From the Bunkers: Memories, County Open winners, playoffs to begin

If I may drift back to some of Maine golfers I had the pleasure of playing with, one name stands out. He never had the recognition that he fully deserved, perhaps because his personal life did not conform to the usually norm.
    But, Jimmy Veno was not only a gifted golfer, but in Orono High School, an all-star quarterback in football and a basketball forward. He was known to have hit two legendary shots — a hole-in-one on the Par 4 eighth hole at Penobscot Valley and a chip shot from a stray paper cup at Kebo. He  also defeated one of Maine’s top players, Ray LaBelle, 11 up and 10 to play in a 36-hole championship match play to win the state amateur.
Jim turned pro and seemed to have a great future with financial support from Harold Alfond. Although he had some success among New England pro events, he never gained national prominence. Why? Who knows, but he had all the ingredients — power, a great short game and confidence galore.
Mark Plummer, who played many rounds and won often in the St. John Valley Labor Day tourney at Aroostook Valley, was another fine player that I had the pleasure of playing with, as I was paired with him often. I first saw his potential as he and Dick Diversi, seven-time Maine Amateur champion, and I were paired in the greater Bangor Open. He was only a youngster, but he could hit the ball a mile. I do remember some other Maine pros who were excellent players — Red Smith, Al Blondi, Mal Strange, Harvey LaMontagne, Kyle Ladd, Gene McNabb, Ron LeClair, Charlie Emery — the tradition of Maine golf has brought many new and gifted players. Some of them owe their early training to the names listed above.
The Aroostook County Open results found Porter Gervais winning the first gross with perennial rival Jerry York second. Bill Dwyer won first net and Joe Clukey, second net.
Marty Bouchard won the “B” division with Greg Palmer, Sr. second. Dick York had low net and Alex Donovan second net and Marty Gervais, third net.
“C” division winner was Scot Walker, followed by Paul Adams and Dave Brown, third. Mitch Holmes had low net followed by Ben Lynds and Walt Burlock.
The Ladies’ Open champ was Lou Ann Dwyer, followed by Misty Marino and Marilyn Ellis. Low net went to Nancy Thompson, second, Lori Holmes and third, Jenn Carr.
The Men’s Twilight League starts its playoffs this week with the 13 top finishers vying for the title. Consolation playoffs are also in progress. Ladies’ Twilight League action found Martha Fasulo and Kara Marino tied in the “A” division, while Barb Moakler is first and Brittany Benn, second in the “B” division; Jane Phipps is first and Janice Kelly second in the “C” division and Jenn Carr takes first and Kerri Putnam second in the “D” division.
Bob Anderson’s hole-in-one on a difficult par three at Samoset Resort Golf Course caused a shock in the stock market, as the value of Seagrams and other beverages rose dramatically when Bob complied with the time-honored tradition of treating any and all. Great shot, Bob.