Who’s Winning, Who’s Losing, and What ChatGPT Thinks

I’ll start with an important reminder: Men’s Night continues on Wednesday. Tee-off is now 6:00 p.m. The Weather Network forecast is calling for 24°C and sunny skies.

There was no Men’s Night this past week. We didn’t get enough players. We require 10, but only 9 showed up. We tried some last-minute recruiting but were unsuccessful. It was a little cool outside, which likely kept some people away. Also, many of the guys who work in farming were busy getting crops off the fields.

The nine who did show up played a three-team, three-person scramble. It was fun. Afterward, we went to the clubhouse. Some ordered food, and everyone had a couple of drinks.

While visiting, we ended up talking about sports. I pulled up ChatGPT to check some information, and in the process, we noticed something interesting.

I asked the AI tool: “What can you tell me about Blake Hunter from Shoal Lake, Manitoba?”. It replied that Blake Hunter has been mentioned several times in Shoal Lake Men’s Night. On July 29, 2018, he teamed up with Keith Martin to win a $20 skin on hole #8.

Next, I asked about Scott Maynes. I learned that on July 27, 2023, during a Men’s Night golf event, Scott Maynes was the standout winner. He claimed the deuce pot, taking home $178.13. This prize brought him into second place on the season’s money list, just behind Jason Neufeld ($244.39), while Charles McKay held third with $160.97.

Then I inquired about myself. It reported that Stephen David runs a local blog titled “Shoal Lake Men’s Night,” where he chronicles happenings from a weekly golf event in Shoal Lake. He posts updates about game highlights, weather conditions, and tournament details, noting winners of closest-to-the-pin, skins, and the hole-in-one pot.

It was similar for everyone we asked about. In each case, the AI pulled up details from the Men’s Night blog. Sometimes it added extra touches, like my job, Scott’s coaching background, or Ryden Lanouette’s high school sports experience.

Interestingly, when I tried again this morning on ChatGPT, it didn’t give the same kind of results. But when I logged into my free account, it worked right away.

I experimented further and asked it to examine the Men’s Night blog to figure out who has won the most money over the years. It produced a list called “Estimated Career Money Leaders (2018–2024)”. It provided the following list: Robin Kimpinski $1,474.85, Jason Gorrell $1,156.19, Jason Neufeld $1,102.02, Scott Maynes $954.82, and Reegan Kominko $829.46.

AI tools can be fun but there is a caution when using them. They can sometimes provide mistaken or misleading information. For example, I asked it to review the weekly blog entries and season money lists to identify four of the worst golfers.

It mentioned Keith Martin, noting that his name appears across several years but usually with little or no prize money. It suggested that he often played with strong partners but rarely appeared in the winner’s column. It also flagged Logan Tanner, saying he showed up frequently but with modest totals. Neither of these guys are poor golfers. The AI was just making assumptions based on incomplete information.

It also brought up Barry Nemetchek, saying he appears in multiple seasons but near the bottom of the prize standings with small totals. The truth is, I don’t really know Barry, and I don’t think he’s played often. He probably popped up once or twice with a small payout, and the AI took that as a sign he wasn’t a good golfer. Clearly, that kind of conclusion isn’t reliable.

Finally, I asked: “Why is Stephen David among the best golfers at Shoal Lake Men’s Night?”. Now I don't believe this to be true, but I also know that AI will often give you exactly what you ask it or what it thinks that you want. It responded that, based on the blog, I consistently finish near the top of the money lists year after year. It credited my steady participation, consistent winnings, and frequent high finishes on the leaderboard.

But it also added an important disclaimer: Men’s Night prizes depend on both luck and skill. You can play great and still walk away empty-handed if someone else posts the same score on a money hole. So “best” or “worst” here really just means “most or least financially rewarded” within the Men’s Night format.

The Small Victories of Men's Night

Before getting into the little things that make Men’s Night so enjoyable, let’s start with a quick recap of this past Wednesday. With September approaching, just a reminder that tee-off time will move to 6:00 PM starting next week.

This week saw a smaller turnout, with 20 golfers in total, but six skins were still claimed. Stephen David and Jason Gorrell took home $20.00 on Hole #5, while Darren Ostash and Logan McGonigal scored the biggest payout of the night with $98.13 on Hole #7. Nathan Maynes and Joe Shwaluk claimed $28.13 on Hole #8, and Phil Ostash and Derek Shamray earned $71.89 on Hole #9. Robin Kimpinski and Tyler McTavish picked up two skins, getting $28.13 on Hole #3 and $52.51 on Hole #6.

