Combines or golf carts

Harvest was in full swing in Shoal Lake...and no where was it more evident than on the golf course on Mens' Night.  It was certainly a time when there were more combines rolling than golf carts. We had only 16 guys which represented our lowest total for the season.  That it being said, it was a beautiful evening for golf and everyone who came out seemed to enjoy themselves.

Only three skins went this week - Stephen and Cody (#1), Brad and Hubey (#2) and Joel and Ron A. (#7).  The skin for Benton was his first of the season.   Les Grills was dialed in on the par 3's as he was closest on both #5 and #9.  Thanks to the Royal Bank who donated a golf package for one of his prizes.  For the first time all year, no one carded a two...so the deuce pot carries over for a week.

Speaking of Cody Cornwall, seven was both his lucky and unlucky number for the evening.  After playing seven practice holes at an outstanding +1, Cody carded five sevens in his mens' night round.  His one par on the night won him his skin.

We are going to try one more week.  Remember, tee off is now at 6:30 pm.  There are some good skins available so come on out and have some fun.

Better Late Than Never

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog...I sort of forgot until today. 

Just prior to making this post, I read a bit about the Tiger and Elin's divorce which was finalized today.  Remember guys, as much as we all love Wednesday evening it always needs to take a back seat to the relationships that we have with our significant others.  So, this week, in honour of those women in our lives, let's only play nine extra holes before Mens' Night begins, let's maybe call them before we tee off on #7 just to let them know we are thinking about them, and let's only play one game of poker afterwards.  Not only will they appreciate us and respect us more, we'll all get home by 1:00 am.  Golf is great but don't put yourself in the same position that Tiger is in now.  Sure, the idea of having twenty mistresses may appeal to some of you, but it isn't worth it.  If you get upset splitting the deuce pot with Milt, imagine how you feel if you have to split everything you own after a court ordered settlement.

Now for the golf recap...last Wednesday there were 27 competitors comprised of mainly non-farmers.  Skins went on five of nine holes including #1 (Wes and Scott), #2 (Joel and Blake), #6 (Dick and Mikey), #7 (Robin and Jason G.), and #8 (Ron A. and Tyler M.).  Wes also scored the only deuce of the evening and pocketed $40.50 for his efforts.  The closest to the pins belonged to Jason Hunter on #5 and Sport on #9.

The forecast for Wednesday is fairly promising with a projection of 21 C with sun.  Don't forget that we are starting at 6:30 pm as we did last week.

Ringers, shanks and hair gel

Three weeks in a row with over 40 golfers...at this rate we might have to consider adding another cart girl.

Skins tonight were won by Chris & Aaron Short (#4), Neuf & Dale (#5), Matt Yanick (#7) and Jamie &  Ron G. (#9).  The deuce pot was split by Keith Martin and Kyle from Central S.  Keith's two followed a closest to the pin shot on #5, which won him some hair care products from Trendsetters.  While Keith was less than enthusiastic about this prize, Milt was heard exclaiming that hair care products were the best prize ever. Interestingly enough, Scott Maynes' closest to on 9 did not result in a share of the deuce pot.

The ringer board wrapped up tonight win Robin claiming first with a -5 score after a countback with Brad who also was five under.  Milt, Ron, Chris, Luke, and Stephen were all at -4 but Chris finished in 3rd on a countback.  After hearing complaints from the crowd such as "How can we ever beat a score like Milt's" and "Ringer boards are just for the handsome golfers who also play well", a quick decision was made to amend the prizes for next year. When we run it in 2011, we will pay prizes in a couple of flights to give the ugly and poor golfers a chance.

Speaking of plans for next year, it has also been suggested that we cap the scoring on any Mens' Night hole at 3 over par to speed up play.  This will also help golfers avoid having to enter things like a 12 for hole #3 (as happened this past week for one unlucky Hydro employee).  We are also open to any other suggestions that you may have to improve the quality of our Mens' Night.  For example, Wes suggested that we only allow people 50 years old and under to play next year...and that suggestion is currently being considered by our Executive.

