TERRE HAUTE — In thinking about the nearly 60 years that I have been acquainted with George Kaperak, there are many adjectives that apply to one of the most gracious individuals ever to hit a golf ball down a Terre Haute fairway.
George was an outstanding golfer and an excellent bowler as well. He always demonstrated a great sense of humor. It was always a treat to be in his presence. He consistently exuded an up-beat attitude, and I never heard him make a disparaging remark about another individual. These endearing qualities contributed to the fact that there were legions of friends who thought him so special.
For decades I usually began a conversation with George by asking, “George, what are you up to?” The answer was always the same. “About five five and a half.” To me he was a giant. Another of his favorite statements, especially when discussing some thorny issue, was “It seems you just can’t get ideal conditions any more.”
A number of years ago while playing in a Rea Park hunt and standing on the 10th tee, I heard someone say, “George has a chance to shoot 29 on the front nine.” I quickly ran back to No. 9 in time to observe Kappy addressing a chip shot from about two feet short of the putting surface with the pin approximately 12 feet from the back of the green. The chip rolled directly at the hole, nipped the pin ever so slightly and went down into the cup. Seven birdies and two pars contributed to a fantastic nine. Things didn’t go well on the following nine, but George had his course record 29 on the front. A record that, as far as I know, has never been equaled.
George was always generous in helping younger players. Whether it was giving them tips regarding their swings or giving them a ride to out of town tournaments, he was happy to be helpful. It was a treat to ride with him since he usually drove a new or nearly new Pontiac Bonneville. It was nice to travel in style.
It was back in the 1950s at the Casey (Ill.) Open that George won the amateur division and his brother, Mike, the pro at Rea Park, took first in the professionals’ segment of the competition. Terre Haute players in the tourney helped the popular Kaperak brothers celebrate long into the night.
The Fendrich Open, a favorite event held in Evansville, attracted many area golfers. A $50 merchandise certificate each day went to the player who could put his tee shot closest to the pin on a 225-yard par-three hole. A yawning sand trap fronted the green with the flagstick located at the back of the putting surface.
George hit his driver into a strong wind, and it finished one foot from the hole. The following day as we played the same hole, we noticed the flag denoting the closest shot was in the same position it had been the day before. We asked the fellow checking the shots if there wasn’t a closest to the pin contest again. He replied, “There sure is, and the guy who won it yesterday knocked it up a foot away again today. How good is that guy, anyway?”
The answer was easy; he was a long hitter with a superior iron game that produced nine holes in one. He was also an excellent putter, as demonstrated by his multiple wins in both the Terre Haute Stroke Play Championship and the City Match Play Championship. In addition, George won several Rea Park Club Championships as well as a number of Senior City titles that in days gone by were decided by the 50 or older player who shot the low score for 72 holes in the city stroke play tourney.
George also teamed with Bill Kipple to win the Terre Haute Round Robin Tourney, a competition reserved for the low 20 scorers in the THGA City Stroke Play Tournament. He was a charter member of the Terre Haute Golf Association’s Hall of Fame.
One cold, December day while playing winter golf at Rea Park, the wind was howling in our faces as we teed off on No. 12. Although measuring 390 yards, the hole played much longer.
George sliced his drive into the middle of the No. 16 fairway. From there he hit a driver that finished by hopping into the cup for an eagle. There wasn’t a club in his golf bag he couldn’t hit with authority, including knock-down wedge shots that came in low with unbelievable backspin and then applied the brakes when they neared the hole. He consistently performed these shots regardless of how hard the greens might have been. I believe he could stop a wedge shot on a concrete green.
All in all, George Kaperak was a great competitor, a loyal friend and a magnificent role model. I’ll treasure memories of George both on and off the golf course. During Rea Park Men’s Club Socials held at Rea’s clubhouse, George could always be counted on to lead a dance titled “The Hokey Pokey.”
George Kaperak was absolutely a man for all seasons! Golf in Terre Haute is much poorer for his absence, but much richer for his presence among us.
A funny thing happened during Tiger Woods’ march toward victory in last week’s Deutsch Bank Fed-Ex tourney. Eldrick got out of step and had to settle for a tie for second and what had to be the bitterest pill for the Tiger to swallow, was the fact it was Phil Mickelson who went head-to-head with golf’s No. 1 player for the win.
