Raymond Taibbi jr.
July 23, 2000
Mid-Pacific Country Club
Hole No. 14, 199 yards, "Rescue" club
I am a 58-year-old with a 5 handicap who has been playing golf for forty years without ever recording a hole-in-one.
About two years ago I was stricken with cancer and, after chemotherapy and radiation, underwent a nine-hour surgery, where two ribs were removed, among other things.
After months of rehabilitation I returned to golf — but certainly not at the level I was at previously; not even close.
I couldn't get the ball in the air with the middle or long irons, so out of frustration after a Saturday round, I went to Pro Am Golf and purchased the new Taylor-Made "Rescue" club, the equivalent of a 3-iron, but easier to hit.
The next morning I barely made my 7:30 tee time at Mid-Pacific Country Club.
On the par 3 14th hole, 199 yards from the blue tees, I pulled out my new club, which I had never even swung, much less hit. I teed it up, took a practice swing and hit in the hole for my first ace.
