Rheum After 5: Dr. Stuart Kassan, Golf Enthusiast

Awesome Experience

While in college and medical school, Dr. Kassan didn’t have much time for golf. It wasn’t until the 1990s—after his children were grown—that he began playing the game again. This time around, he found a partner—his wife, Gail. The couple began playing at hot spots around the country, including golf courses at Pebble Beach, Calif., and Kiawah Island and Harbour Town, S.C.

“It always intrigued me how people could get to go to the Masters Tournament,” says Dr. Kassan, who plays golf three times a week and belongs to country clubs in Denver, Charleston, S.C., and Lancaster, Pa. “After talking to golf professionals and various friends, we’ve been fortunate enough to go to the event on a continuing basis.”

His wife attended the first tournament with him back in 2002. “We were in total awe of the whole experience,” he says. “It capsulizes perfection in a small slice of life for four days, usually in the spring. It’s such a special place to go and special event to participate in.”

Among his favorite tournament experiences was gaining access for himself and his then 16-year-old son to the clubhouse at the famous Augusta National Golf Club. “The time spent there was a virtual dream come true,” he says. “Having lunch among the players and sports reporters was unforgettable!”

Decompress

When he’s off the course, Dr. Kassan spends time in the water—fishing. One of his former colleagues turned him on to fly-fishing 25 years ago.

“It’s somewhat technical in terms of the equipment you use and your ability to cast,” he says, adding that Colorado is “incredible” for fly-fishing.

Click here to listen to Dr. Kassan’s interview.

One time, his wife accompanied him on a fishing trip. After a brief tutorial on fly-fishing, she ended up catching all the fish that day—beginner’s luck, says Dr. Kassan.

As he starts to cut back on his work hours, he and his wife plan to visit more golf resorts around the country, to continue fishing and to visit his children and two granddaughters on the East Coast.

“Golf and fishing really complement my life,” says Dr. Kassan. “Aside from family time and medicine, you still need time for yourself to decompress and to not think about anything else.”