Teetime at St. Andrews

Friday the 13th is not most folks' favorite day, but for Cody, it was to be the most wondrous of days. For that was the day his wish began. First a limo ride to the airport in Salt Lake City, then a grueling transatlantic flight before he, his mom, and brother (Matt) finally arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland. Not exactly your exotic getaway, but for Cody it was the destination of his dreams--the gateway to St. Andrews, birthplace of golf.

When two Wish Granters traveled to Moab to visit Cody, age 16, they found within seconds that he had his heart, mind, and soul firmly set on a golfing trip to St. Andrews. He knew its history and its hallowed status in the world of golf, and he wanted to experience it first-hand.

A chance call to David Brice at Golf International in New York City was the catalyst that jump-started this wish from a thing of fantasy into larger-than-life reality. Touched by the story of this young man with jaw cancer, David set about arranging an itinerary resplendent with detail. Nothing was left to chance. From gratuities for the (specially chosen) caddies, to the VIP tour of Edinburgh castle (where it snowed!), the visit unrolled with an ease and grace that delighted Cody and his family. Somehow, David even arranged for the breaking of time-honored traditions that would have precluded Cody from visiting the Royal and Ancient Golf Club because of his age. "Not many people get to go inside," Cody explained, reveling in his privileged status. But not even David could procure entrance for Cody's mom, who had to go shopping instead! Cody ended up teeing off at both the old and new courses, and toured the British Golf Museum. As for his accommodations, what could have been better than rooms at the Rusacks Hotel, situated on the 18th fairway at St. Andrews!

They returned to the US, jet lagged, suitcases brimming with interesting British candy bars and tons of golf balls, and hearts brimming with stories to tell. Cody's mom said, "I look back now and think it was a fairy tale. It gave us something to focus on and look forward to." That's exactly the way wishes should be!