I agree it was a troubling afternoon. Starting with the slow play. The group involved in the incident (our group is teeing it up on 7 and I notice no group on the 9th green). When our group gets to 10th tee box, “Club Clown”(NOT) Mike Kullik(in the group in front of us) asks if the Paisano’s have Liability Ins. Whatt??. His group informed us of the accident and that they we’re filling out paper work in the Pro Shop. “ Fine, hit the ball, let’s go!!” I did not know Arnold was the lone survivor of his 4-some and was long gone. When we finished, turned in our cards, and I was reading scores to Gary, determining Winners for Ind. Net., Eclectic, Skins, and closest to the pins.
The crowd is around looking for closest to the pins and skins. Greg notices his birdie # 10 didn’t hold up. We checked and Arnold had also made birdie on the hole. Greg, rightfully questioned his birdie because the next closest to the pin was 30+ feet when he arrived at the 10th green. Greg’s shot was 3’. He assumed Arnold had chipped it in to make birdie. Me too. For some reason I have Arnolds ph.# in my phone (new member I guess) and I call him. “Hey Arnold, Johnny Craig here,(pleasantries)”did you chip in on #10? “No”, he said, ”I almost knocked in the hole, a 6” kick in.” I told him he forgot to write it on the sheet and his response was he was so shook up he forgot, and went on to the next tee.
This was a pretty serious accident and we’re lucky nobody had to be transported to the hospital.
I know most of the rules and ALWAYS CARRY A RULE BOOK. If this were a qualifier for some County or State Tournament he would be disqualified in a minute. However in this situation, his explanation of events, coupled by circumstances beyond his control “The Committee” will not penalize Arnold. His integrity has never been questioned and his sponsors deserve credit. Remember if you sponsor one to be included in our Club we respect your judgment. Take it seriously.
You know I will drop the “Hammer”, when the situations arise, including “Founding Members”.
Thanks Greg for bringing this to the attention of the whole Club. It reminds us of our love for the game and all the Rules that we strive to master. However, this is a Club of Friends and I have the responsibility to keep it that way. Let me be the first to buy you a beer bro.
Good luck in the Club Championship. J.C.
