In 1955, Coral Gables High was only 5 years old when I signed up for the golf team. The Biltmore Golf Course was our gracious host. I spent the next 3 years exploring its fairways and rough.

Our team only visited the pro shop and locker room of this huge, stately building. The hotel was then home to a VA Center and WWII Hospital. There were rumors about war victims being cared for in the upper reaches of the building. We occasionally snuck a peek at the enormous pool which was rarely used. My favorite character, was Penny, a small older guy who cared for the locker room, carts and practice area. In the 50’s, south Florida was still segregated with “Whites” and “Coloreds” signs on bath rooms and drinking fountains. Gables High was all white. Penny was one of the few blacks I knew. He was kind, helping with my swing, and giving advice about course etiquette. He was a gentleman and my first black friend.

At the end of the day, I would often find my dad, also a “Bob”, waiting behind the last green. Dad was an outstanding 1920’s Miami High School golfer and played golf at the University of Florida. He was the first Men’s Clothing buyer at Burdines Department Stores and always appeared in a suit and nice tie.

Since then, my son Bob jr. and grandson Bobby have followed in his golf footsteps. They complete four generations of “Bob Moffett” golfers.
Golf at the Biltmore was a meaningful part of my life as a young boy and now in the memories of this 83 year old senior.