IT happened on the same Sunday, Jan. 24. David Duval scored the third 59 in PGA history to win the Bob Hope and $540,000. Meanwhile, I hacked solo around the par-3 ''executive'' course at Hawaii Kai Golf Club and paid $9 for the privilege. The golf gods
were smirkingDuval said his round was like pitching a perfect game -- except 13 perfect games have been pitched but only three 59s shot. His was the lowest final day score ever to win a PGA tournament. My round wasn't even an imperfect game -- it was a search through a jumble of muscle amnesia, unmatched clubs, lost balls and half-remembered Golf Digest articles for any game at all.
As good as Duval was, however, he didn't shoot a hole in one. I did -- my first ever. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of mentioning it to Joe Edwards, Star-Bulletin sports editor, Monday morning.
Edwards was going on and on about Duval's feat and I said the golf gods were just in a particularly good mood since Duval shot his 59 and I had a hole in one on the same day. Well, Edwards blabbed to Dave Donnelly who put it in his column and everybody I know has been on me about it ever since.
Can't brag, wasn't even keeping score and there were no witnesses. Still, the sight of the white ball landing right where I aimed, bouncing once and tracking unerringly into the hole will stay with me for a long time.
Eat your heart out, Duval.
John Flanagan is editor and publisher of the Star-Bulletin.
To reach him call 525-8612, fax to 523-8509, send
e-mail to publisher@starbulletin.com or write to
P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802.