Personally, I would like to apologize to the golfers in my group who were almost struck by golf balls as the result of my numerous shanks on Wednesday.  I actually almost hit Robin and Neuf twice on hole #7...the same hole that Brad Benton made famous at the Eagles' Tournament.

Don't forget that next week's shotgun start begins at 6:30 pm.

FORE!

We seem to be on a bit of a roll with Mens' Night as we cracked 40 golfers for the second consecutive week.  Thanks to all the regulars for their continued support and welcome to this week's newcomers (Clayton B., Dan Deonarine, Riley Woychyshyn, Willem Venter, Andrew Gerrard, Travis C. and Dallas Kominko).

The low round of the night went to 50 year old Brad Benton who shot a fantastic one-under 35.  Brad is a testimony to how clean living, a healthy diet and exercise can enable seniors to function at the same level as the rest of us.  You are an inspiration to us all...but mainly to the other old guys such as yourself, Charlie McNabb and Ron Susinksi.

Seven of the nine skins went this week.  Winners included Scott and Wes on #1, Aaron Short and Dan D. on #2, Jason Gorrell and Dave on #5, Charlie and Dallas Malchuk on #7, Ron S. and Doug on #8, and finally Senor Beaker and Stu on #9.   The deuce pot was split by Scott, Jason and Stu.   Closest to the pin honours went to Gorrell on #5 and Commander Bob Moffatt on #9.     Thanks to Murray Farm Supplies and Kimp Services / Susinski Farms for supplying the prizes for these two holes.

Speaking of Jason Gorrell, his shot on #5 landed 8 inches from the hole, nearly claiming the hole-in-one prize.  If you have not seen Jason golf, he intentionally plays the largest slice imaginable.  On Wednedsay, his tee shot on #5 was struck with a 3 wood.  While the hole only played 180 yards, Jason's shot probably travelled 380 yards... 180 to the pin after a trip of 100 yards out and back over the farmland to the right.  When Jason tees off number 4, the Baydak's dogs start barking and running for cover.  When he hits from #7 he aims for the house...not Agnes Kokke's like the rest of us but at Murray Clarke's place to the south.  That being said, Jason has been playing well recently and getting cash on a regular basis.  He is also willing to teach his technique to anyone that is interested for a small fee.  Jason's motto is "a great slice is a thing of awesome power and beauty".

By overwhelming consensus, the hole-in-prize has been capped at $1616. with additional revenue going toward the building of a second pot.  The hole-in-one prize operates in similar fashion to the deuce pot.  If there are multiple winners on a given night they split the prize.  Also, don't forget if you score an ace there is an expectation that you buy a round for everyone.  That is, unless Milt wins...because Robin will likely rip up his cheque.   The tradition of buying everyone a drink after a hole-in-one not traces back to Scotland. Here is what one historian says about it:  "Scotland is historically a very shrewd country. No matter the happy occasion the Scots have always held that any benefactor has to buy drinks for all. Even in small villages areas where there used to be no telephones the whole population would find out and cash in on their free drink. You announce an engagement - free drinks - and then you are forced into bankruptcy the same day. When a Scot plays a round of golf and gets a hole in one, they don't even stop at the 19th hole, they go straight to a bankruptcy trustee. But even then, they will always go back to celebrate!"

Next week is the final night for the ringer board.  There are now five guys in the lead at -5 including Brad, Milt, Robin, Ron and Stephen.  Chris locked in a final score of -4 and is hoping for some poor conditions or poor play by the group ahead of him.   If you have yet to complete your scorecard you will have to do so August 11th.  Most of us are a hole or two away from finishing....although Jason Neufeld needs to enter nine scores.  If he shoots a course record 30 this coming Wednesday he may have a chance of winning the ringer board.  Good luck Neuf.

