How can so many guys shoot their age so many times?
This year five BMC members shot their age three or more times: Larry Fyten (86 years young), Bill Angel (75), John Miller (76), Rollie Schlichting (78) and Bob Devereaux (99!). Four of these five had shot their age in prior seasons and this year John Miller joined their ranks for the first time.
To the knowledge of The Virtual 19th Hole, there’s never been a year when this many guys have shot their age that many times. Congrats to Larry, Bill, John, Rollie and Bob!
At Braemar Larry and Bob normally play the N tees, Rollie the I tees, and both Bill and John the Ds, with Bill also known to play the E tees from time to time.
Larry Fyten
Larry doesn’t keep close track of when he shoots his age—and who could blame him? Just since August, he’s done it over a dozen times. Two dozen-plus so far this year. It might actually be easier to count the rounds when Larry doesn’t shoot his age. Understandably, you may ask, “What’s his secret?” But it’s really quite simple: hit fairways and greens and make a few putts.
Bill Angel
So far this year (and remember, the year isn’t over yet!), Bill has shot his age seven times. His scores:
- 74 on May 27, from Braemar’s D tees;
- 72 on June 24, from Braemar’s D tees;
- 73 on July 8, at Monticello;
- 70 on July 29, at Dwan;
- 72 on August 11, at Pioneer Creek;
- 74 on August 22, from Braemar’s D tees;
- 73 on October 6, at Bunker Hills (the North/ East courses).
Three of those rounds were in competition. Playing with each of two traveling teams, Bill helped bring home victories for Braemar’s 4 Man Team on May 27 and July 8, and for Braemar’s 8C Team on June 24. The 4 Man Team went on to win the 2025 Class B Championship and the 8C Team only missed out on the playoffs by a whisker. Also of note: Bill’s 72 at Pioneer Creek was from 6,291 yards.
John Miller
Until June of this year, John had never shot his age, although twice this spring he missed putts on the 18th hole that would have gotten it done. Then, on June 24, just after turning 76, John made a key putt on 18 for a 76– and the flood gates opened. After that, John shot his age six more times (and of course the year is not over yet). He shot:
- 76 on July 15, from Braemar’s D tees;
- 74 on August 3, from the N tees in the club championship;
- 76 on August 12, at Keller;
- 76 on August 21, from the D tees in regular Thursday League competition;
- 74 on July 29, at Dwan; and
- 74 on October 4, from Braemar’s D tees.
That’s seven rounds of shooting his age or better. And two of them came in traveling team competition: on June 24, helping Braemar’s 4 Man Team secure a win, and on July 15, helping Braemar’s 8C Team win their final regular season match.
Rollie Schlichting
Rollie shot his age three times this year– so far. At age 78, he’s on a roll.
Playing from the I tees in regular Thursday League competition, Rollie shot:
- 77 on May 29;
- 77 on August 28; and
- 78 on September 18.
Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award
Perennially on the list of BMC Age Shooters is 99-year-old Bob Devereaux, who year after year continues to post scores that defy the inexorable march of time– and he’s done it so many times that everyone, including Bob, has lost count.
A banner year for Larry, Bill, John, Rollie and Bob
Congrats to all these Super Seniors for shooting their age again… again… and again!
Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590