Coon, Grandpa Make Good Pairing on Golf Course

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(May 8, 2022 8:00 AM) On his golf bag 11-year-old Bentley Coon has a leather tag that says be humble and treat others with respect.

The tag was given to Bentley by a competitor at the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship last month.

It is great advice reminding the youngster about how the game of golf can influence a person.

Just in case he forgets, his grandfather Rusty will remind him. 

The two have formed a bond on the golf course that is rarely found with members of two generations.

“My grandpa is my role model,” Coon said following his national championship win at the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship at Augusta National Golf Course in April. 

The 11-year-old, who attends school at Bean Elementary School in the Western School District, finished the competition with 24.5 points to edge Hagen Williams by ½ a point for the age 10-11 national championship.

Players earn points based on length of drives – which Coon won with a drive of 225 yard – two chips and two putts.

He needed to get his last putt within two feet, three inches to win on the 18th green at Augusta National. 

The duo started working together approximately three years ago when Rusty had hip replacement surgery to get back into the sport and Bentley took an increased interest in the sport.

“Bentley made it to the regional round of the Drive, Chip, and Putt, but didn’t have a good day,” Rusty said. “At that point, he decided to bear down and concentrate on golf.”

Rusty said Bentley learned how to swing using one like John Daly – a long swing that goes way over the top but gets back to square at the ball. 

“We just taught him to hit it hard and didn’t mess with his swing,” Rusty said. “He just times it up.”

Last fall it all paid off when Bentley was the regional qualifier at the DPC Championship at Oakland Hills. After winning, Bentley was taken into the esteemed country club for interviews.

“I told him to hesitate for a minute, and give them your answer,” Rusty said. “You want people to know you.

“Just be Bentley Coon.”

He did just that right after winning the national golf championship in April. The 11-yard-old delivered a great interview live on the Golf Channel.

Last week Bentley competed in the Jackson Spring Thaw at Cascades Golf Course. He shot a 79 and 78 to finish 25th against competition much older than the 11-year-old. 

“My dad mentioned it (the tournament) to me,” Bentley said. “He told me I would have to play from the white and blue tees.

“The first day I was nervous … but today I was more accurate.”

The duo of Bentley and Rusty are cool customers on the golf course. Grandpa reminds Bentley to make a good swing – not something like you need to hit it 250 yards or inside 10 feet. 

“My whole job is to decompress him … his game is already amazing,” Rusty said. “Not a lot of 11-year-olds can go from the tips (and shoot under 80).”

Rusty said Bentley reminds him of himself on the golf course.

“I didn’t always keep my cool on the golf course,” Rusty said. “I am just there to remind him to let the game come to him.”

Bentley will be playing on the R.W. Mercer Tour/Jackson Junior Golf, the Callaway Golf Tour, and attempt to qualify for the Notah Began III Junior Golf Tour in June this summer. 

He will also attempt to qualify for the DCP Championships.

In June, Bentley will receive the VIP treatment at the Meijer LPGA Tour event thanks to his national championship win.

Grandpa will keep him busy all summer playing golf, hoping he will learn some valuable lessons along the way.

“Don’t take anything for granted (in golf),” Rusty said. “Stay here (within himself) and let the game come to him.”

It appears to be working so far for the national champ and his partner on the bag.