The story goes that the old man was a third generation golf ball maker who, after showing much more aptitude for finding the balls than making them, was encouraged by his father to do just that. So starting as a young boy he would journey out each day to the local courses, returning each night with his numerous finds. His father showed him how to clean the balls and then set up times with the clubs so his son could reunite them with their previous playing partners. For in the early days of golf the golf balls were cherished possessions and always well marked. Being that they were also very expensive, the grateful recipients would give the boy a reward for finding them. These gifts would enable him to travel the world, finding his friends and discovering many of golf's most intriguing secrets along the way.

As the years passed, this uncomplicated traveler became known simply as THE BALL FINDER, and was a cherished part of each golfing community he visited. For those golf balls not reunited with their partners, THE BALL FINDER set up an adoption policy to find them new homes. After some pointed questions he would give the adoptee a serious yet somewhat humorous adoption certificate to fill out. If they would agree never to abuse or lose this new friend, THE BALL FINDER promised the ADOPT-A-BALL (his name for them) would bring them much luck and happiness. For as he would say throughout his life, "To be kind to those who are less fortunate is to invite good luck into your life."

And so it went until one morning when the old man was found sitting up against a tree, with his golf bag lying across his lap, full with his last night's treasures overflowing and seemingly embracing this remarkable man. The townspeople sadly realized THE BALL FINDER had moved on to yet another course. They buried him with the only possessions they knew he would ever need or want: an old leather hand-sewn golf ball his father had made for him as a boy (his own good luck charm), a hand-carved tee, a small amount of sand from his native land, the original adoption certificate and a green flannel pouch that acted as home for these mystic travelers. And, of course, his trusty golf bag so he could continue to pick up lost souls along the way. A small headstone reads simply, "THE BALL FINDER" across the top, and underneath "ADOPT A FRIEND...HAVE A BALL!!!"

If you are true at heart, listen and watch carefully on those certain moonlit nights, you too can see THE BALL FINDER searching his favorite courses for his beloved lost treasures.

-THE BALL FINDER'S APPRENTICE