From the Bunkers: What shots

Great shots in golf become legendary such as Gene Sarazen’s double eagle in the Masters and Tom Watson’s chip-in at Pebble Beach to win the U.S. Open, along with many more on the international scene.
    In all of the years I have enjoyed golf, I have never seen a hole-in-one on a par four until last Friday when Mike Fleming aced the fourth hole while playing with Wally Peabody, Sean Dolomont and me. David Grant also did it on the same hole and to my knowledge, they are the only two to accomplish this feat at the Houlton Community Golf Course.
Gabe Goodwin also had a hole-in-one on the par three third hole on Thursday, so the beat goes on and there will be other stories to relate on what promises to be an exciting season on a well-tailored golf course as the greens are in the best early shape ever.
A familiar face in the Pro Shop is Paul Madigan, but Paul has another distinction. He received his turf grass pesticide license. After diligent study, he passed the written test in Presque Isle and the oral master’s test in Augusta conducted by the state of Maine Pesticide Board of Control. This is an important step for the Houlton community golf course, as they now have a needed expert under the law, which requires a licensed person on hand when pesticide spraying is required.
Once again, Porter and Ian Gervais are maturing as excellent golfers, with Porter’s play on the collegiate level and Ian, a three-sports star at Houlton High School, is the much deserved scholarship recipient from the Maine State Golf Association.
May 28 is the date for the four-man memorial shamble. No that is not a misnomer. A shamble requires each player to drive — the best shot is chosen and then each player plays the ball from that spot until he holes out — the best score in the foursome is recorded. Cost is $15 per player and includes breakfast. It’s a good deal so sign up early.
A reminder to also sign up for the ladies’ team play and the men’s Twilight League, which begins June 6.
What a welcome sight was carts on the course as we feeble old folks were at last able to moan and groan from tee to tee, while many of our shots cause some watchers to “tee-hee.”