Tar Heels from the early 1960s will enjoy an interesting sidelight to their teammate Jimmy Byrd (lettered 1965) in the May 16th issue of Golf World magazine. Jimmy's son, Jonathan, is a successful young pro on the PGA Tour, and Jonathan reflected with writer Tim Rosaforte about the last time his father saw him play golf before his death in the summer of 2009 to brain cancer. Byrd shot a 66 in the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte two years ago, and Jim was there to watch. "Sixty-six was my father's favorite number," Jonathan says. "I remember Greg Curry (of the tournament support staff) driving Dad around the course. He couldn't watch much. I'd play a hole, then see him sitting on a hill. That was a very emotional day." Byrd promised to always play in the Charlotte event as thanks for the support the staff and tournament showed to his dad that year. He obviously has good vibes there, finishing second to Lucas Glover earlier this month. |