| Ralph Cissne ...Thank You |
A Farewell Tribute to My Woodley Lakes Brothers
“Now on the tee, from the Country Club of Van Nuys…Ralph Cissne.”
Craig Kessler enjoyed making that pronouncement each time I played in a PLGA event. We’d enjoy a measured laugh about his inside joke, but he knew I was honored to represent the Woodley Lakes Men’s Golf Club.Over the last twenty years our Woodley golf brotherhood has been my extended West Coast family – a competitive cast of colorful characters and amusingly dysfunctional – much like my family in Oklahoma. That’s why it is a challenge for me to say farewell.
This photograph, taken in 1995 on the Woodley eighth tee, held a featured position on my mother’s wall of fame. She was a player and introduced me to golf when I was a teenager, knowing the many lessons the game would provide. My collective Woodley experience has been life affirming. I’ve become a better player and a better person, although I wasn’t all that bad before.There are too many names to mention and friends to acknowledge and I don’t want to omit anyone. I do want to thank Bobby Hinds and Brady Riggs for helping advance my game. The rest, I am confident, know who you are.
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While our skins games, tournaments and trips were great times, I have fond memories of practicing alone with my thoughts at Woodley, taking pause to reflect as the setting sun illuminated the towering palms or when the harvest moon rose in the east.
Others have questioned why I love Woodley and I have always replied, “It’s not the place, but the people who matter most.” Many of us have faced adversity and illness and some have moved on to the next vibration. The funerals this last year made me reassess my priorities so I’m moving back to Oklahoma to be close to my family, my son, granddaughter and the Sooners. I trust the lessons golf teaches will continue to resonate in your life as they do in mine. One of the great lessons is humility and I have choked on my quota of humble pie preparing for those moments of sweet transcendence when anything is possible and victory is within your grasp. Know that I value your friendship and will never forget the many moments we have shared throughout the years.Think of me when the shadows grow long over Woodley Lakes and the geese take flight, but be prepared to duck. It has been an honor and a privilege,
Ralph Cissne
September 21, 2011
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