East County Athlete of the Week: Marc Loundy

Marc Loundy is a retired internal medicine specialist who lives in University Park Country Club. Loundy, 73, used an 8-iron to sink his first hole-in-one May 31 on the club's 128-yard No. 5 hole. 

When did you start playing golf?

I started when I was 15. A group of friends thought we should borrow some clubs and go play golf. I had never taken a lesson before that. I was not good that day, but I enjoyed it enough to keep playing.

What is the appeal to you?

It's the camaraderie. My buddies and I here, we play three times a week and have a great time. We have a lot of different guys. Our Wednesday group is about 40 people.  

What is your favorite memory?

Well, before I hit the hole-in-one, I would say it was when I shot a 73 here last year, when I was 72. Some guys here can shoot their age. I'm not one of them yet, but I was close. And then, of course, I hit the hole-in-one. 

What was the hole-in-one like?

It happened on the No. 5 hole, which is a par 3 hole. A friend of mine (Bob Heller), he was to the left of me, so he could see around one of the bunkers. The shot pinballed past the bunker, and he said, 'I think it went in.' All four of us in the group hit good shots, so we got to the green and said, 'OK, there are three balls on the green, where's the fourth?' And it was in the cup. I was excited. I can't say I've never hit one anymore. 

What is your best golf skill?

I drive the ball pretty well. I would say it is in the 225- to 230-yard range on average. I try not to over-swing, that is the biggest thing. 

What have you been working to improve?

The short game, 100 yards and in. That's a constant battle. 

What are your golf goals now?

Well like I said, I would like to shoot my age one day. It's an interesting thing. As you get older, you don't have to shoot as well to do it, but you also don't hit the ball as far. 

What is your favorite food?

I love Italian food. All of that stuff. 

What are your hobbies?

I learned to play the piano when I retired years ago. It's an arduous task. It's like taking up golf after 50. But it is enjoyable. I like to play things from the 1960s and 1970s, songs from when I grew up. Elton John, Billy Joel, James Taylor, that sort of thing. 

What was your career?

I was an internal medicine specialist. I knew I was either going to be a doctor or a dentist, and my hands are too large to be a dentist. (Laughs.) I was in practice for 37 years. I liked helping people answer their questions and taking care of what was wrong with them. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Work hard and enjoy yourself. I think there are a lot of people who are doing things they don't enjoy, or are doing things that that they are not fully committed to doing. 

Finish this sentence: "Marc Loundy is … "

Outgoing.