We will also decide next week how much longer we will run mens' night.  We will go at least until the third week of August in case you need to plan your holidays around it.

Here is one final piece of golf etiquette for your consideration.  You may respect the game by fixing your divots, reparing your ball marks, and waiting until after a partner's shot to heckle them.  However, all of this means little if you place the group ahead of you in harms way by hitting golf balls at them.  The first time is easy to deal with by simply apologizing and remarking how you never hit it that far.  The second or third time is not so funny...especially if you fly a green from 200 yards away into the middle of five guys who are putting.   Please exercise caution because you don't want to Benton someone in the head with a golf ball.  Plus, Neuf is a smoker and his heart probably can't handle another episode of waving his arms and cursing at people who try to plunk him.

Respecting the Traditions of Golf

Some say it was the beautiful weather.  Others said it was the positive buzz from previous weeks.  A few even suggested it was because word was out that Keith Martin was returning.  In any case, the golfers came out in full force as we hit our high for the season with 45 players this past Wednesday.  Thanks to everyone who joined us...and special thanks to all the new guys including Paul Wilson, Bob and Bobby Kostesky, Mark Swereda, Aaron Kachan, Brian Allen, Lyle Wilson, Will Moncrief, Tim Rogasky and Justin Mowbray (from Calgary).

One of the challenges with more golfers is obviously an increase in the chance that holes will be tied.   After paying out 7 skins the previous week, only four went this time.  Milt and Charlie won #1, Bobby Kostesky and Mike Pryzner cashed in on #2, Jamie McCutchins and Mark Yanick grabbed the prize for #6 and Lone Wolf Luke Funk won another solo skin on #9.  Speaking of Jamie, he shot a 37 with a new driver and hybrid in play.  He was one of eight golfers to post sub 40 rounds on the evening.  While scoring conditions seemed ideal, there were some who struggled including one golfer who scored a 62.  The closest to the pins were Jason Hunter on #5 and Mark Yanick on #9. Mark made his birdie to split the deuce pot with Milt, who chipped in for 2 on the first hole.

The low round of the night was the previously mentioned Jason Hunter who also had a 37 but won on a countback.  Jason was also the first participant in the ringer board to submit scores for all nine holes.  Don't forget that you must complete your ringer board in the next two weeks.  Only full rounds will be eligible for prizes.  The current leaders are Robin, Ron and Stephen who all sit at -5.

Finally, congratulations to Hubey who failed to make it past the ladies tee on #4.  Mr. Huberdeau showed his respect for the traditions of golf by dropping his trousers to commemorate his weak drive.

Lost and Found

Lost - the rain or chance of rain that has plagued our mens' nights for the last month.

Found - beautiful sunny weather for a change.

Lost - the Gill brothers and Keith Martin.  The Gill boys are apparently traveling and Keith may be helping with his sick grand-dog.

Found - 32 golfers...the most this year.  We had several new faces including Bruce and Eddie Waddell, Stu Nowasad, Brad Swereda, Darcy Kowalchuk, and Scott Maynes' brother-in-law Gary Norbury.

Lost - another chance for someone to take home the hole-in-one pot...which now is pushing $1600.

Found - the skins on seven of the nine holes. Winners included Stu and Robin (#1), Doug and Milt (#2), Scott Maynes and Dick (#6), Blake and Bob (#7), and Darcy and Jason G. (#9).   Also, Trevor Haygard and Jason Neufeld won two big skins (#3 and 8) for a combined pot of $129.50.

Lost - the deuce pot...to the four golfers who scored 2's - Jason Gorrell, Milt, Robin and Wes.

Found - closest to the pin on #5 (Wes) and #9 (Eddie Waddell)

Lost - by Stephen...a Bridgestone golf ball, his glasses and a small bit of his dignity..in the bush on the left of #2.  Fortunately, the glasses were found after 10 minutes of looking for them.

