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Robert Heaver
Larry Hageman's Birthday Journey :
What a journey — and by “journey,” I mean the kind of adventure where three grown men pretend they’re still 25, only to be reminded by their knees, backs, and golf swings that they are absolutely not.
It all began with celebrating Larry Hageman’s birthday in Charleston, SC, where we kicked things off with a rickshaw ride. Nothing says “we’re still young” like making a college kid pedal two full sized adults through humid southern air. After that heroic feat (for him, not us), we enjoyed a great steak dinner and later met up with Marc Camens to savor the warm southern breeze and the unmistakable scent of Confederate jasmine drifting through the hotel gardens — nature’s way of saying, “Relax, gentlemen, you’ve earned it.”
The next morning, we strolled through Charleston south of Broad, along the Battery overlooking Fort Sumter. On the way back, we got lost — not “slightly off course,” but fully, confidently misdirected. Fortunately, Charleston’s architectural beauty softened the blow to our pride, and we eventually found our hotel without needing to call 911 or a Boy Scout troop.
Then came Kiawah Island, where golf dreams go to live or die. Mark, a lifelong golfer, looked like he belonged on a magazine cover. Larry held his own with skill and dignity. I, on the other hand, contributed enthusiasm, comic relief, and a generous supply of lost golf balls. Still, we had a fantastic time on Cougar Point.
After golf, we visited the Camens’ home — a world renowned architectural masterpiece created by Marc and his lovely wife. We sat down to a culinary feast and shared life stories, challenges, and the kind of wisdom that only comes from living long enough to know better.
The following days included dining at the Sanctuary Club and Marc and Larry playing the legendary Ocean Course, one of the top three courses in the nation. I watched them head out like two warriors marching into battle, while I stayed behind to protect the clubhouse from any threats — and then headed home to Moss Creek to get ready for the next chapter of our adventure.
Next, the “two amigos” reunited in Hilton Head, SC, for a backyard BBQ and golf to follow at the private Moss Creek Plantation — home to Trish, my wife, and me —and a boat trip captained by yours truly. Larry and I navigated the Calibogue Sound like seasoned sailors… if seasoned sailors occasionally question about which way home port is. We cruised past pods of dolphins on our way to Harbor Town, home of the Heritage golf tournament.
We wrapped up the day with dinner at the Quarterdeck, overlooking the eighteenth green, reflecting on golf, friendship, and the miracle that none of us had pulled a muscle. Later after dinner drinks on the deck of our home overlooking number five south ,of signature hole on the Moss Creek coarse “Devils Elbow” to be grappelled in the morning.
Moss Creek's “ Devil” offered a challenge to us ,Marc unable to play but Larry and I step forward. A great time having the golf ball chased by fox quarrels and the gators in the tide ponds waiting for there dinner to arrive because of a lost ball and foolish patron. A quick stop- in to the club house for an IPA then off to a shower and dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant. Larry then is off for more adventure to Saint Peters berg to visit additional friends on his 76 birthday journey.
And through it all, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. A meaningful career, a loving family, a remarkable partner, and a handful of gifted, successful, talented friends — all of it has made this adventure, and this life, nothing short of Outstanding!
Happy Birthday My Friend
Bob Heaver
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