Marion Dantzler II was looking around. Just graduated from Georgia Southern in Statesboro, he wasn't positive about what he wanted to do, but certain that it had to include time for golf. Then a call came from Jodie Mudd, a former college friend, in Louisville.
"Hey man, I'm playing in the PGA in Palm Springs next week. Would you like to fly out and caddy for me? It might help you decide whether you want to get into big golf or not."
"Would I!"
Three days later, he boarded a Peoples Express Airline and headed west. But a hitch came up. The company had folded -- this was its last week. By the time he landed in Los Angeles, his clubs and suitcase full of knitted shirts and fairway slacks had disappeared.
Jodie's first words were "Welcome to life on the tour." Then he drove him to a sports clothing store.
As the Bob Hope Classic progressed, Marion savored everything: the luxurious Palm Springs landscape, the dozens of golf celebrities and the endless thrill of standing close to watch them compete. The two men stayed as guests at the home of some of Jodie's good friends.
He remained out there for six weeks assisting Jodie in competitions: the Bob Hope Classic, the Bing Crosby Invitational, the Phoenix Open and the Hawaiian Open.
"By the time I arrived home, I had pretty well decided to go professional," he says.
"My first taste of golf had come back in grammar school days at Willington Academy when a good friend, young Richard Osborne, lured me out to the Orangeburg Country Club course. After entering Willington High, I began regular play, far from an expert but improving. During summers, I competed in all kinds of tournaments in North and South Carolina. No pay, but plenty of practice and some successes including the Carolinas State Amateur in 1984, one of the biggest thrills of my life.
"During Georgia Southern years I, as a member of its team, kept at it, but still not totally convinced to make golf my life. In post-college days, I played in more small tournaments for a year, then went out for my visit with Jodie and the next year, 1992, signed on as a member of the National Golf Association Hooters Tour. Its headquarters are in Myrtle Beach.
"Now I've played professionally nearly 20 years. Our matches run from February through September, from Florida to Oklahoma. Around 400 qualified players are 'members'; 168 play in every tournament, one nearly every week. Most of us make at least 15 of the 20 seasonal events. To clear our minds of the mental strain, we don't try to make all, but take a few days off after two or three to go home or visit a friend. Then we are right back in the game."
Marion has one first place trophy from 1993 when he beat Gary Nicklaus, son of Jack, in a West Palm Beach Hooters game. Jack himself caddied for his son that day, the only time he ever has.
Ten second places are also among his awards, plus numerous others. The prize money is good, $34,000 for a first, $20,000 for a second and $9,000 for a third. Each of the 60 out of the 169 who make cut after two days play get $800.
"Second to winning is the hospitable people and pleasures of the courses we visit," he says. "In at least two out of every three events, we get invited to spend the week with local golf enthusiasts. Not only do we enjoy top-notch hospitality, but think of the money we save.
"Pros answer to a lot of demands everyday golfers might not like. On non-play days, I'm out on a course trying to improve my overall game. I think I'm a far better player now than when I started. My scores are better, I feel more at ease with the mechanics of the game. For me, at my level, putting is what it all comes down to. I persist in sharpening it all the time, also skill at 'reading the greens,' their slopes and undulations.
"Nearly every day, I have a gym or outdoor workout, running, push ups, cardio-vascular exercises. I stand 5 feet 8 and 155 pounds and sweat to keep it that way."
Still unmarried, Marion decided years ago that he could not meet the demands of a family man and be away at his career pursuits half the time. Fortunately, his friendliness has given him a network of good buddies from sea to sea whom he visits often.
"A few years back, while at the home of a couple in Natchez, Miss., my host took me downstairs to his memorabilia room which was crammed with sports photos and autographed footballs, baseballs, golf balls, etc. In one corner sat a pair of Rockport tennis shoes.
"'There is an interesting story in these,' my host said. 'They were worn by Jack Nicklaus when he caddied for his son at Bear Lakes Course in West Palm Beach. He gave them to the tour officials to auction.'
"I laughed hard, 'I'll tell you the rest of the story. I was the guy who beat Gary in the playoff.'"
This past season, '08, brought Marion two top ten place wins while touring, including a fourth and a seventh. He says: "After 22 years, I love it just as much as ever. I hope to keep on trucking for a long time."
Retired editor and public relations executive Thomas Langford's column is titled "Some Edisto Stories." Let him know if you have stories to share: 803-534-2097.