Aptos woman sinks hole-in-one at Valley Gardens

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, Sheila Ralston, aretired Aptos resident, hit her very first hole-in-one at the Valley Gardens Golf Course in Scotts Valley.
“We are always excited when one of our golfers makes a hole-in-one,” said Bob Chase, head golf professional for Valley Gardens.
Two friends witnessed Ralston’s glory as she drove the ball 118 yards toward the 9^th and final hole. The magnificent shot took place at the par three around 11 a.m. and was hit using a 4 hybrid iron.
Ralston, who has played golf for approximately two-and-a-half years, was delighted at the experience.
“It was the thrill of a lifetime,” she said.
Kami Mowbray, Ralston’s friend and witness to the hole-in-one, said that Ralston has been the unofficial leader of their golf group since the beginning and has always provided helpful tips during the game.
The group is composed of five players and they play at least once a week in Scotts Valley.
“Wendy (Cope) and I were there and it’s the last hole … and she tees off, it was a great drive and we said, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s hitting the green Sheila!’” Mowbray said.
The ball hit the green, rolled to the left, and then hit the pin and went into the hole and Ralston was in disbelief, Mowbray explained.
“It was just lucky, I should have bought a Lotto ticket that day,” Ralston said.
The second witness, Wendy Cope, said that the shot was remarkable.
“A hole-in-one is pretty special, I think it’s almost a once in a lifetime kind of thing.”