Lost - a three wood by Robin who fired it into the trees after shanking a shot on #4.

Found - Robin's three wood, after some group searching

Lost - Milt's cheque for $12.00 for his share of the closest to the pin...after someone ripped it up because he would not donate it back to the club.

Found - 12 guys to play cards after mens' night.

Lost - all of his chips, by Milt, on the very first hand of a two-table game.

Found - the winning hand by Jason Neufeld on the first game of heads up.

British Open draft results

See the link to the left for the results of our first British Open draft.

Sick dogs and the deuce pot

There were 29 golfers tonight including three gentlemen who visited from Rossman Lake.  Unfortunately, Dale Martin missed for the second consecutive week.  His dad Keith suggested that Dale's dog must be sick again thereby requiring him to stay at home.

While the weather was cool, the rain held off and we were able to get the nine holes in in relatively dry conditions. As has been the standard of late, the course was extremely wet and beaver pelts were being ripped up throughout the evening.  It must have been extremely damp on the #4 tee box as Dave Gill was unable to get past the ladies tees. His playing partners insisted that I include this because Dave and his wife Norma apparently "always check the blog".  The recommendation was that Dave brings a dress next week just in case it happens again.

Mike Susinski had a big night winning hole #9 with Randy Wochyshyn as well as getting a share of the deuce pot. The two other winners of the deuce pot were Ron Susinski and Robin Kimpinski. Milt and Scott Maynes split a skin on #2, while Keith and Joel hit paydirt on #7.  Milt's earnings tonight moved him into first place on the season money list.

There was no poker tonight because Benton and Robin had to go home early.  The general consensus is they were on curfew after last week...although Milt said Brad left angry because he shot a 45.  Ironically, Milt seemed very happy despite shooting a 52.

We did have nine guys stay for a British Open draft. Our picks are found on a link on the left side of this page. Sport insisted he would win on the power of the Molinari brothers...while Hubey picked several golfers who we had never heard of before. Jason Neufeld picked first and did not take Tiger. We will see how it turns out for everyone later this week.

When it rains it pours...

After our good fortune with the weather on previous mens' nights, our luck ran out last night. Play was delayed for about 20 minutes when the sky broke open and brought some very heavy rain. Everyone on the course found some refuge under trees, umbrellas and duct-taped garbage bags. Those of use hiding within earshot of the 7th green were comforted by the sound of music from Brad's golf cart and the peaceful echoes of Benton and Robin berating Milt about being slow and for his whiff on #5. When play resumed, Milt got the last laugh when he scored a deuce on #9. With no other two's, he walked away with $84 and jumped into second place on the season money list. 

Other prize winners included the father / son combination of Ron and Mike Susinski who picked up #20 for #1, Scott Maynes and Doug Koroscil who cashed in for $20 on #6, Dave Gill and Beaker taking home a $28 skin on #7. Cubby was closest on both par threes winning a free steak dinner from Susinski Farms and Kimp Services as well as a shaving kit from Shoal Lake Pharmacy.

Minus the rain storm, it was actually a nice evening for golf. The only other concerns were the hordes of mosquitoes around the course and the soggy fairways that added shots to almost everyone's scorecard. Ron Susinski was victimized by the tough conditions with a nine on #4 as was Jason Gorrell who had a ten on the same hole. We hit our season high for participants with 31 golfers, many of whom comforted a friend struggling with weight loss issues. No matter what Diane says we don't think you're fat!

What else...? Keith Martin said that Sport's incessant coughing caused him swing troubles and these swing troubles caused him to have a rougher round than last week. Remember, it isn't the golf that matters...it is the quality time with friends who call you by your wife's name when you are short on a putt or who run to tell everyone when you shoot a 50.

Welcome to Austin Hunter who joined his dad for Mens' Night. Come back next week with some friends and let them know the hole-in-one pot is close to $1500. We are very accepting of newcomers as long as you bring your eight bucks and remember...whatever happens at mens' night, stays at mens' night. Unless of course it involves Milt or Benton.

