Heartbroken Pat McGarry Runs After Departing Kevin Barnes
THE MOMENTS LEADING UP TO THE HEARTRENDING SCENE
A confused Pat McGarry broke free from the restraint of his golf team and ran halfway up the first hole in pursuit of Kevin Barnes before being reined in.
'Why can't I go with him?' McGarry tearfully asked observers as his friend's figure disappeared over the lip of the left green-side bunker. 'When is he coming back?'
Members of the beach trip were deeply moved by the scene, saying that despite their best efforts, no one was able to explain to McGarry that he would not be able to remain at Barnes’ side during the golf tournament.
Onlookers were clearly choked up as a wavering Barnes, trying to hit an approach shot, told McGarry in a stern, commanding tone to back away. 'Go on…you hear me? Get out of here!' Barnes yelled. 'Now go! Go!'
'When is he coming back?'
MCGARRY SITTING IN DISBELIEF AS HIS LONGTIME FRIEND DISAPPEARS
Daniel Zender witnessed the emotionally charged moment. 'We knew that [Barnes] was only pretending to be mad at Pat... But he had no choice. It was the only way to keep pace of play.'
Though Barnes’ departure had been imminent for a half hour, McGarry appeared oblivious to the situation, which is evident in photos of him smiling as if nothing were wrong until the moment Barnes picked up his golf bag. According to sources, McGarry asked his friend, 'Where are we going?'
While sneaking the departing Barnes away from the group, the remaining teams were briefly able to distract McGarry. But when McGarry caught sight of Barnes halfway up the fairway, he burst off the tee box to stop him. 'I'll never forget the sight of Pat watching the back of Barnes' head becoming smaller and smaller,' Zender shared.
'Where are we going?'
MCGARRY SURVEYING THE FIFTH HOLE FOR A FAMILIAR FIGURE
Following the incident on the first hole, McGarry continued to ask about his friend throughout the round, often clutching a broken tee Barnes had discarded, glancing longingly toward other holes, and blinking uncomprehendingly when told that Barnes was just a few groups ahead.
Zender made multiple attempts to convey the reality of the situation to McGarry, but he was unable to do so. 'He kept looking at me with those wide, innocent eyes, and I didn't know what to say,' Zender told reporters. 'Maybe someday he'll understand…'
At this point in the briefing, Zender fell silent, overcome with emotion, moving many in the press room to tears.
