I am seventy-six (76) years old and play in the East Tennessee Senior Golf Association. We have about 500 members from across East Tennessee who play a tournament each week (sometimes two) at one of the 21 Country Clubs whose seniors participate in the Association. Obviously, we are all older and it is fun and challenging to play in competition each week on different courses with men of the approximate same age and ability. Saturday, July 28, 2012, we played at Heatherhurst--The Brae in the Fairfield Glade community near Crossville, TN. As usual, we had the normal competition by flight and a "closest to the pin" competition on the par threes. We use a "shotgun" start so the par 3 seventh hole was next to the last hole in my round. I was having an average round for a 14 handicapper and I was hoping for something good to happen (maybe closest to the pin) so the day would not be disappointing. The hole from our tee measured about 110 yards to the middle of the green and the pin was back, so I took a six (6) iron (it used to be an eight (8) iron from that distance) and hit. I needed to clear a sand trap and the pin was on a little rise in the back half of the green. I hit it well and we said that it should be close. When it cleared the trap and hit the green, we knew it would be close and were able to see it rolling toward the pin. As it rolled, we began to cheer it on and all of a sudden, it disappeared--high fives resulted, but I said let's wait and see because I have had shots disappear before and when I get to the green, it is just over a little hill and not in the hole. So as we approached the green, we kept looking for it and sure enough, found it in the hole! Needless to say it was exciting and I did win closest to the pin on that hole. It was also fun to write "Hole in One" on the card indicating the closest to the pin at that point, so all those behind us could read and envy. In our tournaments we do not have many "Holes in One" so when the scores were posted, the Pro made a big deal by writing "Hole in One" beside my name on the displayed score sheet. The club presented me with a hat that says "Hole in One at Heatherhurst." I called my two sons who also play golf and told them that their dad was not done yet! Finally, I would like to compliment you on your new "Velocity" ball. I have been using your "DT SOLO" balls for a number of years because my swing speed is decreasing, but one of my sons gave me some "Velocity" balls for my birthday in June and I have used them ever since. I even took some of my "DT SOLO" balls back and exchanged them for the new balls. They have really helped (maybe only in my mind, but that is most of golf) because I have played in 14 tournaments this year, won 4, came in second in 2, reduced my Association handicap by 3 strokes and now, a "Hole in One." Guess I am hooked! Thanks for all you do for the game of golf. I appreciate your work to keep us old guys "in the game." This is my third "Hole in One" in 50+ years and they are all exciting and all have their own story. Thanks for reading mine.
John Ruble, Knoxville, Tennessee