On August 18th, 2023, at approximate 11:30 am I stepped up to hole number 16 at Maple Meadows Golf Course in Wood Dale, Illinois. It was a beautiful Friday afternoon. The temperature was in the mid 70s, without a cloud in the sky. A perfect day to play hooky from work and play some golf. I would never have thought this day would change me forever. As I stood between the tee markers and shot the pin with my cheap range finder, I couldn't decide if I should grab my Titleist T300 6 iron or 7 iron to attempt the 168 yard par 3. I decided to go with the 7 iron after feeling a slight breeze brush against my neck. As I stood over the ball the only thing I had on my mind was, don't shank this shot, don't chunk this shot, don't skull this shot, keep your head down, keep your club head square, don't swing too steep, and just have fun. When the club connected with my ball, I let out a sigh of relief. It came off the club head perfectly, the ball flight was slightly left of the flag and my baby fade started bringing it back. When it landed everyone complimented me and we thought it was close, but none us knew what was coming. The rest of my group teed off, two were short of the green and one was pin high but just off to the right. As we drove up to the hole, my golf BFF started elbowing me and said "I don't see the ball!!!" I laughed and said it probably rolled off the back. I was just trying to play it cool. When I got out of my cart I grabbed my 60 and putter, because what are the chances. But as I looked down the pin, there it was, my ball! A rush of excitement took over, I started screaming "IT'S IN THE HOLE!!!". Everyone ran over to get a glance and to validate my result. We all started jumping up and down and hugging each other. I finally did it, 25 years of golf, endless par 3s, hundreds of you tube videos, buckets of balls, hours of my life dedicated to a sport that brings out the best and worst in me. I did it, I am part of an elite group of individuals who can say I have a hole in one.
