A Gift from Grandma

This past week, my family took a vacation to Table Rock Lake just outside of Branson, Missouri. It’s an amazing spot to visit, with its expansive, winding lake footprint with endless coves nestled in the beautiful green hills of the Ozark Mountains. The purpose of this family destination location trip (different from our typical gathering at someone’s house) was the upcoming 50^th wedding anniversary of my parents. Gathered at the lake house were my parents, their 3 kids and spouses, and their 14 grandchildren. The week was highlighted by boating, golfing, swimming, board games, card tricks, delicious food…and the joy of family being together.

My dad, who is known for impromptu announcements, speeches, and stories, announced during one of the dinners that it was my Grandma Dolly’s birthday. She was born in 1919, and if she were still alive, she would have been 106 on that day. Then he asked if any of us wanted to share a favorite story about her. It was a wonderful way to honor her memory and keep our gathering centered on the gift of family. As we shared stories, I couldn’t help but think about a gift I got from her that I wrote about a couple of years ago…

“A Gift from Grandma”

Hey Jones!

I've been golfing since I was 10 years old.

In 1992, a couple of years into playing golf, my Grandma Dolly noticed my interest and dedication to the sport. She wanted to encourage me to continue playing, so she bought me a summer pass to our town’s public courses and a Jones Sports Company golf bag…the original stand-up Jones golf bag, to be precise.

I highlight “stand-up” because this was so long ago that my friends laughed at me the first time I showed up at the course with it. They poked fun at my stand, because it was so differnt from what they knew. In those days, we were still dropping bags on the ground or using pull carts. However, it wasn't long before they all had stands too. I'm not exactly a trendsetter, but in my junior golf circle, I may have been. Thanks, Grandma!

Now, you may be thinking, “That's cute, but why are you sharing this?” Which makes sense, because I’m sure first-time product stories are a dime a dozen.

But, here is what makes the story a bit more unique...

I'm still using that bag.

Over 30 years later.

Same bag.

Nearly every time I pull that bag out of the car before a round of golf...I think of four things:

• I think about getting made fun of for being an early adopter of the stand-up bag...and it makes me laugh.

• I think about all the places the bag has accompanied me over the years...and it makes me grateful.

• I think about how many 30-year-old Jones bags might be out there still making the rounds...and it makes me proud.

• And I think of the love and support my Grandma Dolly had for me and all of her grandkids...and it makes me smile.

As a father of five, the story of this bag helps me teach my kids a few life lessons, too. To be themselves. To be comfortable getting laughed at. To use the talents they’ve been given. To be humble. To appreciate thoughtful gifts. To value quality over quantity. To cherish relationships and life experiences. To love their family. And to always be thankful.

Thanks, Jones, for a golf bag that has stood the test of time, and has inspired timeless life lessons.

Thanks, Jones, for standing close by my side, keeping me closer to the kindness of my Grandma, all of these years.

Thanks, Jones, for helping create countless memories for me as a kid, and now, many years later, helping me create new memories with my kids.

And thanks, Grandma Dolly! Your gift was special then, and it’s even more special now as I think about how your gift keeps on giving…

God be praised, for the joy in my heart…and the faded teal and purple golf bag in my trunk,

AP

p.s.

I sent a similar version of that story directly to Jones Sports in 2023. I loved their response.

Hi AP,

Thanks for reaching out! We appreciate the kind words and memories your Jones bag has brought you over the years. Customers like yourself are why we are still around today.

Have a great week and #Enjoythewalk,

Team Jones

Sometimes you find a company, and sometimes it finds you. Either way, with the good ones, brand loyalty runs deep…like family.

Thanks to Grandma Dolly, a Jones bag has been my caddy for over 30 years. Someday, when I gift a Jones bag to a grandkid, I’m certain they too will find a caddy capable of standing with them for another 30 years…

Cheers! #Enjoythewalk, y’all!