Rub of the Green: From fundraiser to reunited, game of golf wears many different ‘hats’

Rub of the Green

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May 23, 2010

Rub of the Green: From fundraiser to reunited, game of golf wears many different ‘hats’

By Bob Arnett Special to the Tribune-Star The Tribune Star Sun May 23, 2010, 12:04 AM EDT

TERRE HAUTE — The game of golf can take on many different characteristics, depending on the objectives of those sponsoring the events. Golf may be played as a tribute or a memorial to the deceased. It may be a time of camaraderie that unites old friends. In some cases, it might signal a family reunion. In many instances, it may be the means of raising money for a worthy cause. The Terre Haute golf community has witnessed many occasions when funds were raised for organizations or individuals who are in need of financial assistance.

Let’s take a look at some of the “hats” that the game of golf can wear from time to time.

The Fourth Annual Marine Corps League-Dick Amerman Memorial Golf Classic was held May 10 through May 14 this year.

Nine members of the Joseph A. Bray Detachment of the Marine Corps League traveled to French Lick, Indiana to play golf at the Tom Bendelow Valley Course, the Donald Ross Hill Course, Country Oaks Golf Club in Montgomery, and Sultan’s Run in Jasper.

On Wednesday evening, compliments of Janet Amerman (Dick’s wife), the players enjoyed a gourmet dinner at Schitzelbank German Restaurant in Jasper. During the events of the evening, Dick Amerman as well as Tim and Dick Ellingsworth were remembered with a toast and great memories of many good times shared by all.

The participants were: Jerry Ellingsworth, Tom Ellingsworth, Vic Everhart, Gary Page, Gary Price, Larry “Roz”nowski, Archie Steadman, Dave Storms, and Don Tyler.

The golfers were accommodated in Dick and Janet’s condos at French Lick Villas & Resort and plans are underway for the Fifth Annual Memorial Classic scheduled in 2011 with a full agenda for the week. Semper Fi.

• • •

• What began as a trip to a bowling tournament 25 years ago turned into a golf outing when Mike Wagle and his chief lieutenant, Joe Bukovack, found that participants liked to play golf better than they liked to bowl.

Now, anywhere from 28 to 40 players make the trip to southern Indiana to play courses such as Country Oaks, French Lick’s Hill Course, and Sultan’s Run. In past years Christmas Lake Golf Club has been in the rotation.

Golfers on the trip range in age from Scott Cassell’s 24 to Duke Schneider’s 86. Golfers’ skills vary from low handicappers such as Tim Tennant, Mark Bird, and Chuck Adamson to high handicappers such as Wagle the host.

Play each day was on a best ball basis. Father-son activity was evident with Mike Webster and Mike Webster, Jr., Ray Sumner and Junior Sumner, and Teddy Schneider and Duke Schneider included. Players enjoyed good food and drink and of course, the casino was close at hand.

It should be noted that Tim Tennant shot in the high 70s each of the first four days. (That is a “bunch” for the former city champion who fired a 68 at Sultan’s Run). It was concluded that Tim’s high 70s rounds were due to the fact he had to carry Joe Bukovack.

Players on the trip were: Tim Tennant, Mark Bird, Chuck Adamson, Bill Doan, Jr., Colby Renick, Mark Brashier, and Mike Webster, Jr. Also, Ted Schneider, Jim King, Ron Poore, Doug Wood, Brian Kaufman, Lee Shipley and Junior Sumner. Others were Joe Bridwell, Bill Blair, Mike Webster, Steve Cuvelier, Harvey Cabak, Eric Johnson and Joe Bukovack Jr., Mark Davis, Scott Cassell, Denny Overburg, Mark Roman, Carl Swalls, and Steve Nicoson, Mike Wagle, Joe Bukovach, Tom Ruddock, Pappy Sumner, Duke Schneider, and Randy Bland.

