BUTLER TWP — For John Embroski, it was better late than never.

The Butler Township golfer recently secured his first hole-in-one — at age 82.

He scored the ace Oct. 25 from the seniors tee on the No. 7 hole of Krendale's South Course. Embroski lives in a condominium overlooking the course.

"The distance was 90 yards and it was an island green," Embroski said. "It's a tricky hole because if you hit it long or leave it short, you're in the water."

Embroski was playing nine holes that day with his wife's niece and her husband, who were visiting from Newfoundland.

"To have a chance on that hole, you have to hit the ball high," Embroski said. "My shot landed, just cleared the water, and rolled into the cup. It was one of those finesse shots I'm not exactly known for."

Embroski didn't take up golf until age 35 while serving in the Air Force. He's been retired from the Air Force for 40 years.

"I took my first course toward getting a degree when I was in the service and 11 years later, I got that degree," Embroski said, laughing. "When I no longer had studying to occupy my spare time, my wife told me I had to get a hobby.

"I went out and bought myself a beginner's set of golf clubs."

Embroski had never come close to a hole-in-one until last year, when he played the par-3 No. 8 hole at Krendale West.

That shot came to rest six inches from the hole.

"I figured that was my chance right there," he said.

Embroski always has played for the love of the game. He was never better than a 15 handicap for 18 holes and carries a 10 handicap for nine holes now.

His older brother, Joe, was inducted into the Butler Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1970 for his fast-pitch softball exploits.

"Joe threw 101 no-hitters in his career," Embroski said. "He was the athlete in the family, not me."

Embroski has belonged to three golf leagues: Knights of Columbus at Aubrey's Dubbs Dred, Highfield at Stoughton Acres and is now in his third year as secretary of the Lyndora Legion League at Krendale.

"I play three times a week, nine holes," he said. "I've never had the hand-eye coordination to really excel at golf.

"I only drive the ball 150 to 170 yards, but my short game and putting are pretty good."

For one shot on Oct. 25, Embroski's hit off the tee was perfect.

"That was my moment of fame, I guess," he said.