I did not intend to do a follow-up story on yesterday's article about Land Resource and its Grey Rock development (see below), which closed operations and laid off its 25 employees last week. The parent company closed other sales offices and released another 50 employees. But Jay Williamson, the professional golfer, extended the story.
I was watching the final holes of the final round of the PGA John Deere Classic yesterday, and there was Williamson with a chance to get into a playoff. Williamson attended Trinity in Hartford, CT, just down the road from my home, and I was rooting for the local boy.
CBS showed a close-up of Williamson and there, on his visor, were the words "Land Resource." Williamson, I came to find out, and Land Resource CEO Mike Flaskey are neighbors in Orlando and became friends a few years ago. The company's name was on Williamson's visor last year (and on his bag and shirt) when the pro almost won the Traveler's Championship in Hartford. He lost in a playoff.
On the first playoff hole at the John Deere yesterday, Williamson was in prime position off the tee. But then he pull-hooked his 185-yard approach into the water and that was that. Kenny Perry won.
All was not lost for Williamson, though. Since Perry had chosen not to compete in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next weekend, Williamson earned the trip there by virtue of his second place at the Deere. Given the worldwide exposure of the British Open and the many sponsors who will probably pay handsomely to be on Williams' visor, it might be the noble thing to do for his friend and neighbor to release him from his contract. We'll see.
