March 2, 2009

NORFOLK, VA — Do you believe in miracles? This is a stirring chronicle of Jean Dore's improbable quest to score 60 points in Virtual Tournament play. It is a story of garbage golf and an uplifting spirit which thrills the membership as he becomes an average golfer again.

The miracle story starts on Sunday, February 15. Fresh off some Valentine late-night excitement, Jean found himself with a kitchen pass. It was in the high 40's at dawn, but the Norfolk was expected to see blue skies and low 70's in the afternoon.

"I seized the short window of opportunity to get out and play a round of warm golf," said Dore. "I figured (Chris) Hays needed some points for June and decided February golf in 30 mph winds would certainly be a remedy for both of us."

The pair decided on Lake Wright Golf Course in Norfolk. It is a 6,189-yard par 70 from the longest tee and would deliver just 14 bonus points.

"This course can fool you to think it's wide open," said senior member Jean Dore. "Then you find yourself in the woods. A player can bring out the big dog on some holes, but I recommend being careful."

The part-time pimp opened with more of the same garbage. He did par the 2nd and 3rd holes, but hacked up the front side to card another dreadful 16-over 53. He finished the front nine with 3 quadruple bogeys and 23 points.

"A dumpster hacker," said playing partner Hays referring to his garbage golf game. "It was fun staying a couple of strokes ahead of him because he really hates golf when I beat him."

Dore, a.k.a. Smokey, made the turn and double-bogeyed the 10th hole for 1 point. As he was walking off the green, a big strong gust of 30 mph wind blew across the property. "I heard it coming down," said Dore of a baseball bat sized tree branch. "It hit me right on the head."

Dore picked the branch, discarded it without profanity, and headed over to 11th tee. "I think the branch was an act of god," said Dore looking back at the magical day. "I suddenly felt different over the ball. I felt peace with my game."

Hays had a different take. He said, "I think it was a concussion."

Dore preceeded to dominate Lake Wright carding 3 pars and 1 birdie over the next 5 holes. He took a lead over Hays after the 11th hole and finished the last 8 holes just 5-over par. Jean had not only scored 39 points on the back nine, but he crossed over the 50 point barrier for the first time in a year.

Smokey surpassed 60 points in a wind storm. Jean had lowered his point handicap with 62 points instead of raising it. Dore had surpassed his birdie and par averages for the first time since May 14, 2007.

Do you believe in miracles? Yes.

Jean Dore has one round in the books with 62 points. Although the Virtual Tournament requires a minimum of 3 rounds, Jean's round of 62 would be good for a 3.5-point lead in the 2009 season-long event. Local John Mello continues to lead the tournament with 56.7 points per round.