Mike Pickett, head pro at Cumberland Trail Golf Club in Ohio, is a pumpkin-carving wizard

PATASKALA, Ohio - Mike Pickett is one heck of a golfer.

I watched Pickett, the head professional at Cumberland Trail Golf Club east of Columbus in central Ohio, shoot a 69 with fewer shots (34) than putts (35) during a round at his fun 7,205-yard course last week. But Pickett’s real talent lies in the arts.

He’s a skilled pumpkin carver. They decorate his golf shop. He’s carved pumpkins with themes of the Cleveland Browns, the island green at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium course, Michael Vick and even Holly Sonders, a native Ohioan who is a co-host on the Morning Drive on the Golf Channel.

It all started in 2007 when Pickett challenged an artist friend, Neil Ingle, to a carving contest. Pickett carved a stunning portrait of his then-two-year-old daughter into an artificial pumpkin. The sudden passing of Ingle last year prompted Pickett to get more serious about his carving. He launched a website in 2011 and sold roughly 50 pumpkins. His portraits of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods – both on display in the golf shop – are among his favorites.

His creative process starts with a digital photo that serves as a template. He said pumpkins can take as little as two hours to carve.

I’m jealous of Pickett’s golf swing, but I might be even more jealous of his carving abilities. I’d be a rock star to my children if I could carve half of what Pickett can. For more, visit his Web site here.