You've probably heard the saying that timing and location can be the difference of success or failure when it comes to opening a new business.

Well the Marlows have both. Six years ago George, Thomas, Henry and William Marlow decided that they would try their young hands at opening their very own business, a lemonade stand. It probably didn't hurt that the location of their start up business was one street removed from the Crown Plaza Invitational at Colonial Golf Tournament.

The businesses' financial underwriters, Michelle and Scott Marlow, said that they were actually pleasantly surprise with the success of their children's efforts. As it turned out it wasn't uncommon for patrons of the golf tournament to stop and quench their thirst on a sizzling humid afternoon after walking the course following their favorite golfers. However, the biggest surprise was yet to come.

The Ford Expedition came to a stop and the driver made his way over and ordered a cup of the ice cold refreshment. The kids were just happy for yet another sell but soon came to realize that this wasn't just another fan stopping to support their business. Sometime before the $100 tip and with the apparent excitement of their parents the kids soon realized that they had captured the attention of PGA tour professional Phil Mickelson.

Michelle says that after getting over the initial shock that Mickelson took the time to stop they found him to be quite warm and personable. The family was so touched that following the tournament they had a huge yard sign made for next year's tournament, displaying their love for Mickelson as well as Jim Furyk, one of Scott's favorite golfers for some time.

According to Michelle, Mickelson now is a regular at the old lemonade stand. She says one year he stopped and soon realized that he didn't have any cash so the kids picked up the tab. Michelle says that on one visit she had a chance to visit briefly with Mickelson's wife Amy. She remembers Amy wanting to show her all of the gadgets and accessories in the new Ford Expedition supplied by Mickelson's sponsor for him to drive while here for the tournament. After hearing of Amy's recent diagnosis of breast cancer Michelle says that she was quite sad but at the same time very impressed with Phil that he chose to discontinue play and spend this time with him family.

As if Mickelson visit wasn't the surprise of a lifetime, Michelle says that last year during the week of the Colonial Tournament her babysitter answered the doorbell and there stood some stranger. She called for Michelle to please come to the door and there stood Furyk on her front porch. She says he came right in and even wanted to hear a little piano playing from one of the boys and then proceeded to give a free golf lesson in the back yard. Michelle says that they were already running a little late for a piano recital but there was no way she was asking Furyk to leave.

If by chance you plan to attend this year's tournament and your journey takes you down Colonial Parkway you won't miss the pink ribbons that align their street. Michelle and friend Jan Hurn, wanted to share in their support for Amy Mickelson.

2 Comments

Meg said:

Wow.. that is such a cool story. My prayers for out to the Mickelson family. Cancer is no fun. My Father and Father in law are fighting it right now.

May 28, 2009 12:08 PM

Jeff said:

Amy and Phil,

My wife and I will be praying for you both. Remember Amy and Phil when it starts to get really hard to just hang in there, God is sitting right next to you holding your hand and you may lay your head on His shoulder. He will walk you both through tis passage in both of your lives.

God speed and God bless you both.

Jeff

May 28, 2009 12:12 PM

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