David Edel
St Andrews Golf Art is privileged to offer these wonderful Limited Edition bronzes. Here is the story behind them:
“My Friendship with Roberto De Vicenzo” by David Edel
In the fall of 92 I met Roberto for the first time. It was through his good friend Raul Cavallini who offered to me this opportunity, which has become a relationship that I will treasure for all my life. At the time I knew his fame mostly from his mistake at the Masters in 68, but I also knew that he had won a lot of tournaments. Our first meeting was at a lunch in a quiet restaurant in downtown Buenos Aires. At the beginning I was extremely nervous being in the presence of someone so famed, but soon after he put me at ease with his warmth and kindness.
That first lunch was the beginning of my fascination with his career and the great stories he tells of his many travels and personal exploits. I think anyone who plays this great game hopes to develop a lasting relationship with great golfers. Many idolize Nicklaus or Palmer, but for me I knew that Roberto was the guy. He was so accessible and honest with his time that it would have been a shame not to take advantage of this wealth of knowledge. As a young golf professional I knew that I had found something special, and his involvement in my life gave me great confidence in my abilities.
For years Roberto’s friend Raul Cavallini and I talked about the potential for me to obtain one of Roberto’s many trophies. It was something that I wanted for my own reasons, but mostly to prove to others that I knew him well enough to have something so personal. I now realize that is something that all celebrities encounter, so it must be exhausting. Nevertheless, Raul called me 8 years ago and offered me what would be the beginning of his collection. On his 80th birthday he was given a watch by Omega which I thought would be the end not the beginning.
In the spring of 2009 Roberto called and offered me something in his collection. He had fallen on some hard financial difficulties, which occurred due to no fault of his own, but the market crash of 2008. At the time he asked what I would want, and I asked what was for sale and he said all of it. Rather than see his life’s work get divided up and for sure all the best stuff would go first, I offered to buy the whole of it.
Over the past 2 years I have made successive journeys to Argentina to bring back these treasures. On each trip I have been able to spend more time with Roberto where he reflects upon his life and experiences. As one can imagine these are special moments and though I hope he is sharp and around for years, I cannot take this for granted.
One moment that will last my whole life was when I was able to accompany him to the British Open in St Andrews in July 2010. I commissioned a foundry to mould Roberto’s hands on a 9/10ths replica of the Claret Jug. The R&A were aware of Roberto’s financial issues, and did not object to the piece, but on the other hand would not help in its promotion. With this hurdle aside, we displayed the piece with Roberto at the Rusacks Hotel with famed artist Joe Austen. All this was arranged by my great friend Alasdair Busby and he and his family took great care of Roberto during this special week.
It was extremely intense to see his eyes see the Old Course for the last time. To watch and listen to his reflections of the first time he came to St Andrews, the 60 and 64 Opens that he had a chance to win. The final reunions with golf’s great gladiators like Player, Palmer, and Jacklin. I was amazed at the adoration and respect people of all ages had for him. A special moment for a special man on golf‘s great canvas. Though he only held the Claret aloft once, he had many opportunities, from taking 3rd in his first attempt in 48, to the heartbreak in 60 at the Centennial won by Kel Nagle. This bronze commemorates his greatest victory, only to be over shadowed by the next year’s famous ruling.
Everyday I think what can I do for Roberto, how can I make his situation better. As Roberto says, “I am on the 18 hole of life”, and it is my hope that we can make it a birdie not a bogie.
David Edel
November 2011
