About a year ago, the Surge and his son, DJ Trahan, sat on Don's front porch, between video shoots, talking about the 'good old days,' when DJ was just a kid. The stories were too good to pass up. Don pulled out a camcorder to record father and son memories.
DJ was all of nine years old, playing in junior golf tournaments, and winning them. One of the overall great lessons about relationships between parents and children who show athletic promise was always there for Don and DJ. While DJ was a good junior golfer, the Surge never pressured him. Don did make it possible for DJ to play, but it was always up to DJ how far he wanted to take it.
This is a classic story and a prime example of how father and son interacted, and a lesson for all golfers: Practice the way you are going to play. DJ was playing in a junior golf tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links, at the time his 'home course.' The Surge was then Director of Golf Instruction at Sea Pines.
At nine, DJ was already very competitive and, as often happens, the spirit of competition was accompanied by a real temper. Even when he was playing with his friends, if he missed a short or putt, he had the habit of taking it out on the ball.
On the #3 green at Harbour Town, young DJ missed a five foot putt. Angry with himself, he went over and picked the ball up, spun around and was about to throw it. Who should come into view as he aimed? His Dad. The world, DJ's world, stood still. He was stunned by what he had done.
His father simply walked over and said, 'Place the ball down on the green and add two.' It was a lesson DJ never forgot, and a story that will forever bring smiles to father and son.
Paul deVere