North Carolina State University Athletics
CARR: Stepping In When Needed
8/12/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Aug. 12, 2010
BY A.J. CARR
RALEIGH, N.C. -
Their beloved 71-year old Hall-of-Fame coach, Jack Jensen, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in March, 2010, a loss that left them numbed, shaken and stranded with three tournaments remaining.
They suddenly needed a comforter and a coach, a competent leader with compassion and competiveness. They needed former NC State golfer Korky Kemp, the man Guilford Athletics Director Tom Polombo prudently chose to take over and the man players wanted to guide them.
As Eastern Director of College Golf Fellowship, a national Christian ministry, Kemp had developed trusting relationships with the Quakers and agreed to serve as interim coach.
"I had traveled with the team, knew Coach Jensen, a phenomenal man and coaching legend (who led Guilford to four national titles in two sports),'' Kemp said. "It was tough on the guys. I tried to be there for the guys, tried to show them the love of Christ, mercy and compassion."
Kemp held team meetings. He talked with players about the grieving process and about golf. He talked about salvation and about strategy. In between, he had them drilling on their long game and short game and striving to regain their focus.
Settled by Kemp's calming influence, the Quakers charged from 10 shots back in the final round of the NCAA Division III Tournament and finished one stroke behind 10-time national champ Methodist University.
After the tears had dried, All-America Pete Latimer wrote: "Korky, man what a run. Thanks for everything. The time and love you showed us really counted.
Wrote No. 5 player J.T. Thomas, an honorable mention All-Conference performer: "Korky, thanks for all your hard work. You made a valiant effort in light of Coach J's death. It will forever be appreciated."
MORE THAN A TROPHY
Kemp, married with two young children and living in his hometown, Greensboro, didn't pursue Guilford's full-time coaching position. He opted to remain with the CGF, to which he was called in 2005 after playing professionally for seven years on the mini tour -- and qualifiying for two PGA events.
Now his days are largely devoted to ministering area college golf teams and coaches. He leads Bible studies, speaks, disciples players one-on-one and helps with annual retreats hosted by PGA tour golfers.
"The Lord is blessing this ministry,'' said Kemp, one of six regional directors in the U.S. "Nothing is better than helping a golfer come to the faith. It's better than any trophy I've ever won."
Old rivalries are shoved aside in Kemp's world. For example, he met North Carolina's Chase MacFarland when the Tar Heel golfer was a freshman and discipled him for five years.
"Korky showed me the love of God, has always been there for me, " MacFarland said recently. "He's had an unbelievable impact on my life."
A few weeks ago Kemp also officiated at MacFarland's wedding.
WOLFPACK IMPACT
At N.C. State, Kemp developed as a person and as a golfer.
His parents and Our Lady of Grace church in Greensboro provided him with a strong foundation and he says people at State helped him "personalize" his faith.
He attended Bible studies with Athletes in Action and at the home of Campus Crusade for Christ leader Matt Mahaffey. He was mentored by roommate Merritt Lawn, a tennis player.
"I had such respect and admiration for how he invested in my life,'' Kemp said of Lawn. "(Later), when I was transitioning out of pro golf, I couldn't think of anything better than to build young men's and coaches' lives and help them become followers of Christ."
Kemp can relate to golfers, empathize with them, their triumphs and troubles.
Along with brother Kevin, a former Wake Forest All-America, Korky grew up on the seventh hole at Greensboro's Starmount Country Club. He carved a distinguished prep career at Grimsley High, then enrolled at State in 1994 and redshirted his freshman year.
"He came here with a lot of potential, but wasn't quite ready to play top-flight Division I golf,'' said veteran Wolfpack coach Richard Sykes. "He could stand on the beach and couldn't hit the ocean with a driver. He worked at it and worked at it and he (became) a great driver. He took a weakness and really overcame it."
Kemp, an Academic All-America, won two "B" tournaments and posted the team's second best stroke average his senior year at 73.6 per round.
But etched indelibly in Sykes' memory was Kemp's finish in the '98 NCAA regionals. Kemp birdied his final five holes, which helped propel State into the national tournament.
"He was a good, solid college player," Sykes said.
Kemp achieved a top 25 amateur ranking, and after graduating, tried the pro circuit rather than pursue a business career.
Wife Helen caddied for him early in his mini tour career - five years full time and two part time. While on the circuit he heard an inspirational talk by veteran pro Rik Massengale and went to a CGF retreat at the home of another PGA player, Paul Stankowski.
"I spent a lot of time in prayer and felt the Lord lead me into College Golf Fellowship in 2005,'' Kemp said.
He has the blessing of Sykes, who heard Kemp preach at an Easter Service in Charleston, S.C., and who has provided opportunities for him to minister to Wolfpack players.
"He does a great job; what he's doing is a wonderful thing,'' Sykes said. "He found his calling, there's no doubt about it."