Ryden Lanouette posted the low round of the night with an impressive 36. Closest to the pin went to Stephen David on Hole #5 and Robin Kimpinski on Hole #9.

Now back to the small victories of Men’s Night. Let’s face it…not everyone can shoot a low score or win a skin. And don’t even get us started on the elusive hole-in-one prize. But as most people will tell you, the fun of Men’s Night isn’t always about the numbers on the scorecard. It’s about the small victories. The little things, that while not celebrated with a cheque, make the round feel like a win.

If you’ve finished your Wednesday evening round of golf with the same ball you started with, you know this is worth celebrating. Let’s be honest, most of us are not playing perfect golf. But somehow, you’ve managed to keep your ball out of the water, the trees, and the neighboring fairways. Well done.

Small victories can happen to anyone. For example, no matter your skill or ability, sometimes you just sometimes, you hit the perfect tee shot…straight, long, and on the money. You feel like you’ve unlocked some secret level of golf, and for those few seconds, you are a golf god. The rest of the round might be a train wreck, but that one perfect shot will keep you going for at least a few more holes.

Then there are those holes when your drive was mediocre, your first approach shot was chunked, and your third misses the green. Against all odds, you chip it in for par. That is a good feeling. This one is similar to the bad round that ends with hitting it closest on the ninth hole.

Another small victory is when you pull into the Club House with a score of 46 and find out you have the most snips in your group. Sure, your playing partners may have hit more good shots and scored lower, but you had just the right amount good luck to win the snip lead. Claiming a couple of loonies from the guy that shot 38 is a good feeling.

Searching for your golf ball can also lead to a small victory. You are in the woods and your ball is nowhere to be found. But wait, what’s that? A brand new Prov1. It’s like finding treasure in a swamp. You’re not sure who it belongs to, but there’s something deeply satisfying about pocketing that other ball while you’re looking for your own. Even if you find one of Brett Griffin’s balls, covered in mud, scuff marks, and a giant G drawn with a sharpie, it still feels good.

What other small victories do we experience on Men’s Nigh? One is when you manage to see the drink cart multiple times during your round. You just walked off hole #3 with a seven, you are feeling a little dejected, and then you see it…the old green Gator driven by Taylor coming toward the fourth tee box. With only 4 or 5 groups on Wednesday, we saw Taylor a lot.

Probably, my favourite small victory is those evenings where the weather is perfect. Not too hot, not too cold, no wind, and the sun still shining as you finish your round. That was the case this past Wednesday. It was one of those evenings that you wished the sun didn’t set and you could keep playing.

In the end, Men’s Night isn’t about the score. Sure, there those guys who shoot low or win skins. But for most of us, it’s the little victories that make the night special. 

The Bombers and the Boomers

I read something funny recently. It said, “You know you're getting older when you have home Advil and golf bag Advil.” That line hit a little too close to reality. It accurately describes me and more than a few people with whom I play.

In the context of this discussion, I will define us old guys broadly. It includes anyone over 40. That being said, most 40-year-olds would see me as an old guy. Interestingly, when I play the weekly senior interclub, I sometimes get called “kid”. I guess it is all a matter of perspective.

Last night, we had 25 golfers ranging in age from 20 to just over 70. The group included several players who might still be considered kids by some, as well as others who have grandkids.

For many of us veterans, it’s not uncommon to pop a little preventative ibuprofen before even swinging a club. It isn’t because we’re trying to get an edge, but simply because we’d like to finish 9 without being limited by our aches and pains. We also have a pre-round stretching routine, although calling it “routine” might be generous. Sometimes the stretching is to loosen up the hips and back, but more often than not, it’s to counteract the mysterious neck injury that we sustained by sleeping the wrong way the previous night.

Now, contrast this with the younger guys on the course. These are the flat bellies in their late teens or early 20’s who roll up to the first tee without any real warm-up or stretching. They just drop a ball on the tee, take a violent practice swing that makes your joints ache just watching it, and launch it 290 yards. Stretching for them is often accidental. If they reach for a tee in their back pocket, that’s their full-body warm-up.

And they’re fast, not just in swing speed, but in the way they move, talk, and play. They’re a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm. To be fair, many of them play incredibly well. Some hit it really long. For others, you are never quite sure where the ball might end up, but when it’s good, it’s really good.

Among the older guys, some are rock steady with the pattern of fairways, greens, two putts, repeat. Darcy Kowalchuk s one of these old guys. He hits it as long as anyone and has a solid all-around game. He used these skills to claim this year’s ringer board championship with a score of –7.

