So glad to be back (Sorry, but long)

[Jim Armour]

I last played in the World Am in 2013. The first day of the tournament that year, I noticed something strange. Our first round was at Farmstead and as I walked from the car after unloading my clubs, I was short of breath. It was like that for four straight days. I didn’t know what was wrong but when I got home, I went to the emergency room to get checked out. I was given an EKG and everything seemed okay. The Dr. did set me up for a test for my carotid artery for Friday, September 12, less than 2 weeks after the tournament. I live in Rock Hill, SC just 20 minutes south of Charlotte, NC and was on my way to the appointment in Charlotte. I don’t remember much of what happened next, but here goes, My wife was driving so I must have really felt bad. As we crossed the state line, I told her that my back was killing me and I needed to get out of the car and walk around a little bit. She stopped at the North Carolina Welcome Center on I-77 and I got out of the car, took a few steps, and DIED right there. My wife started screaming and just so happened, a pediatrician from Boone, NC had taken a rest stop with his family. He immediately began CPR while 911 was called.
The DR. continued until the paramedics arrived but I still did not respond. I was put into the ambulance and the EMTs continued to shock me and try to resuscitate me, to no avail. The Dr. who had tried desperately to bring me back went to my wife and gave her the grim news that I was not responsive. It was then that someone from the ambulance yelled, “He’s breathing!” At that point, I was rushed to the hospital.
I’ll never forget the next words I remember. The cardiologist said, “Mr. Armour, you’re a lucky man.” At the time, I had no clue. But now I know. I was a lucky man. I had survived the “Widow Maker.” 99% blockage. No opened-heart surgery. A stent was inserted and I can now talk about it.
I’ve worked hard to get my gold game back to where I feel I can come back to the World Am and not embarrass myself. I’ve really missed it. I played 2 years in the 60-69 age group and have another year and a half before I hit 70. Carrying a 14.2 right now. I am so looking forward to returning this year and giving it a go.

[Mike Sigmon]

Hey Jim,
Welcome back !!! glad to hear you are coming back and playing in the World AM again…I’m in the same age group that you are in, Maybe we can both win our flight and meet at the Dye club for the final play off champion round…Good Luck to you my friend..

Mike

[Scott T. – World Am]

Jim – thank you for sharing your story. We look forward to welcoming you back to Myrtle Beach.

[Rick Kimbrell]

Jim…I heard a saying once and it applies to you. “He stared death in the face and kicked death’s ass!.” Good for you. I don’t remember meeting you but I do remember your name. I know get togethers will be tough this year but I do hope I get to see you and shake hands (oh yes, can’t do that…well crap…bump elbows anyway).

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