TERRE HAUTE —
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.
Perhaps it’s because golf is such a difficult game that some players resort to ignoring the rules when they tee it up. Some may hit the ball five times, yell “fore” and write three on the scorecard.
A few years ago, this writer asked a local player who had a reputation for chicanery on the golf course, “Why do you cheat?” His answer, “Because everyone expects it of me!”
On another occasion, I watched a ball sail out of some high bushes and stop just a couple of feet from the cup. It would have been a good shot if the culprit had hit the shot with a golf club — something he had neglected to even remove from his golf bag.
At any rate, such goings-on have no place in Fair Joe’s group. They play for a prize pot that may vary from a $5 game up to a $320 game. Teams are rewarded by carding low scores on the front and back nines as well as being low for the total score.
In that recent outing in early August, three teams were playing and all three teams shared the prize money, which brought a smile to “Fair Joe’s” countenance as he reminded all within earshot, “See I told you this is a ‘fair game.’ ”
Golfers who play in “Fair Joe’s” game from time to time include Gary Turner, Joe Bridwell, Mike Webster, Tim Tennant, Steve Nicoson, Gary Fears, Mike Wagle, Kenny Bosc, Lee Shipley, Frank Perry, Carl Swalls, Willy Whalen, Herb McConnell, Tim Clements and Jerry Sears. Also the Alumbaughs — Al, Bum, Chick and Billy — as well as the Pollocks — Sam, Will and John. Others are Pappy Poore, Devon Klutey and Joe Goda.
Hunts tend to forge strong friendships among golfers and deaths at times sadly deplete their ranks. Popular players lost to the Bukovack Hunt include Kent “Cosmo” Robertson, Dale Andrews, Bernie Pollock and Mike Wilson.
Traveling to various courses throughout Indiana is a highlight of “Fair Joe’s Hunt. Some courses are visited on an annual basis. They include Sultan’s Run in Jasper, Country Oaks in Montgomery, Christmas Lake in Santa Claus and French Lick Hill Course in French Lick. Certain tournaments are viewed as “Majors”. They are the Marshall Open, Terre Haute Seniors, Casey Open and the Brazil Two-Man.
Bukovack’s group rarely takes more than 3 hours to negotiate 18 holes at The Landing.
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Ken Bosc is probably one of the city’s best putters. He’s seldom guilty of leaving a putt short and he makes far more than his share of 30- to 35-foot putts.
Much of that is due to a bold stroke, which enables Kenny to play less break on his putts.
This allows Bosc to record some low rounds such as a 68 and 71 in a couple of his last outings
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Golf is and always has been “a rich man’s game.” Is that statement true or not? Definitely not true, according to the National Golf Foundation. Their figures show that there are 26 million golfers in the United States, and only 10 percent play on private courses.
The average cost per 18 holes on weekends on a public course is $43.
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Tip of the Week: The putter, just like the irons, should accelerate as it gets closer to the ball during the stroke. Just as important is planning ahead to determine where you want the putt to stop, and then figure what type of putt you have next.
In other words, leave yourself uphill putts if you want to be known as an outstanding putter.
Take Rea Park for example. If you leave yourself uphill putts on holes 2, 5, 8, 9, 13, 15 and 17 you will certainly save yourself some strokes.
Remember, an old saying from many years ago is still true today, “The player who is a good putter is a match for anyone.”
Keep your head down and your shoestrings tied. We’ll be back.
Vigo County golf leagues
Rea Park Ladies Wednesday Evening — Standings: Hyde-Rusk 44, Price-Hiatt 42, Horrall-Harden 42, T.Johnson-Atterson 35, Durand-Snow 33, Bocard-Watkins 33, McCord-M.Johnson 32, Meyer-Albert 30, Swalls-Gruenert 28. Low gross: Candy McCord 39. Low net: McCord 32. Birdie: Shawn Durand on No. 8. Chip-in: Durand.
Riverbend at The Landing Ladies — Low gross: Darby Guglielmetti. Low net: Carol Tolin. Low putts: Mary Silvers. Play of the Day: Mid Rusk. Birdies: Darby Guglielmetti, Marlene Persinger. Chip-in: Darby Guglielmetti.
Women's Rea Park Tuesday 18-Hole — Low gross: Pat Cannon 85. Low net: Emily Gruenert 64. Birdies: Pat Cannon on No. 6, Carolyn Hyde on 10. Chip-ins: Carolyn Hyde on No. 10, Kathleen Atterson on No. 10, Josie Swalls on No. 18. Low putts: Josie Swalls 28.
