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In a freak accident last Tuesday, local putt-putt champion Bill Meyers was maimed by a windmill hazard on the 12th green. Meyers, a local legend for his skills and character as a person severed his right thumb while walking past the windmill in order to get his ball after a third consecutive hole in one. "I had just hit a hole in one, and was walking around to get my ball, as I was walking by I guess I got too close to the windmill and my pant leg got caught in one of the fans. From there I fell into the rotator and tried to brace my fall with my hand. Next thing I know my thumb is gone, I was in shock, I mean there goes my financial security in the future, have you ever heard of a mini-golfer without a thumb."

Meyers made a run for the national championship in 2001 but lost when he had a stroke penalty while trying to skip the ball through the one-inch water hazard. His wife, the amateur putt-putt champion in '96, almost left him after such a stupid mistake and it looks as though she isn't too happy with his latest folly. "I don't know where his mind is at times, I mean I thought I married a champion, I always told him to watch out for the windmill, it's the hole where the game is won and lost."

Meyers is in good condition but the thumb was in such horrible condition it could not be reattached. He is looking into an artificial replacement and after therapy is hoping to rejoin the tour. He is planning his comeback in 2005 where he plans to defend his local title and move on to nationals once again.