PebbleCreek Resident Achieves Fourth Ace in PCMGA 4-Man Scramble
Recently, Gus Gladding, a PebbleCreek resident achieves his fourth ace. He made a hole-in-one on hole number 17 at Tuscany Falls East. He made it during the final round of the PebbleCreek Men’s Golf Association (PCMGA) 4-man scramble tournament. Also, Gus earns a share of the PCMGA annual hole-in-one prize. This is the second time he's earned this prize.
The Remarkable Shot
The 17th hole played 145 yards from the white tees to a back right pin placement. With a slightly hurting wind, Gus hit a solid 6-iron straight at the hole and the ball disappeared. He and his playing partners Mark Farrow, Harry Apodaca, and Dennis Mitchell all thought it went long due to the slope on the back part of the green. After arriving at the green, Gus walked toward the rough behind the green but did not see his ball. So he checked the hole. He said, “Hey guys, come look. It’s in the hole!” Congratulations commenced.
This was his fourth career hole-in-one. Gus’ first hole-in-one came on Feb. 20, 2009, on the 5th hole at Coldwater Golf Course in Avondale. His second came on Jan. 17, 2019, at the 17th hole of the East course. His third one was on Sept. 18, 2023, on the 13th hole of the East course.
Gus’ team won the White Flight 3 of the tourney by finishing their last four holes with eagle, birdie, birdie, and par to win by less than one shot.
From San Jose to PebbleCreek
Gus grew up in San Jose, Calif. He started playing golf at his father’s club, San Jose CC, at the tender age of 8. He played golf all four years at James Lick High School (famous for NFL player Jim Plunkett and Pro golfer Roger Maltbie) and was team captain his senior year. For all those four years, his team won the Eastside High School District Championship. He is a graduate of Linfield College and earned his master’s at Pepperdine University.
Gus was a 20-year career pilot for the U.S. Air Force. He was an aircraft commander with a crew of six flying B-52 Bombers. He was also an instructor and an evaluator pilot. After retiring from the Air Force, Gus flew MD-80s and 737s for US Airways while based in Pittsburgh, Penn.
Congratulations to the PebbleCreek resident who achieved his fourth ace, Gus, and his playing partners!
by Howie Tiger
About Tuscany Falls Golf Course
The Tuscany Falls Golf Course, designed by renowned architect Dick Bailey, is a gem nestled within the 55+ community of PebbleCreek in Goodyear. Featuring dramatic mounding, rolling fairways, and strategic bunkers, it's a favorite among residents and visitors. The signature 13th hole, requiring a 100-yard shot over water, adds excitement to every round.