Idle Creek Valley Group/Terre Haute Savings Bank — First-place gross: Denny Brewer, Ron Hodge, David Bell and Carl Melchert. Closest to the pin: Rick Parsons (No. 9), Traci Woolery (No. 12), Sue Welch (No. 18).
Idle Creek Ladies Tuesday Morning Scramble (Aug. 7) — First place: Debbie Holcomb, Norma Beymer, Lora Snyder and Mary Brannen 33. Second place: Sue Welch, Traci Woolery, Martha Layton and Peggy Burlison 35. Closest to the pin: Woolery (No. 12), Snyder (No. 16). Longest putt: Holcomb (No. 18).
Idle Creek Ladies Tuesday Morning Scramble (Aug. 14) — First place: Lora Snyder, Traci Woolery and Cathy Brannen 35. Second place: Kate Michaw, Connie Fowler and Martha Layton 37. Closest to the pin: Snyder (No. 3), Fowler (No. 9). Long putt: Fowler (No. 7).
Idle Creek Ladies Tuesday Morning Scramble (Aug. 28) — First place: Lora Snyder, Traci Woolery and Barb Alcock 34. Second place (tie): Sue Welch, Monica Hawkins and Joyce Burdine and Pam Hodge, Sue Borden, Peggy Burlison and Mary Brannen 40. Closest to the pin: Snyder (No. 3). Long putt: Snyder (No. 6).
Idle Creek Home Builders Tuesday Evening (Aug. 7) — Low gross: Charlie Smith 37. Low net: Jim Lowe 31. Long putt: Rusty Gray (No. 15). Closest to the pin: Brian Cottom (No. 12), Richard Booe (No. 16).
Idle Creek Home Builders Tuesday Evening (Aug. 14) — Low gross: Charlie Smith 34. Low net: Ron Rae 29. Long putt: Dave Earley (No. 4). Closest to the pin: Lenny Isles (No. 3), Roy Longstreth (No. 9).
Idle Creek Home Builders Tuesday Evening (Aug. 28) — Low gross: Charlie Smith 34. Low net: Scott Maxwell 30. Long putt: Brian Cottom (No. 6). Closest to the pin: Lenny Isles (No. 3), Tom Swiger (No. 9).
Idle Creek Terminal Sports and Spirits Wednesday Evening — First place (tie): Dave Rowlett-John Cesinger and Jared Wright-Denise Rowlett 30. Closest to the pin: Denise Rowlett (No. 3), Dave Rowlett (No. 9).
Sports Columns
RUB OF THE GREEN: "Fair Joe" known expects rules to be followed in local hunts
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RAMBLIN' RECK: Sunday promises to be big day in Indy
Sunday promises to be a super day in Indianapolis.
It’s the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 followed by Indiana vs. Miami in the third game of the National Basketball Association playoffs. -
TRACKSIDE: Local drivers, owners looking to have strong night at Tony Hulman Classic
In its rich 43-year history, the Tony Hulman Sprint Car Classic has long carried on a strong local racing tradition.
From its early beginnings starting in 1971, the U.S. Auto Club-sanctioned event has been the annual centerpiece of the racing calendar at the Terre Haute Action Track as well as a key stop on the USAC sprint schedule and one of the most sought after wins in big league sprint-car racing. -
Shooters compete to fight cancer
A team of employees at Taghleef, formally A.E.T, would like to give a personal invite for you to join in on a lot of fun while helping save lives.
Cindy and Mark Wilguess are the inspiration behind the Taghleef Team. Cindy herself fought this battle with cancer and won. Last year she led her team to be the No. 1 fundraisers in the Relay for Life. -
TILL IT'S OVER: Terre Haute Triathlon's new race director seeks more events for his hometown
Today is the day for the Thunder in the Valley, and the Terre Haute Triathlon is under new leadership in 2013, the 28th year for the event at Hawthorn Park.
A former Terre Haute North track and cross country standout, Ethan Page is the race director as the race falls under the reign of Page’s new company, Crossroads Events. -
TODD GOLDEN: Don't give up on ISU baseball just yet
If you had to pick one word that would describe the 2013 Indiana State baseball season, it would have to be frustration.
