Rub of the Green Revisited

By Bob Arnett

On and off the links, Bob has been a strong competitor and an even stronger friend to fellow aficionados of the game. He taught golf for beginners in grades 4 through 8 in Vigo County for five summers before he coached high school golf for 26 seasons, the past 24 at Terre Haute South where his boys finished second, third and fourth at the IHSAA State Finals and his girls claimed eighth in the

1988 finals. Bobs students have gone on to display exceptional sportsmanship, win championships and secure positions as golf pros and competitive professionals around the country. As a result, in 1994, Bob was inducted into the Terre Haute Golf Association Hall of Fame. He is also in the Indiana Golf Coaches Hall of Fame.

Bobs competitive golf game was set in motion when he won the Terre Haute Junior title in 1949. He later played at Indiana State Teachers College, now Indiana State University (ISU), and was the No. 1 player for three seasons, winning three Indiana Collegiate Conference titles and two Little State Championships. He was named ISUs Most Outstanding Athlete in 1954, the first golfer in the history of the institution to win the award.

He won three Casey Opens, the Spaghetti Open, the Roundup of Champions and the 1988 City Seniors Championship. Bob teamed with Art Blakely to win the Terre Haute Four Ball title in 1963 and was medalist in the 1971 Terre Haute Golf Association Interclub Tournament. He has also served as president of the Rea Park Mens Club, Hulman Links Mens Club and the Terre Haute Golf Association.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: May 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781466988651

Bob Arnett

BOB ARNETT has spent a lifetime challenging the greens, fairways and bunkers in and around Terre Haute, Indiana. As a player, coach and columnist, his path was set in motion by his father, Robert Erwin Arnett, who introduced him to softball games at Parson’s Field, baseball in the schoolyard and golf along the Locust Street railroad tracks near the stadium. Although Bob’s dad passed away when he was 11, he has remained a key influence in Bob’s attitude and accomplishments throughout his life. The pattern has extended to Bob’s relationships with his own children and grandchildren, who learned from him how to transfer the passion and work ethic inherent in golf to their own activities and interests. Bob has been part of the Terre Haute golf community since he became a 12-year-old caddy at The Phoenix Club in 1946. Nearly seven decades later, he continues to chronicle the local golf scene in his column, Rub of the Green, published by the Terre Haute Tribune Star and collected into a book by the same name. On and off the links, Bob has been a strong competitor and an even stronger friend to fellow aficionados of the game. He taught golf for beginners in grades 4 through 8 in Vigo County for five summers before he coached high school golf for 26 seasons, the past 24 at Terre Haute South where his boys finished second, third and fourth at the IHSAA State Finals and his girls claimed eighth in the 1988 finals. Bob’s students have gone on to display exceptional sportsmanship win championships and secure positions as golf pros and competitive professionals around the country. As a result, in 1994, Bob was inducted into the Terre Haute Golf Association Hall of Fame. He is also in the Indiana Golf Coaches Hall of Fame. Bob’s competitive golf game was set in motion when he won the Terre Haute Junior title in 1949. He later played at Indiana State Teachers College, now Indiana State University (ISU), and was the No. 1 player for three seasons, winning three Indiana Collegiate Conference titles and two Little State Championships. He was named ISU’s Most Outstanding Athlete in 1954, the first golfer in the history of the institution to win the award. He won three Casey Opens, the Spaghetti Open, the Roundup of Champions and the 1988 City Seniors Championship. Bob teamed with Art Blakely to win the Terre Haute Four Ball title in 1963 and was medalist in the 1971 Terre Haute Golf Association Interclub Tournament. He has also served as president of the Rea Park Men’s Club, Hulman Links Men’s Club and the Terre Haute Golf Association. Bob’s five children, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren cheer his accomplishments and recognize his contributions as a mentor to countless young people throughout his career both on the links and in the classroom. Robert Erwin Arnett’s son went on to win golf tourneys in six different decades – eight club championships, four at Rea Park, three at the Elks Fort Harrison Country Club and one at Hulman Links. Dad, you have made us all proud! – Paula Brandon, Cleeta Thome, Robert Arnett, Mike Arnett, Erin Mendoza

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© Copyright 2013 Bob Arnett.

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Contents

Editor’s Note from Terre Haute Tribune-Star

Local Courses Won’t Land Pocketbook in the Rough

Iron Man Ruled Fairways in Nice Way

By Any Name, Big Hitters Attract Envy, Attention

The Phoenix Club Pro-Virgil Morey

Indiana, Illinois Amateur Hotbed for Local Golfers

Time Foils Classic Clash: Dave, Gene

When it comes to Golf, Alumbaughs Swinging

It’s Time to Get Back in the ‘Swing’ of Things with Arnett’s First Column

Golf ‘Characters’ Provide Plenty of Excitement

North Graduate Turns to Golf After Prep Years

Long Ball Hitter Good at Early Age

Arnie’s Army Valuable Weapon for Tour

Kaperak’s Name to be Remembered at Local Courses

Slow Players Make Game Miserable for All

Beware: Local Hotshots Manhandling Courses

Fudging Sweetens Some Scores on Courses

Terre Haute Man Happy

Even Big Names Find Golf Humbling

Former Local Pro Made Big Impact on World of Golf

Tickners Added Life to Local Golf Scene

Country Club Pro Owns Wealth of Experience

Rea Park Socials Are Inspiration for Birth, Death of City’s Night Golf

Entrepreneur Made Golf a Bit More Interesting

Rea Park Men’s Club Keeps on Going Strong

Talking About Golf Can Almost Be As Much Fun As Playing It

Chamber of Terrors’ Challenges Local Golfers

Phoenix a Lost Gem on City’s East Side

Stewarts Have a Lot of Memories

Veteran Beats Age

Sammy Doesn’t Act His Age

Fallen Local Golfer Will Never Be Forgotten

Capturing Club Championship Not So Easy For Most Golfers

Time on the Links Brings Family Together

Game Loses Great Person With Death of Red Wiley

Golfer Enjoys Time on the Course

Playing With Arnie a Dream Come True for Bill Doan, Sr.

