Soli finally back in the swing of things

"I said to Rich on the 12th-hole that I didn't think we were going to catch them - 'Let's not lose second,'" Soli said.

But Pickavance and Mitchell unraveled down the stretch while Soli and Bin were cool under pressure. Soli, 50, a seventh-year teaching pro out of Mariners Point Golf Club in San Mateo, and Bin, a club pro out of Palo Alto Golf Club, finished with a 131 to win by a stroke. It was Soli's first tournament win in "a couple of years."

The tournament was a one-day, 36-hole affair, comprised of two sessions. The first 18 holes held in the morning was an alternate shot competition, while the afternoon session was a better ball format.

"I'm driving it well and the putts are falling," Soli said. "Right now, those are my strengths. Of course, that could all change a month from now. That's golf."

In other words, the game of golf can drive anyone crazy.

While the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Soli delivers booming, 300-yard plus drives, it's his affable nature and outlook on life that has him dialed in on the links. Forgive Soli for thinking his team was out of it - it had been a long time since he tasted victory.

And how sweet it was. Bin was in Soli's class when Soli taught lessons at San Bruno Practice Center. At the time, Bin was a student at Cañada College. Class was definitely in session.

"Winning with Rich made it that much better," Soli said. "We've known each other for 20 years and I've seen him grow so much in that time."

Soli was born and raised in Michigan, where at age 7 he started caddying at a local golf club. His parents were both excellent golfers, so it was just a matter of time before Soli followed suit.

"When your whole family plays golf, that's what you do," Soli said.

Soli graduated from Northern Illinois in 1976 and proceeded to play on the mini/qualifying tour in hopes of getting his tour card. He made it on his sixth attempt. From there, he played on the PGA Tour until '85. His best finish came in the Bay Hill Invitational in '81, when he placed fifth.

Soli taught at the San Bruno Practice Center for 11 years before moving on to his current job as a teaching pro at Mariners Point. For Soli, the transition from player to teacher has been rewarding.

"It's fun to be able to help people get better and understand the game of golf," Soli said. "After my playing days were over, this was a natural transition from the game."

In the busy world of the NCPGA, the play never stops. There are tournaments almost every week at different locations, with pros from Monterey to Reno to the Oregon border competing. Soli, in addition to giving his daily lessons, is preparing for U.S. Senior Open qualifying tournament, which begins Monday.

After 43 years in the game, the "Mick" is still having the time of his life.