A Rooting Interest for Terry Francona
By Joe McDonald
RIGA Senior Writer
NEWPORT – It’s normal for Billy Andrade’s caddie, Mark “Ziggy” Zyons, to give his golfer instructions during the round. Whether it’s club selection, wind direction, or the way a putt should break, Ziggy is always on point.
On Friday, Andrade had just finished his third hole of Round 2 during the 44thU.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club when Ziggy leaned over and whispered something to Andrade, who quickly turned around and recognized a familiar face in the gallery – former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona. The two quickly acknowledged each other and then it was back to business for Andrade.
Francona is serving as the honorary chairman of this tournament and he’s a big fan of Andrade's. Francona roamed the hallowed grounds of the historic course in a golf cart and stayed far enough away so he did not distract Andrade. Still, Francona dropped plenty of “attaboys” when Andrade capitalized on a good shot. The two first met nine years ago during a pro-am tournament at Diamond Resorts in Orlando. They were paired together the first day and immediately connected. They have played several times since and Andrade normally stays with Francona at his home when the PGA Tour Champions plays its tournament each season in Tucson, Ariz.
“There’s a reason people gravitate towards him,” Francona said. “He treats people like you’re supposed to. Makes you feel good, so it’s easy to root for him.”
He was also thrilled to finally meet Andrade's son, Cam, who approached Francona on the fourth hole.
Francona also drew plenty of attention while driving around the course. Time and again, he heard “Thanks, Tito” or “Thanks for the memories.” He graciously took photos with fans, signed autographs and made the most of his day, following one of his favorite golfers. He then spent a few minutes on the NBC Sports set with Dan Hicks and Brad Faxon, who was sporting a Red Sox hat.
It was a tough day on the course for Andrade, who entered the round in third place after a 6-under showing Thursday. However, he was 4-over Friday and now nine shots off the lead. Francona gave Andrade his space after the round and did not want to bother him.
“He’s just a special person, dear to me,” Andrade said. “He’s just a gem. When I found out he was involved in being our (honorary) chairman for this, it just brought a big smile on my face because I just love the man. Just love what he did with the Red Sox to win (in 2004) and get the monkey off their backs. He’s had an unbelievable Hall of Fame career. He’s not in the Hall of Fame yet, but he will get in there. I just love him. He’s just the best.”
It’s evident Andrade wants to win this event and Francona is rooting for him to accomplish the feat.
“If somehow there is a little justice in this world, Billy will be in the final group on the last day,” Francona said. “I know how much it would mean to Billy, but I am guessing it would be just about as much to the people in this area. That would be really cool.”
Andrade said his only regret is he didn’t know Francona when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004.
“I could have got a few extra tickets maybe,” he said with a laugh. “I met him after he was with the (Guardians) and we played some golf together in Florida. He’s the best. Nobody better than Terry Francona. Salt of the earth.”