From the Hearth - The last similar instance I can recall is ice cream impresarios Ben & Jerry offering an essay contest to choose a new chief executive officer. Of course this would never fly with shareholders and investors and such, and it flopped. Occasionally you hear of these sorts of contests. The idea being that if enough people pony up whatever the entry fee is, along with an essay, the seller gets his asking price - and some sought-after publicity. Should the number of applicants fall short, presumably the money's returned to the contestants.

Mr. Richard Violette of Augusta, Maine decided to take this novel approach in selling his homespun 18-hole golf course. Befitting someone with a soft spot for contests, I once again took aim at creating magic in 200 words or less.

My wife (bless her) even offered to go in halvsies. As it happened, a very kindly benefactor, Mr. Robert Abel, stepped in. Here, then, is my entry:

I WOULD LIKE TO OWN AND OPERATE THE CAPITAL CITY GOLF COURSE BECAUSE. . .

What passes for my best thinking is done on golf courses, not necessarily when playing. I've always enjoyed the solitude in the early morning and at dusk.

Golf's traditions and simplicity mean a great deal to me. I'd relish passing them on. Raised on a 250-year old farm, I called Vermont home for 10 years; I miss New England. Having golfed around the globe, I'm foolish enough to have ideas and lucky enough to have friends in the golf business to call on. Several of Harvey Penick's students, themselves now established pros, have taught me a lot. They'd help with problems. I'm 41, married, no kids. My wife doesn't play golf but thought enough of this to contribute half. She's mechanical and good with money. Our dogs would love Maine; my folks have vacationed there for years. We're all excited at the prospect.

The author of three books on golf, one on golf etiquette, I'm the winner of the 2000 Media/PR Award from the Southern Texas PGA Section.

I appreciate this opportunity. Two hundred dollars is real money but I trust it'll be returned if you come up short. Just toying with the idea has been fun. Thanks very much.

[Note: The anonymous panel of judges is scheduled to render their decision on March 5.]

My Design Philosophy by Desmond Muirhead
The Best Advice by Hale Irwin
Golf Course Design by Jack Nicklaus
Caddying for President Warren Harding by Shirley Povich