Last night Nancy and I attended the Annual Meeting of Ansley Golf Club here in Atlanta. A special place for our family. The meeting was electric… driven by the beauty of new construction, debt free financials, but most of all an overflowing ball room of excited members. A culture that always transcends the numbers, the strategies so key to success in any organization.What flashed into my mind surprisingly was an experience twenty or so of my fraternity brothers from college and I have reveled in for the past 16yrs. The “Fahey Cup” was birthed in 2001 by George Andrews, the “Chief” (we all have nicknames)… an Episcopal priest. Fitting… as I think the Lord had a hand in starting, sustaining this special experience.

We gather every year at some of the premier golf destinations in the country. Pine Valley, The Country Club at Brookline, Chevy Chase CC (DC) to name a few. Began as an extension of our days at our fraternity, Alpha Delta Phi… renewing old friendships, the jokes and jabs we enjoyed while there.

The “Cup” was named for our infamous frat cook, Ed Fahey… irreverent, loyal, but mostly just “gross.” What a character. Who knew how this would evolve over the years following our first event at Essex County Club outside Boston. We play golf, mostly bad… no one cares.You see we showed up for our first Fahey and took up right where we left off at graduation. Jabs and jokes. Interestingly, we would all share some of what had happened over the 40yrs since we left.

But what amazed me was how little self promotion, “look at me”, big ego conversation took place. Turned out so many of us were “successful” in so many different and interesting ways. Fahey was rich with the counsel to Major League Baseball… Presidents, CEOs of this company and that company… the 25 yr. coach of soccer and Tennis at Yale University… Wall Street guys. On and on. Accomplished yet so humble.

We have guest speakers each year. Tucker Carlson from Fox News. The legendary squash coach at Trinity College, our college… who holds the NCAA record for consecutive wins in any sport. And one of our own we call “The Birdman” whose hilarious remembrances of our years at Trinity have been signature. Last year were at Yale University. Steve Griggs, the Yale Coach arranged a brief concert magically delivered by the world renowned Whiffenpoofs … the men’s singing group. Incredible.

What has emerged most importantly? Deepening friendships, an intimacy among many of us that men rarely enjoy. Oh, the jokes and jabs are still there. But a few of our dear members have passed away… in truth we are all on the “back nine.” George our founder, told me at our first Fahey, “Bricks, (my nickname) someday Fahey may be a foursome.” Maybe a little sad to think about, but also motivation for all of us to just be there each and every year. One of us is designated at each Fahey as our “Honoree.” He gets to tell his story. His accomplishments, his journey, his passions. Special. We may not get through all twenty of us. No! We will!So the inspiring culture at Ansley connected me with the distinctive, so unique culture nurtured at Fahey. Both special. But Fahey so resonates. On the “back nine”… locking arms with smiles, tears.

So unique. I end with our fraternity sign off and closing of most communications… the Greek word for “goodbye” … Xaire.