SNOW HILL — More than 100 guys will tee off this morning in the first round of the Cutter Creek Classic, each looking to take a step closer to a spot on the PGA Tour and each with a unique story about how playing golf professionally has changed their lives in numerous ways.
For 17-year-old Eric Norville, he can also say golf has had a huge impact on his life.
The rising senior at SouthWest Edgecombe spent Wednesday alongside Hollywood actor Lucas Black at the tournament’s Pro-Am event. On Monday, he’ll receive his first of 55 treatments to remove a cancer discovered in his brain just a month ago.
Norville was named an all-area golfer by the Rocky Mount Telegraph in 2012, but through his junior season began to notice changes in his game.
“I started hitting shanks and I couldn’t get the ball to draw,” Norville said. “I couldn’t figure it out.”
Norville said he had noticed pains in his neck and had some bad headaches but tried not to let it slow him down. But as his golf game slipped he realized he needed to get checked out.
“Golf means everything to him,” Eric’s mom, Tina, said. “Up until now that’s what his life has been. I can remember taking him to the golf course, before he had a driver’s license and he would stay until it was dark.”
Recently Norville had surgery to remove a large portion of the tumor. He said he’s already seen significant improvement in his game. Returning to the even rounds he has been accustomed to rather than scores in the 80s or 90s.
Burt Williams, director of golf at Cutter Creek Golf Club, has known Norville for several years and helped him with his game along the way. He also helped arrange for him to play in the Pro-Am.
“I met Eric when he was just a little kid,” said Williams, who was formerly the Golf Pro at Maccripine Country Club in Edgecombe County. “He’s been so positive; I think having him out here means everything.”
Norville agreed, saying when he found out he was getting a chance to play in the Pro-Am it was the first time he’s teared up since the diagnosis.
“I was just joking but I told them I might need a wheelchair to get there because my knees were shaking so much,” Norville said of hearing the news from his dad. “When they told me I would be playing in the Pro-Am I was really excited. It’s just a dream come true.”