The Man That Inspired It All
Pa’s Golf Company was founded in 2021 in memory of my grandfather, Jimmy “Pa” Adams. Pa was lovingly referred to by my family as the “Big Fibber”, as he loved to stretch the truth to us grandkids with wild stories that fueled our imaginations. We believed every word no matter how crazy the story, and sometimes wished they would come true.
Pa was a larger-than-life figure to all of us. Each summer our family would gather in Dixon, IL to spend some time with the best grandparents in the world. From the moment we arrived, it was nonstop fun with Pa leading the way. We would ride bikes, go swimming, and hike the trail near their house. All of which are some of my fondest childhood memories, but nothing quite sticks out as much as when we played golf.
Pa introduced the game of golf to all of us at a young age, and I was hooked. I still remember going to the driving range with the only club I had at the time, a 7-iron that was probably taller than I was. I would hit balls while I watched Pa stripe em’. He had game, style, charisma, and a glitzy set of Pings with wooden woods that I thought were the coolest things ever. I wanted to be just like him.
One summer Pa entered all of us into a local long-drive contest. I won my division easily and my sister and cousin also won their respective divisions. This is a day I will never forget as I remember how proud Pa was of all of us.
Each time we visited, my golf game had improved from the year before. Sadly, however, Pa’s health was declining quickly. We no longer could play golf together, so I would just hope for him to ride in the cart to watch the round. Eventually, this was also not possible. Still, Pa was the best supporter you could ask for. We would go over each shot when I got back from the course, and he would offer me all the advice he could. He followed all of my athletic and academic progress back home from afar, and always made sure to provide encouragement when I needed it.
Pa passed away in the summer of 2014. It was a devastating day for everyone in my family when we lost him. For me specifically, I was crushed. This was happening far too soon. So much was taken away. A piece of me was gone forever.
From the moment Pa was gone, my driving motivation in life has been to make him proud. I know he is still with me, still my biggest supporter, still there for me when I need him. I have always wanted to honor his legacy in some fashion. So, Pa’s Golf Company was created to do just that.
