ST. SIMONS ISLAND (Ga.) – Robin Love woke up every day without an alarm. It was 5 o’clock in the morning, when Robin Love lost her alarm. This is the time Robin Love set fire to their 12,000 square foot, three-story plantation-style home, which had been there for more than 20 years.
Davis Love III, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, stated that “when you see 4:55 or five o’clock on a clock, you can’t go back to bed.”
Robin would often get up from her bed after the disaster and drive to their old home. There, she would sit at the horse barn with seven stalls that survived the fire and watch the sun rise. He would then call his wife and wonder where she had gone. He would raise his voice in concern and ask “Why aren’t you doing this to me?”
Robin would tell you, “I do it because it makes my feel better.”
The Loves hosted RSM Classic Pro-Am parties in their backyard, before it was destroyed in 2020. (Courtesy Davis Love III)
The Loves felt a variety of emotions after losing their home and the memories that came with it. In a two-alarm fire they experienced anger, disbelief, and acceptance. The horse barn was the best example of this transformation.
Davis said that she wanted to tear it down. Davis recalled that she wanted to tear it down.
Robin Love’s story is now complete. The couple is about to break ground on their new family home, nestled among live oaks, palms, on a five-acre parcel with prime marshfrontage.
Glynn County firefighters fight the blaze at St. Simons Island in Ga., the home of Davis Love III. [Kyle Jurgens – Glynn Country Fire and Rescue]
Robin Love and Davis dated during high school at Glynn Academy. The couple are now the unofficial mayors in this beautiful corner of Southeast Georgia. This is the largest of the Golden Isles chain of barrier islands. For a decade,
The Loves hosted the PGA Tour RSM Classic pro am draft party
Tournament participants were able to enjoy a barbecue in their backyard. Guests enjoyed the best of the island’s low-country cuisine. Robin took care of every detail, down to the flowers on each table. The home was also the venue for Lexi’s wedding, along with a few friends. There were also charity events. Each person dealt with the loss of their home in a different way.
Davis stated, “I remember hearing about Raymond Floyd’s home being destroyed in 1992. It was really sad. But until you see it, you can’t believe it.” It’s difficult because people keep asking questions like, “Do you still have the putter from that time?” And I say, “No, I don’t.”
It’s almost like when someone dies. Let’s say that you lose your parent and come up with something to say to everyone. I am very good at deflecting. I can say, “Look at my new putter.” They will then say, “Oh, that’s not right.”
After the final round, Davis Love III and Robin presented Tyler Duncan with their trophy. Streeter Lecka/Getty Images.
Davis, as he had done many times before, consulted Bob Rotella, a noted sports psychologist.
He is a sports psychologist and a psychologist first. He has helped me through the suicide of my brother-in law, the loss of my dad and all the other things that have happened. Davis stated that Davis was a great support. “If it weren’t for Rotella I wouldn’t be able to get through it.”
Love’s first question? Davis asked, “What should I tell my granddaughter?” Davis recalled, “She wants to see the house that is still burning. What should I do? She was 5. He said, “If she wants to go,” Tell her it’s only things. We’ll rebuild it. You can also help choose things for the house. Let her know that everything is okay and that life will move on. It’s at dock.’ Rotella allowed me to let her be part of it and saved me. There are 10 more stories like this, where he helped me to say or do what was right and made everyone feel OK.
Rotella stated that Love handled “this gut-check” in the same way he does every time: “He is the strong one who gives his energy to help everyone else.”
Rotella believed that every moment in life should be viewed as a blessing. Rotella’s teachings focus on perspective and how to deal with the ups and downs in life. Love was advised by him, “If there is a silver lining to your problems, you can handle them.”
Rotella repeated a refrain: It’s going take time. So, don’t do anything dramatic.
The Loves moved in to a house nearby on the island. They even put the property, which was their old home, on the market. But Davis intentionally set a price so outrageous that it would not sell. He hoped Robin would reconsider his decision. The new home was stunning and became a favorite spot for friends. Robin also resumed her role of ‘the hostess-with-the most-ess’, which saw Georgia football win the two previous seasons. Robin stated that their new home is like a second home. Everything else I had built was from the places we lived.”
Captain Davis Love III, United States Team, and Robin Love, wife of Robin Love, ride in a golf car during Friday four-ball matches at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images).
Robin soon found herself drawn back to the original home. She took care of her kittens and looked after the garden, as well as dealing with her emotional trauma. Davis was still concerned. Davis was still concerned. He said he wouldn’t leave her to play tournament golf unless she saw a therapist. Robin made an appointment and went to the first session. She thanked the therapist for his help and said that he was sorry.
Slowly, but surely Robin realized that there was no benefit to dwelling on the past. As she moved forward, the wheels began to turn and Robin found comfort in their old home.
She said, “The land is still there.” “Just the house has disappeared.”
Robin received her healing from the Loves, who maintained their old swimming pool. Davis said that it’s still a work-in-progress for her and she admitted she was reluctant to share this story. Some memories can cause a flood of emotions.
Christmas will be difficult. My mom made needlepoint stockings for everyone in the family. Davis stated that golf items are just that, but family heirlooms cannot be replaced.” Davis said, “I won’t have any pictures to pass on to my children because 90% of them are gone.”
Love rescued this Ryder Cup 2016 flask from the ashes of the fire. (Courtesy Davis Love III)
Robin went to the barn on the anniversary of the fire and saw the sunrise. She also said her prayers, thanking God that they were able to escape the house alive, and promised to build another house.
Davis stated, “She is an incredibly strong individual and has been through a lot.” Davis said that many people would have crawled into the hole and never emerged.
They hired the same architect who designed their home after the fire, and have included their favourite elements from their temporary homes into the new design. The Loves will seek approval for their plans in January and plan to start building a cottage-style seaside house next year. Their goal is to host RSM Classic Pro-Am parties in their yard and at their new house in 2024. Only then will the circle be complete.
Robin stated, “It was my forever home and it’s gone. So this next one will be my forever home.” She paused and chuckled before saying, “It will have be.” “I’m getting too old.”
