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LOGAN MABEWhen the terrorist's image was last stolen from a driving range, it drew national attention.
TAMPA - The hunt for Osama bin Laden took another turn - perhaps a hook, but more likely a slice - recently when someone swiped Bill Place's golf range target bearing the terrorist's mug.
For the second time in little more than a year, someone has swiped the 8- by 8-foot vinyl bull's-eye target from Place's Ace Golf driving range in Citrus Park. The first theft happened in March 2002, and despite nationwide publicity, no suspects were ever apprehended.
"After the story ran in the Times, for two weeks I got calls from probably 20 different radio stations," Place said. "Fox nationwide talk, CBS in Chicago, NBC in New York. I was cracking up, because here I am on this ski trip and I'm getting calls all day long about the Osama target."
That's why Place was hesitant at first to go public with the latest larceny. "I'm embarrassed to say it happened about three weeks ago," Place said. "We came in on a Saturday or Sunday morning and it was gone."
When Place installed the first Osama target, in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, it quickly became the favorite target for hackers looking to hone their swings. The ground around it would be covered in white from the aerial assault of golf balls.
So when he was unable to recover the first target, Place spent another $250 for a new one. He has another one just like it at his driving range in Brandon, but nobody has bothered to steal that one yet.
Anyone having information on the theft can call Place at 477-1171. He's offering a $200 reward. "Hopefully, it will turn up this time," Place said.
- Logan D. Mabe can be reached at 269-5304 or at mabe@sptimes.com