For every sport, the fanbase is one of the most important and cherished aspects. Golf is no stranger. The WM Phoenix Open is a classic example of how golf fans have endeared themselves to the sport and have established themselves as a key part of the tournament’s culture. The tournament is treated as a festival by the residents of Scottsdale.

Be it a hole-in-one, a missed putt, or even a wholesome letter, fans have a way of connecting the sport to the sportsperson. And PGA Tour Champions pro Brad Faxon recently got one such wholesome moment with a fan named ‘Jimmy’, who sent him a letter with a special request. The eight-time PGA Tour Champion took to social media to share this wonderful interaction and fans were really delighted by both the letter and the 64-year-old’s reaction to it.

Jimmy is “an old, fat, bald NYPD detective” by his own admission. He has “2 bad knees and a terrible golf game,” but he can adjust because of beer: “Thank God for Beer!” his letter to the champ stated. He made a humble request to Brad Faxon in the letter: “I would be honored if you would sign my enclosed cards for my golf collection.” He then thanked the former PGA Tour Pro and wished him a Merry Christmas before signing his name.

The letter stood out for the 8-time PGA Tour winner mainly due to its honest and simple nature.

PGA Tour Pro was moved and surprised by the fan letter

What stood out for Brad Faxon was the level of personal detailing Jimmy had in the letter. It struck a warm chord inside Faxon who took to Instagram to acknowledge the letter Jimmy had sent. “I still get fans and collectors sending golf cards for autographs. I’m sure plenty of players are getting way more than I do at this point,” read the captions on the post.

He also explained that most of the letters he receives are very standard and generic, without any flavor or real essence to it, stating that, “Most of what I receive are just generic requests – non-personalized letters asking for signed cards.” Some do not even have a self-addressed stamped envelope, clearly showing the lack of effort from the fan’s side.

However, Jimmy’s letter impressed Faxon so much so that it became one of his favorites. He found the letter funny and honest and decided to honor the NYPD detective’s request. Faxon signed the cards that Jimmy had sent over and returned the same back to him. He shared a picture of the signed cards as well, alongside the original letter from Jimmy. “Jimmy, thank you for your service, and for sending such a hilarious letter. The cards are on their way to you!” Faxon also signed his name under the caption, just like he would a letter. A quirky but very interesting detail—a way to draw a parallel to the letter he received.

Fans like Jimmy are what drive golfers like Faxon forward. The likes of Rory McIlroy and Nelly Korda have been seen at times positively engaging with fans. McIlroy is known to be particularly fond of signing autographs and interacting with his fans, especially kids! The Irishman was rebuffed by Roy Keane when he was a kid and that motivates him to patiently wait and interact with his fans. “I asked for his [Roy Keane] autograph at the Portmarnock Links Hotel when he was with the Ireland squad, and he said no. It sort of stuck with me,” he explained in an interview. “That’s why, if a kid asks for an autograph, I always try to do it.” A key learning experience for the golfer.

On a different line, the letter Faxon received is a pure example of true love for the sport and the sportsperson. Such wholesome experiences form a key part of any sport. We are glad that Jimmy got his golf cards signed by Brad Faxon!