Observations of America and My Ancestral Past: An Epistolary Autobiography
Observations of America and My Ancestral Past: An Epistolary Autobiography
Observations of America and My Ancestral Past: An Epistolary Autobiography
This is the story of all those parents who put their heart and soul into making their young athlete a player good enough to play at the professional level. It is the story of many young players who reached for the “Golden Ring” of making it on the PGA Tour.
It is a universal story of trial and tribulation and all the support a young player needs for that success. When Tiger Woods competed in high school, he won three championships in Southern California, a feat as extraordinary as his three US Junior Amateur wins. This is the story of Brian Sinay, who had a couple of chances to tie that remarkable record, and although he came close, he fell just short. Major newspaper articles compared the two accomplishments.
Brian’s goal was to play golf at Stanford and follow in the footsteps of Tiger Woods and Tom Watson. Brian’s drive and determination to get a scholarship to Stanford is only part of the story. The book Who We Met on the Way to Stanford: A Father’s Memoir is also about Brian’s drive and determination to get a scholarship to Stanford and what happened when he arrived at Stanford. It tells the stories of all the aspiring young players he competed against.
The story is about expectation and loss, goals and achieving them, life, and the ironies it sometimes brings. This heart-wrenching story is one that all parents of young golfers who made the ultimate sacrifice can relate to, and for all those parents of athletes of all other sports who did.

Melanie Pendleton –
Observations of America and My Ancestral Past reads like a personal travel diary full of insight, curiosity, and reflection. Richard P. Sinay takes you on his 25,000-mile journey, sharing encounters with family, historical sites, and everyday moments that reveal America's beauty and divisions. What makes it special is how he weaves his own story with the larger story of the country, making history feel alive and deeply personal. The book feels honest and thoughtful, like a conversation with someone genuinely trying to understand the world around them. This is a warm and reflective read for anyone who loves travel, family stories, or a fresh perspective on America.