Whispering Lakes Golf Club

June 12, 2013

Richard Kish, a member of the California Champions Club – High Desert Chapter, laced up his golf shoes and was off to the first tee at Apple Valley GC, playing in the final match of his club’s match play event.

After shaking off the jitters that the first hole brings to all tournament golfers, Kish approached the 153-yard par-3 second, swung his 7-iron and watched as his ball fell into the cup.

“Gratitude.” That was the one word Kish used to describe his feeling at that moment. A hole-in-one on the second hole during a tournament can give golfers confidence, but most likely just more anxiety for the remainder of the round.

Kish continued to play a close match with his opponent and was down 1 heading into the par-5 18th. Pushing the match to extra holes, he sealed the win with a par putt on the first hole.

Kish’s golf addiction began back in 2003, when he found a home in California after moving his family from his native Ohio. Living on an executive golf course with near perfect weather on a daily basis, Kish would rush home from work in the evenings to make room for nine holes.

“I got more interested in golf because of the position I hold in my profession. It’s a very good way to initiate, grow, and keep business relationships,” explained Kish.

Now a new SCGA member, Kish makes golf a family affair, playing with his two children. With his daughter playing college golf and his son participating on a high school golf team, he cannot pass up any opportunity to spend more time on the course with them.

“I just love golf. I have made so many really good friends through this sport,” states Kish. “I get to spend time with my kids, friends, and business associates or clients. It’s like taking a four-hour vacation every time I play.”