Bob,
Thanks for your reply concerning how long to wait after surgery before playing golf. It sounds like 4 to 5 months could be the right amount of time if their are no other complications.
The golf tournament in October 2002 sounds like it would be a good opportunity to commiserate with other folks who have had valve jobs, as well as hit the ball around.
My handicap varies from 18 to 22, so I will expect a few strokes, unless, of course, my surgery resulted in just a slight draw and few more yards of carry. Fat chance of that. HA!
Thanks again for the information.