The first page of the rules of golf state:
Play the ball as it lies. Play the course as you find it. If you can’t do either, you need the rules of golf.
Pauly said:
If you’re going to fix it, fix it right.
If you’re gonna play the game, play it properly. There’s rules for that.
They’re not sticks, they’re clubs. Dogs chase sticks.
That was what we used to hear from Pauly. Over and over.
With Pauly, you had to do it right. If you played a round with him, you had to use the proper terms. And know the 247 laws of golf. And the 7000 or so official interpretations of the rules. And don’t take any of it too seriously.
Pauly started playing golf at Tully in his teens, no doubt influenced by his dad, Teddy Hunter. There are no honourable mentions of Pauly as a junior golfer although reports have it that he claimed a few Most Improved awards due to his lack of early talent. Later on Pauly represented Tully in Pennants representative teams where he was known as a tough opponent, although not necessarily the best golfer. However rumour has it that on his finest ever sporting day he shot an last round B grade course record of 2 over par in the 1970 Tully Park Minor Championships, having scored two tries and kicking the winning goal for Goulburn in the U21s semi final an hour earlier. Although he would never admit it, his mates tell that he started that game with severe gravel rash and concussion from an earlier motor bike spill, won best and fairest at the footy, played the best round of his life and later that night threw 6 consecutive 180s in darts. Laughing all the way. The Evening Penny Post reported that he was Goulburns complete athlete. Pauly said he had been kissed by a fairy and couldn’t remember a thing.
Later Pauly was busy raising a family and work and took a break from competetive golf at Tully. At the same time, Marty and his family tells us that there was always a set of clubs in the garage, and that a tarp was often set up for practice in the back yard. Today, the Hunter kids all enjoy having a hit with the sticks. That is… swinging a club.
Pauly was also a sucker for a golf trip away with his mate Barney and any others who could keep up. Through the years, golf was a constant for Pauly and his mates. Not always competetive, always fun and sociable… and by the rules.
After finishing his career with the railway, Pauly committed to volunteering at Tully Park. Pauly was a valued and wise voice in the Tully Park committee for most of the last decade. And in the last few years along with Greg Hosking, Paulys work on the greens and fairways helped to reinstate Tully Park as Goulburns premier golf club. He could not resist a mechanical challenge. Could not stand a blade of grass out of place. Hated a dry grease nipple. Something needs doing? Pauly would own it. Paulys excellent contributions were honoured last year with a life membership of the Tully Park Early Birds Golf Club. Paulys response was typical. A laugh, then “Yeah, I don’t know what to say. Thanks.”
There was not a dry eye in the room. Teddy would have been proud.
Even more recently, in his sickness, Pauly would not take a break. Having shown us his new zipper, from belly button to chest, and obviously a bit worse for wear, Pauly jumped under a problem piece of equipment to show us which component had failed. He continued to help out wherever he could. Later, he would turn up on a Sunday, just so that he could help with the competition results. Anything, as long as he could contribute and be involved.
You know, people like Pauly don’t turn up very often. A person who is willing to contribute like he did without seeking credit is rare. Paulys humour, courage and generosity has given us a great example of how to play the game of life.
Play the ball as it lies, Play the course as you find it. If you can’t do either, read the rules and laugh.
Cheers Balls,
We love you and we miss you.
