Press release from Redwood Empire Golf and Country Club, via member Paul DeMark:

The National Hole in One Association estimates the odds of an amateur golfer getting a hole in one is 12,500 to one. 

The chances of Garberville-area resident and beginner golfer Ascha Karen Champie achieving that on her first swing at Fortuna’s Redwood Empire Golf Course is incalculable. 

But it happened on Sept. 14.

With her golf instructor, Redwood Empire Assistant Pro Brian Rasmussen, at her side, Champie took out her driver on the elevated tee at the par-3, 100-yard sixth hole. 

“It was my very first shot at Redwood Empire,” Champie, 59, said. “It was a good shot. Brian said, ‘You got a hole in one.’ I couldn’t believe it. 

“I asked him the chances of me doing that on my first swing at the course. He said a million to one. I’m like the hippie golfer who got a hole in one at Redwood Empire.”

Rasmussen shook his head in disbelief as he recalled the ball hitting the green, taking one hop and diving into the hole. 

Redwood Empire Head Golf Pro Greg Senestraro added, “That’s one of the luckiest shots I’ve ever heard of anywhere.” 

For perspective on the feat, consider long-time Redwood Empire bartender Bobby Babica. The Humboldt County native is the son of legendary local golf pro Mel Babica. Now 70, he began golfing at age 5. By the time he finished high school, he was the finest prep golfer in the county. 

He has played untold thousands of golf rounds as a single-digit handicap golfer. In other words, he’s an excellent player.  But he has never had a hole in one. 

“I’m astonished,” Babica said. “It is amazing.”   

“I got interested in golf a couple of years ago,” Champie said. “I took three group lessons then and I’ve had four with Brian Rasmussen. I really know nothing about the game and I’ve never kept the total score of my strokes on any hole. 

“I usually walk and play the first two holes at Benbow with my two girlfriends, Randi and Sue. I joined there last year. I like walking and being in a beautiful environment.  Both Benbow and Redwood Empire are beautiful courses. 

“Golfing is so good for me.”

That’s easy to say with her kind of luck.