One of the lessons I have I learned from a friend who teaches Improv is the importance of "Yes, and..." This rule-of-thumb in improvisational comedy suggests that a participant should accept what another has stated ("yes") and then expand on that line of thinking ("and"). "Yes, and..." asks a person to be open, to work with what you have been given and to add your own input, ideas and flair. And, it's a response I gave to a friend in February 2020; I'm so glad I did.
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| Jimmy always has good playing partners. |
I have attended the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am many times in my life. In fact, I treasure so many of the memories I have made at this golf tournament characterized by great weather, horrific weather...quite often—both, against a magnificent setting!
In 2019, my friend Don organized a fun group of friends to watch and cheer for his classmate—one of the amateurs— the much beloved Jimmy Dunne. We had such a great time that we didn't feel an urgent need to return in 2020. The locals among us realized the 2020 crew was different. The weather was waning. We all said "next year, for sure."
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| This photo is classic Jimmy and friends |
After watching the Pro-Am all week and thinking back to 2019, Don called me late Friday/early Saturday and said "what do you think about going down on Sunday to watch Jimmy D?" Without hesitation, I said "yes, and I have been considering the same thing. Let's do it."
A number of regular fans stayed home that Sunday because the winds were expected to be mighty and strong. Others were still recovering from over eating/over drinking the Sunday prior, during Superbowl LIV. The Niner Faithful should have come to the Monterey Peninsula to lift their spirits after the close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. I am so, so, so glad we did.
The wind wasn't that bad. The golf was great. The sparser crowd meant that we had more time to walk and talk with Jimmy, and his caddie, Lenny. I hope they come back in 2021, even though we won't be able to. The tournament announced this past week they will not host spectators.
The 2020 Pebble Beach ProAm is the only professional sporting event I attended in this past year. The fact that this is newsworthy speaks to my privilege. Yes, I am a massive sports fan and I am blessed. But in naming number 2 on my 20 for 20, I realize: I am thankful for friendships that invite us to say "yes." I am grateful for the "and" I can offer. I aim to be a person who says "yes" and I hope you do.... too.
Photo Credits
Jimmy with Phil
Having Fun
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