Photo: Mike Coots/Instagram
Two of our top five stories from May we snagged at the 2016 AT&T Byron Nelson Golf Tournament. The rest feature a body boarder who learned how to surf after a shark took his leg, a high school state champ who didn’t let a brain aneurysm stop her, and a WWII veteran, who celebrated his 100th birthday at a Red Sox game.
What a month:
5. Surfer, Photographer Mike Coots Found A More Meaningful Life After Shark Attack
For surfers, the best wave of their life is always “still out there.”
That’s no different for Mike Coots, who survived a shark attack at 18 years old. A one-time body boarder with professional aspirations, Coots, ironically enough, never stood up on a surf board until he lost his leg in the trauma.
With a no-fear attitude and a deep attachment to the ocean, Coots paddled back out to the shark-infested waters with a new found love for photography and surfing after nearly losing his life.
The opening act of the AT&T Byron Nelson pitted hometown hero Jordan Spieth against long drive champ and trick shot master Dan Boever on Tuesday at the tournament’s free youth clinic.
Hundreds gathered in anticipation. One guy, everyone knew. Winner of the 2016 Master’s and U.S. Open; a star as big and recognizable as the Texas flag.
The other, a teddy bear full of one-liners, who can crush a golf ball over 370 yards.
Jordan Spieth and trick shot master Dan Boever at the 2016 AT&T Byron Nelson. Photo: Jordan Spieth Golf
At stake? A whole lot of laughs and a pinch of pride.
3. Red Sox Ballgirl Delivers Foul Ball To WWII Veteran On His 100th Birthday
Sitting in the front row along the first base line, Oakland’s Billy Burns hit a foul ball. That’s when the ballgirl corralled the mis-hit and delivered the ball to Sofka.
“Look who has the ball, our hero of the night,” the television announcer said. “Now that is a great birthday.”
2. South Dakota Girl With Rare Brain Aneurysm Climbed Back To Win State Soccer Title
Unruptured brain aneurysms are prevalent in one in 50 people, and are most frequently seen in those between the ages of 35 and 60 years old. One in a 17-year-old? That’s as rare as it is unfair.
You wouldn’t know by looking at her, but Kennedy Kirsch, 18, has been on quite the roller coaster ride the past two years.
The AT&T Byron Nelson Golf Tournament is known for its beautiful spectators, outstanding golf and oft-times, soggy conditions. It’s a place where the best of the best compete; where a 16-year-old Jordan Spieth made an impressive debut back in 2010. It’s also the home of the “red pants phenomenon”—the PGA tour stop festooned by legions of smiling men in bright crimson trousers, keeping the tournament rolling along, rain or shine.
Don’t think for a minute that these guys are simply eye candy.
