Viewfinder: PAL Kids Take Down Police Chief in Miniature Golf Match

Michayla Ramos stood behind the final hole of the miniature golf course, wriggled her fingers behind her head and made a funny grin as Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor attempted to make her final putt sink the ball.

She missed.

The former college athlete who has protected Tampa's streets for 27 years as a cop finally met defeat on the playing field — at the hands of a 9-year-old girl.

Michayla beat Chief Castor by five strokes.

In the name of charity, the chief had accepted a challenge from the children at the (PAL) to a friendly match of miniature golf at the PAL athletic fields at 1924 W. Diana St. The exhibition game was arranged to promote the upcoming Officer Randy Davis Memorial Golf Tournament.

"Good thing I'm a better police officer," Chief Castor said to the three rows of young spectators. "I'm definitely not a good golfer."

The May 6 tournament will raise much-needed funds for a new PAL gymnasium. The current PAL gym is 40 years old and has substantial roof and structural damage, officials said. Contractors determined it will be more cost effective to replace the entire structure than to make the major repairs.

PAL Executive Director Phil Ray, a retired police officer, said the new gym will be built to withstand hurricane force winds and will act as a storm shelter for Tampa officers and their families. The facility is in an ideal central location in the city. Officials hope to break ground on the building in October and are currently seeking grant monies and private donations.

Chief Castor competed Tuesday against Michayla and three other top PAL miniature golfers who were selected from more than 30 kids in attendance. The other players were: Marcus McCoy, Angelica Zuluaga and Keion Showers.

Chief Castor took her defeat in good spirit, telling the children: "When you guys are professional golfers, you remember me. When you're rich and famous, send those millions back to PAL."

Granted, golf was never Chief Castor's game. Before she joined the police department, she played basketball and volleyball at the University of Tampa, where she earned her degree in criminology and was later inducted into UT's Athletic Hall of Fame.

PAL provides affordable after school, summer and athletic opportunities to more than 500 low to moderate income Tampa Bay area youth a year.

The Randy Davis Memorial Golf Tournament is set for 8 a.m. on May 6 at the Eagles Golf Club of Tampa Bay, 16101 Nine Eagles Drive, Odessa.  For registration or sponsorship information, contact PAL at 813-876-9363 or visit www.paltampa.org.