Stephen Mekkelsen

This year I was fortunate enough to take advantage of the states early retirement incentive program and leave my job after almost thirty years of employment. Three days after I retired we had our annual ct valley hospital golf tournament at blackledge country club. As usual, although in june, the tournament is usually accompanied by torrential rains. This year was no different. After two holes of sunshine the clouds came in and the rain suits went on. It was raining so hard that gloves were only good for a couple of holes. The format was a scramble and we had started on the back nine. After 12 holes the team needed a boost. We came to the 6th hole a par 3 playing 153 yds. My three playing partners hit left, right, short and needed me to get it anywhere on the green. I used my ping red eye 7 iron with a titelist dt. The ball hit in front, one bounce and rolled to the pin. I thought it rolled past the pin but my partners were screaming 'it's in the hole, it's in the hole'. The foursome in front of us came running over and sure enough it was in. I can't explain the feeling except for shock and disbelief. Go figure after all these years and how many times it was just a passing thought and now it was a reality. It couldn't of happened at a better time with all my friends and co-workers there. This retirement thing isn't bad so far. It is my hope that someday each of you can experience that feeling when someone says to you 'it's in the hole'.