Ramiro Partida, Sr. is shown with his winning golf trophies from a tournament he successfully competed in on Thursday and Friday, July 28-29. (Staff photo by Michael Rodriguez)
By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Ramiro Partida, Sr. can play golf.
The 62-year-old owner of Partida Body Shop in San Benito first swung a golf club 10 years ago, and while he had a natural talent for the game, for eight years he hadn’t taken another swing.
That is until recently.
Last August, Partida made it a point to get back out on the golf course to hit a few. After realizing he still had it, Partida began participating in a number of tournaments, some of which sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club of San Benito and Pepe’s Restaurant to name a few, and won most of them.
But it wasn’t until the National Pan-American Golf Association (NPAGA) held its 54th annual tournament Thursday and Friday, July 28-29, that Partida reached another plateau of play.
In 10 flights, Partida placed first on the fourth and the second flights, the latter of which being a seniors-only tourney. “That makes history. Nobody has won two rings in one tournament in its 54 years,” Partida said proudly.
The avid golfer accomplished such a feat playing at South Padre Island; the tourney consisted of other golfers hitting the green at Treasure Hills in Harlingen and at Rancho Viejo. In total, there were close to 500 players competing – 60 in Partida’s flight alone.
Awaiting him now are his championship rings, which Partida jokingly said he’ll always refer to as his Super Bowl rings.
“I love the competition, and of course the exercise. I also like pressure,” Partida said of his sport of choice. “I couldn’t sleep that Thursday night when I was leading. I shot a 77 under a 72 handicap, and the next day I shot an 84.”
“I’ll be honest with you,” he continued, “when I found out that I won at the Island, I called my wife crying, letting them know that I won. And at the ceremony Friday night they said it was the first time in history (that a golfer had one two flights).”
In his modesty, Partida said he never expected to win because there were so many competitors participating.
Still, Partida was ready as he plays nearly every day.
“When I used to play, I didn’t take golf seriously. Now that I’ve started again and gotten older, I’m taking it seriously,” Partida added. “Golf is just something that I always wanted to do.”
To see this story in print, pick up a copy of the Aug. 7 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.
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