Page 9 - 2020 Golf Guide

Merrill Reese in his element.
hour. I did the pre-game television show for the Philadelphia Freedom and the Billy Jean King years, I’d get to go down and hit
with the pro players. But after all those years playing hard singles, I tore the meniscus in my left knee, then the right one. My doctor said, “Enough of the diving and the hard singles, or your going to need a knee replacement. Look for a more social game.”
By then, I was at WIP and doing the Eagles, and would play in the occasional golf scramble or charity event, and I
wasn’t very good, but I remember thinking maybe I should play more golf given the doctors advice.
Was there moment that hooked you?
I remember having the conversation with my wife about maybe playing more golf.
I suggested to her that new golf clubs
would make a great birthday gift. So I wouldn’t embarrass myself, I decided to
take some lessons. After the first few lessons, I was hooked. I found out I had a little bit of skill, and I loved being out on the
golf course.
What’s the best part of your golf game?
I have a pretty good short game. I’m good around the green and good out of the sand— not ready for the Champions Tour by any means. My driving accuracy isn’t bad. Of course, I don’t hit it that far anymore.
What are your current handicap—and the lowest you’ve been?
Lowest probably 10-11, and I’m now playing around a 14.
Who’s the best golfer of any Eagle player or coach you’ve played with?
Mike Quick, for sure—and Doug Pedersen.
I haven’t played with him, but we talk golf a lot. Doug is a wonderful player. He can hit it
a long way.
Has any feeling in golf ever come close
to the Eagles’ first Super Bowl win?
Well, I have had a hole-in-one. But nothing will ever come close to Feb. 4, 2018. It just meant so much to me—not only to the fan that lives within me, but what it meant to the entire region. It meant so much. Nothing in my life—outside of my family joys, of course—meant that much to me.
And your ideal foursome?
I’d want to play with (football broadcasters) Jim Nance (CBS), Joe Buck (FOX) and Al Michaels (NBC). Jim lives in Pebble Beach, Calif., and when they come in to cover games, I get to spend time with them. They’ve all been very kind to me during my career.
—Jim Finnegan
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