Published: July 22, 2008 08:22 pm            

PORTER CUP: Special bond created between hosts, players

The Laurendi boys disappeared into the basement Monday night after dinner.

Joey watched as Anthony and Billy competed in a one-sided game of Madden 2008 on Xbox.

It should be noted that Billy is not a Laurendi by name, he’s a Horschel, but he’s become a part of the family. That he’s among the world’s top three amateur golfers is easily forgotten when he’s taking a beating in Madden.

Asked if he’s chosen the Jacksonville Jaguars — who are trailing the Buffalo Bills 14-0 — to represent his home state, the Grant, Fla., native begrudgingly admits he’s also a New England Patriots fan.

“You’re a Patriots fan? Get out,” jokes Anthony, 16. “I wanted him to win the tournament before, but not anymore.”

Anthony is referring to the prestigious Porter Cup, which begins its 50th anniversary celebration today with the first round at Niagara Falls Country Club. Horschel, who just finished his junior year at the University of Florida, will tee it up for the third-straight season. And make no mistake, he’ll have no bigger fans than the family who’s hosted him for those three years.

“I’m extremely proud of him,” said Vince Laurendi, a Niagara Falls Country Club member and a former tournament chairman. “He’s just a great kid. He’s a pleasure to have around. We look forward to this week every year.”

The story is the same for other families who have served as hosts for amateur players. According to Laurendi, the life-long friendships that have been formed are a big part of what makes the Porter Cup special.

“It’s a very unique opportunity,” he said. “The golf tournament is great, there’s no doubt about it. But the impact on the community and the relationships that are formed really make the tournament great.”

Cassie Stein knows this first-hand. She’s had famous amateur golfers staying with her family since she was a little tyke. Now as a college freshman, Stein has take the reins from her mother as the event’s housing chairperson. That means Stein is responsible for pairing players with available homes, a sometimes tedious job that requires plenty of phone time.

“But it’s been such a great experience that I wanted to be part of it,” she said. “Everyone agrees that this is something really special.”

Horschel, for example, arrived Sunday night from Denver. Lori Anne Laurendi, Vince’s wife, had some homemade meatballs ready upon his arrival. After dinner, everyone gathered in the living room to watch the ESPYs. The whole family was reunited.

Having some of the world’s best amateur golfers sleeping in the basement has led to some funny moments for the Laurendis.

Before Horschel, Luke List stayed with the family. The former Vanderbilt star later advanced to the finals of the 2004 U.S. Amateur Tournament.

“I’m watching and I see Luke on ESPN. I yell down to Lori to come watch and the first thing she said was ‘I ironed that shirt!’ ”

There’s a good chance that type of a moment will happen with Horschel, who expects to turn pro after he completes his senior season with the Gators. A two-time first-team All-American, Horschel is the most accomplished player in this year’s field.

And after his experience last year coupled with his affection for the members of the club — he may also be the hungriest for a victory.

“I come here and it’s like I’ve been here my whole life,” Horschel said of his visits to the area. “All the members of the club and everyone who’s helping out around the tournament, I know pretty well. If you’re a person who likes to talk and likes to mingle — which is something I like to do — they’re open to it. They’re easy-going. It’s not hard to talk to them and have fun and everything. With this being my third year and the 50th anniversary ... I just really want to win this tournament.”

To get ready, he took Anthony out for a practice round Monday. The pair have traded calls and texts all year, but the opportunity for some first-hand advice was something Anthony cherished.

“He’s very gracious with his time,” said Anthony, who will be a senior on the Lew-Port golf team in the fall. “He’s working on a new grip with me.”

After the round, the pair returned home. Lori Anne prepared a dinner of grilled chicken with fresh corn on the cob and roasted potatoes. As he spoke after dinner, dressed in a casual shirt and shorts and sporting a pair of flip-flops, Horschel had the look of a guy who was in no rush to leave.

“This is like my second family up here,” he said. “I don’t really know how to thank everyone for what they’ve done, except that to say if I’m able to make it to a pro tournament and they can make it, I’m going to do the same for them.”



50th Porter Cup

• WHAT: Many of world’s top amateurs meet at Niagara Falls Country Club for the four-round test. Included in the field is the world’s second-ranked amateur, Billy Horschel, and the 2006 champ, Seung-Su Han. Other notables include Kevin Tway, the son of PGA pro Bob Tway, and Tim Mickelson, the brother of Phil Mickelson.

• WHEN: Starts today, first tee time at 8 a.m.

• COST: Free, with $5 parking

        

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