My first time

Golf Digest, Nov, 2003

Remember your first time? Whether it was breaking 100, 90 or 80, we'd like to hear about it. Fax us at 203-761-5129 or send e-mail to editor@golfdigest.com. This month we hear from PGA Tour player Tim Petrovic and two readers.

The heat is on

When I was trying to make a career out of golf I played the minitours and worked a few odd jobs, including delivering newspapers in the morning and pizza at night. So you'd think the first time I had a chance to win a PGA Tour event, the 2002 FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis, I would have been really nervous. But I wasn't at all, probably because I was playing with Glen Hnatiuk, who I'd played with a lot coming up. I was also four shots back on the final day, so I told myself, "Just be aggressive." I didn't really care where the ball was going. It was a good mind-set because I was trying to win the tournament.

But the thing I remember most about that day was that it was really hot, so I was more concerned with trying to stay cool than anything else. I got even hotter when I reached the 15th. I was three shots back, so I birdied that hole and the next and made pars on the final two holes. That wasn't enough to win--I finished a stroke back of Len Mattiace, who birdied three of his last four--but I really felt like I belonged out here after that.

Tim Petrovic

Dade City, Fla.

Mom in mind

I've been playing golf for six years, and two years ago I made it a goal to break 80. I took lessons, purchased videotapes and training aids. They helped, and I got better. But there would always be one double or triple bogey on my card that would get in the way of my breaking 80.

Recently, my mother passed away unexpectedly, and golf was the furthest thing from my mind. About a week later a friend invited me to play, and I initially said no. Then I thought about the times I would visit Mom and watch golf on TV while the two of us sat and chatted. She always wondered why I had such a fascination with golf; I told her that when I was on the course I just lost myself in the game. She said that seemed to be a great way to get away from your worries. I called my friend back and said I wanted to play.

On the course I noticed I wasn't concerned with whether I broke 80. It was just nice to be out. I parred the first five holes, got a little nervous, then settled down. I thought of my mom throughout the whole round and a calmness settled over me, allowing me to swing relaxed. When it was all over, I had shot a 77. It was a day I will always remember.

Edwin Betancourt

San Mateo, Calif.

Sleep deprived

Some years ago it looked like I was going to have to work on a Saturday, so I canceled out of my regular golf group.

With a little luck I finished my project early Saturday morning, getting to bed around 2 a.m. The problem was, I now had no tee time, so I got up at 5 and managed to hook up with a threesome for a 6 a.m. start.

On the 18th tee I realized that a par on the difficult finisher was the only thing between me and a 69. Tired as I was, it was hard to ignore the pressure. After a good drive, my approach was a little weak. An OK chip left me with a tricky sidehill five-footer for par.

The three guys I was playing with knew what the putt meant. One said, "Pick it up; you deserve it." For a moment I felt a sense of relief as I considered doing it, but then realized if I took the gimme I would regret it for the rest of my life. I carefully lined up the putt and without hesitation made a perfect stroke for par.

That was 22 years ago, and I remember it as if it were yesterday. I have never duplicated that feat, but then, I usually get more than three hours of sleep.

Paul Piantek

Middletown, Conn.