CHAUTAUQUA, NY - The Rowan College South Jersey Gloucester (RCSJ) Roadrunners have their sights set on a Men's and Women's NJCAA National Golf Championship this week at Chautauqua Golf Club. As for head coach Guy Davidson and his daughter, captain, Nancy Davidson, the week is the punctuation of an amazing two years of bonding. "Honestly, these last two years have been a gift for me as her father," said RCSJ head coach Guy Davidson with a smirk only a father could understand. He continued, "I was essentially able to steal two years with an incredible young lady."

Any father will tell you the relationship with their little girl is a special one, even if that little girl has grown into a college student-athlete. For Davidson, it's Christmas morning every time they approach the tee box. "These last two years have been a gift to be her coach. To have this time with her I wouldn't have otherwise has been a gift for me," he said.

His daughter Nancy, who is coming off of an All-American performance in 2023, uttered four words any dad would hope for "It's been really incredible," she said grinning ear-to-ear.

The incredible 24 extra months the Davidsons received on the course together weren't anticipated when Nancy enrolled at RCSJ. "I didn't expect to play golf in college. It was a great feeling playing again and growing from where I was. My dad has been great, but all our coaches are incredible," she said.

Now, any girl dad will also admit it's never all roses. The Davidsons are no different, agreeing there are times it's best to disagree and move along with the round. "We butted heads a little bit yesterday. It was getting late in the round, and I said something to her she didn't like, and she waved me off. It is nice to have the golf cart and drive away, and that is how we deal with it sometimes," mentioned the elder Davidson. "It is certainly very interesting and can be challenging at times because we are both very stubborn when we want to be. He will tell me, 'I think it is out here,' and I go, 'no no no, the putt is out here,'" added the younger Davidson.

In the end, Dad knows when and how to push the right buttons. "One of the things I have learned over the course of time is that it is never about me. You have to handle everyone a little differently, and for Nancy, something I figured out that to get my point across, I will whisper into the ear of one of the other coaches and have them tell her than to do it myself." Those whispers have set up Nancy on and off the course. She's set to attend James Madison University next year but laughs that she won't be playing for the Dukes.

Nancy's collegiate golf career may conclude at the end of nationals, but the preeminent prospect to come from this game is that it's created a timeless experience they can enjoy together forever, "I would think it is every parent's dream to be able to bond over something you truly enjoy. To be able to spend time at a sport like this. It is rare that a parent can play the same sport together with their sons or daughters, and in my case, I get to do that. I look forward to being able to do that when we aren't playing for scores, but playing for fun," said Guy Davidson.

Fun is something Nancy Davidson and the rest of the golfers look to achieve when they return to the course Thursday morning for round three.

For more information on the tournament you can go to the event homepage on the JCC Jayhawks' website.