Don't forget to check the updated prize list as well as the ringer board, which is now sorted by total score relative to par.  Also, feel free to add a comment if there was anything worth noting last night that was missed.

Where's the Milt?

Mens' night was almost cancelled yesterday as several guys, including Brad and Robin, were distraught over Milt's absence. Quickly we organized into search parties of four to six men and spent two hours looking all over the golf course for our missing comrade.  The mosquitoes were quite bad in the bush so we focused our search on the fairways, greens and first two cuts of rough.  Despite our collective efforts, Milt was nowehere to be found.  As the daylight faded, we called off the search and retired to the clubhouse for prayer, steak and drinks.  Mr. Ostash's absence aside, we were fortunate as a very windy and overcast day turned into a relatively calm and dry evening.  There were 26 golfers including several who joined us for the first time this year.  Thanks to Ken W., Leslie, Dwayne and Jamie M. for coming out to Mens' Night.  Despite some good scores from the newcomers, only Jamie McCutchin claimed a skin...although Hubey will likely tell us all that he won it for them.  Jamie and Hubey were low on #4 and four other skins went including #1 (Doug Koroscil and Cody) and  #2 (Wes and Ken Ostash).  Stephen and Mikey cashed in on consecutive holes with a net birdie on #6 and a combined par of 5 that claimed a $90. skin.  Ken Wowryk was closest to #5 while Blake Hunter continued his short game dominance by hitting it near the pin on #9.  Two more golfers joined the ringer board bringing the total to 24 for the season. As it stands today, first place will be worth $168.  Don't forget to submit your ringer scores before leaving each night.  Finally, thanks to everyone who stayed a few minutes later for some cards.  See you next Wednesday...with a long range forecast of sunny and 24 C.  Also, word has it that Milt will be back!

Oh yeah...earlier this month I noted that Brad chipped in for a deuce on #5.  Not content with the online acknowedgment, Benton complained yesterday that I did not mention that he called the shot beforehand.  So great prediction Brad!  While I am at it, congratulations also to John Gill who said he was going to hit it well on #6 this month and did, to Wes Arnfinson who said it wasn't going to rain last Wednesday and was correct, and finally to Scott Maynes who stated he was not going to have a steak yesterday and followed through with his prediction.

June 23rd report

Last night we had 25 golfers out for Mens' Nite. While the weather did not look great initially, it turned out to be a beautiful evening. The extremely wet course made for some tough playing conditions. There were several scores above 50 including one 60! Robin Kimpinski led the way with a 37 and Les Grills (#5) and Sport Geekie (#9) claimed closest to the pin honours.

Two deuce night

Tonight we had 27 golfers...the high so far this year.  Dennis and Luke continued their streak of hitting the right holes and cashing in.   Dale and Milt had deuces with Dale's being on the par 4 first hole.  Keith Martin was closest to 5 and Robin won his own steak (again) for hitting it tight on #9.

Use the force Luke

It was the night of Luke.  Playing on his own in the middle of the pack, Mr. Funk won three holes (2, 3, and 8) for $124.00.   Several people congratulated him while others cursed him privately and wished they were him.  The Kimpinski brothers were closest on #5 (Chris) and #9 (Robin).  Robin's shot netted him a free steak sponsored by Kimp Services and Susinski Farms.  Brad Benton chipped in for a deuce on #5 from some deep rough to capture this week's $116. pot.

June 2nd

There were 23 golfers, including several who skipped their child's Band Concert at the school.  Blake and Bob Moffatt were closest to the hole, #5 and #9 respectively.  Bob also cashed in with a solo skin on #8.

Opening night!

Yee haw!  Men's night has started.  Twenty-one brave souls gave up evenings with their families to support the local golf club.  Blake Hunter was closest on both par 3's and skins went to Milt alone and the teams of Robin / Charley and Stephen / Blake.