Patch’s Hole-in-One
John the “Patch Man” Patch a week ago made history (“his story”) richer by sinking his third hole-in- one on the Little River Golf Course.
Patch selected a four iron for the occasion which took place on hole number nine. Several golfers witnessed the rare phenomenon, including Lindy Peters, who is still waiting for his drink. Traditionally, if a golfer scores a hole-in- one, the lucky individual buys drinks for everyone within a five-mile radius of the hole. OK, no — not within a five-mile radius, but it is a golfing tradition to buy a drink for those on the course or those who witnessed the event. As has been stated in Golf Notes before, the odds of an amateur sinking a hole-inone on a 3-par are 12,500 to 1.
Maybe the conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn had an influence on John’s ball flight? If it did, John will have to wait only another 20 years for the conjunction to happen again. The current conjunction brings the two planets together closer than they have ever been since 1623. There will be another conjunction in 20 years — just not as close.
As Kathy Shepley, the Pro Shop manager says, “Have you been conjunctionized yet?” I have, on the bluff behind the Ledford House restaurant. Better hurry, it’s fading.
I have to admit I have been struggling with my game the last few rounds. On the phone with my sixyear- old granddaughter, who lives in Estes Park, Co., I asked her, “Mabel do you have any advice for my golf game?” She responded, “Smack it harder or smack it differently. If that doesn’t work try hitting it with the other hand.” Mmmm, OK Mabel, thank you.
Jeni Loethen working at Harvest Market in Mendocino said, “Try hitting it from a different angle.” Patrick Creamer working at Piaci’s in Fort Bragg said, “Just swing harder.” I asked Chuck Allegrini if he could remember any little swing change that helped him. Chuck began playing golf right-handed playing at Bidwell Park in Chico, where he went to college. When Chuck moved to the coast he switched to a left-handed golfer. That sounds very challenging.
The change went well, but he eventually found himself in the golf doldrums. Playing with Brad Gardner one day, Chuck asked for some help. Brad suggested Chuck rotate his right hand a little so three knuckles were exposed. (Remember Chuck is playing left-handed. For right-handers, the left hand would be rotated to expose the three knuckles.) Chuck gave it a try, and was back on the road again. Little things can be a big help.
The staff at the Little River course would like to express their appreciation for members and guests helping to keep our players and staff safe by responsibly wearing masks and maintaining social distance. Thank you, and hope all had just the Christmas they were hoping for.