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YOUNG'S GOLF GAME HAS GONE TO CHARITY By Patrick Kinahan Marriage and fatherhood have ruined many a golf game. Something about spending $50 - no betting allowed - and half a day on the course that doesn't fit in with romance and babies. It's a trade Steve Young gladly made. Instead of hitting long drives that split the fairway, Young has become like the rest of us on the course. Duffs and diapers are his world. "When I was single I was a very good golfer," he said. Someday, bachelors, you'll understand. Young interrupted family life Wednesday to be host to his charity golf tournament at the Promontory course, near Park City. A veritable "Who's Who" of Utah sports celebrities participated in the good cause. Johnny Miller, LaVell Edwards, Giff Nielsen, Marc Wilson, Alex Smith and I - just seeing if you're paying attention - were among the golfers in the Sorenson Companies-Steve Young Mountain Classic tournament. Proceeds went to fund the Forever Young Foundation charities in Utah. Founded in 1993, Young's charity provides educational, athletic and therapeutic opportunities for children facing significant physical, emotional and financial challenges. A billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jim Sorenson hooked up this year with Young's foundation, which also helps kids in Arizona and California. "We think this is a good place to lend our resources," Sorenson said. Except for notably Danny White, a star quarterback at Arizona State and Utah's new Arena Football League coach, the dinner was sort of a Brigham Young alumni night put on by the university's most famous ex-student. It's hard to say no to good-guy Young. "Our 'celebrities' are people who basically just want to come and support the group," Young said. "We do nothing more than send them an invitation to come and join us." While it was a glaring oversight not to invite a certain sportswriter to the golf tournament, at least they got it right for the dinner at Young's Park City house the night before. Hanging at Young's place didn't do much for the 50 adults who were forced to hear the story, but it was a great way to impress 13-year-old boys on a baseball team. The house - which has a pretty city view - is not a mansion, but it's worthy of a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback. The highlight, in the opinion of one immature observer, is a three-floor slide that winds beneath a spiral staircase. Yes, it was a fun ride. As usual, Edwards was a hit. The former BYU coach went for a ride up and down Young's driveway on a Segway, a motorized two-wheel scooter. His facial expression stole the show. Give him a crowd and a football team and he'll work both every time. |