Florida Man Drowns Looking For Lost Golf Ball

Florida Man Drowns Looking For Lost Golf Ball

A Florida man drowned Sunday while looking for a lost golf ball at East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar.

It is, at the very least, a cautionary tale. I have oft marveled at the extraordinary efforts some golfers will make to retrieve a waterlogged ball. I’ve seen many slip and get their feet — and sometimes their entire outfits — wet.

It just doesn’t seem to me to be a worthwhile risk for a ball, no matter how expensive. Poking around for a ball in waters in alligator infested Florida seems even wise. (Note that there is no indication that a gator was involved.)

From the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office report:

On February 28, 2021, deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau were dispatched to the East Lake Woodlands subdivision in Oldsmar in reference to a missing adult. Deputies suspected the missing adult male was in a nearby pond and he was later located deceased by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office dive team.

According to investigators, 74-year-old Hermilo Jazmines and a friend were playing golf at the East Lake Woodlands Country Club. At about 7:37AM, Jazmines teed off at hole number three and was last seen looking for his ball near the green. Jazmines’ golf cart was parked on the cart path and his putter was found lying on the ground near the water.

Deputies searched the nearby wooded area and assisted Oldsmar Fire Department in searching the edge of the pond. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office dive team responded and located Jazmines submerged in the water near his putter. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

Investigators say the evidence suggests Jazmines may have fallen into the water and drowned. Deputies spoke with friends of Jazmines who say he likes to search the course for lost golf balls.

The medical examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, however, it does not appear to be suspicious at this time.