Smithfield Township reports HOLE IN ONE MANIA!! During the month of July, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort reported TWO Holes in One in ONE WEEK ( July 3-10! ) Mountain Manor reported One Hole in One the following week ( July 13). The Lucky Shawnee Golfers were Monica Startari, and Ralph Forsythe, and the Lucky Mountain Manor Golfer was ESHS senior Mitchell Bartholomew.

At Shawnee, The week’s first hole in one was made by Mónica Startari, Marketing Director of The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort.  She made her hole-in-one on Shawnee’s White Course.  The hole was #2 White, a 133 yard par 3.  She used a 5-Wood and Nike Mojo ball for the hole.

Ralph Forsythe, of Hopewell Junction, NY hit the second hole in one during his golf outing on July 9, 2009.  The hole was #9 white, a 191 yard par 3.  He used a three hybrid club and Titlist 1 ball. Ralph has only been playing golf for two years.  He did not play the sport until after he retired.  According to Ralph, “I was stunned for about a half an hour.  I didn’t see the ball go in; I thought it rolled off the green into the rough - I had my wedge ready.”  This was Ralph’s first hole in one.

According to spectators, Ralph’s ball rolled just left of the hole and curled behind the pin before it fell.  Ralph and his two witnesses, Ed Knox and Phil Kelly, were unable to see to ball because the flag was in the way. Both of this week’s hole-in-ones were made by beginner golfers, which is shocking because Shawnee is not considered an easy course.  A.W. Tillinghast, Shawnee’s architect, designed some of the world’s most esthetic and challenging courses.  Another Tillinghast design is Beth Page Black where this year’s Men’s U.S. Open was held.

Congratulations to the Lucky Golfers, and how about the rest of you!! Will the lucky streak continue for August???.......Hope we hear some good news from Terra Greens and Water Gap!