5 Holes of Golf

Here's how I spent my afternoon. You'll recall my involvement in the Leadership McLean County program from a July post.

LMC '07 Golf Outing Filled With Highs, Slows
Joe McDonald, LMC '04

A handful of LMC 2007 alumni cheerfully set a Hazy Hills golf course record for fewest holes completed in two hours, as part of a relaxing Friday afternoon social on August 17.

The summer's scorching heat decided to take some time off along with the four graduates, whose 1:00 starting time drifted leisurely to 1:30 as players (and most notably a certain newsletter reporter) found their way from the office to the cozy 9-hole layout in Hudson.

By all accounts, event coordinator Jim Engelhardt had spent more time on the links than the rest of his fellow duffers combined. As such the best-ball format, where all players on the team hit from the same spot and only the best shot is used, proved to be the perfect setup for an easy-going affair regardless of golfing experience.

The day was sprinkled with both remarkable memories and memorable remarks. Joann Schuster, the self-described lucky former champion of a women's "longest drive" contest, flashed great accuracy in striking a lone, skinny tree 100 feet away. Engelhardt and George Galindo, celebrating his third time on the course in 2007, shared pearls of occasionally confusing inspiration such as "Rip the grip," "Pretend there's a sewer cap," and "Never give up!"

Shaking the rust off skills unused since last century, both Valerie Foster and Joe McDonald managed some crowd-pleasing shots as the day continued. As role models of sportsmanship, they not only offered to let each other shoot in their place, but often insisted upon it.

Overcoming the trials known only to experienced golfers, such as unusually slow greens and perpetually honking geese, Engelhardt spurred his squad to a comfortable lead over the Schuster-Galindo team.

Ironically the casual, wandering pace, which made for uplifting conversation, also bred the day's only true drama as a mystified course official pleaded with the troupe to let faster groups play through. Thanks to the aid of electric carts, ideal weather and empty course in front of them, McLean County's leaders of tomorrow had conquered nearly five holes by 3:30. Sensing its place in history, and mindful of a planned rendezvous at Green Gables with other LMC alumni, the crew headed abruptly to the parking lot. Rumors of cheering from the logjam of golfers behind them were unconfirmed.

Green Gables made good on its reputation for fast food and high spirits. The newly christened alumni talked about family, community and excitement toward the upcoming LMC class. 5:00 came too quickly, but most are volunteers for LMC '08, and good times are on the way!