Tournaments, aces, putts

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

The worst mistake in golf that haunts me to this day came as a young broadcaster covering a state golf championship in New Hampshire.

I marveled at the play of a competitor who didn’t hit the ball as long or far as the favorites.

All of us knew this quiet golfer, who had his son as his caddy, probably wouldn’t win. They never spoke to spectators or acknowledged applause. But I couldn’t take my eyes off the pair.

I was wrong.

Over a tough field, they won — accomplishing a feat I didn’t think was possible. I was moved by the father and son pair, and so I featured them in my morning broadcast. I was so proud of what they accomplished, I mailed them a letter.

A few days later, a letter of thanks arrived. At the bottom of the note, it read: “By the way, my daughter was the caddy.”

I was ashamed. I still am.

Golf tournaments
Rally for the Cure is always a special golf event. A two-person, best-ball game is carded for Monday, March 5, by the ladies of Grand Reserve.

A Relay for Life tournament is slated to take place Saturday, March 10, at Pine Lakes. This tournament is a four-person scramble.

Then, men and women golfers give their all to have fun and raise money March 29 in the Pine Lakes Rally for the Cure tournament.

Ace!
The granddaddy of them all, a hole-in-one!

Vinny Thompson, of Grand Haven, did it from 130 yards on the 17th hole using a 5-wood while playing March 3, at The Conservatory, at Hammock Beach. What’s special about this ace is that Thompson did it at age 80, proving once again that age is just a number. Thompson’s teammates planned to present him with a plaque when they play together at LPGA.

Paul Reuter aced the 143-yard fourth hole March 1, at Grand Reserve. Reuter used a 9-iron to capture his first ace.

Putting
From Dan Pasquariello, a West Coast professional: “Because you expect to make short putts, there’s extra pressure, which causes you to tense up and make a jab stroke. The next time you face a knee-knocker, grip the putter with the last three fingers of your right hand wrapped over your left hand. This deadens your dominant hand and promotes a smoother stroke, especially from short range.”

Worth a try, don’t you think?