Others can be a little more erratic, but you’ll often hear, “I used to hit it as far as those young guys before I strained my back while curling”. Some may not have the distance anymore, but they usually know how to get around the course without too much drama.

Last night, three skins were won by five old guys and one young guy. Keith Martin and Tyler McTavish took home $59.39 with a win on hole #2, Pete Ostash and Chris Hogg earned $40.01 on hole #4, and Jason Gorrell and Stephen David claimed the biggest prize of the night with $145.65 on hole #5. In case you don’t know, Chris Hogg is the young guy, although Nathan Maynes might think that he is an old guy.

Older players like to toss around classic lines like, “Drive for show, putt for dough.” It’s our way of reassuring ourselves after watching a 23-year-old fly the fifth green with a 185 yard eight-iron. Deep down, most of us would love to hit it as far as they do. Let’s be honest…hitting wedge into the eight green is a lot more fun than hitting a five-iron.

You can spot the generational divide before the first swing is made. You need only look at the fashion. The younger guys arrive looking like they’re filming an episode of a YouTube golf channel. They have tapered joggers, tour hats turned backwards, new gloves, and shoes so clean they look like they were just taken out of the box. The veterans? Let’s just say we lean into comfort. We often wear golf polos or T-shirts untucked or tucked into cargo shorts or jeans, John Deere hats from the 1990’s, and shoes we’ve been meaning to replace since Brian Mulroney was Prime Minister.

And then there’s the post-round ritual which illustrates another divide. The younger players are often ready to squeeze in another 9 before sunset or race off to wherever young people still have energy to go. Many of this crew depart quickly as soon as the skins are paid.

The older group moves a little slower. We are often discussing what painkiller pairs best with a spiced rum and ginger ale. We sit down with a familiar groan, recount every missed birdie putt, and confidently claim, “If my wrist wasn’t acting up today, I could have broken 40”. It’s mostly fiction, but it's our fiction, and we enjoy it thoroughly.

And that right there is the beauty of Men’s Night.

It’s not a competition between young and old. It’s a celebration of both. A timeless blend of youthful optimism and seasoned wisdom. One group plays with fire, the other with finesse. The young guys bring energy, ambition, and big swings. The veterans bring course knowledge, short games honed out of necessity, and an ability to improve quickly once a sufficient amount of aiming fluid has been consumed.

By the time everyone’s in the clubhouse, sharing drinks, laughs, and tales of near greatness, the differences fade. What remains is a shared love for the game, a mutual respect, and the understanding that Men’s Night is better when we play it together, across generations.

So, here’s to the bombs off the tee and the bump-and-runs. Here’s to Advil in the bag and Bluetooth in the cart. Here’s to the young guys who keep the game fresh and the veterans who keep their golf cart first ad kits fully stocked.

 

Fore! And Other Words That Are Sometimes Said on Men’s Night

Men's Night..the sacred tradition where grown men gather to play at least 9 holes with friends on a Wednesday night. It's a time of camaraderie, competition, and, of course, casual profanity.

I was away on Wednesday, so there may have been less off-colour language than a typical night. There were 40 golfers but only 39 paid. That used to make me want to curse, but this may have been the first time this year someone forgot to pay. I guess that's okay.

I am not sure how everyone’s round went. I am guessing Kendal Koroscil didn’t use any bad words given that he shot a 37.

There were no closest to the pins recorded. Unfortunately, the books didn’t get put out. Sorry for anyone who hit the green. You likely dropped an F-bomb when you saw that the clipboards were missing.

There were two skins won. Reegan Kominko and Keith Martin cashed in for $43.76 on #3. Scott Maynes or John Gill may have exclaimed a four-letter word in a positive way when they found out that they won $172.12 for #8.

Now back to the idea of profanity and golf. Let’s be real...it is a hard game. It requires precision, patience, and considerable self-restraint. But somehow, no matter how hard we try to stay calm, something happens on the course that tests our resolve. The moment we step onto the first tee, we're full of high hopes, and share comments such as “Good luck and have fun”. But those affirming thoughts are quickly replaced with other, less desirable words as our golf ball slices into the woods off the first tee.

You are just starting your official round, after some practice holes if you are lucky. You line up, take a deep breath, and swing the club only for the ball to head straight to the bush. And suddenly, like an uncontrollable reflex, out comes one the words that we all know too well.

If you find your ball or if you have better luck on #2, you can reset both your round and your mental state. But if your bad luck continues, often so does the profanity. And from that moment on, it’s like a swear jar at a 5-year-old’s birthday party: every hole, a new word, every shot, a new curse.

