Hired Guns

It all started innocently enough; a mid-December fundraiser (1st Annual Maxie’s Golf Classic for ALS) to support Maxie (owner of Maxie’s Grill & Taproom) and Kathy Gleaton. Erin and I were scheduled to play in the scramble format with our good friends, Jim (Hambone) and Carol Hermann. Unfortunately, with temperatures in the teens, the event was pushed back a week. Due to family commitments in Erie, PA, Hambone and Carol were unable to participate in the rescheduled event.

Well, with the Hermanns’ out, Erin was out and I was on the cusp of flying solo. Being down three players, Hambone and Carol offered their spots as well as Erin’s spot to their daughter’s boyfriend (Patrick) and his associates. Patrick invited his friends Zach and yet another Patrick.

I met Patrick and Zach outside the Pro Shop of Hyland Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina, which plays 6,273 yards from the white tee markers. The “yet another Patrick,” missed our tee time as he mistakenly set his alarm for 8:00 pm!

Hambone had informed me that Patrick was a nice player, so I assumed Zach was of a similar caliber. After our initial introductions, someone (not me) suggested they were here to “Win This Thing.” Words I have never heard from any of my typical golfing compadres.

We started our day on the 170-yard par three, 13^th hole. I flared my tee ball predictably short and to the right while Patrick and Zach fired two darts directly at the pin, resulting in a relatively easy birdie. As we completed our fourth hole, we (they) were five under par as I had yet to contribute one shot to the campaign. On the tee box of our fifth hole, I suggested that it was quite possible that I may not contribute one shot all day long in the scramble-format, which would be yet another notch in the belt of my storied golfing career.

In short order, it became quite clear that this situation was not a fair fight for the balance of the field, which consisted of many of my Maxie’s Grill & Taproom chums. The experience was like shooting fish in a barrel as we (they) posted a smooth fifty-three, nineteen under par, having recorded three eagles, thirteen birdies and two pars: besting the field by five shots! With apologies to my lifelong golfing cronies (Dave, John, and Joe), as a participant, this performance was unlike anything I had ever seen!

Note: On our finishing hole, the 528-yard par-five twelfth hole, Zach hit driving iron from 230 yards to three feet. Moments later, Patrick, from the same distance, hit three-wood to three and a half feet! I cleaned things up for yet another eagle!

At this point, I can only assume everyone (alright, maybe not everyone) is wondering how many shots I contributed to our team. It should be noted that after the fourth hole, a decision was made to change the putting order as Patrick and Zach were starting to feel sorry for me. I was now first to putt on every hole, and may I say, I was rolling the rock! It should also be noted that, based on my partner’s stellar performance, I was rarely outside of four feet! The total count was “fourteen shots” for the day, which included two drives and a few approach shots.

Needless to say, things were a bit chilly at my favorite taproom for a few weeks!

Our friend, Kathy Gleaton (referenced above) has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Over the past six months to a year, Kathy has lost a significant amount of weight, she is unable to swallow, receives nutrition through a feeding tube and has difficulty speaking. Her strength, the support from family and friends as well as the care from her medical professionals provide the sustenance to soldier on, including but not limited to running her business; the Design Market (www.designmarketnc.com). Kathy and her husband (Maxie) are truly inspirational, as they continue their incredibly courageous battle against this insidious, debilitating disease.

On Sunday evening, prior to the Monday golf tournament, Kathy’s physician, Dr. Rick Bedlack, MD, PhD (Neurologist/Researcher) from Duke University’s School of Medicine’s ALS Clinic shared his documentary “Stitching Strength”  (www.stitchingstrength.com) which captures his unique, inspirational and optimistic approach to fighting ALS. ALS is a terminal disease that strips away the body’s control. The documentary is about patients who refuse to be defined by their diagnosis and their families who turn grief into art, music, and action. It is a story of style, strength, positivity, hope and the power of believing in what is possible.

Dr. Bedlack and his extraordinary team care for over 550 ALS patients. There are some really good people out there!

Prayers for Kathy and Maxie are readily accepted.

Thank you for following Bad Golf Guy. The back nine can only get better!