Goodbye, airwaves

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

When making a decision to leave the radio golf show, I felt good for several reasons. One, I no longer had to do the extensive preparation that something like this requires. Two, I didn’t have the worry that a guest would not show up, as happens in radio.

Then I began to think of what I’m missing.

Without that show I would not have met Rick McArdle, a terrific golfer and one of the nicest people on earth.
He not only co-owns the course record at Grand Haven with a 64, a number he has shot several times, he gives his talent free to the Matanzas girls golf team.

When I read results that show Louise Wolfe’s team on the verge of championship play, my heart jumps a few numbers.

Then there is Elmer Stainbrook. If it were not for radio and golf at the Ocean Course, I would not have had the luck to meet this wonderful person.

Stainbrook came on radio as a guest and that’s where I found out about his intensive volunteer work with the hospice house at Florida Hospital Flagler.

Then I read in last week’s edition of The Palm Coast Observer of the marvelous honors presented him for his work. If Stainbrook was ever sainted with a downtown parade in his honor, I’d be first to carry the flag. I wish all of you could meet him as I did.

Then there is Jim Simes, an outstanding golf teaching professional and my co-host for the full year. Simes gave priceless swing tips on every show.

I’ll never forget coming across him at Grand Reserve when he was teaching the swing to a lady golfer. She turned to me and said, “He is good!” And I add, yes he is.

HOLE-IN-ONE
Speaking of class, Fran Crotto notched his second hole-in one, this time at Grand Reserve.

Crotto socked this one on the 13th hole with a 5-wood from 159 yards. Looking on were Mike Jackson, Dale Bell and Carol Johnson.

His first was 31 years ago, in New York, playing with former Palm Coaster John Melzer.

GENE BARRET
Francis Ouimet Day at Palm Harbor was an immense success and beautifully organized and run by Gene Barrett. At the awards ceremony, he would be thanked by lengthy applause for the work he had done.

Barrett became ill and took time out for a breather. Later he agreed to be hospitalized and died shortly after. Sometimes life stinks. This was one of those times.