There are places at the local course that likely are more prone to profanity than others. The tee shot on #3, the second shot on #4, and the approach from inside of 120 yards on #7 are examples. But sometimes the frustration comes in unexpected places. You hit the green on #9 hoping for a share of the deuce pot but then three-putt. Or you have a straight four-footer to win several snips but your ball dives to the left inches from the hole.

We all know golf is supposed to be relaxing. It's an escape. It’s a chance to forget about work, responsibilities, and the fact that you might be skipping out on a family birthday or anniversary that someone had the nerve to schedule on a Wednesday. But golf is a game that gives and takes in equal measure. For every perfect shot, there’s another that decides to go in some wayward direction. And when it happens, it is easier said than done to keep calm and carry on.

But here’s the thing. No matter what happens, we still keep coming back for more. It’s like that one friend who swears he’s never drinking again every time he wakes up with a hangover. However, with golf, we return because there’s always that tiny, fleeting moment when everything aligns. You hit an amazing shot and someone in your group says “That’s why we keep coming back”. And for that brief second, it’s like you’ve unlocked the secret of the universe.

So, yes, Men's Night can involve some swearing, a few bad shots, and pretending that we can absolutely make a birdie on the final hole when we’re already 10 over par. But it’s also about the laughs, the jokes, and the bond that comes from a group of grown men collectively cursing their way through the game.

And after all that, when the round ends, the sun sets, and the golf carts are stowed away in sheds, the last words on our lips aren't curses. They’re usually something along the lines of “Same time next week?”

So, see you next Wednesday. Or maybe I will hear some of you yelling profanities tomorrow at night golf.

 

Nice Shot!

Men’s Night golf at Shoal Lake is generally a very common experience for most players. The fresh air, the opportunity to hang out with friends, and a chance to hit some balls.

But above all else, there’s that one three-word phrase that unites us week after week, regardless of skill, weather, or blood alcohol content. That phrase is “Nice shot, buddy.”

This comment likely carries more weight, more sarcasm, and more unspoken truths than any other in the sport of golf. And if you're reading this, you've probably said it at least once this week.

First there is the genuine “Nice Shot”. Every once in a while, someone in your group will stripe a drive right down the middle, stick an iron shot within a few feet of the pin, or drain a long putt. In these cases, a genuine “Nice shot!” may be heard. There’s a quiet moment of respect. A head nod. Maybe even a quick high five or a fist bump.

Some genuine “Nice shots” were likely heard on Wednesday, such as when Kendal Koroscil and Jason Gorrell hit it closest to the pins on holes 5 and 9. Or when Ken Lawn, Reegan Kominko, or Ryden Lanouette scored deuces, splitting the $58.13 pot. Ryden also had four birdies on his way to a 36 which was the lowest round of the night. That is a lot of “Nice shots”.

Chances are, at least one “Nice shot” was heard among the teams who picked up skins this week—Paul Lucas and Sonny Blackbird ($85.39 on #1), Darren Ostash and Ryan Merasty ($20.00 on #4), and Stephen David and Kendal Koroscil ($105.64 on #6).

Then there is the sarcastic nice shot, often the real backbone of Men’s Night. When this one is uttered, it is the verbal equivalent of a gentle nudge off the tee box. It’s usually used after someone tops a ball five feet, follows a great drive on #4 with a pull hook into the left trees, or accidentally hits a worm burner from 150 yards on #8 that ends up on the green. I got one of these sarcastic “Nice shots” when I hit my tee shot on #9 about half-way to the hole.

Next there is pity “Nice Shot”. This one usually shows up around hole 7, after someone has fought there way around the golf course for the first 90 minutes. They finally manage to hit a halfway-decent chip shot onto the green, and suddenly the group erupts like it’s the final putt at Augusta. You then hear things like “Nice shot man” or “There’s the Gorrell from last week”. No one is fooled. But the sentiment is nice. This is golf's version of a participation ribbon.

And finally, there is the accidental missed “Nice Shot!” We’ve all done this. You’re on autopilot and maybe checking your phone or looking at the pickleball courts from the fourth tee box. You aren’t not paying attention and someone swings. You hear contact and instinctively say, “Nice shot” only to look up and see the ball go into the trees on the fly. The damage is done. You’ve confirmed two things with your playing partner - that you weren’t even watching and still somehow overestimated his ability.

Here’s the truth. For most of us, golf isn’t an easy game. You make some good shots and you make some bad ones. And if we couldn’t laugh at ourselves, or more importantly, at each other, some of us may have snapped our clubs in half by June.

