From the Bunkers

Anyone who enjoys golf always has dreams of a hole-in-one. Some play a lifetime without ever achieving that goal, while others have experienced the thrill of that special shot. Kevin McPhee has twice hit the ball in the cup from the tee, with the latest being June 12, while playing with Rick Goodwin, Peter Stanley and Greg Palmer. Needless to say, libations were at Kevin’s expense.
Houlton has a great history of aces, or also called hole-in-ones. The first recorded was Judge Robert Lawlis, as recorded in Sports Illustrated, the longest interval between his shot and that of Fred Putnam II in 1961. It seems to be some sort of record for golf courses in the U.S.
Other recorded hole-in-ones at the Houlton course were: Ken Paradis, Joe McKay, twice; Roger Cunliffe, Parker Severson, Betty Stone, Gary Stewart, Jim Ward, twice; Tom Pierce, Wilfred “Doc” Virgie, Jerry Adams, Dennis Wright, Bob Gray, Merle Fenlason, Rick Goodwin, Bob Hanson, Frannie Grant, Scott Flannery, Brent McGuire, Sam Wright, Andy Gendron, Linda Holmes, twice; Porter Gervais, Jerry York, Collin York, Matt Quint, Brittany Benn and probably one that may never be repeated, David Grant on the par four, fourth hole. Obviously, the longest hole-in-one in Houlton golf course history.
Surprisingly, not all hole-in-ones are great shots, as luck has a way of helping. On some courses, the par threes where most aces are made are down hill and a miss hit could roll into the cup. Not at Houlton, as both par threes are up hill and require a well hit ball.
Results of the second week of Men’s Twilight League show the teams of Putnam/Askren, Flewelling/Gervais, Fogarty/Goodwin and Edgar/Moakler leading their divisions.
In the Ladies’ Twilight League, the team of Pam Mailman, Sarah Howland, Jen Carr and substitute Natasha Ritchie had the most points with Howland leading the way.
Jane York had closest to the pin on number 12. If she and her sons, David and Collin, along with her husband Jerry played in a four-person scramble, they would be very tough to beat.
There are still openings for next Saturday’s June Jamboree – a two-person scramble. It’s a very enjoyable event where member-member or member-guest can compete.
Call the Pro Shop for more information at 532-2662.
TIP OF THE WEEK: Most beginners suffer from bad shots caused not so much by bad swinging, as poor contact. The clubhead is small, the ball  is small, and the ground tends to get in the way of the swing. It takes practice and a perfect eye to strike the ball correctly.You can do a great deal to improve your strike simply by concentrating on contact, watching the ball, and keeping good balance throughout.