Hole-In-One – July 2024

Gary Ebel Scores Ace at PCMGA/PCLGA Mixer Tourney

Howie Tiger

On May 7, Gary Ebel made a hole-in-one on hole number 13 at Tuscany Falls East. This was Gary’s second career hole-in-one, and he made it while playing in the 2024 PCMGA/PCLGA Mixer tourney. He now joins five other PCMGA players in the 2024 hole-in-one annual prize. With six holes-in-one being made in five months, their share of the prize is shrinking fast!

The mixer tourney teamed two players from both the PebbleCreek Men’s Golf Association (PCMGA) and the PebbleCreek Ladies Golf Association (PCLGA). Gary’s playing partners were Ken Schumacher, Layne Sheridan, and Vicki Ray. The format for the first day of this tourney was a 4-person scramble.

The 13th hole was playing 109 yards from the white tee to a front pin-placement. Gary hit his gap wedge with a high trajectory straight at the pin. They heard a super loud noise as his ball apparently hit the flagstick. No one saw the ball, so all assumed it ricocheted off the green. As they approached the green, Gary and Ken checked the green short of the hole and long past the hole. No ball was seen, so they checked the hole. Voila! The ball must have dropped straight down after it hit the flagstick and then went into the hole. Belated high fives and congrats commenced.

Gary has been playing golf for 30 years. This was his second hole-in-one. His first one came at the Links at Rapid City Golf Course in Rapid City, S.D.

Gary grew up on a ranch in Rapid City, S.D. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business/accounting from Dakota Wesleyan University. He started his career in accounting technology and soon started his own computer hardware and software company. Ultimately, he created an environmental services company servicing the oil Industry.

He and his wife, Laura, moved to PebbleCreek in 2019.

Congrats to Gary on his shot heard around the world or at least our PebbleCreek community!

Bob Iverson Makes a Hole-in-One at Eagle’s Nest

Howie Tiger

On April 26, Bob Iverson made a hole-in-one on hole number 12 at Eagle’s Nest. This was Bob’s fourth career hole-in-one and he made it while playing in Brian Maine’s golf group.

Bob came to the 12th hole with his playing partners Doug Reese, Bill Volm, and PebbleCreek’s own Ted Lindhorn. The hole was playing 167 yards from the blue tee to a back pin-placement. With a quartering wind in his face, Bob hit his 5-iron straight at the flagstick. Doug said, “I think it went in!” Bob was not so sure and said, “I don’t know. I didn’t see it.” Doug and Bob arrived at the green and did not see the ball behind the green. Doug was convinced, but Bob was still skeptical. Once Bob did not see the ball anywhere, he checked the hole and Doug was right! There were high fives from Doug, Bill, and Ted, and congrats commenced!

Bob has been playing golf for 70 years. This was his fourth hole-in-one. His first came in 1976 on Christmas Eve at Laurelwood Golf Club in Eugene, Ore. His second, in 1991, was the day before Christmas Eve at Pueblo Del Sol Golf Club in Sierra Vista, Ariz. Coincidentally, it was also 167 yards, but back then he hit an 8-iron. His third was in 2016 at Old American Golf Club in The Colony, Texas.

Bob was born in LaCrosse, Wis., and grew up in Eugene, Ore. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash., with a bachelor’s degree in business. He spent his 40+ year career as a manager in the apparel business at several firms. He retired after 10+ years at Nordstrom. Other than golf, he enjoys fly fishing in Oregon and Montana.

He and his wife, Donna, moved to PebbleCreek in 2018.

Congrats to Bob on his terrific shot, even though it took some convincing that he did it!

Marc Goldberg Makes Ace During PCMGA Member/Guest Tourney

Howie Tiger

On April 24, Marc Goldberg made a hole-in-one on hole number 8 of the Tuscany Falls East course. This was Marc’s third career hole-in-one and he made it during the first match of the PebbleCreek Men’s Golf Association (PCMGA) Member/Guest Tournament. Marc now qualifies to share in the annual hole-in-one prize.

The 8th hole was playing 143 yards from the white tee to a front pin-placement. Marc hit his 31-degree hybrid with a slight right to left draw. While in the air, he hoped it would draw some more as it was headed toward the right front bunker. His ball hit the back side of the bunker, bounced left and rolled into the hole. He and his playing partners—William Nunez (Marc’s guest), Victor VanHorn, and Ron Jerzyk (Victor’s guest)—all saw it go in. So did the guys who were working the golf cart exhibit on the blue tee. High fives and cheers began.

