Central New York Golfers Achieve Hole-in-One Feats
The summer of 2026 has been a remarkable one for Central New York golfers, with several players achieving the coveted hole-in-one feat. These achievements are not just personal triumphs but also reflect the dedication and skill of these golfers. Here's a closer look at some of these impressive accomplishments:
Terry Ward's Precision on the 150-Yard 15th Hole
Terry Ward demonstrated exceptional precision on July 10 at Timber Banks. With a 9-iron, he sunk a hole-in-one on the 150-yard 15th hole, witnessed by his brother Anson. This achievement showcases the importance of technique and focus in golf, as even a short shot can be a challenge.
Bob Benjamin's Gold Tees Success
Bob Benjamin's hole-in-one on July 9 at Sunset Ridge was a testament to his skill. From the gold tees on the 3rd hole, he used an 8-iron to sink the ball. The presence of Bob Seeley and John Murphy as witnesses adds to the significance of this achievement, highlighting the competitive spirit within the local golf community.
Ric Pettit's Sand Wedge Mastery
Ric Pettit, a PGA professional, showcased his expertise with a sand wedge on July 9 at Lyndon. His hole-in-one on the 70-yard 5th hole was witnessed by Robbie Abraham and Zack Pettit. This achievement underscores the importance of choosing the right club for the situation, as sand wedges are designed for short shots around the green.
Tom Kennelley's Family Celebration
Tom Kennelley's hole-in-one on July 9 at Northern Pines was a special moment. With an 8-iron, he sunk the ball on the 135-yard 7th hole, witnessed by his grandsons Blake, Hunter, and CJ Stager. This achievement not only showcases Tom's skill but also the joy of sharing such moments with loved ones.
Alex Bayer's Long-Distance Shot
Alex Bayer's hole-in-one on July 8 at Drumlins East was a long-distance achievement. With a 7-iron, he sunk the ball on the 169-yard 6th hole, witnessed by Chris Beehner, Austin Beehner, and Jake Balliu. This highlights the importance of power and accuracy in golf, especially on longer holes.
Mike Powell's Pine Grove Success
Mike Powell's hole-in-one on July 6 at Pine Grove was a testament to his consistency. With a 9-iron, he sunk the ball on the 7th hole, witnessed by Dave Powell, Joe Jenkins, and Adam Beckwith. This achievement demonstrates the value of practice and maintaining a high level of performance over time.
Michael Anthis' Emotional Hole-in-One
Michael Anthis' hole-in-one on July 5 at Drumlins East held a deeper emotional significance. With a 6-iron, he sunk the ball on the 8th hole, which was the same hole his uncle Perry, an avid golfer, had achieved 30 years ago. Witnessed by John Anthis, Blaise Anthis, and Thomas Anthis, this achievement was made even more special by the recent passing of Perry.
Justin Richardson's Pitching Wedge Precision
Justin Richardson's hole-in-one on July 5 at Rogues Roost East showcased his ability to control the ball with precision. With a pitching wedge, he sunk the ball on the 148-yard 14th hole, witnessed by Aaron Spaulding. This achievement highlights the versatility of pitching wedges in various shot scenarios.
Rick Heffernan's Rogues Roost East Success
Rick Heffernan's hole-in-one on May 19 at Rogues Roost East was a testament to his skill and experience. With a pitching wedge, he sunk the ball on the 120-yard 6th hole, witnessed by Nick Natishak, Bob Benedict, and Gary Fritz. This achievement underscores the importance of experience and understanding the nuances of different golf courses.
Shoot Your Age Achievements
Several golfers achieved the impressive feat of shooting their age during the summer months. Rick LaPorte, aged 83, shot an 80 at Northern Pines on July 9, witnessed by his wife Diane LaPorte, John Marx, and Tom Kennelley. Dr. Daniel Doby, aged 78, achieved the same feat at Green Lakes from the green tees on July 8, witnessed by Dean Johnson, Sam Sherat, and Tom Rowlands.
These hole-in-one achievements and 'shoot your age' feats not only showcase the skill and dedication of Central New York golfers but also add a layer of excitement and accomplishment to the sport. As Pat Spadafore, a seasoned sports journalist, continues to cover the local golf scene, these achievements will undoubtedly inspire and motivate both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