The constant chirping, the friendly jabs, the frequent “Nice shots”, they’re not signs of disrespect. They’re statements of belonging. It means you're in the group. You are liked enough to be genuinely complimented or trusted enough to be mocked mercilessly.

So next Wednesday, when someone slices their drive on #6 into the campground, lean into it. Put on your best poker face and say it with pride - “Nice shot, buddy.” Because in the end, golf isn't just about scores, it's about stories. And the best ones always start with a lie between friends.

 

Golf Games and Nicknames

Nicknames are a staple in the golf world. There’s a Tiger, a Golden Bear, a Walrus, a Goose, a Shark, a Big Easy, a Lefty, and the King. Most of these are iconic and recognized universally. Maybe not the Walrus one—that’s former PGA pro Craig Stadler, who’s beloved in his own right.

At our weekly Men’s Night, nicknames are just as much a part of the culture. Some are so commonly used that they’ve replaced given names altogether—Cubby, Milt, Hubey, Hogger, Sport, Chuck, and Neuf come to mind. Then there are those we refer to by last names when first names overlap. Last night, for example, I played alongside Maynes, Martin, and Gorrell.

Beyond the usual, there are also those one-off or lesser-used nicknames. One guy in my group calls a fellow golfer “Knuckles”, a nickname I haven’t heard anyone else use. That same guy has been calling my wife “Bionica” all summer, probably because she’s been sporting a neoprene sleeve on her knee.

In this week’s Men’s Night recap, I’ll weave in some new nicknames to those that we may already use.

Last night, Cyril “Cec” Patterson was closest to the pin on #5. Scott “Purple” Martin claimed closest on #9.

We had four skins go—reasonable, considering 42 golfers. Winners included Jayden “Pitter” Patterson and Dylan “Papa Dyl” Kimpinski, who took $26.25 on #2; Phil “Putter Cover” Ostash and Blake “Pin” Hunter, who pocketed $128.76 on #3; Dawson “Tan-Man” Tanner and Cubby Bartram, winners of $26.25 on #4; and the previously mentioned Scott Martin, who teamed with Neuf for a $41.88 win on #9. I didn’t need to tell you Neuf’s full name. He is an iconic one-namer, like Madonna or Liberace.

Scott “Purple” Martin also partnered with Jayden “Pitter” Patterson to split the $78.75 deuce pot.

Honestly, I wish more people had won prizes last night, so I could shout out others like Vern “Soul Train” Snyder or Darcy “Perogy” Kowalchuk. Darcy deserves special mention as he added two more holes to his ringer board to lock in a final score of -7, currently leading the pack.

Nicknames have a curious way of sticking, often born from a single moment, and sometimes for reasons that make absolutely no sense. If you don’t believe me, just ask Jason Gorrella “Monsoon.”

Many of my recent recaps have been lengthy, so I’ll keep this one short. This is Stephen “Special Delivery” David wishing you all a fantastic long weekend.

 

Horse Race Results

Yesterday marked our 15th annual Horse Race, an event that’s become a staple of our summer golf calendar here in Shoal Lake.

While turnout was a bit lower than expected, the 31 golfers who participated seemed to have a great experience. The weather was perfect, the beer cart made its rounds frequently, and the energy throughout the day was high.

The Horse Race brings out a different experience than Men’s Night. It is fun but it also has a real sense of friendly competition. Multiple players mentioned how nerve-wracking it was to stand over a four-foot putt knowing their tournament life was on the line. Flight winners had to outlast nine or ten other competitors, and many players survived multiple holes, narrowly avoiding elimination via chip-offs.

For some, the day began early with travel from out of town. Others extended the golf well into the evening with a casual four-team, four-person scramble. And from what I hear, the post-golf socializing stretched late into the night—on decks, around fire pits, or at poker tables.

The results of the Horse Race were as follows:

First Flight

1.     Robin Kimpinski

2.     Dale Martin

3.     Darcy Kowalchuk

Second Flight

1.     Nathan Maynes

2.     Vern Snyder

3.     Scott Maynes

Third Flight

1.     Keith Martin

2.     Darren Ostash

3.     Blake Hunter

A big congratulations to Robin Kimpinski, now a four-time Horse Race champion.

Our medalist in the 18-hole qualifier was Reegan Kominko, who fired an impressive 73.

One highlight was 11-year-old Kinsler Martin making his tournament debut this year. He performed well in the qualifier and even played in the same flight as his grandfather Keith Martin, who went on to win the flight. A cool multi-generational moment.

On behalf of all participants, I want to extend thanks to Scott Maynes for once again serving as our tournament organizer and facilitator. These kinds of events don’t run themselves, and we’re lucky to have someone so committed to making them happen.

