby, which of your teams has impressed you personally the most?" He responded, "Six iron?"—he hadn't heard me. I replied, "Seven iron," but he insisted, "No David, there's wind," and handed me the six iron, saying, “use this, I have a good feeling." Trusting his judgment, I took the shot. The ball hit the green eight feet in front of the cup, rolled briskly toward the flagstick, and miraculously disappeared into the hole. Bobby Bowden had just caddied my one and only hole-in-one, which remains my only one to this day.

We never did circle back to talk much about college football that day. Instead, Bobby and I talked about life and my hole-in-one. It was a pretty good day!

— David Rider, Chief Strategy Officer, Caddy Time

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