Laudanum, wow! Already triggered a memory burst just thinking of it.
Pine Valley had a great group of "locals" when I worked there. These members either lived on the grounds or close by and would play together a lot. They were typically influential in club politics and had a great affinity for the "Valley". Whether it was Warner Shelley, Ernie Ransome, Joe Holman or John Ott it was always a fun loop when you were in their presence. Lots of club history could be learned just listening in to the conversations, as a good caddie is allowed entry into the group think!
Doc Dyson, Laudie by name was another super local. He owned the house directly right of the second fairway where an occasional wayward drive would end. He and John Ott, who owned the house left of nine fairway were great pranksters. You would never know it at first blush but these two were so funny!
"Doc" Dyson was one of the early pioneers in lithium carbonate therapy for schizophrenia, or so legend has it. One of our caddies "Broadway Joe" was a brilliant guy but subject to mood swings that seemed to go on for months at a time. He was a superb caddie with a wry humor and technically very proficient at his craft. I enjoyed working with him despite his occasional jags.
One day Mr Ott decided to have some fun and brought me in as an accomplice. Broadway and I were looping for the "locals" that morning and Doc Dyson was in on the fun. We teed off and on the second hole either Joe Holman or Cy Eastlack hit it way right close to the "Docs" home. I went over and pretended to have lost the ball and started motioning for Joe to help. He gave me a come on Archie look and sauntered across the fairway to join the search. As he arrived on the scene John Ott yelled "grab him Archie ". I put Broadway in a hammerlock and when Laudie "DOC" Dyson came out of his house in full scrubs with a huge needle Joe screamed in terror.
Of course I had learned of Docs vitae from Broadway.
He finally broke loose from me and ran away! He got about fifty yards away and then tuned to see all of us laughing hysterically, at which point he raised his arms and said "really". Of course for the next month he tortured me for my traitorous behavior, but I know deep down he appreciated that he was given this special treatment. He mattered!
p.s.
realize that mental illness is a terrible affliction, have great empathy for all who suffer and their families....look at this story as what it is .. a funny golf story about a good friend who I loved dearly and taught me a lot...we had great fun looping together!
