On Course Podcast: BU coach Bruce Chalas shares stories about his life in golf

Bruce Chalas has built the BU Women's Golf team over the last 15 years. (BU Athletics)

Bruce Chalas has been coaching the Boston University women’s golf team for the last 15 years. In many ways, it’s the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to the game of golf.

As an amateur golfer, Chalas compiled an enviable record, qualifying for and competing in 14 USGA championships and capturing such notable regional championships as the New England Amateur, Hornblower Memorial and Southeast Amateur. At the age of 57, in a quest to develop skills that could benefit his new calling (college golf coaching), he decided to give up his amateur status so he could teach golf professionally at Fresh Pond Golf Course in Cambridge, Mass.

At 72, he’s helping young women not just navigate the game of golf but also the game of life.

He’s the guest on the latest episode of the On Course Podcast. Over the course of this interview, Chalas speaks about meeting Arnold Palmer as an 11-year-old, having Byron Nelson pick him up while “thumbing” for a ride in Florida, and qualifying for and playing in the 1980 U.S. Open at Baltusrol.

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Highlights

On meeting Byron Nelson while hitch-hiking in 1972: “He was, of course, very engaging with his slow Texas drawl and courtesy and all this. I found that to be obviously true quickly, but he gave me a ride to PGA. And as we pulled into the driveway, I said, “Mr. Nelson, would you mind watching me get a few balls? If you don’t mind.” I reflected on that over the years. It took me a little bit of courage, but he then he said, “Yes, of course.” We went to the range and he spent about 45 minutes. I’ll always remember telling me about the grip, which I’ve always thought would be the most important part in the swing. I was delighted that he spent time with me, strengthening my grip a little bit and giving me encouragement. So that was certainly a great memory.”

On his hopes and dream: “I am 72 years old, and since the age of 11, there hasn’t been a day — my wife says I should never tell this story — when I haven’t woke up and at least for a few seconds in the morning, say, “I wish I played The Tour.” I made it in the (U.S.) Open and played at Bank of Boston. I felt like I accomplished that goal. Playing at Pleasant Valley as a youngster and watching the tournament and then playing in the tournament when I qualified, coming down 15, 16, 17, 18; that was a lifelong dream that I wanted to do.”

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