Witnessing son's ace a shining moment for St. Charles North's Prentiss

Rob Prentiss has seen a little bit of everything during his 33-year career coaching boys' golf in St. Charles.

In 17 years at St. Charles High School, Prentiss guided the Saints to a pair of state championships (1991, 1998) and three top-3 finishes (1988, 1989, 1990).

Now in his 16th season at St. Charles North, Prentiss has directed the North Stars to a pair of regional titles (2002, 2012) as well as an unbeaten 15-0 dual mark (2002).

However, all of his playing and coaching accomplishments may have been surpassed by a single moment that occurred in late-August this season.

And it happened to be made by a junior golfer from Geneva - his 16-year-old son, Casey.

Casey stepped to the tee on the par-3, 140-yard 8th hole at Mill Creek with a pitching wedge in his hands.

"It was the perfect club for my length," said Casey. "I hit it and it looked really good but all I could see was the top of the flagstick."

As fate would have it, Casey's dad had a birds-eye view of the green.

"I was sitting in a golf cart just to the west of the tee box so I could see both the players and where their shots landed," said Rob.

"The ball looked good in the air. It hit to the left a little past the pin and then spun toward the hole and dropped in. My first reaction was, 'did I just see that?' "

Moments later, Casey heard his dad yelling from his cart.

"I didn't believe it at first but my dad is not the type of guy who would joke about something like that," Casey said of his first career hole-in-one.

Ironically, two holes earlier, Casey nearly aced the par-3, 6th hole.

"The ball landed a foot or foot and a half from the stick," he said.

His dad just felt fortunate to have seen a little history made.

"I had an opportunity to watch him for three or four holes," said Rob, who has 2 career aces of his own. "It was the last hole before I was switching back to watch my team.

"I was there to share an embrace with him. It was a moment I'll cherish."

For Casey, the moment may have served as a re-enforcer of sorts.

As a freshman two years ago, Casey tried out but didn't make the Vikings' golf team.

He returned last season and made the sophomore squad before enjoying success on the IJGA circuit this summer.

"I was new to competitive golf last year," said Casey. "I've improved so much since sophomore year."

Rather than focusing solely on his other sport - lacrosse - Casey chose to work on his golf game.

"I actually wanted to be a lot like my older brother, Collin (who was a 3-year varsity starter at St. Charles North)," said Casey. "He has been a big inspiration to me."

Then there's his dad.

"I learned everything from him," said Casey, who posted a personal 9-hole best 39 earlier this season against Marmion.

"If I have never played at a course, I'll ask him some questions about how to play specific holes."

Admittedly, there have been some interesting moments considering Casey is playing for a conference rival of his dad's team.

"It's a little bit different," said Rob. "I've spent most of my career watching other kids play. When I'm not there to watch him, I'm there in spirit."

Before the rules changed a few years ago, coaches could only talk to their players at the 9-hole turn. Now, coaches can converse with their players before they reach the green.

However, there are certain lines that shouldn't be crossed.

"As an opposing coach, I've got no business talking to him," Rob said of his son.

Those conversations come later.

"He goes over every round with me," said Rob. "That's coming from him."

Like any proud parent, Rob is happy his son has found his niche.

"Golf is a great game," said Rob. "I'm grateful that my own dad introduced me to it. I've developed lifelong friendships and traveled to all parts of the world through golf.

"I'm really excited that Casey is on a great team with great kids. As a dad, what more can you ask for? For the most part, I'm happy for Geneva's success … except when they're playing the North Stars."

Casey enjoys having his dad nearby during tournaments.

"I think it's pretty fun as well-known as he is in the local golf world," said Casey. "Other kids from other schools still ask me what it's like when they find out he's my dad."

Sounds like it's all good to me.

Craig Brueske can be reach at csb4k@hotmail.com.