Local records first hole-in-one at Elks

SANDPOINT — While a standout athlete at SHS, local Jay Vandenberg was accurate both as a quarterback and as a deadly 3-point shooter.

Evidently he still has the touch, notching his first-ever hole-in-one recently while practicing before the Elks Thursday Night Men’s Golf League.

Playing with John O’hara, Marty Presnell, Shawn Riffe and Dwight Sheffler, Vandenberg aced the 157 yard par 3 10th hole with an eight iron.

“I hit it smooth, I grooved it. It came off perfect,” said a laughing Vandenberg. “I can’t see that far, but John said ‘I think it hit the pin,’ and Marty said ‘I think it’s in the hole.’”

Vandenberg didn’t have hole-in-one insurance, so per tradition, his wallet was a little lighter after buying drinks in the clubhouse after the round.

The ace happened before the 9 hole league round, but Vandenberg, who carries an 18 handicap, went on to shoot a 40 even with an out of bounds penalty.

“It was a pretty good round for me,” he said. “I was in a good frame of mind.”