Yes, ISU Did Have Solid Golf Program

On the Rise?

Longing for Days of Pro-Ams Past at Rea Park

Horrall Family Career Stretches Over Time

‘Bomber’ Legends Will Never Be Lost

Golf Organization Presidents Set Goals

Remembering a Great Coach From Way Back

Valley Golfers Pull Off Miraculous Feats

Champagne, Wedge Head Help Keep Golf Interesting (Part I)

Nicknames as popular in Golf as Birdies and Eagles (Part II)

Kaperak, Stuckey Lead Another Great Year of Golf

Terre Haute Native Bill Iahn Played Round With Bobby Jones

THGA Has Nurtured the Game

Enthusiastic Golfers Have Led the THGA

Verostko’s Play Was Wonder to Behold

Relaxation, Fun is What Stadium Senior Men’s League is About

Cast Didn’t Obstruct Lingenfelter’s Career

Now Hear This, Sportswriters: PGA Championship Need More Respect

Impressive Play Removed All Doubts About Fun-Loving Golfer

Visiting World Golf Hall of Fame

So Many Things to See at Hall: Why Wouldn’t You Visit

Pro Golfers Always Say the Darnedest Things

Don’t Let Size Fool You; ‘Toy Cannon’ is Big Man

Hazards Abound, But Perfect Shots Can Make Golfers Soar

There Are More Hazards Than Just Water, Sand on Course

Sometimes More Than Pride is Riding on Shots

Though Rare, Holes-in-One Come in All Manner of Ways

Doctor’s Amended Orders Lead to Passion for Golf

Fernandes Has Had Storied Career

Excuses a Way of Life for USGA Administrator

USGA Official Has Heard All the Stories

Mystery Golfer Could Play With the Best of Them

Dick Godfrey Takes Long Path For Eagle

Tiger Sets Standard Maybe He Can’t Meet

Lots of Golf Snake Oil to Help Your Game

Small of Stature, Jones Had Big Impact on Golf

Was That Luck or Skill?

Golf Lost One of Its Finest With Passing of Slammin’ Sammy

Willard Kayser is Terre Haute’s Gentleman

Broadcasters Can Elevate Golf on Television, Or Ruin It

Terre Haute Junior City Tournament Has Been Proving Ground for Young Talent

Sister Enthusiasts Still Hitting the Links at 74

1952 Sycamore team earned national respect

Finding ‘The Zone’

Golfers, You Are About to Enter a Dimension Not Only of Sight and Sound, But of Mind…

Ray Goddard Showing Golfing Excellence

Falling For Club Scam Can Land Gullible Golfers Deep in Rough

Young Golfers Strong in Wabash Valley

Choke, Shank and Yip—Golf’s Three Dirty Words

Bosc One of Many Colorful City Golfing Personalities

Memorable Career for Outgoing South Golf Coach

In McCampbell, Wabash Valley Lost Simply the Best

Golfers Have a Language of Their Own

Terre Haute Native Rises to Prominence in Big Easy

Playing of U. S. Open Brings Back Fond Memories

The Critical Caddy Comes Into Play

Gamesmanship Abounded in Past Amateur Championships

Billy Alumbaugh Keeps a Family Game Going at Elks Fort Harrison Country Club

Golf Draws Its Share of Eccentric Players

George Kaperak Continues Golf Legacy with Kappy’s Knockers

New Rea Park Professional is a Welcome Addition to Golfing Community

County Prepsters Playing Some Awesome Golf

Men’s City Tourney Organizers Have Done an Outstanding Job

Ellen Royse Left Her Mark on City’s Links History

Masters’ Memories Will Last a Lifetime

Stuckey Hopes Young Girls Enjoy Golf As Much She Does

The Bard Never Played Golf

Memorials a Common Sight on Valley Courses

City Golf Legend Carrie Werneke

Travis Smith Will Be Remembered for His Exemplary Qualities

Young Golfer Comes From Nowhere

Hall of Famers a Sad Loss for City Golfing Community

Robinson Open Once Drew Some of Golf’s Big Names

Memories of Robinson Open Are Not Forgotten

Cassell, Keen Were Birdie Machines

Kaperak Was a Wonderful Golfer

Last Thing a Golfer Needs During a Tough Round Is a Threat to His Life

Tiger Should Choose Words More Carefully

Addressing the Science of Luck in Golf

Exertion of Excessive Force Common Cause of Golf Injuries

Terre Haute Director of Golf Wants to Improve Services

City of Casey Fortunate to Have a Splendid Country Club

Late, Late Night With Birdieman Muldoon

Old-School Approach to Pro Tour

Holloway Set Bar for Young Female Golfers

What Was Premier Golf Event of 2008? Has to be Ryder Cup

Taking Memory Lane Back to World of Golf in 1958

Valley Legend Gene Verostko Was a Man For the Ages

Ringer Scores and Blind Bogies Added to Golf’s Fun

Quest is Not Easy, But Valley Product Chad Collins Should Go for PGA’s Pot of Gold

