Magical Moment for Mike Morris: A Hole In One

Pictured, left to right: Danny Thompson, Mike Morris, and Dan Mendenhall at East Bay Golf Course after finishing a round of golf during which Mike Morris scored his first-ever hole in one.  Photo by Michael Olson

Monday, December 7, 2015, was one of those surprisingly warm days late in the year that activate avid Utah County golfers, including Gladstan regulars Mike Morris, Dan Mendenhall, and Danny Thompson.  It proved momentous for Mike, whose 95-yard gap wedge tee shot produced a classic hole in one, classic in the sense that it was a very accurate, high-trajectory shot right at the flag. 

Some estimates, those made by insurance company actuaries in setting premiums for policies that cover tournaments offering hole-in-one prizes, say that the chances of an average golfer making a hole in one is approximately 12,500 to one, 2,500 to one for professionals.

Hole Eleven at East Bay, where Mike made his ace, is the par three running south to north near the flag pole on the east border of I-15.  It’s possible that some freeway travelers witnessed the celebration on the green when Mike, Danny, and Dan retrieved Mike’s Nike Vapor golf ball from the hole.

As great a feat as a hole in one is, Mike now has a new challenge—to make his first double eagle—a three-under-par score on one hole.  It’s estimated that a double eagle, one on a four-par hole and two on a five par, is a one in six million chance.

But it does happen; for example, at Gladstan, Clay Bingham has shot one on the par-five Number Eight; Gene Mecham on the par-five Number Four, and Cliff Brimhall on the par-five Number Eighteen. 

More and more, Gladstan has been open through the winter months.  In fact, this past November was one of the record-setting Novembers for revenue at the Payson course.  Assistant Pro John Ward reports that November 2015 proved to be 48% better than 2014, and Gladstan opened much earlier in 2015—February 3rd was the official season opener.  All eighteen holes at Gladstan were open Thursday, December 10th last week, and the weather charts indicated the possibility of extending through the weekend.   Last year, the course was open December 24th.

Gladstan Head Professional Tracy Zobell, who has made three holes in one and two double eagles so far, reports that his wife’s grandmother, Mernie Johnson, who was a member of the Portland Country Club in Oregon, made eleven holes in one.  “Women make more holes in one than men do,” Tracy notes.  By 2010, Mary Norman, who has played many years in Gladstan Ladies’ Association Tournaments, had scored fifteen holes in one.  She has probably added to that number by now, still an avid golfer at age 74.

Tracy is excited about the upcoming 2016 season.  Gladstan will be hosting one of the UGA (Utah Golf Association) State Amateur Central Region Qualifers.  “UGA officials visited the course and just love it,” notes Tracy.  “It will bring golfers from all over the state both for the tournament and especially to practice for the tournament.  Many who have never been to Payson will find out what a great area we have here.”