It was Tuesday afternoon, I was on the range, hitting my new Titleist AP1 irons. I've been going crazy with them since I purchased them after watching the pros at the ATT pro-am in Pebble Beach. I followed George Lopez all week. Also a great guy, talented performer and Titleist guy. Because of George, I earned enough money to buy my dream set. TITLEIST.
It was a long time since I had played golf. I loved the game as a kid, taught to me when I was 5 years old by my dad. We played at Warwick Hills Golf and C.C. The site of the Buick Open up until last year. I watched all the greats every summer since I can remember. I loved golf and loved watching the pros. I always wanted to be like them.
When I was 15, I was runner up in a state/regional tournament. I shot 75. My neighbor, Jeff Morris, beat me with a 74.
When I was in college, a hit and run accident killed my dream of being a pro golfer. (It almost killed me!). I received the last rites. I was 20.
I just turned 48 in Dec. I joined a club in Arizona, Briarwood, and started golfing as much as I can. On May 18th, 2010, I had 130 rounds posted!!! Making up for lost time!
Everyone at the club knows I'm a Titleist freak. Always bugging the pros Jeff Esterline and Jeff Wallace when the new 2010 woods are going to come in. I put out and outstanding order to them and told them to order them for me as soon as they hear word. I don't care the price.
On the 18th of May, decked out in my Titleist hat, glove, irons, wedges, Cameron Putter, balls, Footjoy shoes, I teed up with a Buddy Charlie. We went off the back. One of the neighbors on the 11th t-box came out to watch us hit. It was 175 yards from the back, black tees. A nice breeze at our backs. I took out my AP1 six iron. I just got a dozen of NXT tour balls. I asked Charlie if he ever hit them. He said he had. I love the Pro V1s also, but I wanted to get the feel of the new NXT tour ball. I addressed the ball. I said the same thing I've always said when I tee up on a Par 3. "THIS IS GOING IN THE HOLE!"
I took my back swing. I came through true and easy. POW! The ball exploded off my square club face as pure and sweet as sugar. It was a beautiful ball flight. A great swing. I heard the neighbor and Charlie say, "What a great swing!" "What a great ball." "Great shot!" "That looks great!" I said, "IT'S GOING IN THE HOLE! IT'S GOING IN THE HOLE!" I started dancing, yelling then running.
I saw the ball hit on the green. Hopped once, then I think twice. Hit the pin. And disappeared. "I THINK IT WENT IN!!!!" I screamed.
As I was running to the green. Charlie said, "RUN, VERN! RUN!!!" I got the the green in no time. Charlie was in his cart. He got to the hole first. "IS IT IN?!!" I screamed. "IT'S IN! IT'S IN!" Charlie exclaimed. We celebrated like two kids. My first hole in one!!! The greatest day of my life!!! I always wanted one and I finally got it. Thanks to my dad, George, Charlie, my mom, my family and everyone at Titleist! DRINKS FOR THE HOUSE!
I've been a Titleist guy since I was a kid. I will be a Titleist guy till I die.
TITLEIST - THE TOP.