Father Made A Man, Golfer Out Of Penley

June 17, 2003

DALLAS – Thirty years ago, Larry “Bud” Penley brought home two sets of golf clubs – one for himself and one for his 12-year-old son.

Those two sets of clubs were the beginning of a father-son journey that culminated two weeks ago in Stillwater, Okla., when the son, Clemson University golf coach Larry Penley, led the Tigers to their first NCAA golf championship.

For the younger Penley, the championship was yet another addition to a remarkable 20-year coaching career during which he has led the Tigers to the NCAA tournament every season.

But it all started with a father and a son wanting to do something together.

“My dad (Ernest Penley) played, but I was always too busy,” said Bud Penley, who turned 67 last week. “I played basketball and fast-pitch softball, but I’d never taken up golf. We got the clubs and a copy of Tommy Armour’s ‘How to Play Your Best Golf’ and started playing. We played at Gallagher Trails (now Briarcreek) in Dallas.”

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