Ace on No.4 with 4-iron on July 4 for 87-year-old Vorheis

By Jeff Hare, Correspondent

A hole in a one is special for any golfer, the ultimate prize.

But when the shot is hit by 87-year-old man who has been playing the game for more than 50 years, makes it more unique.

“It happened on the fourth hole, on the Fourth of July, using a 4-iron,” said Bill Vorheis of rural Tiffin. “There is a certain ring to it, using a 4, at the fourth, on the fourth.”

Golf is a special game for the retired refrigeration technician, who estimated the shot was just short of 169 yards.

“I started playing in my mid-30s, as a relief from my job,” he said. “I was burning the candle at both ends and needed something to do. And I found that I really love playing the game and stuck with it.”

Ted Lewis, the club pro at Quail Creek, said Vorheis is a regular at the course.

“He is out there all the time playing,” Lewis said. “Some days, when it is real hot, he may only play a few holes, but he is here, and gets out almost every day.”

And Vorheis plays it very well. He shot a 77 that same day.

“Golf is a game that keeps you young,” he said. “It's the greatest game.”

Vorheis has no plans to put the clubs away any time soon.

“I hope to play it as long as I can, which I hope is a long time,” he said. “But at my age, you never know.”