As you approach the first tee, with the morning sun rising above the first green at Wakefield Plantation, it already seems like a good day for golf. But with 87-year-old veteran starter Robert “Bob” Bidwell waiting to welcome you at his designated cart area, your day just got even better.

Sitting up straight with his clipboard in one hand and maybe a cigar in the other, the former paratrooper always relaxes you before your upcoming round with a quick joke or funny story. From a life lesson to a recurring line of how he still shoots his own age in a round of golf, Bob always knows the right thing to say to make you feel comfortable no matter who you are.

If you are a lady, he may give you a soft hug with a compliment. If you are a junior golfer, he will make sure you shake the starter’s hand with a firm grip. If you are a senior, he will make you think, “When I grow up, I want to be like Bob Bidwell.”

Honoring Bob

With a membership that loves him dearly, it would be hard to imagine Wakefield without him. So on July 24th this past year, more than 100 Wakefield Plantation members came together to throw a party and present a plaque for their friend Bob. Reading, “In Honor of Robert (Bob) C. Bidwell, Head Starter at Wakefield Plantation since June 27th, 2000, Veteran, Teacher, Coach, Father, Grandfather, Mentor and Friend,” everyone would agree, that says it all about him. In addition to the large crowd of members attending, there were more than twice that number of current and former members who contributed to the plaque and special honorarium given to Bob.

After seeing it in person and hearing how the plaque would be set on No. 1 at the party, Bob quickly announced, “That’s where my ashes are going.” With laughter already in the air, Bob humbly thanked everyone for everything and mentioned how “this is unbelievable.” He even explained, “As I have told my daughter before, I do want my ashes out on No. 1 … but for goodness sakes don’t put them in the bunker!” The celebration would continue with jokes throughout the evening, setting the tone of how special this man’s presence is to their club.

Now as you approach the first tee, you will not only see Bob himself but also his special plaque permanently mounted in stone, recognizing his unique contributions to making Wakefield Plantation such a wonderful place to enjoy golf.