Coincidentally, just a few weeks earlier, he just missed an ace as his ball hung over the lip of the cup. Marc also speculated that he may be the first resident to make an ace while wearing soft-spike golf flip-flops!

Marc was born and raised in Woodmont, Conn., in a house just across the street from Long Island Sound. So his first baby shoes were probably flip-flops! He graduated from Central Connecticut State University with a business degree in marketing. He spent his entire 33-year working career as an independent manufacturer’s representative in the architectural glass industry. He serviced upstate New York and all of New England. He was a member of the National Glass Association. He retired in 2004. He is a lifelong New York Giants and New York Yankees fan, holding Giants season tickets for 38 years.

He got his start in golf in 1989 in Bermuda at Castle Harbor Golf Course while on vacation. His first ace happened only a year later at the Lyman Meadows Golf Club in Middlefield, Conn. His second ace came at Mount Snow Golf Club in Vermont in 1993. In each of his now three holes-in-one, they occurred while playing in an event where drinks were already included. So he saved a bundle!

This third ace now ties him with his very significant other, Mary Harris. He and Mary have been PebbleCreek residents since 2002.

Congrats on your great shot!

Reuben Rivera Scores Hole-in-One During PCMGA Member/Guest Tourney

Howie Tiger

On April 25, Reuben Rivera made a hole-in-one on hole number 13 of the Tuscany Falls East course. This was Reuben’s fourth career hole-in-one and he made it during the third match of the PebbleCreek Men’s Golf Association (PCMGA) Member/Guest Tournament. Reuben now qualifies to share in the annual hole-in-one prize.

Reuben and his guest, Rob Shipe, were playing against Todd Henne and his guest, Jackson Bentley. Reuben’s team had already birdied the 12th hole (first hole of match) and were one up on Todd’s team. The 13th hole played 160 yards from the blue tee to a middle pin-placement. Reuben hit his 7-iron with a slight right to left draw. While in the air, Todd said, “Oh man, that looks like a good shot!” His ball landed just right of the hole, took one bounce and into the hole. Immediately, Rob said, “Hey man that went in!” A celebration began for Reuben and Rob. Reluctant excitement came from Todd and Bentley. Todd said, “Yeah great, we’re two down now.” Reuben and Rob’s quick start of their match led to a convincing win.

This was Reuben’s fourth hole-in-one. His first one came in 2007 at Greystone Golf Club in Baltimore, Md. His second was in 2009 at the Fort Meade course in Fort Meade, Md. His third was in 2022 on this same 13th hole at Tuscany Falls East!

Congrats on your super shot, even though Todd and Bentley had “mixed emotions!”

Karyn Swinford Makes Second Career Hole-in-One on East Course

Howie Tiger

On April 22, Karyn Swinford made a hole-in-one on hole number 17 on the East course. This was Karyn’s second career hole-in-one, and she made it while playing with her regular Monday golf group.

On the tee, waiting to hit to the 17th hole, Karyn watched the group on the green struggle with their putting. She watched several players putt to the hole and saw their ball somewhat roll back. She thought the hole must be on a side hill. The hole was playing 85 yards from the red tee to a front pin-placement. So she took her pitching wedge and aimed left of the hole. Her ball hit the left edge of the green, somewhat stopped, then rolled down the hill, hit the flagstick, and went in. Karyn said, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that went in!”

Her playing partners, Pamela Asher and Teri Schoephoerster said, “Nice shot, congratulations!” Even the players in the group behind them drove up to congratulate her as they saw her ball go in.

Karyn has been playing golf for 45 years. She made her first hole-in-one in 1985 at her home course, Hidden Valley Country Club in Eureka, Mo. It was on a par 4 measuring 220 yards. She and her husband Bob were playing in a scramble tourney. On this hole she would normally hit her 7-wood as the green had a large bunker in front. Since it was a scramble, Bob prompted her to use her driver. She hit the driver. The ball ran through the bunker and onto the green and into the hole!

Karyn was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo. She attended Central Methodist College. With her husband, Bob, they were in the restaurant business for 35 years. The last one being called Vivian’s Vineyards in St. Charles, Mo.

They have four children, 16 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren (and one more on the way!). She and Bob moved to PebbleCreek in 2004.

Congrats to Karyn on her exciting shot!