Little $1 skins match for my managers birthday at Quail Lodge in Carmel CA.

After an abysmal 44 on the front and down money I double the bets and crack open another modelo.

Cigar in hand, I am refocused.

Hole 16 I had a 127 yard approach and I pull it slightly left, unplayable. Card a double bogey.

I step up to 17, laser tells me the same distance: 127.

The pin is playing on front left of the green, perfect for my slight pull that was plaguing me all day.

I grab a pitching wedge, choke down half swing with the only thought being to hit it just like my last shot.

Butter. The ball flies and I murmur, “that’s perfect” to the group as we watch it hit the green and immediately disappear.

It can’t be, I look to my playing partners to confirm what I believe I saw. They shrug, bitter that cash was leaving their pockets one way or another.

I run up to the hole and confirm a divot less than an inch from the cup. The ball nestled in its home. Hole in one! The first and hopefully not last. I finish the day with an 81 and a healthy bar tab.