ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Gail Zinn

The East County Observer and Bogey’s Restaurant and Sports Pub have teamed up to showcase the East County’s top athletes. Each recipient’s article will be featured on the restaurant’s wall.

Rosedale resident Gail Zinn used her 5-wood to ace the 129-yard No. 7 hole at Rosedale Golf and Country Club Aug. 1. The perfect shot was Zinn’s third hole-in-one in her 40-year golfing career. Here’s an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

You’ve had three hole-in-ones in your career. What’s your secret?
I’m just lucky. On my second one, I had an eight on the hole before. The next hole was the longest par 3 on the course, and I took out a brand new Nike ball and just hit it. I was shocked. This last one was special because my husband, Mike, was there to see it.

How much of a hole in one is skill versus luck?
It’s 90% luck. This one, I hit it right at the pin, and then we could hear the “clink” sound. I was yelling and screaming, and someone came out of the house nearby and said it must have either been a hole-in-one or a snake.

Who is one of your favorite professional golfers?
Natalie Gulbis. I just love her swing. My husband and I have worked some senior tours … as walking scorers, so it’s hard to pick favorites.

What are some of your favorite courses?
Rosedale, of course. Treetops in Michigan, Pebble Beach. There are some in Hawaii that are wonderful, too.

Where are you from originally?
We are originally from Michigan and have been down here for 13 years.

What do you like to do besides golf?
Interior design, read, go to concerts, go to the beach, bike — all of the above.

What’s your favorite vacation?
Biking in Italy. We did that two years ago. We’re celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, and we’ll be going to Greece and also Italy.

Any advice to other golfers?
Just go for it. Have fun — I call it “no-fear golf.” The worst you can do is lose a ball.