For years I worked to get my handicap down low enough to get into a US Open regional qualifier. Finally....in the summer of 2008, I made it!!! Regardless of how I performed, in my late 30s, I would forever be able say I competed with the best! During the practice round the day before, I was paired with a very nice Irish gentleman (not Rory). He was an Open vet and was very supportive after learning that this was my maiden voyage. We got to #8, a 187 yard par 3. My first-time caddy, Bill, said, "6 iron, Jimbo. Take dead aim."

I teed up my titleist Pro V1 and let 'er rip. Striped...right at the flag. It dropped right over the bunker in the front. "Jim...I think you slam dunked it, man!!" came a whisper from this fine Irish fellow. Sure enough! We got up to the the green. Only one ball visible, and it wasn't mine. Peering into the cup....there she sat...a story for the rest of my life. A hole in one in the US Open qualifier practice round. The next day I had my lunch handed to me. But, I will always have that! The ball sits permanently on my desk. Thanks, Titleist!! Jim