They were here again, the family and friends of Larry Nelson, to watch him play his last round in a major golf tournament.
Thirty years ago Nelson won the PGA Championship in his own backyard at the Atlanta Athletic Club. Admittedly, they were fewer in number this time.
“The ones who haven’t died,” the 63-year-old Nelson joked Friday after completing the second round of the 2011 version of the season’s final major.
Nelson, from Marietta, won three major championships in his career. The first came here. At the nudging of his sons, Nelson used his lifetime exception and returned from a five-year PGA Championship hiatus. It was a chance for one last walk down the memory lane where much of his success started.
“It’s sentimental if you can attach it to sweetness and joy rather than sadness,” said Nelson’s wife, Gayle, as she followed outside the ropes. “We have had such a fun ride. Yes, this will be his last [major tournament], but our boys, Drew and Josh, just wanted their dad to play so much.”
Drew caddied for his father Thursday, and Josh toted the bag Friday. Nelson finished 13 over par, and there was not nearly the fanfare on the 18th green when he just missed a birdie putt and tapped in for par.
“It’s fun to come out and, for him, try one more time against the young guys and test where he is one last time,” Josh said. “For me, as his son, it’s a treat just to be out here with him.”
Friends walked along Friday as well. Many stopped Gayle to reminisce about the old days when, as she put it, “we all had smoother skin.”
One of those who also enjoyed the final round was childhood friend Mike Donahoo. Nelson and Donahoo grew up in the same Acworth neighborhood and attended North Cobb High School. Donahoo was there Wednesday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center when the PGA presented Nelson with its Distinguished Service Award.
“It’s just a thrill to know someone you grew up with is so successful,” Donahoo said. “[The ceremony] was very emotional to me. And it’s a treat to be out here and watch him play.
“I’ve seen him play other tournaments, but this one here has a more special meaning to me.”
Nelson said he did little reminiscing as he walked the final 18 holes. Josh was 2 years old when he first won here. He wasn’t going to remember anything Nelson pointed out.
It all comes back to golf for the Nelson family, despite the emotion of the day.
Father lamented his final score.
“I hit the ball pretty good today and shot 5 over,” Nelson said. “I hit the ball not very good yesterday and shot 8 over. I didn’t make a birdie in two days. I don’t know if I’ve done that ever.
“I can’t remember playing a professional golf tournament and not making a birdie in two days.”
Son also knew there was a better number in his dad.
“It was a lot of fun,” Josh said. “I don’t think he played as well as he could have. I think he has enough game that he could have made the cut out here. It was definitely worth coming out here and giving it a shot.”
This was not a good walk spoiled.
“It definitely is a lot of fun to come back,” Gayle said. “[In 1981] we were just at the beginning of things. It was all new and so exciting. It’s so nice to come back to this special place. ... Larry decided he wanted to cherish the opportunity to walk these fairways again and just enjoy it.”
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