Strata Straight Across America Challenge Highlights

Strata Straight Across America Challenge Highlights
Press Release

The Strata Straight Across America Challenge encompassed one golfer - Mike Langella, a 28 year-old glue salesman from Manasquan, NJ - 48 states, 12,000 miles, four time zones and 384 hours in only 16 days, all in the name of charity.

Despite a grueling pace, extreme weather conditions and unfamiliarity with most of the holes, the two-handicapper made 17 pars and 2 birdies along the way to raise $4,550 and 105-dozen STRATA TOUR STRAIGHT golf balls for the NYC Bravest Scholarship Fund, an organization that, through golf tournaments and other initiatives, raises money for families of fallen firefighters.

And unique circumstances call for unique memories. The following are some of the most memorable and most forgettable experiences on tour.

Best Shot of the Tour: Minneapolis, MN. Francis A. Gross Golf Course, 6 am. Two television stations took their positions for live shots as I prepared to tee-off at the 179-yard third hole. "My tee-shot landed on the front of the green and kept rolling toward the hole, as everyone got more and more excited. It stopped within a few feet, making it the closest I ever came to a hole-in-one on tour. Even though it wasn't a hole-in-one, I was able to tap in for a birdie."

Worst Shot of the Tour: Albuquerque, NM. Ladera Golf Course, 5 pm. "It was sweltering out." After completing interviews with two television stations (CBS & NBC), I prepared to play the hole live with the third television station (ABC). Unfortunately, I couldn't make television history by registering a hole-in-one on live television. I snap-hooked my five iron shot, leaving myself a difficult chip between trees and through dead grass. Luckily, I hit a forty-yard lob wedge over a bunker and short of the water that guards the front of the green. I hit a great putt thirty feet up the hill to about two feet, and then missed the tap in. How embarrassing!"

Best Golf Course Visited: The Columbus Country Club, Columbus, OH. "This unbelievable, traditional golf course is well known among professional golfers. In fact, the hole I played, the 203-yard seventeenth hole, is said to be one of Arnold Palmer's favorites."

Worst Weather Conditions Played In: Salt Lake City, UT. "I awoke that morning to torrential downpours with monsoon like conditions and standing water on the golf course. I could have only been wetter in my swimming pool."

Best Clubhouse Shower: Lagoon Park Golf Course, Montgomery, AL. "This clean shower had great water pressure and temperatures. And as one of only 10 showers taken during the tour, it was thoroughly enjoyed."

Best Snack Bar Food: Maple Dale Country Club, Dover, DE. They served us these delicious crab cake sandwiches. I have never been served such delicacies at a golf course before.

State with the Bumpiest Roads: California on the way to Sacramento from Oregon. " I have no idea where the funds are going for the road system in California, because it was like a roller coaster."

State with the Best Scenery: Wisconsin. As we drove into Milwaukee we passed the Mississippi River, near the place of its origin. "The landscape along the river was breathtaking. There were rolling green hills, farmland and bluffs situated along the banks of the river. One of the most beautiful places I've been and I didn't see anything about cheese."

The Club Pro who Gave Best Advice on how to Play the Hole: Charles T. Meyers Golf Course, Charlotte, NC. "The golf pro was named Mike Abate. After we arrived he took several minutes to explain to me how the green played, including breaks on the green and speeds of the green. His expertise helped me save par on the 171-yard, eighth hole. There were many pros along the way to offer tips, but Mike was by far the best."

Most Memorable Experience of the Tour: Mangrove Bay Golf Course, St. Petersburg, FL. "I was extremely lucky to be able to birdie the 179-yard, eighth hole. My tee-shot left me with a difficult putt, but I drained the 15-footer. It was great to finish the tour well. After I wrote my score on the side of the RV, the mayor presented me with the key to the city. I was completely surprised and flattered. I never expected to receive such an honor."

Sweetest Clubhouse: Himark Golf Course, Lincoln, NE. "Although my performance there wasn't stellar, the clubhouse was. I was able to visit with the golf pro in this amazing clubhouse after I played the hole. It was a nice break from our normal routine and it had the sweetest bar too. Definitely the best 19th hole on the tour."

State with the Friendliest People: Manchester, NH. "The Intervale Country Club greeted me with open arms. 'Welcome to New Hampshire' was spray painted on the tee, and there was a small crowd of people to cheer me on. After I finished playing the hole, the golf pro presented me with money they had raised to donate to the charity. It was really touching."

The Course I wished to Play the Other 17 Holes: Bridlewood Country Club, Dallas, TX. This course, designed by PGA pro, D.A. Weibring, was amazing. I was lucky enough to play the 185-yard, eighth hole with D.A. and wished I could have joined him for the other 17.

State with Best Gallery: Denver, CO. "A small crowd of people awaited my arrival at the Willis Case Golf Course. I guess everyone wanted to witness the start of the Challenge and see if I could knock it home from the get-go. Even though I didn't, I knew I was going to get a lot of support along the way."

Best meal on the Tour: Las Vegas, NV. "After a disappointing bogey at Las Vegas Country Club, we paraded the 30-foot RV down the Vegas-strip to a quaint Chinese restaurant. Nothing like a little good Chinese food to brighten up the spirits."