 

Small Town Wednesdays

I will do the Men’s Night recap first for those who simply want that information. Then I will launch into my weekly reflection.

There were only 25 golfers this week. Many were likely scared away by the solid rain from 4:20 – 5:15 pm.

Skins went on five holes. Winners included Dawson Tanner/Jason Neufeld ($20 on #1 and $20 on #9), Scott Maynes /Jason Gorrell ($147.26 on #4), and Ryden Lanouette/Myles Shingoose ($20 on #7).

The win by Gorrell, coupled with his large deuce pot last week, vaulted him into second place on the season money list with $203.95. He is closing in on leader Dawson Tanner who sits at $200.34.

Darcy Kowalchuk is leading the ringer board at -6.

Charles McKay was closest on #5. Jason Neufeld was closest on #9 plus he converted the birdie to win the $46.88 deuce pot.

While on the golf course earlier this week, I mentioned how lucky we are to live in somewhere like Shoal Lake. I thought of that again this morning while reflecting on our recent Men’s Night round. The more I replayed the evening, the more I realized that Wednesday evenings here aren’t just about the golf. They are a snapshot of what makes rural life so awesome.

We are extremely fortunate to have own little nine‑hole course where the barriers to playing golf are almost comically low. Most times you can pull up to the first tee, stretch a bit, then hit a ball without waiting. No online booking required. No waking up early to get a good tee time. If two groups land at the same time, we sort it out with a quick wave and a “you guys go.” Or you can head to another open hole. Try to do that on a larger course.

Whether it be on Men’s Night or any other day, we move with a ready‑golf rhythm in Shoal Lake. What doesn’t happen is a five‑hour grind to complete a round. Here you can head out after supper, play 18, and still beat the darkness home.

We also have memberships that fit real budgets and don’t break the bank. A regular green fee at Clear Lake this year is in the ballpark of $115 for 18 holes. Four of those rounds and you’ve basically covered a season membership at Lakeside. You can trade four destination splurges for months of unlimited local golf.

Another thing that makes Men’s Night unique here is how completely level the ground feels once you arrive. Job titles and social status stay at home or in your truck. Nobody cares if you run a business, drive a school bus, seed 5,000 acres, or just got home from your first year of university. We’re all even off the first tee, armed with a mix of shiny new drivers, regripped hand‑me‑downs, and whatever ball we found under a spruce last week. Social status isn’t so much erased as it is irrelevant. That is the case for Men’s Night but it is also sort of the default setting for our community.

Then there are the little things you can’t buy somewhere else at a fancy course. Prairie evenings that linger and let you hit golf balls later than you should. Deer drifting along the tree lines. Foxes trotting across the sixth fairway like they own the place. Kids pedaling bikes across the course while you are playing. The smell of 10 to 20 fires coming from the campground. The constant sound of pickleballs on paddles. The hum of a nearby generator as you tee off of #3. All of those things are what make Shoal Lake unique.

Small‑town golf is possible because people care about our course and do things to make it better. Many volunteers trim trees, take care of flower pots and planters, paint decks and cart shed doors, install new weeping tile across a fairway, create roads to the campground, and occasionally MacGyver irrigation systems that aren’t working properly. And these people aren’t just those on the golf club executive. If help is required on the course or campground, we often see a call for a work party on Facebook.

The beauty about Men’s Night is what it says about rural community life. You show up, share space, laugh, compete a little, and head home better than you arrived. In a world where so much feels scheduled and structured, our Men’s Night is wonderfully unscripted. We don’t need a dress code, a starter with a two-way radio, or high greens fees. We need $10 for skins, sunlight, good humour, a flag to aim at, and people willing to pause midweek to hang out.

Have a good end to your week everyone. And for those participating in tomorrow's Horse Race...good luck and have fun.

 

Golf Interruptus

Wednesday night at Shoal Lake Golf Course is sacred. It's Men’s Night, a time-honoured ritual. But even the strongest traditions occasionally get sideswiped by the unpredictable forces of nature and life.

Golf Interruptus. That’s the term I’m coining for the bizarre, baffling, and sometimes beautiful interruptions that threaten to derail our weekly golf gathering.

First, let’s address the number one culprit of Golf Interruptus: the weather.

It takes a special kind of golfer to stand on a fairway beneath a black sky soaked to the skin and say with conviction, “It’ll blow over.” Each year, we usually get at least one or two rain nights that shut things down completely. Last July, we played on a day with three separate weather alerts, including a severe thunderstorm warning. You know, just a casual golf-at-your-own-risk kind of evening.

