There seemed to be more people than normal waving their hands in the air in the first round of the Genesis Open in California. This signifies applause in sign language for the deaf, and it was directed at Kevin Hall, who received a special invitation to compete in the US PGA Tour event via the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption, which gives a golfer representing a minority background a start at the Genesis Open each year.
Moments before he headed to the iconic first tee at Riviera Country Club, Hall walked to the edge of the cliff on the putting green overlooking the historic layout, and needed a moment to himself. As the Tour’s report of the event noted, “For the hearing-impaired golfer, the reality of his first start on the PGA Tour in almost 11 years was sinking in. His nerves ‘were all over the place’. And how could you blame him. While every player who gets to tee it up on the Tour has worked hard to be there, Hall has battled harder than most.
“Now 34 years old, Hall lost his hearing prior to his third birthday due to H-flu meningitis. While he carved out a successful college career at Ohio State University, his professional career has been predominantly on the mini-tours. He played twice on the big stage in 2005, three times in 2006, and did not have another opportunity until Thursday.”
The golfer himself later explained through his father, translating from sign language, “I stood over there and just looked over the course and could not believe I am here playing with the best players in the world. I had to take that moment. My nerves and emotions were all over the place. But I expected that. I have been out of tournament golf for a while so, while I had nerves, I was confident.”
Understandably, the reality check didn’t take long to come. After his tee shot went left, he scrambled for a decent par on the par-five first hole, while both playing partners, J.T. Poston and Kevin Dougherty, made eagle. Hall then went on to shoot an eight-over 79 in his opening round, but a wide grin barely left his face.
“Kevin was born happy,” said his mother Jackie. “To do what he does day in and day out and never allow his hearing loss to stop him or make him feel any less than anyone else just amazes me. Just to walk around a golf course good, bad or indifferent, he’s happy. As long as he’s doing the best he can do, that’s all his dad and I ask for.
“We are so thankful for this opportunity and to be tied to Mr. Sifford, who was a great man who paved so many roads for minority golfers, is just wonderful. To be affiliated with the Advocate Pro Tour who give minority golfers an opportunity to go out and play and hone their skills and stay in a competitive mode is just awesome.”
Playing partner Poston was one of many impressed by Hall's presence. “He’s definitely an inspiration. It's really cool to see somebody like that persevere and go out and chase his dream like everybody else.”
After his day finished, Hall was looking forward to the second round, hoping to learn from some of his mistakes. “I am a little disappointed but I hit some good shots today, and I have some good things to take away, and some good things to build on. It was a good experience and, while I am a little disappointed with my score, I know I’ll bounce back. I’m looking forward to it.”