Permanent link All PostsFathers are here in force. They’re a big part of the WAPL. Many caddie for their daughters. Most were the driving force in getting their daughters started in the game. On this fresh, clear morning, the daughter blasts a tee shot. The father says, “Good ball.” He is no doubt tempted to also say, “honey,” but not this week. He doesn’t want to embarrass the daughter, doesn’t want to get that look and the, “Oh, Dad,” that goes with it. The fathers take the club, retrieve the divot, replace it, wipe the club, put it in the bag. They pace off yardages. Read putts. Jeff Rogner is carrying the bag for his daughter Katie, 21. They’re from Youngstown, Ohio. In Sunday’s practice round, Jeff strides toward the tee, golf bag over his shoulder, smiling, friendly. Did he introduce Katie to golf? “Sure did,” Jeff says. And what does he think of caddying for her in this national championship? “I love it!” he beams. Kevin and Hayley Hammond of Mooresville, N.C., are another father-daughter team this week. “I got her started in golf,” Kevin says, “she was about seven.” He’s looking at his yardage book, checking out the tenth hole while Hayley waits to tee off. “Yep, I’m her caddie, ‘till she fires me,” Kevin grins. “What does this mean to me? I enjoy the time with her on the golf course. We play a lot at home and it’s a bonding experience. We compete. Of course, it’s harder to compete with her now,” says Kevin. He has a nice 4.3 handicap. But Hayley’s is now 1.3. And so they make this timeless trek, fathers and daughters. Someday, they will look back on this as one of those great golden days that made life good.