Towards the end of the 2009 golf season, long time Country Club of BOYNE member Paul Yoder, age 89, decided to turn the autumn of the season into the spring of his career.  He met with Director of Instruction at BOYNE, Brian O'Neill, to discuss his ambitions of improving his game to the level that he might achieve one of golf's most coveted accomplishments... Shooting his age for 18 holes. 

The goal was simple.  The target was clear.  18 holes in 89 shots or less.  Utilizing BOYNE Golf Academy's indoor training facility, Paul and Brian met each week throughout the winter to talk shop.  During their sessions, they would use a golf simulator for full swings and artificial putting greens for the short game work that was needed.  Practices would be followed by workouts to boost strength, endurance and overall well-being.  Soon enough, BOYNE's blanket of Alpine fun had melted into the fairways that lie below... and as they say, it was ON!

With a fresh approach and the confidence instilled in him throughout his training sessions with Brian, Paul began to see the potential in his hard work and truly believed his goal was attainable.  He didnt have to wait long from there.  On a gorgeous late May afternoon, he took on the Arhtur Hills course at Boyne Highlands and drove, chipped and putted his way around 18 holes in just 88 strokes!  He Did It!  All of the hours of drills and conditioning had been worth it!  It truly goes to show the progress that anyone - at any age can make by committing to a proven system and giving it their all.

In a conversation shortly after the feat, Paul noted that if it hadn't been for a couple of double-bogies and 1 triple-bogie, his 88 could have been even better.  I wonder what his next goal will be?  Breaking 80? 

CONGRATULATIONS PAUL!!

-jeff