Looking Back at Nearly 90 Years of Kaperak Excellence in Indiana, Illinois Golf

The ‘itis gang’ Ready to Pounce on Golfers

Watson Got Attention of All Senior Golfers

One of Terre Haute’s Longest Hitters Made His Mark at Firestone

Crazy Game of Golf

Looking Back at Past Valley Club Champions

Holmes Held Corner on the Market of Club Championships

‘Haunted Golf, Spirited Tales From the Rough’ is Spellbinding Reading

Golf Course Great Addition to French Lick Resort

Course Architect Pete Dye Has Had Lasting Impression on Game

Basketball Coaching Legend Wooden Could Hold His Own on Golf Course

Was 1960 Really the ‘Greatest Year in Golf’?

Excursions Are a Tradition for Many Terre Haute Golfers

From Fundraiser to Reunited, Game of Golf Wears Many Different Hats

An Inspiring Walk of 1,000 Miles

Gerstmeyer Tech’s Renown Les Brown Made His Mark in Plethora of Sports

Carrying Around Clubs Has Been an Age-Old Pain

Seven Decades of Adamson Excellence

One Size Does NOT Fit All When It Comes to Golfing Ability

Several Ways to Lose a Tournament and None of Them Make a Golfer Happy

City Championship Has Long History

No Matter What Your Level, Watch Out for Pressure

Golf Instruction a Strenuous Art

Golf Full of Colorful Characters

Not All Golfers Display Their Trophies

Golf Is Only Sport That Offers Both Hilarity, Pathos

Feeling the ‘Pressure’ When Nature Calls on the Golf Course

Golf: ‘The Game You Love to Hate’

Feherty’s Humor Good for Golf

Rick Fernandes Can Look Back on a Great Golf Career

Loquacious Golfers Can Provide Priceless Quotes

Young Players Should Match Course to Skills

Charlie Olah the Monarch of Wabash Valley Golfing Family

Bowling or Golf? Both Provide Plenty of Challenge

Marr’s Career as Golf Pro Taking Off

Father’s Golf Imprint Still Evident Today

Hunts Still Popular on Golf Course

Playing Fair a Requirement in Bukovack’s Hunts

Memories of Crooked Stick

Terre Haute Golf Association

Ron Poore, Jr.—Ron Daugherty Scholarships

Ron Poore, Jr. Left Legacy, Legend Behind

KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN AND YOUR SHOESTRINGS TIED!

Dedication

Rub of the Green Revisited is dedicated to

Sue McMullen, my long time companion,

whose meticulous and unwavering efforts led to its publication.

************

Also, our thanks to Paula Brandon, my daughter, for her expertise in regard to this publication.

Editor’s Note from Terre Haute Tribune-Star

May 13, 1990

For the past several years, Ray Goddard wrote a golf column for The Tribune-Star. In today’s issue, the first column by one of two new golf columnists makes its appearance.

When Goddard, a former coach and golf pro, left this area to take a job with a club in California last year, he wrote his final From the Fairway column. As word got around of his departure, two golfers notified the newspaper of an interest in serving as a columnist in that sport and their offers have been accepted.

Bob Arnett and Edie Godleski will be writing weekend columns on an alternating basis.

Both of them have played golf for several years—Godleski for more than 30, Arnett for more than 40—and both of them intend to be regulars on local courses this summer.

Both of them have won some local tournaments. Godleski is a five-time women’s city champ and five times has been runner-up. Arnett took top honors in the city senior men’s championship in 1988.

Both Godleski and Arnett are teachers. Godleski, a native of Wisconsin, graduated from Michigan State University. She has been on the faculty at Indiana State for 23 years and teaching a golf class is one of her assignments. She formerly coached basketball.

Arnett, a native of Terre Haute, graduated from Gerstmeyer High School and ISU and is on the faculty at South High School. He has been coaching golf teams at the school for 19 years.

Both columnists will write about golf, in general, with an emphasis on local play. They will be contacting the various pros for news and readers are welcome to get in touch with them for any news, be it of birdies, aces or upcoming tournaments. Tournament results, for the most part, will continue to be covered as news reports in The Tribune-Star.

Local Courses Won’t Land Pocketbook in the Rough

May 13, 1990

Having trekked the fairways of Terre Haute golf courses as a caddy, player and coach for 42 years, we hope to provide some illuminating insights as we review the past, ponder the present and predict the future of the game for a lifetime—golf.

The golf explosion is here. The sport seems to be growing in popularity almost daily. Reliable sources indicate that the total dollars spent on golf and its related activities in the United States will have doubled between the years of 1988 and 2000. We are fortunate, indeed, to have the fine golf facilities that are available in Terre Haute, especially for the prices we pay to play. After all, $75 to $100 green fees are not unusual when traveling to various parts of the country.

