TERRE HAUTE —
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.
Several decades ago one of Terre Haute’s zaniest divot diggers related the following story to this writer. I’ll call him Ralph although that is not his real name.
Ralph was a solid player who once took Gene Verostko to the 18th hole in the Terre Haute Match Play Tourney. Par figures were often within his ability. Since he passed away many years ago it is not our style to embarrass any relatives or to impugn his memory for that matter.
Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Navy when World War II broke out. Although he had been arrested 19 times before his 21st birthday, he was still accepted for duty.
Most of Ralph’s troubles with the law involved minor offenses such as public intoxication, drunken driving, drunk and disorderly and disturbing the peace. With only three of his own teeth left, Ralph was not an imposing fighter at 5-feet, 11-inches in height and he tipped the scales at 140 pounds but that didn’t prevent him from “wading in” against someone who was 75 pounds heavier. Even at that, alcohol was his toughest adversary.
One admirable trait Ralph possessed was his veracity. If Ralph told you something you could “take it to the bank.” During the years I knew him, I never knew him to tell a single falsehood.
At the end of the war, Ralph received his discharge and headed back to Terre Haute where he teamed up with an old buddy. Together they decided to throw a big victory bash at the Terre Haute House. They rented a suite of rooms, hired a band, rounded up several members of their old crowd which included their favorite ladies, and proceeded to do what they knew best, drink, dance and party. The festivities went on non-stop night and day for three days before the police were called after a knockdown free-for-all erupted that involved a large number of hotel guests who just wanted a good night’s sleep.
Ralph and his friend were locked up, but Ralph got to be “cell boss.” Because of his many trips to the Vigo County Jail, Ralph got to supervise the inmates during clean up time.
After spending a few hours in the slammer, a drunk was escorted into the same cell, which Ralph and his cohort occupied. The new detainee screamed, “They think they’ve got me, but I’m too smart for them. I’ve got $300 dollars hidden where they’ll never find it.” The guard overhearing this proceeded to shake down the cell, even going to the trouble of taking apart the plumbing to see if any money had been rolled and hidden in the pipes. No money was found.
After the guard had gone, the newcomer admitted, “I’ve got my money sewed in the seat of my pants.” He then passed out on a cot as Ralph looked knowingly at his pal.
Ralph confided how he always kept a razor blade in the heel of his shoe for “emergencies.” Ralph said he proceeded to cut a large hole out of the seat of the cellmate’s pants. After the new arrival awakened he began running his tin cup across the bars and screaming, “I’ve been robbed, they took my money!” The guard told him to shut up and go back to sleep.
Ralph and his pal had already hidden the stash in the plumbing, since the guard had previously checked there.
Just before being “bailed out,” Ralph and his pal retrieved their loot, went to Rea Park for a quick 18 holes and then on to the Terre Haute House for what else? A party.
• • •
Congratulations are in order for Gregg and Charlie Kluesner for their win in the Rea Park Two-Man tourney last weekend. Also, an additional tip of the hat to senior champs, Larry Fossi and Larry Griffin.
• • •
It was difficult to watch Rory McIlroy’s “meltdown” in the recent Masters. The youthful McIlroy would do well to answer the media with a short statement, “I’ll be back.”
• • •
The 20th Sheriff’s Shootout is slated for May 13 at Rea Park with 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. starting times.
Entry fee is $100 for individuals and $400 for a team which includes lunch at noon and golf cart to benefit Hamilton Center.
Get your entry in early since this event has always boasted a full field.
Call Rea Park, (812) 232-0709, for additional details.
• • •
Tip of the week — These days modern pros often travel with a swing coach, a strategy coach, a golf psychologist, a putting expert and who knows what else.
Yogi Berra made this statement regarding baseball, but I think it applies equally well to golf: “You can’t hit and think at the same time.”
I believe he is correct.
