Controversial Sally Ball Approved
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
It’s not often golf bends the extensive rulebook to match the whims of even the most dedicated practitioner of the sport, but that will happen at the third annual Jean Spears Memorial Family Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held Friday at Paradise Lake Country Club in Suffield, OH and Aunt Sally Swaney will be honored, rulebook be *@%#!
Three years ago, Jan Hallmark established the family golf tournament in New Castle, PA to honor her mother, an avid golfer into her 80s. Jean Spears, my mother-in-law, was a virtuous woman who I never saw cheat on the golf course. Of course, I might have been facing a different direction or have been rummaging in the woods for my own ball if she ever did. Jan started this golf tournament to honor her mom and as an event to keep the family circling up at least once a year.
The tournament is an alternate-shot format on the front nine and best-ball on the back. The alternate shot is the great equalizer as it keeps one great golfer from dominating as can happen in a best-ball format.
The tournament can be a harsh experience, especially for those who send their ball into the water as evidenced by the picture at right. There is some idea being kicked around to reward sand adventures, as if bunkers weren't punishing enough.
Aunt Sally made the first tournament honoring her oldest sister, rattling around in a golf cart in her 80s until she determined a seat at the picnic table might be more comfortable. She passed in March, but we are sure she will make the tournament in spirit even though it has wandered to Ohio. We will honor her willingness to bend the rules, which was made more surprising considering she was an attorney.
The Sally Ball
Aunt Sally’s license plate summed up her favorite idea of recreation – I12Golf. Sally surely did want to golf! The family foursomes were a little empty in recent years after she had to give up the game she loved because of declining health. Once she retired from golf, we would text her when we got to her 12th fairway and she would be on her porch waving when we got to the green.
Sally was a good companion on the golf course. She was always optimistic and congratulatory about her partners’ games while convinced the Golf Gods were punishing her for no good reason. She hit the ball longer than most amateur women and missed more close putts than anyone I ever knew, male or female. The Golf Gods again.
Sally had one superpower in her golf game. She could get a ball from her pocket to the ground for a second shot as smoothly as any old west gunfighter ever pulled a pistol. Nonchalant, almost in one motion, a ball would appear at her feet. Sally would take advantage of her good fortune, thumb her nose at the Golf Gods’ rulebook, and send a much better shot down the fairway. The second swing is always the best!
The family will establish a free mulligan in Aunt Sally’s honor to be used in the Jean Spears Memorial Tournament. Each player will get one “Sally Swaney Drop” ball to be used anywhere except on the green. The only guideline is this must be a seemingly innocent, nonchalant “drop” from the pocket. No calculated placement allowed. The goal is for the golfer to feel the joy of a great second shot in Sally’s honor. She is among the Golf Gods now and she is on your side!
The Betting Line
The tournament shapes up as a duel between grandson Kody Montgomery and I as defending champions against the cousinly brother duo of Dave & Dan Yoho. The Yohos tied for second last year and have drug the tournament out of Pennsylvania to their home turf in Ohio. We will be playing at a course where they both work in retirement.
They have graciously agreed to let us play a practice round on Thursday to make acquaintance. I'm sure no local knowledge will be involved.
Other twosomes who are under consideration with the betting line are Olivia & Richie Colella, Kooper and Kevin Montgomery and Natalie & John Montgomery. Kooper and Kevin may be a couple years away from dominating depending on how fast an 11-year-old can mature. Natalie played very well last year though it was her first time golfing. Her softball skills paid off.
Poor Richie has his third partner in as many years. He tied for first with Kody and I the first year with son Will as a partner. Last year, he and Rich, his Dad, were neck and neck with us to the last hole when both put their balls in the water. Kody skipped his ball across and I cleared, so we won with a birdie.
The one team not projected as a possibility for the winner’s circle is Kristin Montgomery & Jan Hallmark. Kristin did play golf two Sundays ago, but I don’t think Jan has swung a club this year despite having opportunities in her own backyard. They are favorites to win “Best Dressed” again.
The Best of the Rest
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