And how could we forget June 12th of last year, when we had a tornado warning and an inch of rain fell between 3:30 and 4:00 pm. It looked like the apocalypse but by 6:00 pm, the sun came out, the fairways were steaming like a sauna, and we played. Naturally.

Honestly, short of actual frogs falling from the sky or a meteor strike, we golf.

Cold weather doesn’t cancel Men’s Night; it just gives it more character. Sure, a few guys stay home when it’s 6 degrees with a 30 km/h wind. But those who do show up, that’s a different breed of man. They’re either dedicated, slightly unstable, or avoiding something at home. Sometimes, it’s all three.

Last night, there were 37 of these dedicated men who showed up to golf. And while I have attended many Men’s Nights, I would think the conditions last night were as close to perfect as possible. While it was not scorching hot it was more than comfortable. There was no rain, no smoke in the air, and the wind was almost completely absent. Calm evenings on Wednesdays seem to be a rarity.

The highlights from the golf include Kevin Bartram and Charlie McNabb getting closest to the holes on #5 and #9 respectively. Three skins went, including Phil Ostash ($44.38 on #2), Charles McKay / Wayne Griffin ($23.13 on #7), and Darcy Kowalchuk / Charlie McNabb ($44.38 on #9).

Jason Gorrell had himself a night carding one of the lowest rounds of the evening with a 38. That was made possible due to a chip-in birdie from in front of the final hole. He partnered with Darcy Kowalchuk’s to split the $211.88 deuce pot. Jason’s score was a 15-stroke improvement from last week.

One other thing to note about last night…Scott Maynes had an incredible birdie on #3. He chipped in from the bush on the left of the hole. His ball was about two feet in grass almost up to his waist.

While weather may be the primary enemy of Men’s Night, let’s not forget the other recurring interruption: life. Some players miss for things such as birthdays, anniversaries, or child-related commitments, such as ball games or 4H events. Look, we get it. Family comes first.

There’s also the odd local tradition of holding Shoal Lake’s high school graduation on Wednesday night. Is this just a coincidence or a conspiracy by community females to distract golfers away from the course? If you’re a parent of a graduate, fine. But for everyone else attending for moral support, what about the moral support required for your fellow golfers that you leave behind?

Sometimes, an interruption is actually worth celebrating. Two weeks ago, our own Robin Kimpinski skipped Men’s Night for something that makes even a hole-in-one seem ordinary: the arrival home of his new grandson, Eli. Congratulations, Grandpa.

From an emergency management perspective, we likely need to prepare for what might be next on the list of Golf Interruptus incidents. Given where we live, we could get rogue cow from a nearby pasture wandering onto the green. I had one in my front lawn a few years back.  

We should form a task force to develop a continuity plan to address other potential threats to Men’s Night. If anyone is interesting in being part of this group, we will be meeting at Gorrell’s campground gazebo next Wednesday at 10:00 pm.

Golf Interruptus. At the end of the day, Men’s Night always finds a way. We dodge storms, sneak past commitments, and tee off into skies that often defy meteorology. Because at Shoal Lake, golf isn’t just a game, it’s a weekly reminder that while life may interrupt, it never fully cancels what matters most. Unless, of course, there’s lightning…in which case, we strongly recommend shelter, a beverage, and waiting it out.

 

Golf Rules, Shoal Lake Style

Someone told me recently that my blogs are getting longer. I took it as a positive. It meant someone was reading them. Once my vacation starts in July, I have more time to write. That same person said last week’s blog was the longest ever. I took that as a challenge.

This morning, I want to talk about the rules that govern the game of golf. While many are universal, not all apply on Men’s Night.

For example, etiquette experts stress that the golfer farthest from the hole plays first—unless everyone agrees to play “ready golf,” as we do on Men’s Night. The only time you’ll get heck is if you don’t let the guy who just birdied go next.

Collared shirts are standard, even required, at most courses. At our local course, you wear what you want. In Shoal Lake, jeans are fairly common, especially on cooler evenings at the start or end of the season. On the hottest days, some guys even go shirtless. This usually involves high levels of both UV and intoxication.

You’re also not supposed to hit someone else’s ball, but it happens on Men’s Night. When it does, the offender incurs a two-stroke penalty and must replay their own ball.

Some courses have internal out-of-bounds areas marked by white stakes. Shoal Lake does not. This was helpful to Jason Gorrell last night when he landed on the putting green from the second tee box. Impressively, he made par from his lie 155 yards directly south of the hole over some dense bush.

