Tom took an interest in me as a junior player when he was an assistant at West Lake CC and Augusta CC.
I have yet to meet a more dedicated professional.
Like John Shimp, I had been fortunate enough to have discovered Palmetto in the 70's during the Southern Cross High School Tournament. It ,along with Aiken Golf Club, became favorites of mine at a time when the two courses were not in favor in the area.
Later , when Tom got the job at Palmetto, he allowed myself and many other aspiring professionals/amateurs carte blanche at the club, and eventually with his help, I joined Palmetto.
There were always good players around at Palmetto (both members and nonmembers) and finding a game is easy, thanks to the efforts of Tom and the culture of the club.
I cannot think of a time when Tom has not greeted me and/or my guests upon arrival at the club, as well as after the round.
I have on more than one occasion mentioned to Tom that he makes the rest of us golf professionals look bad
I used to play quite a bit of golf with Tom before he simply stopped playing.
I hope to get the opportunity in the very near future.
It will be interesting to see what he does with his time.
Fortunately Palmetto has chosen an excellent successor in Brooks Blackburn; however, Tom will be missed.