To say Ken “Skip” Washington was a fixture out on these fairways would be an understatement. The STL Bourbon & Birdies just won’t feel the same without him.
“If you knew Ken “Skip” Washington” , you knew how much he loved this game and his cigars. Whether it was the thrill of a perfect drive, the frustration of a missed three-foot putt, or just the joy of riding in a cart with a good buddy, Skip treated every round as an opportunity for a good laugh and great company.
He never took a bad shot too seriously for very long. He embodied that classic golf philosophy: “In golf, you have to have a short memory” —though I’m sure some of us remember a certain funny quirk, slice left, hook right, missed two foot putt that we’ll never let him live down.”
But beyond his handicap, what we will really miss is the person behind the swing. The person who didn’t care what you thought of his physique, the person who didn’t care what his final score was, the person when it counted would find a way. He was the first to offer a congratulatory pat on the back / buying the first round at the clubhouse / helping you look for a lost ball. He taught us that the score on the card is far less important than the quality of the time spent with friends.
I’m sure many of his regular golf buddies are sitting out here today, looking around and wondering how on earth we’re going to get even without him on the course.
When he was called to Heaven’s Fairways, we’d like to think that Skip had finally found the perfect course. There are no hazards, the fairways are always plush, the putts always roll true, and—best of all—there are absolutely no green fees.
Thank you, Skip, for the laughter, the competition, the cigars and the wonderful memories. We will carry your spirit with us every time we step up to the first tee.
On behalf of our entire golfing community, thank you for your friendship. May you rest in peace, and may your drives forever be straight and long.
