Geist's own Bob Thompson received a once-in-a-lifetime experience last month to golf alongside professional golfers in front of a huge crowd at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic Pro Am in Orlando.
After entering a Golf Channel contest, Thompson was stunned to be contacted as a finalist for the all-expense-paid trip. He didn’t find out he had won until the night before he was to leave for the tournament! He could take up to three friends, but none of his golf buddies could go on such short notice, so Thompson and his wife, Carol, went alone to stay at the Walt Disney Grand Floridian Resort.
With a 24 handicap, Thompson didn’t expect to play in the tournament but was looking forward to being a spectator (contest rules stated that only a golfer with an 18 or under handicap would play). However, once in Orlando, a decision was made to allow Thompson to play as an 18 handicap.
He got two practice rounds, and then it was for real. He was paired with professional golfers Bo Van Pelt (originally from Richmond, Ind.), Charles Howell III, JB Holmes and Steve Flesh.
“For the first four holes, my hands were shaking,” recalls Thompson, who plays locally in the Mud Creek Men’s League at Ironwood Golf Course.
“I had a couple good holes,” he said, recounting one where he drove the ball closer to the hole than the pros and finished with par. “Only once was I really embarrassed!”
Thompson says most of the professionals he met were very hospitable. He met Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey during a practice round, and Bo Van Pelt even helped Thompson line up a few puts.
Thompson can’t wait for the spring season to start at Mud Creek so he can tell all his Geist golf buddies about his experience. “This hacker from Geist got a chance to play with the pros, and it was just great!”