In the “now what?” department, Phil has announced he may not tee it up this week at Cog Hill due to some disagreements with the tour’s commissioner, Tim Fichem.
As for Tiger, you can never tell about him. He may just stay on his yacht. He’s probably very tired, especially after losing to Lefty, who is now the world’s No. 2-ranked professional golfer.
A tip of the hat to Ernie Maesch on winning his second Idle Creek Club Championship. Ernie fired a couple of smooth 71s to win the title going away.
• Tip of the week — Much has been made of the fact that Butch Harmon, Tiger’s former instructor and Mickelson’s coach, gave Phil some instructions as how to play against Tiger. Mickelson wouldn’t divulge what the tips might have been.
If I were to guess, I’d bet that Butch told Mickelson to go the continuous putting route. After Tiger putts out there is often a stampede to the next tee, making his opponent’s putt just that much more difficult. Mickelson followed that course of action to a “T”.
Previously, I had watched poor Mike Weir try to putt on the final day of a PGA event with a herd of galleryites stomping off to the next tee while poor Weir tried to concentrate. He finished with a 79.
Tiger was asked why he or his caddy didn’t hold up their arms to help quiet the spectators, whereas Tiger and his caddy answered, “That is the marshals’ job.” Actually, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus quite often helped the hapless volunteers in this endeavor.
By putting out before Tiger, Phil took away a negative factor that otherwise would have been a plus for Woods.
Anyway, our tip is this. For most amateurs continuous putting can be a plus or a minus. To find out, experiment with both methods and keep a record of your putts. You’ll soon discover what works best for you. Of course, you don’t want to step in your playing partner’s line when putting out.
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Tribune-Star golf columnist Bob Arnett can be reached by e-mail at subob@aol.com.
Rub of the Green
Rub of the Green: Columnist has many fond memories of George Kaperak
- Rub of the Green
-
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Ryder Cub drama a great part of American sports scene
The recent Ryder Cup matches are over, but not done with! At the time the final match had concluded the “talking heads” had already gone to work assessing blame to those who didn’t live up to their preconceived expectations.
-
Snedeker the big winner after FedEx Championship
The season-long FedEx Championship has finally come to an end and Brandt Snedeker may need a Brinks truck to haul his winnings to the bank.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Memories of Crooked Stick
The BMW tournament that concluded Sept. 9 at Crooked Stick in Carmel brought back a flood of memories.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: "Fair Joe" known expects rules to be followed in local hunts
Fair Joe is the name and golf is the game when referring to Joe Bukovack, who has sponsored hunts in Terre Haute as well as throughout Indiana during the past 25 years.
The “Fair” in Joe’s title refers to the fact that players who wish to participate in Bukovack’s competition must be willing to follow the rules of golf to the letter, otherwise they will not be invited to participate. -
RUB OF THE GREEN: Enjoying the game after all these years
When golf is referred to as “The Game for a Lifetime,” you’ve got to believe that description is definitely on target. For example, there is the Danny Williams hunt that converges on the first tee at The Landing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Many players are in their 70s and retired dentist, Bill Aikin, has seen 92 birthdays.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Hunts still popular on golf course
There is something about golf that lends itself to some friendly competition and in times gone by, the competitions were called “choose-ups.” Somewhere along the line, choose-ups became “hunts.” Regardless of what you call them, they remain a most popular mode of play for Terre Haute divot-diggers on courses throughout the Wabash Valley.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Heat doesn’t deter Terre Haute golfers
“When you’re hot, you’re hot, and when you’re not, you’re not.” Those are the words of country singer Jerry Reed and they apply to golfers as well.
-
Rub of the Green: Father’s golf imprint still evident today
I was lucky and I knew it. My father, Robert Erwin Arnett, was one of the best dads any youngster could hope for.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Hogan, small of stature, left big footprints
With the Crowne Plaza Invitational being played at Colonial Country Club today, it conjures up images of the man himself, Bantam Ben Hogan, who won so often at Colonial it became known as “Hogan’s Alley.”
-
Rub of the Green: Bowling or golf? Both provide plenty of challenge
The question has been raised in the past, is it bowling or golf that is the more difficult endeavor?
