(This story appeared in the June 2 edition of The Journal News in Westchester County, New York)
Think about the level of pressure that comes with a sweeping downhill putt from seven feet to win a major championship.It's a task that requires a steady hand.
Dave Dudones can relate to the queasiness. The director of golf and grounds at Westchester Country Club will be on the spot when the KPMG Women's PGA Championship gets underway. If the West Course looks spectacular on television and the competitors are complimentary, the members will respond with more than polite applause.
It's a task that requires a strong heart.
"We know Dave can handle this, and there is a tremendous amount of pressure with a national television audience looking on," said Westchester Country Club greens chairman Mark Christiana. "He's done such a good job since taking over last year. I don't believe Dave will sweat this. He is so easy-going. I talk with him every single day, and I can be a pain in the backside. I'll make suggestions and he's not afraid to let me know that a lot of ideas will not work. And when I persist, it's just, 'Mark, trust me.'"
Babysitting the likes of Mother Nature can make for a long week.