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Jon Holloway, the pro at Rea Park, indicated that aces have been wild at the southside layout recently. Every par-three hole on the course has been conquered. Terre Haute South High School golfer Greg Gormong hit No. 3; Lester Butts scored on No. 13 and Scott Givens made his one pay handsomely.

Givens drilled number 17 in the South Scramble, earning him $500 compliments of Great American Car Wash. Hugh May undoubtedly found Scott’s 5-iron shot A-may-zing.

*************

Rick Fernandes, who miraculously survived the explosion that annihilated his house, is in Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis facing further surgery on his foot, which was severely injured in the blast. If you have ever competed against Rick, you undoubtedly know he is a first-class competitor and a prolific hitter of the ball.

His determination will certainly carry him through the rehabilitation that will be required, but it will be difficult for him to spend those days in the hospital instead of on the greens.

We’re sure Rick would like to hear from his well-wishers. We wish you a speedy recovery, pro.

*************

Tim Tennant, manager of the Elks Fort Harrison golf course, related that Jerry Baker recently scored his third hole-in-one on the same hole—No. 8, which measures 95 yards. Doc must have that shot grooved.

He has always struck the ball well, even back in his days as an ISU golfer. Witnessing Baker’s perfect shot were Bob Bundy, Jim Stanfill and Earl Shaker.

*************

From the how did he do it? department, we once watched a player who hit the green on No. 13 at Rea Park. He one-putted and scored a three. He incurred no penalty strokes. How good a golf detective are you? Answer in two weeks.

Iron Man Ruled Fairways in Nice Way

May 27, 1990

How do you like your golf weather? Your choices are cold, wet, windy, or a combination of all three.

This spring would certainly rank with the worst of the past two decades, but as The Ancient Sage of the Fairways says, There is no such thing as ideal conditions.

George Kaperak has stated this philosophy numerous times during his 55 years as a local divot digger, but his record would indicate he has managed quite well. George believes he has played more golf at Rea Park than any other person. Can anyone match 8,000 rounds?

At one time or another during his younger days, The Iron Man won nearly every tournament scheduled near Terre Haute, including the City Stroke Play Championship and seven city match play titles. Back in the 1950s he established the front-nine course record at Rea Park, a smooth 7-under-par 29. Also in the 1950s, George and older brother Mike traveled to Casey IL, for the Casey Open. Mike annexed the professional division while George won the amateur championship.

And this veteran swinger isn’t nearly finished. Last year George carded an even-par 72 at Hulman Links. How good is that? Last week Kappy celebrated his 69th birthday. Ask anyone who has been a part of the Terre Haute golf scene through the years, Who’s the nicest guy ever to play golf in Terre Haute? The name, George Kaperak, will be the one most prominently mentioned. Happy Birthday, George and I bet you shoot your age before your 72nd birthday arrives.

*************

Hats off and a 21-gun salute to Dave McCampbell who earlier in the week fired a 141 total for 36 holes to lead all entrants in the first round of the U. S. Open Qualifying Tournament at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel.

How’d he do that? The guy who hit the green one-putted and made three did it this way. He hit an eight iron to the right front of No. 13 at Rea Park, then putted up the hill far past the pin, and the ball raced off the green and down the bank.

He then removed the pin and wedged the ball back into the cup for his three. He hit the green, one-putted and made three. You knew it all the time!

By Any Name, Big Hitters Attract Envy, Attention

June 10, 1990

Wherever golfers congregate, sooner or later the conversation turns to stories about the crunch bunch.

These are the players who are not one bit interested in striking the ball, but would rather crush it, murder it, rocket it, jump all over it, abuse it, or annihilate it. They want to launch tee shots and put them in orbit.

Through the years Terre Haute has had its share of long hitters. They have hit it out of sight, while we mere mortals have looked on in awe, often turning green with envy and sometimes offering a snide remark such as, I’ll bet he putts the same way—like a gorilla.

Regardless of what anyone says, the long ball hitter commands a special niche in the golf world.

At this time we’ll review the daring do of some hitters of an earlier era, and in our next column, we’ll record the feats of contemporary long knockers.

The late Mark Fisk was the first monster hitter this writer had the opportunity to observe closely.

As teammates at Indiana State University during the 1952 season, we were often paired together in practice as well as matches.

Mark demolished two drivers that spring—the heads cracked from the tremendous velocity of his swing. When he returned the clubs to the place of purchase, the clerk would mention something about Mark hitting trees with the club head, but that was not true. Mark never even threw a club.

The team participated in the National Intercollegiate Golf Tournament in Abilene, Texas, that season and guess who won the driving contest? Right. Mark Fisk—343 ½ yards.

North Texas State’s Don January hit his first ball exactly 300 yards and promptly walked of the driving range without hitting his remaining two drives. He knew he couldn’t reach Mark.

This occurred, mind you, long before the introduction of metal woods, solid golf balls and high tech shafts.

Mark also reached the 600-yard monster 16th hole at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio in two strokes. At that time only Jack Nicklaus and one other touring pro had accomplished that feat.

The eighteenth at the Terre Haute County Club is a legitimate par five, but often was just a drive and a wedge for Mark. Fisk could do more that hit it long, as evidenced by the fact he won the City Match Play title and was runner-up in the city Stroke Play Championship.

*************

Warren Bomber Artz was another local who could really move the tee shot. His high-flying trajectory would keep the ball in the air longer than any other player we’ve seen. More than once Bomber flew the sand trap just in front of No. 14 at Rea Park.

