It was warm and breezy as Debbie Kothmann carefully placed her golf ball on the tee at the Inn of the Mountain Gods golf course’s 12th hole. She was being watched by quiet bystanders, her team mates and supporters of HEAL & The Nest’s 4th Annual Deacon Bob Open charity golf tournament. She took a deep breath and drew back the club as she’d done so many times before. With one artful swing, the weight was lifted off her shoulders. The quiet crowd went wild when they realized she had hit a hole in one.
“I mean, you always just try to hit the best shot you can,” said Kothmann. Her expert swing won her a set of new Cleveland Iron golf clubs at this year’s tournament. “I would say I had a great time at the tournament! I’m already looking forward to next year,” she said with a smile.
Kothmann is new to Ruidoso and a part-time transplant from Kingwood, Texas. She visited Ruidoso as a child when she was growing up. Like many, she has fallen in love with the charms and community of Lincoln County. “It’s like adult summer camp. Who doesn’t love it here?” Like many newcomers, Kothmann was looking for an active afternoon of fun. “I had heard about The Nest when I first came to town, but the tournament was the first real chance I had to support it.” She joined the 100 other golfers in the Deacon Bob Open.
Kothmann was lucky, but also invested years of practice into developing her golf skills – 23 years, to be exact. “My practice varies a little, but I try to play at least a few times every week. I’m going to be participating in the Alto Lakes championship soon, too.” Competitors take heed.
When asked about her process, Kothmann shared some wisdom that crosses the boundaries of sports and into life itself: “Just try to hit the best shot you can. I try to always keep positive, always keep moving forward. And no regrets.” Her dedication, positivity and practice have now paid off handsomely, and her personal philosophy will likely continue to pay dividends for years to come.
Pictures is Debbie Kothmann holding the golf ball she used in her Hole in One at the Deacon Bob Open.
