Bio of Johnny Martinez

MY HISTORY OF PLAYING GOLF:  During a California softball TDY in 1985, some friends took me out to play.  At the end of my military career in the late 90’s, I played a few more rounds and learned how to properly hold the clubs.  I bought my first set of clubs at a pawn shop for $85.00 in 1995.  Before retiring from the Air Force in 1999, I thought the game was all about hitting the ball as far as you can to the hole.  I was in for a rude awakening.  After I retired I was hooked on the game.  Before joining the IronThong, I played once or twice a month if I was lucky.  After being recruited into the Iron Thong, my play time has increased to once a week (taking the hot summer off to devote totally to the children and family).  I still hit the ball as far as I can to the hole but I now take the hazards into consideration.  The hazards usually win.  One day I’ll learn.

MY GREATEST MOMENT WHILE PLAYING GOLF:       Hole in one Sept 10 2005 Pecan Valley, hole #7.  Don’t remember much what happened the rest of the day, but there was a lot of beer flowing until the wee hours of the next morning.  How special was that moment?  Put it this way, if a doctor told me I only have 3 months to live, I’d say something like, “So what, I got a’ hole in one’ on Sept 10^th 2005”. – Just kidding, but it was special!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BEING AN IRON THONGER: Playing with a bunch of good people.  Cracking on each other before, during, and after each round.  Learning every golf rule in existence.  Listening to everyone recount their round afterwards and telling how close they came to shooting a 72 etc wah wahh wahh wahhh wahh …..

THE BEST AND WORSE PARTS OF MY GOLF GAME:   When my drive is on, which it is most of the time, it is the best part of my game.  My worst part is inside 180 – 100 yards, and my unreliable putting, which sometimes is on, but rarely.  I think my putter needs a realignment.

ANYTHING ELSE: To challenge myself and all the other Thongers to play their best and not to give up because they shot an ‘11’ or such on a hole.  I am aware that I am blessed to have the opportunity to play with these morons.  I give thanks and praise to God for everything that is good in this world, and playing golf with these guys is one of those blessings!

Johnny