Making a Dream Come True

February 12, 2015

By: Julia Pine

Drayton “Matt” Rowe grew up just two miles from San Diego Country Club. Despite having a father in the military and traveling for much of his young life, Rowe primarily called Chula Vista home and drove past the gates of the exclusive club hundreds of times. A lover of golf, Rowe often wondered what it looked like on the other side of those fences, on a course that has existed for more than 100 years and hosted multiple PGA TOUR events as well as a U.S. Women’s Open.

In January, Rowe got his chance. In a round that he says was “one of the best days” of his life, he played 18 holes at one of the most historic and treasured courses in the Southland. Yet golf is bittersweet for Rowe these days, as the 64 year old doesn’t know how many rounds he has left.

“For the past four Christmases, the doctors have been telling me it will be my last holiday season. I’m still here, though, and I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and enjoying life as best I can,” said Rowe.

The positive outlook on having a terminal illness embodies Rowe’s character. As soon as you meet Rowe you are struck by his kindness, warmth and gratitude, traits that can be hard to maintain through a serious illness like the one he’s had for years. After a multitude of surgeries and stints of chemo, and due to the proximity of a tumor to his face and mouth, the operations have left him without a tongue, making it difficult to eat or talk.

“That’s why I call myself Matt these days,” said Rowe. “Certain letters like ‘D,’ are really hard for me to pronounce.”

Rowe played his round at San Diego CC with SCGA member Al Schumacher, who was randomly paired with Rowe for a round of golf in the fall.

Rowe, pictured with Schumacher, pose during their round at San Diego CC.

As Schumacher heard more about Rowe's incredible story, and learned about his desire to play San Diego CC, he called the SCGA right away to see if there was anything the organization could do.

“I’m quite involved with the SCGA, and have played in a lot of Member Outings, including one at San Diego CC, so I knew if there was any way to help [Matt] play the round of his life it would be with the help of the SCGA,” said Schumacher. “I told Matt the day I met him that my wife and I would do whatever we could to help him. Today, I’m glad to call him a friend.”

The SCGA was able to give Rowe the gift f golf with the help and generosity of San Diego CC and Head Professional John Osborne, who set up the day of golf for Rowe and Schumacher.

“Whatever you need from us today, just ask,” Osborne said to Rowe upon arrival.

Rowe, who followed his father’s footsteps and joined the military himself, was introduced onsite to fellow veterans who were members of San Diego CC. One even invited him back for a future round.

“A few years ago I put together a bucket list,” said Rowe. “One of the items on the list was to ride a horse. A few months ago I did, and ended up falling off and dislocating my shoulder. Let’s just say that today’s round went a lot better. My bucket list is now complete!”