The remainder of his game was not lacking either as he won two City Stroke Play titles and one City Match Play crown. He also possessed an excellent putting touch.

*************

Gene Verostko hit tee shots around the 250-yard marker, but when the occasion demanded, he could always reach back for more. With tremendous hand action, Gene could always make the ball do just about anything he wanted.

We once witnessed one of his tee shots on No. 11 at Rea Park at which time his club head hit the ground at least 10 inches behind the ball. The result: a 280-yard drive.

He had hit the ball squarely; his hands could correct swing flaws before contact. That is one way to win 18 city championships.

*************

Bill Doan could really crack it a mile. Bill was the city high school champion back in 1950 and he regularly played most par-5s in town with a drive and nine iron. The years haven’t slowed Senior either; he still pounds it a solid 240 and scoring isn’t a problem as evidenced by his pair of 72s last season at Rea and Hulman—good enough to win the City Senior Championship.

*************

Ralph Long doesn’t play much golf anymore, but we recall a three-wood tee shot finishing one foot from the hole on number one at Rea Park.

During the city tourney back in the ’50s Ralph also hit a drive and a nine-iron one-foot from the cup on the 16th at Rea. Ralph could pulverize those tee shots; he was the 1950 Terre Haute Junior Champion.

*************

Ralph’s older brother, Tom, who now manages ISU’s Stadium Golf Course could also pound the little white sphere.

Tommy Long was playing par golf in Terre Haute as a teenager with only a three-wood, numbers three-, five—and seven-irons and a putter in his bag. He was, in our estimation, the best lefty in Indiana for many years.

Tom was City Junior Champion in 1948, and went on to win a host of other tournaments.

The Phoenix Club Pro-Virgil Morey

July 8, 1990

The Studebaker turned off Highway 40 and proceeded past the sign, which read The Phoenix Club.

Pulling to a stop in the parking lot, the driver stepped out of the car. He wore a Hogan style golf cap, a checkered brown sports coat and tie, tan slacks and brown-and-white wing-tipped shoes.

The faded blue eyes were in striking contrast to his lined, deeply tanned face which featured a Roman nose and a wide mouth that was always ready to broaden into a grin, suggesting that perhaps a private joke was being recalled.

He walked down the hill to the clubhouse, followed by the tall skinny kid who toted a 25-pound block of ice, which would be used in the pop cooler. It was another hot day in June 1949.

On the east side wall of the small pro shop was an emblazoned metal plaque, which read Virgil E. Morey, Class A PGA Professional. Above it was a photograph of Virgil at the time he turned professional on his 17th birthday.

Virg, as he was usually called, was one of the most patient men on earth, and he was one of the very best golf instructors of his time. His ability to teach the intricacies of the game of golf to students of all abilities was uncanny.

He had taken the fatherless 15 year-old under his wing. He called the kid his assistant.

It was the assistant’s job to serve as caddy master, look after the shop in the pro’s absence, clean clubs and occasionally caddy and shag practice balls. For this the assistant received a liberal golf education and a small weekly salary.

During World War II, Virg had been hit with shrapnel in the left wrist. The surgeon told him after an operation there would be very little movement in his left wrist.

Virg told the doctor that he was a golf pro and had to be able to grip the club properly. At that, the surgeon exclaimed, I’m a golfer too, and I’ll take care of it.

A broom was found and Virg was instructed to grip it with his left hand as though it were a golf club. When he had the left wrist in the correct position, the surgeon went to work.

That was the way the wrist would remain the rest of his life. His left hand was in a classic position with a V formed by his left thumb and forefinger pointing between his chin and right shoulder. Virg even had to putt with his left hand in this position.

He was an excellent golfer, regularly playing the tight, hilly par-36, nine-hole Phoenix Club between 32 and 35 strokes.

His short game was masterful. The wedge was his slave. It would hearken to his every command… cut shots, lob shots, low, biting shots. He had them all and he taught them to the kid who was willing to practice away the hours to perfect them.

It was one of the happiest days of the kid’s life in August of 1949 when he brought the City Junior Trophy out to the pro shop. And why wouldn’t he be happy? Virg had brought his protégé’s game from the high 90s to the high 70s and low 80s in just two months.

He had been lucky enough to edge a much better golfer one up for the Junior Championship contested at Rea Park.

The male members of The Phoenix Club admired and respected Virgil Morey and the women adored him. He never raised his voice or lost his temper. He was always relaxed, easy to talk to, gracious, courteous and accommodating.

He averaged six to seven hours each weekday on the lesson tee. His pupils came from far and wide; he was golf personified.

Later, he would leave The Phoenix Club and become the pro at The Lynnette (Alabama) Country Club. Virgil was doing very well financially. He and his wife had living quarters on the second floor of a beautiful clubhouse as well as a lodge of their own overlooking a picturesque lake. As golf pros go, he had it made.

Virgil died unexpectedly about two years after taking the job at Lynette and the one-time assistant still feels the loss of his mentor and friend.

At times, when driving east on U. S. 40, it is easy to envision the little Studebaker headed toward the clubhouse; the pro in his omnipresent long-sleeved shirt and tie explaining so eloquently the hows and whys of an extremely difficult game; and the manicured postage stamp greens and rolling fairways of The Phoenix Club.

