Tripp Bowden, author of “Freddie and Me,” a tribute to Augusta National’s legendary Caddy Master Freddie Bennett, is scheduled to appear as the keynote speaker at the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet at the Sonoraville Recreation Complex on Thursday, Jan. 21, 7:00 p.m.

During the event, the Chamber’s 2009 accomplishments will be highlighted and board members will be recognized.

Debra Guinter, Dewayne Bowen and David Scoggins will be installed as Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary/Treasurer of the 2010 Executive Board.

Already being compared to Mitch Albom’s “Tuesdays With Morrie,” Bowden’s book has been very well received and was accorded a glowing review in The New York Times. Bowden will be available for personal introductions and a private book signing at the conclusion of the event. Books are also available at the Chamber.

Bowden, a former Augusta caddy and collegiate golfer, literally grew up on the hallowed greens of the Augusta National Golf Club under the tutelage of Freddie Bennett, who remained a fixture at the Club for many years, was inducted into the Caddy Hall of Fame in December 2000 and passed away six years later.

Bowden and Bennett formed an unusual friendship that spanned gaps in age, race, econ-omy and culture and Bowden frankly acknowledges that relationship as a defining life experience.

The book is a collection of tribute chapters, each describing a phase of Bowden’s life and Bennett’s influence on it. Like most friendships, his with Freddie began with an introduc-tion that included a handshake and Bowden’s description of that first grip gives readers a clear insight into the influence Bowden intuitively realizes, even as a 10-year-old, that Bennett will have on him. It’s only a handshake, but it’s also a lesson about the value of direct eye contact, an enthusiastic spirit and a firm grasp.

Bowden’s chapters describe universal experiences: times when decisions are required regarding commitment, integrity, effort and bravery. Nobody can avoid those decisions but not everybody gets to make them with Freddie Bennett pointing the way.

Bowden shares his own moments and describes Freddie’s influence on his personal development, but the challenge of "Freddie and Me" holds its greatest appeal: put down the book and go be a Freddie. These days, everybody needs one.

To make reservations for the annual Chamber banquet, call the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce, 706-625-3200.