My memories of Ron Ghidina
Known as one of the greatest golfers in Peoria history, Ron Ghidina died on Sunday, July 29 at the age of 70.
Peoria Men’s City Championship, Newman Golf Course, 2002:
I was in the semi-final match in the C Flight, and quite proud of it. As I looked towards the 16th fairway I saw a large gallery comprised of at least a couple dozen golf carts and many more on foot flanking either side of the fairway following what I thought must’ve been an exciting match in the Championship flight. I turned to my opponent who, knowing what I was going to ask, said “Oh, that’s [Ron] Ghidina.”
In reading about him in the Journal Star, he is described as the consummate gentleman. When I was a young boy, a friend of the family mentioned to Ron that I was picking up the game. Mr. Ghidina reportedly said I could call him anytime and he’d be happy to take me out and give me some lessons. I never did.
I never met the man, but everything I’ve read has confirmed what I thought. He was a great golfer and an even greater man.
April 5th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Your right …RON was a great guy!
April 5th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
You, have met him in a work sense but not on the links.