While watching the Masters Golf Tournament this afternoon, I remembered back to a few years ago when I played in a foursome with Texas State head football coach Dennis Franchione, his offensive coordinator Mike Schultz and my boss at the time.
For some reason unbeknownst to me, the decision was made to play at one of the toughest courses in the Lone Star State. Nicknamed “The Challenger,” Ram Rock is a par-71 monster outside of Marble Falls, Texas with a demanding 18-hole layout.
A hack like me is probably gifted one good shot per round — to go along with all of the bad ones — and boy, was I graced by the golf gods with the one I hit on No. 4.
Satan himself couldn’t have designed a better hole (pictured above). It’s a 191-yard Par 3 with an island green and bunkers protecting the front and back.
I teed off second and prayed I wouldn’t end up in the drink. Whatever prayer I said was answered as I hit one of the purest balls to ever leave my club. Once I looked up, I saw the ball roll within seven feet of the hole. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I settled down, drained the birdie putt and let’s just say the round ended there.
That remains one of my greatest accomplishments on the golf course, even though my former boss could tell you of another that spurned a legend to this very day.
No matter how many shots you take on the golf course — given to you by the cart girl or not — you never forget the good ones. Those keep you coming back for more.