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TRACKSIDE: Terre Haute's Carmichael enjoying strong spring in modifieds, stocks
It might have been cold and blustery at Charleston Speedway on Saturday night, but for Terre Haute driver Kenny Carmichael the evening couldn’t have been more pleasant.
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From Terre Haute to the major leagues: Phegley's play could earn him promotion to Chicago
Josh Phegley's debut in the Major Leagues could be coming to a ballpark near you.
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There's an expert at Parker's Archery
As I was driving the winding roadways of southern Indiana, a rustic building caught my attention and the sign on the front revealed it to be an archery shop called Parkers Archery.
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TRACKSIDE: Rain still a pain for Wabash Valley racing organizers
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Pacers having a ‘Garden Party’
The Indiana Pacers are back in form and looking good.
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KENNY BAYLESS: Sponsors sought for 'Ladies Only' event at Terre Haute Sporting Clays
Sponsors are being sought at the Ladies Only event at Terre Haute Sporting Clays on Saturday at 10 a.m. Sponsors should be willing to donate $1 or more for every broken bird. Each lady is allowed 25 shots. Flat donations are gladly accepted. Also, organizers are looking for more ladies to participate. Ammo, clay birds, and guns (if needed) will be furnished.
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College Report: Lively earned collegiate upgrade with strong play
Hillary Lively signed to play Division II basketball at Maryville (Mo.) during her senior year at North Vermillion, but those plans changed and she would up at nearby Danville Area Community College — where she recently concluded an outstanding two-year career.
Lively was impressive enough to earn a Division I scholarship to Southeast Missouri State of the Ohio Valley Conference, and both her future and past college coaches think she will continue to succeed there.
“She fits what we need,” SEMO coach Ty Margenthaler said. “She has college experience, she is strong and physical and plays well around the basket and moves well.
“Her strength, rebounding and touch around the basket will be a big help. On the defensive end, she’ll be able to guard a true center.” -
RAMBLIN' RECK: It’s May … a time for horses and horsepower
It’s the first day of May, a great month for sports.
It begins with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. My Old Kentucky Home is played before the start of the race on which hundreds of bets will be placed by folks who ordinarily don’t bet on thoroughbred horse racing.
A week later, practice begins for the Indianapolis 500.
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Terre Haute runner sets up race to help Boston
Having competed in the Boston Marathon once before in 2003, 35-year-old Majel Wells of Terre Haute thought she should give it another try in 2013.
“My goal was just to finish and enjoy Boston,” she reflected this week. “I had an injury [runner’s knee] beforehand, so I wasn’t too worried about beating my time from 2003 [4 hours, 10.20 seconds].
“But nobody cares about what your time is at Boston anyway.”
From what I’ve heard over the years, she’s right. Unless you’re a super-serious runner, the Boston Marathon has been more about taking in the atmosphere and having fun than placing in the top 50, although Wells was pleased that she beat her previous time by finishing in 3:55.19 on April 15.
Obviously, her race time wasn’t the most vivid memory that Wells took away from her 2013 Boston experience. -
Amey Takes Aim: NHL playoffs to put TVs to good use
If Jenny had known, she probably wouldn’t have bought that TV.
But four or five years ago, my Fathers Day present — for those unfamiliar with Amey family traditions, the Fathers Day one is “let’s get something we all really want and pretend it’s a gift for Dad” — was a 42-inch Vizio. It’s been used even more than the cell phone I never would have bought for myself, or the TomTom that disappeared since Jenny’s smartphone arrived.
And it came with high-def.
I’m not going to insult you by telling you how great high-def is, because to do so would be to imply that you are even farther behind the technological curve than I am. I’m guessing, however, that not all of you have yet discovered what it does for hockey. -
Foot Notes: ISU track athletes looking to keep improving at Drake Relays
Indiana State’s track schedule has helped its men’s and women’s teams escape the glacial Wabash Valley weather and enjoy warm days in Auburn, Ala., and Knoxville, Tenn.
With the Sycamores’ track facility basically laid to rest for competition and construction on a new one planned near the Wabash River to begin in 2014, major kudos go to everyone involved for continuing to produce athletes that are NCAA contenders who race with some of the world’s best.
Some of ISU’s current athletes are hoping for season-best performances this weekend against strong competition in the Drake Relays.
