LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Gulf Coast Golf reader
has memories of Elvis
during a trip to Gulf Hills

(Sept. 1, 2005) - In regard to Tim McDonald's article "Gulf Hills has Elvis, Chicago mobsters and some very different elevation changes," my family and I were staying at Gulf Hills Dude Ranch when Elvis Presley was also staying there.

It was 1956 and we were on a motor trip to Houston to visit my step brother and my step dad Dr. V.A. Williams from Pittsburgh planned the trip so we would stay for a time at the dude ranch. One morning we were going to the main building for breakfast and there was a pink Cadillac parked in front of the building. I do believe it had EP engraved on the

• Gulf Hills has Elvis, Chicago mobsters and some very different elevation changes • Hurricane Katrina does a number on Florida, Gulf Coast courses • Visit GolfBoards.com • The Daily Blog

driver's door. Which prompted me to have my stepfather summon Dick Waters to our table and he verified that it was indeed Elvis's pink Caddy. I think this was the car he eventually gave to his mother, even though she didn't drive.

My stepfather knew Dick Waters from somewhere, but I don't know where. He was the General Manager of the Club back then, and his son, who they called Dicky Waters was teaching Elvis how to water ski. Funny, but when I got back home nobody believed my story of seeing and sitting in Elvis's pink Cadillac.

Then one day I saw a magazine with his picture in it and he was water skiing with his pants, shirt and a Mae West on. It went on to say the picture was taken at Gulf Hills Dude Ranch so people then believed my story.

I hope the golf course hasn't sustained much damage from Katrina. On that same trip we then went on to New Orleans for a two-night stopover and this whole week has just made me sick to my stomach.

John Pugh

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.