David Feherty connects with the troops at AT&T
By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
July 4, 2009
CBS Sports golf analyst David Feherty will be talking about the AT&T National at Congressional just like he does every week with a great mix of humor and in-depth analysis. It is that dry, and sometimes wicked, sense of humor that is his trademark. But that same sense has also served him well this week, as he has crisscrossed Washington visiting troops at Walter Reed Medical Center and being a huge part of the pre-tournament activities.
Feherty told me spending time in Washington at Walter Reed is something he enjoys doing.
What is it that causes you to spend so much time with our troops?
Feherty » "These men and women give so much for our country that we own them a great deal. I have enjoyed my visits to Walter Reed. I tease the guys and gals; they enjoy the fact that I treat them without pity. I love to do bike rides and golf outings like we have done this week with guys who have lost their legs or arms. Some of these men and women are headed back Iraq or Afghanistan as soon as they have finished their rehabilitation. How can you not respect that?”
You got involved before Tiger’s tournament with the military?
Feherty » "I went to Iraq for the USO with a group of golfers and we were so well received. The troops loved talking golf and we were all so impressed by how they did their job of protecting our freedom without a complaint. I have come to Washington and seen the troops and I think that my sense of humor has been received well. We kid about golf, about life in general and talk about what they are going to do in the future. What Tiger has done here in this area is great but we need to make sure that no matter where we are we take care of the troops.”
Feherty has been a tireless advocate for helping the wounded soldiers and he is part at least six charities, including the Troops First Foundation. His bike-riding and golf events have been big fund raisers all over the country and this week here in Washington with Tiger's foundation.
There is no doubt that Feherty is an entertaining golf analyst with a quick wit, but the Irishmen deserves a great deal of credit on this 4th of July weekend for his work with our troops which he would agree is far more important than telling viewers how to sink a six foot putt.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
