I come from a family of left-handed golfers, and my Dad loved golf. His birthday is June 9. We lost him 18 years ago due to complications from pancreatitis. I would love to see left-handed golfers get their day for a couple of reasons.

If you're not a left-handed golfer, you probably don't understand how under-represented our population is. I tried to buy new clubs a couple of years ago and it was a struggle. Stores don't carry as many left-handed clubs to try. It's hard to find clubs to test, and other equipment, making them difficult to buy.

The same goes for gloves. Most pro shops will have many sizes for right-handed players but this is not usually the case for lefties.

A recent article in The New York Times states, "Around 10 percent of the world’s population are believed to be left-handed, their presence on golf courses is far rarer. The P.G.A. of America estimated that only about 5% of PGA Tour members play left-handed, and since 1860, only four — Bob Charles, Mike Weir, Phil Mickelson, and Bubba Watson — have won a major. Only one woman, Bonnie Bryant in 1974, has ever won an L.P.G.A. event while playing left-handed."

The article also points out how many left-handed golfers typically give up and play right-handed because of the lack of available equipment and left-handed coaches.

I'd also like to use the day to promote a healthy diet. My Dad developed pancreatitis because of his diet, which was high in fats. I would also like to get the message out, and this is a way we can do that. 

The time to act is now because it would be nice to see left-handed golfers have their day. It would help alleviate the frustration we feel every time we need to buy a new piece of equipment or play with someone we don't know and have to hear "You're standing on the wrong side of the ball." It gets old. 

But also, to educate people about the dangers of an unhealthy diet. I don't think people even know how an unhealthy diet contributes to the development of pancreatitis. I think it's important that we get the word out. 

I would love to honor my Dad's memory to have "International Left-Handed Golfers Day" on June 9. He loved the game and introduced it to me and all of my brothers (and sister). We all golf (and bat) left-handed, but throw and write with our right hands. 

I think this is an opportunity to shine a light on two issues. One (pancreatitis) is more serious than the other, but to me, is equally important.