The fourth hole at Brasada Ranch, where I ran into Dan Fouts.

BEND, Ore. – I haven’t written anything about my second golf course job ‘til now because I really screwed up when I wrote about my first golf course job at Quail Run, detailing how things went so terribly wrong there.

And that was all my fault, from poor performance on the job to the disrespect I had for my boss, prompting my justified dismissal last summer.

I still feel bad about that because that wasn’t me who acted the way that I did, but it was me, and I deserved to get fired.

Last week I ran into Quail Run owner Todd Sickles in the Safeway produce department in south Bend. I talked to him briefly, shook his hand and told him how badly I still feel about what happened at his golf course.

He didn’t say much in response, and I don’t blame him. He nodded his head in a way that suggested that it was OK, shit happens, no harm done, but I’m guessing when he left with his wife, he no doubt told her that was the starter who was an idiot who caused him unnecessary headaches two summers ago.

When I was hired to be a starter and course marshal last spring at Brasada Ranch, a private course about 25 miles northeast of Bend, I told myself not to be a dumb ass this time around.

I’ve really enjoyed working there. I don’t get paid, but it’s free golf for me and everyone in my foursome, and there are reciprocal privileges to play at other private clubs too.

My main goal since I started the job was to not screw this up, Jim. And yeah, I talk to myself, don’t you? Every day I’m there, I tell myself to stay busy at all times, to follow instructions, to do whatever it takes to keep this job.

When I’m a starter, I make sure there are plenty of balls on the driving range for members and resort guests. I pick up broken tees to help keep the range tidy. I greet golfers and go over things about the course if asked and make sure they get to the first tee on time.

When I’m a course marshal, I try to see that everyone’s playing at a good pace and not holding anyone up behind them. I also keep the little refrigerators fully stocked with snacks and Gatorades and those natural Naked bottled drinks – all complimentary items for members.

I drive around and look at the spectacular views of the mountains to the west and feel lucky to have this job.

Scenic finishing par-5 18th hole at Brasada Ranch.

Everyone has been great – my bosses, my co-workers, the members and resort guests and the guys on the maintenance crew.

I’ve worked four times a month the last eight months, and those shifts will be drastically reduced now that winter’s here.

I’ve just tried to keep my head down and do my job, but I admit to momentarily raising my head up last week when I noticed the name of a player who was teeing off at 10:20 a.m.

Dan Fouts.

My tee sheet actually said Dan Fouts would be playing at Brasada Ranch today.