Waiting with bated breath

Sitting on the sala in Costa Rica awaiting with bated breath the results of the 4

Ball Qualifier slated to be played last Sunday, March 5th. Or was the event once again postponed because of too much snow or rain? Notes have reached out via email to several locals seeking the outcome or not. This column is being written on Sunday, March 5th and there is no snow in Costa Rica.

And the results just came in Monday morning via Dewey Turner. Because of the weather, only two teams showed up to compete and since two teams are needed to qualify the winners are team Paul Cookenboo

and Dennis Hartsock with team Scott Deitz and Jim Ehlers. Congratulations!

I have been working on my swing down here Phil Dunn. On the last drive I hit the eighteenth hole at the Little River Course Phill gave me a nice swing tip. He pointed out to me the swing plane which I don’t think I previously understood that well. Every day now with my trusty, rusty Dynacraft sand wedge I take a few practice swings and hit five or so guavas. Years ago I smuggled the wedge in. The guava’s exploded when I hit them so I really don’t have graphic evidence of the swing’s success but it feels right. Swing the club back tucking that left shoulder under the chin keeping an eye focused on the guava. Right, so far Phil? Keep the butt of the handle on the plane as you swing down on the ball. This is instead of casting the club head out towards the ball which I have a tendency to do. Sound right Phil? Am I on the plane? Anxious to return to the golf course and put my guava swing to the test.

I have been asking friends and folks I meet down here if they have ever golfed. Most say no. I asked Flora, a woman I have known for a number of years if she had ever played golf. She said as miniature golf a time or two. Flora born in Italy has an Italian father and a Nigerian mother. She has lived in Costa Rica off and on for the past ten years. Wow, a whitefaced monkey just swung into the monkey-pod tree in front of the house. “Have you ever played golf white-faced monkey?” Probably not but the monkey swings nicely up in the tree. “So Flora”, I asked, “though you haven’t played golf you have heard of the game and might have some idea of a golf swing. Would you be willing to demonstrate your swing based on what you know?” “Sure.”, said Flora. She stood up from the porch where we were sitting, took her stance, gripped her imaginary club, and took a swing. Nice followthrough. “You’re a natural Flora.” I have asked a number of non-golfers the same question and all have demonstrated “their” swing. Fun. I am proposing we have a nongolfer golf tournament on the Black Sand beach. I’ll bring my sand wedge and a couple of real golf balls. So far I have some interest. Flora says, “Yes.” Notes will keep you posted.