The skinny kid grew up, won some tournaments and now teaches high school. He also coaches boys and girls golf teams, hoping to pass along the fundamentals of this great game as they were passed along to him more than 40 years ago.

Isn’t that the way it is supposed to work?

*************

Congrats to Tim Tennant who captured The Elks Club Championship last weekend by a three-stroke margin over Bo Lantz and Ken Green Lizard Bosc.

Indiana, Illinois Amateur Hotbed for Local Golfers

July 22, 1990

Throughout the years, Terre Haute golfers have always been ready to follow the amateur circuit of tournaments scheduled throughout Indiana and Illinois and they still are doing it.

One of the most popular is the Casey (IL) Open. It was first played in 1950 with Gene Verostko edging Bill Holloway for the title. This event is still played in late July each year. Some of the players who have participated are: Dr. Bud Price, Ken Inverted Wedge Snow, Dick Smith, Jim Stoner, Claude McCalister, Ernie Horrall, Sr., Tye Bensley, Willy Wisely, Warren and Walter Artz, Bill Alumbaugh, Sr., Bob Blair, George Kaperak, Russ Roberts, Joe Rozgony, Jim Wolfe, Bob Bundy, Jack Myers, Bob Haverty, Bob Arnett, Paul Bosc, Dr. Jerry Baker and Don Chief Lyle.

Another event local players have enjoyed is the recently completed Monticello Open played at the Tippecanoe Country Club which is adjacent to Lake Shafer. Bob Bundy is the resident expert regarding this competition. Until this year’s event, he had played in 38 of Monticello’s 40 annual tournaments.

Bundy recalls one tourney played in the 1950s when he stood on the 14th tee at 5-under-par. Word of his red-hot round had spread throughout the clubhouse area and approximately 100 spectators came out on the course to watch him finish. Bundy recalls bogeying four of the last five holes to lose by a shot to Jimmy Jackson, a one-time member of the Walker Cup team.

In this year’s Monticello Open, Ron Poore, Jr., the defending champ scored a respectable 74 on the long demanding, championship course. This writer managed a 75 and Kenny Bosc tallied a 78 to lead a contingent of nearly 20 local players.

Other tournaments held in high esteem by the Terre Haute divot diggers include the Fendrich Open in Evansville, the Vincennes Amateur, The Spaghetti Open in Clinton and the Indiana State Amateur, now played annually at the Otter Creek course in Columbus.

Perhaps the No. 1 attraction these days, as out-of-town tourneys go, is the Lawrenceville (IL) Amateur. At least 40 to 50 players are in the field every year. Its date is usually the first weekend in June. Some former winners at Lawrenceville include Dave Brown, Gene Verostko, Don Chick Alumbaugh and Ron Poore, Sr.

Other golf events, which players from the area have enjoyed include the East Side Amateur at Pleasant Run Golf Course and the Sarah Shank Four Ball, both Indianapolis events.

As the years pass, more and more golf tournaments are promoted and often compete with each other on the same date. Of one thing you may be sure: As long as Terre Haute golfers are among the entrants, they will make their presence felt.

With a strong group of young players and a fair number of old veterans, Terre Haute will not take a back seat to any other city in regard to the number of quality players it has produced.

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A rare bird, three eagles in four holes? That’s right.

During the summer of ’89, Tom Jones played the back nine of the Elks Club with eagles on holes 13, 14 and 16. In fact, he putted all three into the cup from distances of eight, nine and two feet respectively. Tom also had a birdie in this round, but three bogeys ran a potential 29 to a ho-hum 32.

That’s golf.

Time Foils Classic Clash: Dave, Gene

September 16, 1990

Two titans of the fairways are stalking birdie putts this weekend as qualifying rounds continue in the Forrest Sherer Men’s City Golf Championship. One is at the peak of his game, a position held by the other a number of years ago.

Dave McCampbell exhibits many of the characteristics that made Gene Verostko almost unbeatable in his heyday. Having had the pleasure of being paired with each during final rounds of prior city tourney we were offered a first-hand opportunity to observe how classic golfers leave the rest of us to vie for the unenviable position of also ran.

McCampbell’s game has no weaknesses. He’s long off the tee and his irons are high flying and true. When he reaches the green, he exhibits the touch of a magician; his short game is nothing short of magnificent. He has qualified for two U. S. Amateur Championships and he barely missed this year. By the way, 10,000 of the best amateurs in the United States tee it up to qualify for the Amateur, 144 make the field.

Dave has captured four city titles. This season he won the Parke County tourney. He also won the Rea Park and Hulman Link Championships. Last Sunday he added the Spaghetti Amateur trophy to his extensive collection.

Verostko’s game was much like McCampbell’s. Gene may have been a few yards shorter off the tee, but perhaps somewhat more accurate. He could always reach back for another 10 or 15 yards when the occasion demanded.

Verostko’s irons were unbelievable. Once at Rea Park, we watched him hit 18 straight iron shots directly at the pin, the ball finishing a few feet short or past the staff on every hole. He won more than 100 area tournaments. Gene’s putting was often brilliant, but later in his career it was the putter that began to betray him. Sometimes he would turn around and putt left-handed on the short ones. Verostko once played 13 straight rounds at Rea Park scoring between 63 and 69. He was twice medalist in the Indiana State Amateur.

