It was 2005, when I first met Dave and Eddie at his golf school in Chateau Elan, Georgia with Brian Wallace. Brian was one of the partners developing Killeen Castle and he had a desire to create the best long game and short game facilities in Ireland. We had arranged to meet Dave and Eddie to explore a proposal for Pelz Golf to locate its European base at Killeen Castle.
After we made the sale pitch, Dave said to Brian, join the queue, Pelz Golf has 106 business proposals on the desk, so started a wonderful relationship with Ireland and indeed the rest of Europe.
Dave was all about detail !
I build a lifelong personal relationship with DP and his wife JoAnn. They visited Ireland on many occasions, attended the London Golf Show and The Grove just outside London.
I was privileged to visit and stay at their home in Rolling Springs, Texas on a few occasions. The first time was to view the construction of his back yard creation, it is truly amazing. On a later visit, Dave challenged me to 9 holes in his back yard, I did my best, but Dave got the edge – an unbelievable experience. He was like a “best-friend”, his supportive demeaner and always asking what else could he do to support the European hub of the business. He had a deep knowledge of the game of golf, so humble at times, and on my last visit with had lots of chats – it was very special.
I have so many amazing memories of Dave – in 2006 he was with Phil Michelson arriving for the K Club Ryder Club and later that week Dave and JoAnn attended the wedding of my son Shane to Lynda with the reception in Sutton Golf Club near Dublin. The club members got a great surprise. Finally, I will remember him most as a family man, always paying tribute to JoAnn the CEO of the business for many years, his children, and grandchildren.
Rest in Peace DP
Seamus Carroll