68 at Willow Oaks Country Club

Golfer: Bob M

Date: August 28, 2015

I took up golf in my early 30’s. Once I started taking lessons I got hooked and worked hard to get better. 2 years in I broke 80 (78) and thought I was well on my way to a lifetime of good golf. Boy was I wrong! Over the years I’ve completely lost my swing and confidence, only to work hard to try and rebuild them. On August 28, 2015 I was 48 years old and went to the golf course with about a 9 index and no expectations. I had a good front 9, shooting 35. I had done that before but not in a while. I parred 10, and then magic struck. I aced the par 3 11th and birdied the par 5 12th. After another birdie on the par 15th and bogeying 18 I carded a 33 back 9 to shoot 68. First time ever under par, much less under 70. It was a fun day and I celebrated into the evening. Until...I got a call from my brother and my Mom had passed away that evening. And it all fell into place. My Dad, who had passed away a few years earlier, loved golf but had told me he never broke 80 (80 was his best) and had never had a hole-in-one. So, to me, this was a spiritual moment (and I’m not an overly spiritual guy). Dad said that day, Son, you will have the round of your life, but I’m bringing Mom home to be with me again. So it was a bitter-sweet day for me, but I like to think my Dad was both happy for me and happy to have my Mom back with him again. And I’m ok with that.