From the Bunkers

Welcome to the wonderful world of golf — Houlton course verity — with one of the earliest openings planned for this weekend, maybe Mother Nature will make up for last May, June and July’s rainy weather.
Mike Fleming, the new general manager, and Brent Hammond, the course superintendent, have some surprises to those who haven’t seen the course this spring. Pines have been cut on number two, number five and number eight, and much of the underbrush cleared away, along with other interesting improvements.
Board president David Grant, also works hard on junior golf. He is coach of the Hodgdon High School golf team and teaches beginner programs for those who have not played or rarely play to investigate the pleasure of a day in the sun and the joy of hitting a golf ball. There will be an effort to aid new members with their game and to link up groups to play together.
Houlton Community Country Club board members are: Grant, president; Jerry York, vice president and long range committee chairman; Janice Kelley, treasurer; Don Collins, greens committee chairman; Martha Fasulo, secretary; Steve Nelson, clerk; Andrew Peabody and Tony Marino, co-tournament chairmen; Pam Mailman, president of the Ladies’ Association; Greg Palmer and Fred Putnam.
The ladies opening dinner is May 17. The public is invited to an opening dinner and festivities scheduled for May 29.
Ray Mailman, who served faithfully as general manager, will now be free to sharpen his game. Beware Rick Goodwin and Kevin McPhee.
Throughout the season, I will try to provide some interesting stories of activities at the Houlton golf course, having joined in 1948, with stops in Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield and California. Maybe it might be fun to review some of the legendary Houlton golf names and incidents. One of my favorite concerns Dr. Chester Hogan and merchant Saul Green — neither would ever threaten the course record — but, they were very competitive and loved to beat each other.
While playing number five, Saul hit his tee shot into the right rough. Dr. Hogan walked over as Saul was preparing to hit his second, and to his surprise, Saul’s ball was resting on a tall tee. When Chet asked quite angerly about the apparent violation of rules, Saul calmly replied, “What blind luck. My ball landed right on a tee.”
So to all, much blind luck, or otherwise, have a great summer.