They grasp onto your eyes and stir your emotions with a methodical calmness. They are the sights you inhale while standing behind the Augusta National clubhouse during Masters week, gazes that enthrall you in pulsating colors, green mostly, but also the vibrant bursts of springtime pastels.

But from that vantage point across so many Aprils there is one vivid memory which will forever warm my soul, that one vision that will be there in perpetuity and serve as a reminder that, indeed, my life has been afforded a magical parade of blessings.

How else to explain the tears that began to well up and the words that couldn’t come out when a group of people dispersed in different directions and what arrived was a sight that left me breathless.

Peter Broome, a smile on his face, walking toward me in pulsating sunshine.

For a few fleeting moments at that 2025 Masters, my mind said do not greet the longtime Senior Vice-President of Titleist Brand Management and Industry Relations as a friend who had been diagnosed with the most insidious of all diseases, ALS; no, you must greet him as he’ll forever be remembered, as one of the most supportive and generous people to grace my world, a man who had never hesitated to answer my questions and offer his guidance when storylines confounded.

What he deserved to hear, an inner voice told me, was “thank you, you are loved, and God bless.”

Somehow, those words did tumble out; awkwardly, of course, and what’s more, Peter’s shoulder was probably sopping wet after the hug that was exchanged.

* * *

When the news arrived that Peter Broome, 66, had died on November 4 after a gallant and dignified fight against ALS, some words were typed into a text to arguably one of Broome’s dearest friends, Brad Faxon:

“He was so smart, so civil, so concise in his ability to not only explain something, but to listen to your question and your thoughts. I loved his gentleness and his warmth. My heart breaks."

Faxon answered that the night before he had visited his longtime friend, a man with whom he had shared so many memories as neighbors (Barrington, R.I.), clubmates (Rhode Island CC), and fathers of children who were the same age and close acquaintances.

When he woke up the next morning the eight-time PGA Tour winner learned that Broome had passed away during the night but not before leaving this message, thanks to incredible technology that allows ALS patients to pen words by using their eyes.

The gist of Broome’s note was this: “ . . . it’s time for me . . . for loved ones it’s hard for them to acknowledge . . . But the hitter knows.”

Peter Broome, pictured with Adam Scott at the 2024 Presidents Cup in Montreal.

It’s incomprehensible how ALS can rob a person of so much strength, yet with Peter Broome the disease couldn’t put a dent into his character and graciousness or dull his mind. Those who knew him well offered an insight into the foundation of this wonderful man.

“Peter Broome always led by example, with integrity and a sincere regard for everyone he met. He held himself to a standard that made everyone around him better and it was that same strength of character that defined how he faced his battle with ALS, turning the hardest news of his life into a source of hope for others,” said David Maher, President & CEO, Acushnet Company.

“Peter was the best of us and we will miss him dearly.”

More than 30 years ago, Broome, who was born and raised in Montrel, was a polished young man, passionate about golf, introduced to the game by his father and mentored by Bob Hogarth, the head professional at Royal Montreal GC. Broome worked as an assistant pro under Hogarth while he attended McGill University and there’s no surprise that his interview with Acushnet went flawlessly.

“During my 40 years at Acushnet we were biased in recruiting ‘authentic golf people’ and no one personified that more than Peter Broome,” said Wally Uihlein, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Acushnet Company.

“He had an intuitive understanding of how the golf industry worked. At the end of the day the golf industry comes down to ‘people, product and places’ and Peter Broome was a student extraordinaire of these variables which helps explain the leadership skills he possessed, the respect that he engendered and the affection that he deserved. The company, the industry and his family lost a great man.”

* * *

Diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2024, Peter Broome from the outset showed that he was committed to the fight. Life would be lived on his terms and that included his thirst to play the game that had been his life.

In March of 2025 he played beautifully and nearly pulled off a victory alongside fellow Canadian Corey Conners in the prestigious Seminole Pro-Member. At 10-under 62, Broome and Conners finished in second, one behind.

The inspiration that day was palpable and it resonated from there on.

“I’ll remember most the person he was and the impact he had on everyone around him. He faced a lot over the past few years with an incredible attitude and strength,” said Conners.

Knowing that his friend was still revered in Canada, Conners treated his time with Broome with the greatest of care.

“I’m incredibly proud to have called him a friend, mentor, and fan. I’ll remember most of all the person he was and the impact he had on everyone around him. Peter meant a great deal to me and he will be deeply missed.”

No matter that the disease strengthened its grip on Broome as 2025 wore on and the calendar turned into 2026, there was a mission to embrace.

Peter Broome would be the face of the ALS Bridge Foundation and fully invested in a cause that so many great friends had started. The charity – alsbridgefoundation.com – was created to accelerate the development of effective treatments for the disease in the U.S. and Canada.

Though it demanded incredible strength to even speak, Broome on the day the ALS Bridge Foundation was made public spoke from the heart. “I hate being the one who has to be helped. I want to be helping people, which is why I am motivated to help the ALS community,” he said.

* * *

Several years ago Faxon’s father passed away and the Rhode Islander pondered his eulogy. Knowing his father loved golf, he asked the great golf writer Michael Bamberger if he would offer thoughts to describe a golfer.

As we discussed the death of our friend, Faxon thought it made sense to offer me the words Bamberger had written years ago, for surely they apply to Peter Broome, who embodied what it means to be a golfer.

“A golfer to me is someone for whom the game is an elemental part of their lives. It’s not a hobby or an activity . . . A golfer knows that you can get out of the game what you put into it . . . A golfer is not afraid to ask questions and ask for help. But a golfer knows, at the end of the day: You figure out this game and what it means to you, for yourself . . . A golfer’s life is enriched by golf.”

Amen to that, and from all of us whose lives were enriched by Peter Broome's friendship, dignity, and courage.