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Rub of the Green
RUB OF THE GREEN: Golf full of colorful characters
- Rub of the Green
-
-
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. -
Rub of the Green: Gerstmeyer Tech’s reknown Les Brown made his mark in plethora of sports
Les Brown never had a middle name, not even a middle initial. What he did have was an abundance of athletic ability that he utilized to earn letters in five different sports during his senior year at Gerstmeyer Technical High School.
-
Rub of the Green: An inspiring walk of 1,000 miles
Watching the young man on the TV screen move from place to place was like watching the human body battle itself. It seemed as though his arms and legs each wanted to go in separate directions, as he flailed about with only a cane to steady himself.
-
Rub of the Green: From fundraiser to reunited, game of golf wears many different ‘hats’
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.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Excursions are a tradition for many Terre Haute golfers
Many divot diggers enjoy excursions to play golf courses that offer new and different challenges. Terre Haute can certainly testify to the truth of that with some groups having hit the road for many decades.
-
Rub of the Green: Was 1960 really the ‘Greatest Year in Golf’?
Listening to Willie Nelson warble the lyrics, “Ain’t it funny how time slips away?” reminds this writer that those words are incorrect on two counts. One, it is not funny to get old. The late Bob Bundy often stated, “Old age is not for sissies.” And two, time doesn’t just slip away, it tends to streak on at a full gallop. At least, that’s the felling you get when you qualify for the Methuselah Flight of your club championship.
-
Rub of the Green: Basketball coaching legend Wooden could hold his own on golf course
The name John Wooden doesn’t just “ring a bell” with Indiana basketball aficionados; it resounds like a canon shot. No doubt about it, John Wooden is someone special, and that is a gross understatement.
-
RUB OF THE GREEN: Can Tiger Woods successfully make over his me-first image?
“Pain, despair and agony on me” are the words of a comical song made popular on an old TV program titled “Hee-Haw.” The refrain might have been heard again if you had occasion to drive by the Tiger Woods residence in the gated community of Isleworth, Fla., as the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday wound down, but this time no one was laughing.
- Rub of the Green: Course architect Pete Dye has had lasting impression on game It would seem that the more you learn about Pete Dye, the golf course architect, the more there is to admire about the man. It was decades ago when Dye determined that the insurance business was not for him, and he decided to begin designing golf courses. Even Pete, himself, in all likelihood, couldn’t have known the impact he was going to make on the golf world.
- RUB OF THE GREEN: French Lick course a treasure With pristine fairways, greens and bunkers providing a colorful patchwork, the course provides onlookers with the opportunity to witness some of the best experiences Mother Nature can provide.
- More Rub of the Green Headlines
-
Rub of the Green: Bowling or golf? Both provide plenty of challenge
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Dragon Arrives at Space Station in Historic 1st
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Passenger Restrained on Flight to Miami Arrested
Beer Here!: An Historic Exhibit
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: SpaceX Capsule's Docking Delayed
Sudden Storm Topples Wisconsin Trees
Raw Video: Toddler Trapped in Washing Machine
Vegas Grocer Deported to Face War Crimes Charges
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Wildfire Burns 110 Square Miles
Kristen Stewart Is Red Hot
Shark Attacks Australian Fishing Boat
Bradley out for playoffs
Kayaker Survives Trip Over Washington Waterfall
Alison Brie Likes To Jog Naked
Heidi Klum Goes Sheer
Alton's Best Burger Ever
Ellie Kemper's Stripper Surprise on 'Ellen'
Maddie the Balancing Dog On Cross-Country Trip
Crawford's Sexy Leather Look
Boys eyes 'removed with spoon'
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
"Twilight" Stars Caught Kissing
Etan Patz Case: Suspect Arrested
Britney's Hot Pink Mini-Dress
Wrongfully accused rapist exonerated after 5 years in jail
Actress to Play Casey Anthony
Hurricane Forecast: 15 Named Storms Expected
Prince William on The Queen: 'Woman in Man's World'