When asked what he thought of McCampbell’s game, Verostko replied, I think he is a superb player. He has all the shots. The next question was a natural. How would you have fared against Dave when you were in your prime? He answered, We would have had some very good matches. Then, with a faraway look in his eye, Verostko surveyed the lush expanse of Hulman Links and said, If I could have only played a course like this when I was growing up!

Gene can still move the ball around Hulman in subpar figures.

We asked McCampbell how he thought he would have fared against Verostko if both were playing the best golf of their careers. He indicated in his characteristically modest manner, I don’t know if I could have matched his consistency. From what I hear, he didn’t play a bad round. Bad rounds are few and far between for David McCampbell, too. He often turns in 67s and 68s in the cold, early spring afternoons at Hulman and he gets better during the summer.

What do we think? They would have been dead even; take your pick. On top of that, they are super individuals; you won’t meet nicer gentlemen on or off the golf course. Terre Haute is fortunate to have had these two players as role models for the younger players to emulate.

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Rives McBee was hitting practice balls in the GTE tourney when he was overheard remarking to some friends, Every morning when I wake up, I thank God for another day, the senior tour and Arnold Palmer.

McBee won the very next tourney played at Lexington, KY, duplicating his win there in 1989.

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Although still hampered by an injury received in an explosion last spring, Rick Fernandes fired a 68 at the Honeywell course in Wabash and won the Wilson Assistant Pro Tournament. Spell Rick’s middle name Competitor. He is amazing.

When it comes to Golf, Alumbaughs Swinging

September 30, 1990

Now what’s a nine letter word that is synonymous with golf? Think hard. Now you’ve got it: Alumbaugh. Of course, you knew it all the time.

For the past several years, the name Alumbaugh has been lighting up the leader boards of area golf tournaments like searchlights during a bombing raid.

Let’s go back (way back) to the patriarch of the family, none other than Bill Pops Alumbaugh, Sr. He’s the Alumbaugh with more one-liners than Henny Youngman. In fact, one evening spent with Pops and Bobby Allen will offer more in the way of mental health than five years of psychotherapy. Then again, after the aforementioned evening, you may be the one who is ready for a psychiatrist. His wife, Mary Jane, was a cheerleader at Gerstmeyer Tech High School during Bobby Leonard’s tenure. Pops is a former first-flight winner in the city tourney, and he has finished 11th in the championship flight as well. He was the 1986 Terre Haute Seniors champion, and for several years he managed Matthews Park Golf Course in Clinton.

Bill’s eldest son, Dave Al Alumbaugh was a pitcher during his high school days. He didn’t get serious about golf until his graduation from Indiana State University.

He is currently golf course superintendent at Hulman Links. Among his golfing accomplishments, Dave can take credit for wins in the Elks Club ’86 Amateur, Rea Park Club Championship, and the Lawrenceville Amateur. Dave’s best finish in the city tourney was fourth. He hits the ball long, but sometimes loses arguments with his putter.

Billy Bum Alumbaugh, Jr., is a solid player in his own right, and the father of Billy Alumbaugh III, whose three high school sectional wins and a second-place finish in the IHSAA finals have been well chronicled.

Bum once held the Matthews Park course record, a blazing 63. He has been medalist in the Spaghetti Open, along with qualifying for four Indiana State Amateurs and one Indiana Open. Few people have as much fun on the golf course as Bill Jr.

Don Chick Alumbaugh is the course superintendent at Rea Park. The former Terre Haute North High standout has won three Lawrenceville Amateur titles as well as placing second on two occasions. Add to his list of wins, the Rea Park Championship and the Terre Haute Junior crown. Chick has finished second in the city championship. A long hitter who is also a solid iron player and putter, Don can post low numbers with the best of them.

So you can see that when the Alumbaugh clan is ready to tee it up, watch out! If one of them fails to record a low score, you know another one will. We’re sure the Alumbaughs will continue to be dominant figures in area golf tournaments for many years to come.

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Terre Haute will be well represented in the American Cancer Society National Finals at the Doral Country Club in Miami. Stacy Bocard, Carrie Allen, Val Cleavenger and Lisa Gourdouze earned a shot at the top prize in Division III of the tourney. They posted an even-par round to win the state championship by a single shot at Syracuse Country Club recently.

Bocard added: "If we don’t win at Doral, we’ll give it a good shot. Best of luck, ladies.

It’s Time to Get Back in the ‘Swing’ of Things with

Arnett’s First Column

May 5, 1991

Another golf season has dawned and Terre Haute golfers have already gotten back in the swing of things. Many never really hung them up during the cold weather since several area courses offer winter play.

Now is the time that players vow to make those swing adjustments which will drop their scores to match the numbers they dream of. Sadly, in a game as difficult as golf, dreaming is infinitely easier than posting low numbers. When it comes to improvement, lessons from a local PGA pro will be your best bet.

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The big car, stuffed with golf clubs, and golf paraphernalia, made its way down the driveway, coming to a stop in the parking lot of The Phoenix Country Club. It was a sunny day in July 1949.

The skinny kid recognized a sales rep when he saw one, so he dropped his golf bag and ran to the car. After all, it paid dividends to be helpful to golf equipment salesmen. They often tossed a ball or two to a kid who was helpful to them.

Could I help you carry anything mister? the youngster asked.

Naw, but I’d like to talk to the pro, he answered. Can you tell me where I can find him?

