Bradley Gebbie, 18, Greenfield, Iowa, got a little practice in before playing in Monday’s ProAm with PGA Pro Kyle Westmoreland. Mr. Gebbie lost his home and his golf clubs in a May 21 tornado that destroyed the town of Greenfield. CREDIT TODD WELVAERT
Six weeks ago, recent high school graduate Bradley Gebbie, stood in front of the ruins of his Greenfield, Iowa, home after his town was devastated by a tornado. He joked with a television reporter that he was going to need a new set of golf clubs. “I want to shout out TaylorMade, Titleist and Callaway,” […]
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Six weeks ago, recent high school graduate Bradley Gebbie, stood in front of the ruins of his Greenfield, Iowa, home after his town was devastated by a tornado. He joked with a television reporter that he was going to need a new set of golf clubs. "I want to shout out TaylorMade, Titleist and Callaway," Mr. Gebbie half-joked in the TV interview, accompanied by a chuckle from the reporter. "I really need a new set. I lost it, and I really just love golf."Bradley Gebbie, 18, Greenfield, Iowa, got a little practice in before playing in Monday’s ProAm with PGA Pro Kyle Westmoreland. Mr. Gebbie lost his home and his golf clubs in a May 21 tornado that destroyed the town of Greenfield. CREDIT TODD WELVAERTMonday, July 1, that all seemed a world away when the affable 18-year-old played in the John Deere Classic Pro Am with PGA pro Kyle Wesmoreland – and with some new clubs courtesy of Callaway and TaylorMade and an invite to play in the Pro Am. The clip went viral, putting a relatable face to an incomprehensible situation. It was viewed millions of times, shared by some of the biggest names in social media and sports.“I didn’t expect it to blow up this much,” he said, after hitting some balls on the driving range at the TPC Deere Run in Silvis. “Right now this trip, this has been the peak. I hit the clubs really well. I’m excited to play with them.” Greenfield was devastated by an EF4 tornado on Tuesday, May 21. Data from the National Weather Service determined winds in the Greenfield tornado topped 175-185 mph, tearing a path of destruction 44 miles long. There were four fatalities and at least 35 injuries as a result of the storm.“We’re coming along,” Mr. Gebbie said of the town’s efforts to rebuild. As a recent graduate of Nodaway Valley High School, where he played for the Wolverines’ golf team, Mr. Gebbie would like to continue playing golf and getting better. “I’m very grateful to the companies and the people who stepped up,” he said. “It just shows what kind of people are out there in the world, that they they are willing to step up and help people out.” Mr. Gebbie said it’s all been a bit overwhelming. “My phone would not stop blowing up for two or three days after,” he said. “I’m just excited to get out here and play golf. Just want to keep improving, keep playing golf. I’ve been playing for about six years and I’m decent. I don’t think I’m going to go out and tear up this course or anything. I’m just really grateful to be doing this.” His strategy for the pro-am? “I’m going to count on our pro to carry us,” he said. Their group carded a -12 under for the day.