On September 24, in Thursday League’s final round of the season, 30-year BMC member Bob Melander made his round count big-time. This was on a day when many players, despite relatively benign playing conditions, struggled and will now have long off-seasons to ponder redemption. But not Bob. He’ll simply have more time to savor a memory that will never grow stale. And, surprisingly, the memorable moment took place after six relatively forgettable holes. But then came Lucky Number 7—Braemar’s seventh hole. Which is where Bob struck the nine-iron of his life– for his first-ever hole-in-one! Unfortunately, with the pin located back right, Bob, from the N tee box, couldn’t see the ball go into the hole– but teammate Randy Krivo most certainly did. And Randy didn’t miss a beat in trumpeting the good news. Making this feat even more special was how Bob’s ace must have dispelled the understandable doubt any of us might have harbored that, after so many years, a moment like this would no longer be possible. So, by showing us that it’s never too late, Bob, whose current USGA handicap is 22, is surely an inspiration to golfers of all stripes. And while his score that day wound up as a ho-hum 94, how could that have mattered to a guy who probably floated off the 18th green on cloud nine.
One other thing: if you’re still looking for your first ace, you might try Bob’s approach: aim right, hit it right.
Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590