• For 15 years, the Jim Stewart Sr., family congregated at Kentucky Derby time in Louisville for a family scramble that usually drew from 30 to 40 players. A good field wasn’t difficult to find since Stewart, himself, was one of 10 children

Jim Stewart, Sr. a former city seniors golf champion and his wife, Anne, are the parents of Jim Stewart, Jr. and Tim Stewart, both of whom were exceptional high school golfers at South Vigo where Jimmy was named an All-State golfer.

His brother, Tim earned his way to the IHSAA golf finals where he made a creditable showing. Jim and Tim’s sister Cindy Gutherie is also a golfer. Jim Jr. and his wife, Dee, are the parents of Shelby Stewart who took medalist honors little more than a week ago at the Franklin Invitational.

As long as Stewarts keep coming out for the South Vigo golf team, the Braves can bee counted on to be very competitive.

• Terre Haute golfer Ezra Evans traveled to Harrison Hills Golf Club in Attica recently to take his “players test” in quest of a PGA card. Although he found himself 10 over par after the first 11 holes, he rallied to play the last 25 at one over for a 36-hole total of 155, two strokes better than the cutoff. Nice work, Ezra.

• David Kennedy, Rea Park Professional reports that leagues and hunts are in full swing with greens keeper, Don “Chick” Alumbaugh doing his usual excellent work on greens and fairways. Kennedy also recalls that his best score at Rea is a 67. Not bad for someone who grew up as a distance runner at high schools that turned out state champions on a regular basis.

• • •

Tip of the week — When playing from a tight lie be sure to hit the golf ball with a descending blow. Hit down to get the ball up. Rather than change your swing on this shot, simply move the ball back in your stance an inch or so.

Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.

Vigo County Golf Leagues

Paitson’s Eastend Ladies — Standings (May 23): Natalie’s Consignment Furniture 139, Louise’s Fine Dining and Cafe 131, Dorsett Mitsubishi 125, Coaches Corner 123, Advanced Chiropractic 119, Krock Racing 116, Baesler’s Market 107, Turner Coach 100. Low gross: Marge Kintz and Brenda Ellis 42. Low net: Cathy Wheat 29. Play of day: Dolores Sawtelle. Chip-ins: Barb Kelly (6 ), Rose Mills (6), Wanda Delauter (4), Pat Fulmer (6), Sue Tipton (6), Donna Sumansky (1). Birdie: Delauter (4).

Rea Park Wednesday Evening Ladies — Standings (May 19): Cannon-Petty 7, Honselman-Albert 6, Padgett-Bedwell 6, Mann-Hyde 6, Horrall-M.Johnson 5, Price-Mozley 4, Swalls-Bocard 4, Meyer-Snow 4, Lanke-Harden 4, T.Johnson-Clements 3, McCord-Atterson 3, Hamilton-Rusk 2, Newtonm-Pair 1, Durand-Hiatt 1. Low gross: Josie Swalls and Eileen Mann 40. Low net: Swalls 32. Birdie: Mann. Chip-ins: Linda Price, Sheri Harden, Elizabeth Newton.

Rea Park Tuesday Women 18-hole — Sharon Horrall 82. Shawn Durand 67. Chip-ins: Carolyn Hyde (2), Horrall (9), Beth Lowe (12), Mary Lou Albrt (13), Sharon Hamilton (13). Low putts: Albert 27.

Idle Creek Ladies Tuesday Morning — Low net: Kate Micaaw 38. Longest putt: Susan Larrison (5).

Idle Creek Terminal Sports and Spirits Wednesday Evening — First place (35): Zach Wilhoyte, Scott Logan, Dan Conley, Brad Binns. Second place team (37): Mitch Love, John Hood, Lucas Mahoney, Matt Love. Closest to pin: Hood (16).

Idle Creek Home Builders Tuesday Evening — Low gross: Roger Meneeley 37. Low net: Lenny Isles 34. Longest drive: Troy Pless (15). Closest to pin: Steve Scheid (12), Jack Simpson (16).

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