Former Sycamore NCAA pole-vault champion Kylie Hutson, who competes professionally for Nike and trains in her hometown of Terre Haute, also has been in Des Moines, Iowa, to compete in the Pole Vault in the Mall on Wednesday night. -
REDNECK QUAKER: Variety of birds to search for in turkey hunting
My father-in-law, Donnell Dunn of Jacksonville, Fla., is a retired engineer from J.I. Case and an avid reader and loves information on anything he takes interest in. He has five patents under his belt during his career.
Donnell took great interest in the Turkey World Slam display at Gander Mountain and thought each bird needed some info to help people understand more about them. -
TRACKSIDE: USAC racing picking up, including Sunday's stop in Terre Haute
With a break in the weather, U.S. Auto Club-sanctioned racing will kick into high gear on the area motorsports scene this weekend with events scheduled at three Indiana ovals.
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Ramblin’ Reck: Sato first Foyt winner since 2002
Takuma Sato made Izod IndyCar Series history Sunday when he won the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
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Former South players to play in Saylor benefit game
I had my first phone conversation with Mike Saylor since mid-February on Thursday and he sounded good.
The former Terre Haute South High School boys basketball coach, who’s been battling cancer this year, has been traveling back and forth to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston for chemotherapy treatments. -
COLLEGE REPORT: Valley prep athletes getting ready for next level
The NCAA “regular” signing period begins Wednesday for all sports except football, field hockey, soccer, track and field, cross country and men’s water polo.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Pacers closing out a nice season
In case you hadn’t noticed, the final games of the regular season will be played this week in the National Basketball Association.
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Amey Takes Aim: Can’t bottle the joy of Amey vacations
The first bad sign was the Gatorade bottle.
In the Bataan-Death-March drive to Orlando that got the Amey family spring break vacation off to a bad start, seeing it between lanes of I-24 — as we zipped along at a 100-miles-in-five-hours clip — filled with an ominous yellow liquid was a little bit scary. And although we didn't stop to check for sure, I'm fairly certain I knew about its contents.
And the person stuck in the same traffic jam with us, the one with the existential license plate YMIHR4, couldn’t have asked a more pertinent question.
But, after seeing a lot more of Oak Grove, Ky., than we’d planned, and after enduring more traffic slowdowns in Nashville, we were on our way. Even some rain in the dark in the Smokies didn’t slow us down much, so you would think our first-day troubles were over.
You would be wrong. -
Redneck Quaker: Mascari gets thrills from turkey hunting
Annie Mascari is a beautiful, vibrant, 26-year-old lady that loves the outdoors.
She comes from a large family of four brothers and a sister and lives the teachings of good family values.
Olivia Rightly let me know that I “should talk to my teacher at St. Pats School, Ms. Mascari, because she’s taken a turkey.”
As I shook Annie’s hand, I could feel the energy she has for life. As proof, the first time she went up in an airplane, she jumped out of it!
She’s also quite the hunter. Mascari picked up a used PSE bow for $30, one for a left-hander because her left eye is dominate for shooting. The Page Arrows are her choice for broadheads. -
RAMBLIN’ RECK: Louisville gets two shots at NCAA title
Louisville met Michigan in the championship game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on Monday. Louisville faces Connecticut in the title tilt of the women’s tournament tonight.
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REDNECK QUAKER: Learning to shoot clays a great experience
Tom Mitchell from Burnett is an all-around outdoor enthusiast. His passions are motorcycles, cars, and most of all, shooting sports. When he sights in on metal target shooting with a hand gun or rifle you will hear a lot of “clang” noises, he can shoot very quiet also, because he is licensed to own suppressers.
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TRACKSIDE: Racing season picking up speed
With several tracks already open and others scheduled to get underway this weekend it’s a sure sign the area motorsports campaign has taken the green flag for the 2013 season.
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RAMBLIN’ RECK: Out with the hoops, in with the bats
It’s a super week for sports fans — college basketball comes to a close and the first baseball games are played in the major leagues.
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COLLEGE REPORT: Conferences honor Valley softball players
Several Wabash Valley area college softball players have been honored by their respective conferences for outstanding play this spring.
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FROM THE PRESSBOX: Content McKenna has enjoyed seeing ISU's progress
It all happened so fast in June 2010.
One minute, Kevin McKenna was head coach of the Indiana State men’s basketball program. Then — poof! — he was gone.
McKenna resigned from his head coaching position at ISU on June 13, 2010 to take an assistant coach position on Dana Altman’s then-burgeoning University of Oregon staff. - More Sports Columns Headlines
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