The Old White TPC course at the 2012 Greenbrier Classic measures more than 7,200 yards long. D.J. Gregory walked every single inch over the weekend.
"I just love golf and I've played golf since I was nine. I went to my first PGA Tour event when I was twelve. I fell in love with it from the start," Gregory said.
PGA Tour Professional Tommy Gainey said, "You can see fans come up to him and say that's D.J. That's the guy that walks every day."
Players and spectators alike recognize Gregory as one of the most inspirational individuals on Tour. He was born with cerebral palsy, but in 2008 captivated the golf world by walking 44 different PGA tournaments, almost a thousand miles.
Since then he's started a children's charity and continues to walk with a different player each week, raising money and awareness at all times.
"It's pretty amazing how many people, as I'm walking the course, will come up to me and say thanks for being an inspiration in my life," Gregory said. "Thanks for doing what you're doing. Obviously I get really good support from all the players. I love what I do. I tell people I don't work for a living, I play for a living."
Gregory's foundation, Walking for Kids, helps a number of children's charities. They raised about $83,000 the first year in 2010 and hope to pass $100,000 this year. At the Greenbrier, Gregory was paired with Tommy Gainey, a pro he met years ago.
"Whatever money I can give to help him try to find a cure and maybe to help him out as well as other kids or other adults," Gainey said. "I got to tip my hat to him because he definitely handles what he's got. Let me tell you, I don't know if I could."
Like everyone in White Sulphur Springs, Gregory has dealt with the sweltering conditions on his 18-hole hikes.
"Some courses are easier than others," Gregory said. "This course actually is not too bad, it's pretty flat. Obviously there are some courses that are tougher than others and sometimes the weather has a lot to do with it too."
He's a man that keeps life in perspective, one step at a time.
