October 4, 2022
In July 1981, when I was 20 years old, I was a golf instructor / counselor-in-training at a golf school/camp for adults (one week) and children (two weeks, ages 10 to 18, formerly 8 to 18) in Southern Pines, North Carolina. I attended this school/camp almost every summer from age 11 in 1972 to age 19 in 1980. I was given special permission to attend as a "camper" when I was 19 years old.
During July 1981, I had the honor of playing a round with touring/teaching pro Pat McGowan, who at the time was the boyfriend of the daughter of the camp/school/lodge owners. He helped my game immensely. He was like a machine. I shot an 82. He set the course record at that time with a 64. Amazing.
One summer while at camp, I eagled the par four 18th hole at the Pine Needles course. I hit a long drive and then a long nine iron. The ball hung on the lip. By the time my three golfing buddies and I reached the green, it had dropped into the hole.
I got a hole-in-one during the spring of 1980 while at Northfield Mount Hermon School (prep school) in northern Massachusetts. The hole was about 135 yards. I wrapped a pitching wedge around my neck from hitting it so hard. The ball landed on the front of the green and rolled into the hole.
Also during the spring of 1980, I shot my best score ever with an 80, but if I bend the rules a little, I shot a 79. I was playing in a tournament with a shotgun start. I started on the 18th hole and played through the 17th hole, shooting an 80. I then played the 18th hole again and shot one better. So, legally for tournament, I shot 80, but I shot 79 for the last 18 holes that I played that day.
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