Two Reisterstown golfers have set a record that U.S. Open winner Webb Simpson probably can't match.
They have driven golf balls straight and down the middle (more or less) on golf courses in every state in the United States.
Ricky Broderick and Duston Mersinger this week will complete this achievement when they play Prairie Dunes course in Hutchinson, Kansas.
On hand to cheer will be their wives, Linda Broderick and Dolly Mersinger.
Why Hutchinson, Kansas? Ricky answered, "Kansas was the only state we hadn't played, so this course in Hutchinson seemed like a good choice."
In teeing up at every state in the Union, Duston is repeating a feat of his father, Gene Mersinger.
Sadly, he is unable to be on hand to cheer as his son and Ricky finish the 18th green at Prairie Dunes. Mersinger, following a stroke years ago, has since been a patient at Carroll Lutheran Village.
Not all the courses have been played at the same time by the duo, Broderick explained, "a few years ago we compared notes and figured the states we'd played together. Then, between us, we figured we had three or four left."
Many drives later, they will complete rounds in every state.
Future goal - Scotland, the home of golf?
Probably, not was the answer, although Broderick has already played at some of the renowned courses.
"So many beautiful, challenging courses exist in the United States," commented Broderick, "that we will enjoy them."
Friends since they were in second grade, Broderick and Mersinger cut their eye teeth in golf as seventh graders, caddying at the Green Spring Valley Hunt Club.
Caddying, of course, lead to playing - starting the well known long road to a respectable game.
No plans have been revealed to the players, but if their finish is anything like that some years ago of Duston's dad, there will be quite a celebration when the twosome completes the 18th hole in Kansas, that fabulous state of the yellow brick road.
