Learning Golf with “Lee” Belgrade

The lively Belgrade clan lived across from us on George St. until we moved to Van Ave. in Woodstock, Ontario when i was young. I started golf early and re-connected with Steve at Craigowan GC as tykes. He was a year older so I tried to keep up. I was Jack to his Lee since he loved Trevino so his moniker stuck. We would go around the course all the time as juniors. He was better than I was but occasionally I won. Lee would sometimes quit after 3 holes if he wasn’t playing well or if I had the lead and started again on No. 1. I followed. On the practice putting green, I could win nickels to buy a Mars bar as I was a good putter with no nerves. When Lee saw he may lose a hole, he could make a divot in front of my putt on the practice green and yell “bunker” in his funny voice. I knocked it in anyways with a chuckle. What a player Lee was. He hit a high draw while I used the cut. I did well in junior golf tournaments in southwestern Ont. but Lee was on another level. He was the Tiger of his era and when he entered a junior tournament, his year of golfers played for second. One year he won 14 Tyson Tour events! I lost track of Lee until seeing him at his brother Mike’s funeral a few years ago. Mike was a fine player himself and I played with him many times. It was sad news. I re-introduced myself to Lee and he didn’t seem to remember me too much however I certainly have fond memories of how he elevated the quality of my game. Lee was a character. Thank you for contributing to a great golfing childhood. I miss those glorious days.