TERRE HAUTE —
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.
Some trophies were ornate with golf statues and eagles adorning them. Some were made of plastic and metal while others were wood. Regardless of the various types of construction, they represented the results of your labors on a hot golf course.
At times your trophy would come in the form of a plaque. Players could “dress up” walls especially if they wanted to hide blemishes such as nail holes.
One prominent player really enjoyed winning his trophies and plaques. I overheard another player express the danger he felt when entering the trophy man’s house. He said, “I’ve always been afraid that one of his walls would give way and dozens of trophies and plaques would come cascading down on me and I’d be crushed. The trophies were referred to as “iron men” by the prolific collector who was an excellent player and a big hitter.
Some tournaments didn’t have a trophy for the winner, rather than that, additional merchandise was provided. This pleased most players, but when this occurred and affected the trophy collector, you would always hear a plaintive cry, “Where’s my iron man?”
One player who operated in reverse to the trophy hoarder was Gene Verostko. In one tourney he had won two large trophies, one for medalist honors and one for winning the tournament. On his way out the driveway he noticed a couple of youngsters walking across the practice range. He called out to them and he presented each with a trophy. They were elated.
Later in his golfing career he would take his trophies back to McMillan’s Sporting Goods and trade them in for clothes for his offspring. Not that they needed the clothes. Gene had a good job. What he won on the golf course added up to a sizable bonus.
This writer saw only two trophies in Verostko’s house during all the years I knew him. Each was a trophy given for medalist honors in the Indiana State Amateur Golf Tourney. To win each of those he had beaten the best golfers in Indiana.
It has always appeared that a trophy was as good as its functional value. In other words if the trophy was part of a clock, an ashtray (back when smoking was allowed), an engraved money clip, a portable radio, a pen set or a desk lamp, then you had something you could use. A pen set was always useful.
Often there are members of a family who like to keep the awards. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts and in-laws are often happy recipients of relatives’ accomplishments in various tournaments.
One thing for sure, trophies have been around for a long time, and it is doubtful they will go the way of one dollar green fees anytime soon.
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With the golf industry figured as a 76 billion dollar enterprise, it’s simple to understand why many who enjoy the sport would like to make a career out of some facet of the game.
The Golf Academy of America is situated at six different locations which include San Diego CA, Phoenix AZ. Myrtle Beach NC and Orlando FL.
Several Terre Hauteans have earned associate degrees in golf course operation and management by completing 16 months of training at one of the academy locations.
John Trierweiler, a standout golfer for Terre Haute North during his high school days, is working toward his license as an assistant under the supervision of Steve Miller at Maryland National Golf Club located near Frederick MD.
Jake Peacock, Matt Cain and Luke Blank are at Victoria National as they continue work toward their respective licenses. Jake Peacock was a West Vigo player and Luke Blank played for Terre Haute North.
You would expect Cain, another talented North golfer, to choose some form of the golf business. His father is the greenskeeper at Forest Park Golf Course in Brazil IN. His grandfather Steuben Cain, owned and operated Stu’s Golf Course and Driving Range for many years. His mother, Wendy, has been one of the city’s premier players and her father, Jim Burland was one of Terre Haute’s best, on and off the golf course.
Aaron Rutenberg has also graduated from the Academy.
We will keep you informed regarding their progress.
I I I
Junior Sumner assembled his troops for a trip to Ft. Myers where the action was located at The Plantation, Lexington Country Club and Miramar Lakes as well as Shadowwood North and South.
Included were: Tim Tennant, Bill Doan, Jr., Mark Roman, Jim Nicoson, Herb McConnell, Brian Livingston, Gary Turner. Dave “Jaws” Jozwiak, Ray Sumner, Sr., Steve Heck, Doug Wood, Vic Everhart, Marlon Nasser, and Dave Storm.
At the end of play it was Bill, Doan, Jr. and Tim Tennant in a dead heat for medalist honors.
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With many local divot diggers heading for Lawrenceville this weekend, several stories come to mind. Playing in the second annual Lawrenceville Open, I noticed the name of Bob Goalby who finished second in the first tournament. Who knew he would later win The Masters?