The pro shop down the hill. I’ll take you to him.

That would be nice.

It didn’t take long to learn that the salesman’s name was Jimmy Nichols and he worked as a manufacturers’ representative for Spalding and Co. Jimmy mentioned that the course looked very sporty and asked the kid if he wanted to play nine with him since the pro, Virgil Morey, was going to be busy giving lessons.

The skinny adolescent jumped at the chance, knowing that many golf representatives were also excellent players. Jimmy Nichols was no exception.

Jimmy, deeply tanned, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a stocky build indicated that he had tried the tour, but he didn’t think he’d be able to achieve the success he wanted, so he opted to work for Spalding’s golf division.

His three-wood tee shot on the par-4 first hole hit on the front of the green and rolled a few yards past the putting surface. Nichols was an accomplished player, striking his shots solidly, with authority.

He managed beautifully the tight fairways and postage stamp greens of The Phoenix Club. He finished with a 73 despite a tee shot that hooked out of bounds on the sixth hole.

Jimmy Nichols did not play golf the way others do. He used right-handed clubs, but he gripped those clubs with his left hand only. You see, Jimmy Nichols had just one arm!

He lost his right arm at the elbow in an auto accident several years before. When putting, he stroked the ball as a southpaw, bracing his left hand against his right leg.

A year later, the kid played another round with Nichols at The Casey Country Club in Casey, IL. Jimmy shot three under par on that nine.

A few years ago, we had the opportunity to talk to another Spalding representative who indicated that Jimmy was still with Spalding even though he was nearing the age of 70. He has represented Spalding in many foreign countries.

When the players argue over which hand is the most important in the golf swing, our thoughts go back to Jimmy Nichols. Nichols said he thought he was The One-Armed Golf Champion of the World. This writer would have been the last to dispute his claim.

Oh, by the way, Jimmy never neglected to throw the kid a couple of Spalding Dots at the conclusion of each round.

Golf ‘Characters’ Provide Plenty of Excitement

May 19, 1991

One definition of the noun, character, is an odd, eccentric or noteworthy person. It is not difficult to spot characters on the golf course—any golf course.

Characters abound on fairways and greens everywhere. Maybe one has to be something of a character to be a golfer to begin with! In fact, it is amazing that someone hasn’t started a National Golf Character of the Year contest, although it would take a character to undertake such a project.

Years ago, we competed in the Vincennes Open just 60 miles south of town. While on the putting green, raucous laughter and shouts were heard from the first tee. Upon closer inspection, it was found that members of the foursome waiting to tee off were taking turns stomping on one player’s driver with their spikes. One was heard to say, I’ve always wanted to do that, but I didn’t want to ruin my club.

The driver, looking as though it had been used for whittling practice by Jack the Ripper, belonged to Ivan Gantz. Ivan indicated that in a recent tourney, Dr. Cary Middlecoff and Sam Snead had both stepped on his driver, Gantz played briefly on the PGA Tour.

Inviting players to disfigure his driver was really one of Mr. Gantz’s milder eccentricities. Ivan, saddled with one of the hottest tempers to be found on a golf course, would sometimes slam his putter against his cranium to teach himself a lesson when a short putt was missed. Banging the putter head against his shins was another way he chastised himself.

One of his more flamboyant gestures occurred when he would dive from the back of a green headfirst into a sand trap, at times a 10- or 12-foot plunge. A national golf magazine once featured many of Ivan Gantz’ zany stunts.

Ky Laffoon was a big Kentuckian who played professional golf back in the 1930s. A big hitter of the ball, Ky’s temper was infinitely larger. He had a love-hate relationship with his putter.

Once he was observed standing in a creek with both arms immersed in the water to the elbows. A fellow competitor asked what he was doing.

Ky replied, I’m drowning my putter. Another time, the putter was occupying a place of honor, with its head on the same pillows as Ky’s in his hotel room. A few days later, the same putter was tied to the rear bumper of his car and dragged to the next tourney site, sparks flying as it bounced against the pavement.

Ky also was the winner of the first two Phoenix Opens ever held back in the mid 1930s. His portraits decorate the walls of the TPC clubhouse in Phoenix. He was truly a character who could play.

On the local scene it is doubtful if anyone ever has matched the offbeat antics of the late Russ Roberts. A bricklayer by trade, Russ was an excellent golfer who often recorded par or better scores on local courses, but when it came to tempers, Russ was known to have a very short fuse.

During a round at Rea Park back in the 1950s, Russ came to the 18th tee at four under par. This is going to be the best round of my life, he proudly announced as he took his stance for his final tee shot of the round. But something went wrong.

The swing was forced and the ball was topped. It rolled along the fairway and plopped into the water hazard.

Russ stared incredulously. He then walked slowly to the edge of the water and pitched his golf bag, clubs and all into the water and walked briskly to the parking lot. Upon arriving at his car, he searched his pockets for his keys. Remembering he had put them in one of the pockets of his golf bag, he turned and headed back to the place he had deposited his golf clubs and bag.

Arriving at the hazard, he walked into the pond. With water nearly up to his waist, he located his clubs, lifted them and removed his car keys and threw the bag and clubs back into the water. He returned to the parking lot with dripping slacks, soaked shoes and wet socks. He got into his car and drove away without a backward glance.

This story is just a sample