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Sometimes this can be a confounding game
To be sure, the great Sam Snead certainly knew what he was talking about when he delivered his favorite axiom, “The sun don’t shine on the same dog every day.”
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Grayless takes over as golf professional at Hulman Links
Ed Grayless has assumed the “head man’s” position at the Links after Ryan Klopfenstein resigned as Hulman Links golf professional in order to pursue other interests.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Young players should match course to skills
One of the biggest mistakes a beginning golfer can make is to keep playing a golf course that is far too difficult for the ability demonstrated by that player.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: On the lanes or links, Davis is competitive
Darrell Davis carries a 240 bowling average which obviously puts him in some strong company on the alleys, but he feels that golf is a much more difficult sport than keggling.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Loquacious golfers can provide priceless quotes
Golfers always seem to have a great deal to say, but determining who said what and who said it first can be a problem.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Rick Fernandes can look back on a great golf career
What does an outstanding golfer have left when an accident has robbed him of the consummate skills he once possessed? The answer most assuredly would be one word, “Memories.”
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Feherty’s humor good for golf
David Feherty is an extremely funny man. If you have read his book written a few years ago, you might have guessed what to expect from him. The book, entitled “Somewhere in Ireland a Village is Missing an Idiot,” set the stage for his far out brand of humor, most of which is directed at himself.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: It's all in your head
A pair of divot diggers had been discussing their favorite sport when one could be heard saying, “You know, I think this game is 90 percent mental.” After a short pause his friend replied, “Well, I think you’re about 10 percent short in your estimation.”
-
Golf: ‘The Game You Love to Hate’
Golf has been called “The Game You Love to Hate.” In addition, love-hate relationships have been around since the beginning of time.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf is only sport that offers both hilarity, pathos
It’s been stated more than once that “golf is a microcosm for life itself.”
This writer would heartily agree. No sport or game can offer combinations of happiness and sadness, hilarity and pathos as evidenced by an activity called “cow pasture pool” by some of its practitioners. -
RUB OF THE GREEN: Even golfers say there is drug problem on Tour
Are professional golfers using performance-enhancing drugs? This writer wouldn’t have the foggiest, but if you asked Gary Player, one of the game’s greatest, the answer would be a resounding, “Yes.”
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Not all golfers display their trophies
Back in the “old days,” let’s say the 1940s, most of the time when you won something in a golf tournament your prize came in the form of a trophy. That was it, just a dust catcher. Later, merchandise prizes were added.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf full of colorful characters
Every sport has its own cast of characters and golf is definitely no exception. Whether it is diving head first into a greenside bunker or tying an unreliable putter to a car’s bumper and dragging it down the road, golfers can do some strange things.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Winter made golf impossible this year
Old Man Winter along with Mother Nature must have something against area golfers. They have joined forces to sabotage a sport called winter golf, an activity many Wabash Valley players have enjoyed in years gone by.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf instruction a strenuous art
Few who have ever tried their hands at playing the game of golf would describe the sport as “easy”. In fact, just the opposite would be the case.
-
BOB ARNETT: No matter what your level, watch out for pressure
What is the affliction that can affect most any golfer from those who can’t break an egg to skilled golfers who can break 70?
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: THGA tournaments include variety, long history
In days gone by, the Terre Haute Golf Association has always offered more than just a 72-hole stroke play tournament.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: PGA playoff system still needs work
Is anyone fed up with the convoluted Fed Ex playoffs? The PGA has been tweaking its so-called Fed Ex playoff system for years, and they never seem to get it right.
-
Rub of the Green: Golf can be roller coaster for young pros
Dustin Johnson may be best remembered for his appearances in the major tournaments in 2010, but not because he won. He didn’t win. But he came awfully close.
-
Rub of the Green: One size does NOT fit all when it comes to golfing ability
Literally hundreds of books have been written on the subject of golf instruction, and we can be certain they all agree on one fundamental, always keep your head stationary throughout the swing.
Right? Nope, wrong as it could be! How’s that, you say? As examples both David Duval and Annika Sorenstam at one time were rated the world’s No. 1 professional golfers, respectively, and both swiveled their heads well before their clubheads reached the impact zone. In fact, Duval is one of a select few who has a 59 to his credit on the PGA Tour. - More Rub of the Green Headlines
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Ryder Cub drama a great part of American sports scene
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Today in History May 22
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