On another occasion Kenny Bosc was taking practice swings on a tee box when the clubhead came in too low and a long, thick, muddy divot was dislodged. It flew directly at Bill Doan, Sr. hit hi in the chest and stuck to his new white golf shirt. After Doan looked at Bosc and Kenny looked mortified, Bill peeled off the offending missile, placed it back on the ground, stepped on it and everyone went about his business.
An incident such as this is usually met with gales of laughter. This one was not although the chuckles were difficult to stifle. Doan finished in a tie for the championship and Bosc went onto win a pair of Lawrenceville Opens.
It’s difficult to forget a course where a player has had a reasonable amount of success.
Way back in 1958 a still thin Terre Haute golfer traveled to Lawrenceville C.C. to take part in a pro-am tournament. The Terre Haute player stumbled to a five over par 41 on the front before beginning the backside birdie, birdie, hole-in-one, birdie to get back to even par.
Some golf stories end well, many do not.
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Tip of the week — One word defines the outstanding player and that is “patience.” It does no earthly good to allow your temper to get the upper hand. The player who can overcome the “rough spots” will usually come out on top.
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Vigo County
Golf Leagues
Paitson’s Eastend Ladies — Standings: Advanced Chiropractic 186, Coaches Corner 183, Louise’s Italian Fine Dining 183, Natalie’s Consignment Furniture 172, Krock Racing 156, Jonesey’s Diner 139, Turner Coach 132, Baesler’s Market 129. Low gross: Marge Kintz 41. Low net: Patsy Miller and Julie Jordan 28. Play of the day: Virginia Anderson and Cathy Wheat. Chip-ins: Sandi Siegelin (9), Mary Hoy (2).
Rea Park Wednesday Evening — Standings (June 1): McCord-Hiatt 12, Meyer-Lanke 12, Price-Bedwell 9, Newton-Harden 8, Durand-Risk 6, Horrall-Atterson 6, Hyde-Albert 5, Clements-Pair 5, Swalls-M.Johnson 3, Padgett-Snow 3, Bocard-T.Johnson 3. Low gross: Stephanie Meyer 38. Low net: Sandy Lanke 31. Birdies: Lanke (6), Linda Price (6), Elizabeth Newton (1, 8), Toni Johnson (4). Chip-ins: Kathy Atterson, Pair.
Ft. Harrison 9 Hole Ladies — (May 31) Low gross: Darby Gugliemetti. Low net: Lucy James. Low putts: Mary Shake. Play of the day: Sharon Nicoson, Gugliemetti, Shake. (May 25)Low gross: Mid Rusk. Low net: Dorothy Dwyer. Low putts: James. Play of the day: Dwyer.
TH Savings Bank Senior Men — National Division standings: Lough Bros. 228, Hogan Stanley Charters 210, Johnson Surveying 193, Complete Kitchen and Bath 176, SMC 169, Local No. 103 148, TH Savings Bank 137. Low gross: Fred Keenan 36. Low net: Rex Ireland 28. American Division standings: Baesler’s Market 205, Salt of the Earth 197, Spring Clean Car Wash 191, Poplar Flower Shop 181, VFW No. 972 161, Gurman Container 141. Low gross: Buzz Page and David Thomas 40. Low net: Thomas 31.
Rub of the Green
RUB OF THE GREEN: Not all golfers display their trophies
- Rub of the Green
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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. -
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Sometimes this can be a confounding game
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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.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: On the lanes or links, Davis is competitive
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Rick Fernandes can look back on a great golf career
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Feherty’s humor good for golf
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RUB OF THE GREEN: It's all in your head
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Golf: ‘The Game You Love to Hate’
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf is only sport that offers both hilarity, pathos
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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.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf full of colorful characters
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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.
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RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf instruction a strenuous art
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BOB ARNETT: No matter what your level, watch out for pressure
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RUB OF THE GREEN: THGA tournaments include variety, long history
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RUB OF THE GREEN: PGA playoff system still needs work
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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.
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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
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