WELCOME TO PERTLE, LADY GOLFERS

      If everything goes according to the rumors,  a women’s golf team will soon be added to the University of Central Missouri’s athletic programs.  The evidence is there.  Following a tour of the magnificent new Clubhouse at Pertle Springs, I  believe that we will be seeing many more women playing golf on what has been a predominantly male bastion.

The new Clubhouse not only features a modern Pro Shop and dining room, but it has fabulous locker, restrooms, and showers for both men and women.. There is also a nicely furnished office for the Men’s Golf Coach  and a similarly equipped office is designated for a Women’s Golf Coach.

Personally, I  would like to see more ladies enjoying the thrill of hitting that little ball down the fairway.

The first time I ever played golf with a girl was in the late 1960’s.  I was new on the university staff and was excited about playing in the annual alumni golf tournament.   Being promotion oriented, I thought it would  help encourage more women to participate if I asked the alumni director, Virginia Stewart, to be my partner in this two-person scramble.. 

As an experienced golfer, I felt that we would make a respectable showing, especially since it was a scramble tournament.  It should be a fun time.  But, when Virginia and I arrived for our Tee Time, I was stunned to see her dressed in a very feminine frilly short-skirted outfit.  To top it all off, she was hitting pink golf balls. 

 I did not know what was really in store for me, but I soon found out.  Virginia was out driving me by 40 to 50 yards and we consistently ended up hitting her ball.  I finally pleaded with her to at least start hitting a white golf ball so it wouldn’t be so obvious.

Russ Bloom and his partner were in our foursome.  They were rolling in laughter at my efforts to stay up with Virginia’s drives (along with other aspects of her golfing skills).  In short, they were on my back throughout the entire tournament.

Since I was editing the alumni newspaper at the time, I got even.  I ran a solid black two-column rectangular box with the following caption:  “Here is a photo of Russ Bloom looking for his golf ball in the woods.  Too bad you can’t see the leaves on the trees since they are very beautiful.”

Many years later Millie Barnes and several other lady golfers invited me to join their group.  They were all great athletes and super golfers.  When we finished, I told them how much I enjoyed playing with them, but I did wish that they wouldn’t giggle so much after I hit my drives.

Yes, more lady golfers will be a great addition to the Pertle scene.

#   #   #   #    #   #   #   #   .