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.