Author: Adam Frillman Updated: Thu 9/25/2008 11:52 am

Over one hundred of Missouri's finest senior amateur golfers teed it up at Old Warson Country Club in St. Louis on Tuesday.  While many enjoyed their first opportunity to play one of the state's finest venue's, one player in the field had a decisive home course advantage and used that advantage to tie for the first round lead.  Mike Smith is the Assistant Caddie Master and Caddie at Old Warson and has been involved at the club for nearly 20 years.  "I do not consider myself in the same class as many of the players in this field, but I will put my knowledge of this golf course against anyone," commented Smith after his opening round 73.  "I know these greens and my son, who caddied for me, is probably the second best green reader here, so I at least knew I would have an advantage on the greens."  Well Smith certainly used his knowledge of the greens well as he made just three bogeys, paired with one birdie to tie for the opening round lead with Scott Thomas and Dennis Osborne. 

In addition to his nearly 20 years walking the fairways of Old Warson, Smith has an extra special memory at Old Warson that ocurred well before his 20 year tenure began.  Smith served as a 14 year-old caddie for Jack Nicklaus at the 1971 Ryder Cup hosted at Old Warson.  "I carried his bag, kept his clubs clean and gave him yardage.  That was about it," said Smith of his looping experience with Nicklaus.  "I was told not to skip school at Bishop Dubourg, but of course I did it anyways.  I was prepared to transfer to Webster Groves to be at the Ryder Cup if necessary." 

While Smith does not hold an unwavering confidence that he belongs in the same field as some of the accomplished names in the field, he does hold a confidence in his ability to perform well on this golf course.  "I play here every Monday and I walk it the other six days of the week.  I know I can play well enough to win, it's just a matter of making it happen."