Thunder Bolt

photo credit: ab9kt   Tommy Bolt was known for his fierce, quick temper.  During the 1959 Memphis Open, Bolt was standing on the side of a green while his opponent was putting.  The gallery fell silent because of a loud sound of rolling thunder, the spectators began to laugh loudly.  They realized the “explosion” came from the pocket area of Bolt’s pants.

Bob Rossburg, players Committee Chairman tells it this way:  “As judge and jury of player behavior, I was obliged to defend the game’s honor.”  “Tom, you and I are good friends,” he said, “but we’ve had this report that you farted on the green.”  “Oh yeah,” Bolt said, “I just had to do it.”  “Tom, you can’t do that, not while a man is putting, you’re going to be fined.”  “Damn it!” Bolt said.  “You guys are trying to take all the color out of the game.”