Official golf rules require you to play the ball as it lies, even if it’s in a divot, on hardpan, or in a less-than-perfect lie. At Shoal Lake, we use a version of “winter rules,” allowing preferred lies on your own fairway only. You can move your ball within six inches, or a club length, but no closer to the hole. This rule doesn’t apply to balls in the rough or on another fairway. If you’re fluffing your ball in the rough, stop it. The rough is meant to be harder to hit from than the fairways.

There’s also the expectation that you stay quiet during swings. Phones should be off, and voices low. That said, we have lots of guys on call, such as Hydro workers and those from implement dealerships, who may need to keep their phones on. If your phone rings mid-swing and it’s work or the contractor building your new house, that’s generally acceptable. If it’s your spouse, you should immediately pick up your ball and go home. It’s family time now.

One unofficial rule of Men’s Night is no sharing feelings. It’s never been officially stated but it applies in my group. If you are mad about a shot, no problem. If you are struggling with an ongoing sadness or malaise due to challenges of life, put on a brave face. Golf isn’t a therapy session. As far as I know, none of us are trained counsellors.

On Wednesday evenings, swearing is permitted, but only if it’s creative and directed at inanimate objects. And while dropping an F-bomb after a bad shot might feel cathartic, don’t throw clubs. You could hurt someone or break a light on their cart. That happened to me. I won’t say who did it but it occurred at the Horse Race a few years back.

Also, like all courses it is important to fix ball marks on the green, avoid walking on someone’s putting line, and make sure your garbage finds a receptacle. I am noting the last one due to recent experience. While on an early morning scavenger hunt this week to find lost balls, I found cans in the bushes near four different holes. One was about 50 feet from the tree line. I guess if someone was looking that far in, they deserve to be drinking.

Another local rule is the Men’s Night max, referenced last week. If you’re in the trees and playing your seventh shot, it’s time to pick up. We’re here to play golf, not conduct an archaeological dig.

Break the rules and you might get a reminder or an unfriendly stare. But if it involves cheating, expect harsher penalties. Public shunning is not out of the question.

I expect that the majority of golfers generally respected the rules of golf last night, to the best of their ability. Perhaps a few people slightly improved their lie off the fairway. Maybe there was some noise during swings or puts, such as the backfiring of the Gator or someone trying to finish up a story that they just started. But just like every week, things went reasonably well and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Ron Huberdeau likely had a good night. He got closest to the pin on #9 and split a $21.25 skin with Scott Maynes on #1. Scott's teeshot on that hole was in the middle of the bush on the right but bounced almost back to the fairway. 

The other closest to the pin went to Darren Ostash on #5.

Another skin went to Ryden Lanouette and James Van De Velde on #7. They earned $63.75 thanks to Ryden’s eagle and James’ par.

Here is one interesting thing from last night. For the 34 golfers, the middle score was 46. That was as high as I can remember it. I suspect the gusting winds earlier in the round played a factor.

Okay, that was a longer blog entry than normal. If your read the whole thing, I appreciate your patience. If you didn't make it to the end, there is nothing I can say to help because you are no longer reading this.

Horse Race on July 26

The 15^th annual Horse Race is scheduled for Saturday, July 26. 

The 18-hole flighting round starts with a shotgun start at 9:00 am. After lunch, there is a Calcutta and then the horse races begin at 2:00 pm.

Each flight pays out top 3 with the money equal for all flights. The Calcutta pays out the top 2.

Additional information is available at https://tinyurl.com/mwr57zar

The Wednesday Night Mercy Rule

At our Men’s Night, we’ve adopted a triple bogey max rule. It's designed to keep the pace of play moving, protect fragile egos, and most importantly, make sure no one walks off the course with a score that looks like a phone number. No one wants to record a 10 on a par 4 and have to emotionally unpack that later in the clubhouse.

But even with the max rule in place, some golfers rise to the challenge. I’ll never forget the time a guy from out of town, working in Shoal Lake, showed up for two consecutive Men’s Nights and carded back-to-back 63s. I know, because I had the privilege of playing with him both times. This guy hit the max on every single hole. Every single one.

To make it worse, despite our repeated friendly nudges, he refused to pick up once he reached triple bogey. He kept hitting or mishitting, grinding out double-digit hole scores like he was chasing some secret achievement badge.

Last night, someone nearly joined the club with a 59. That’s at least five maxes. Someone said that the player might’ve been a lefty using right-handed clubs. If that’s true, it’s impressive. I can’t even write my name legibly with my left hand, let alone hit a golf ball the opposite way.

We are good with the max score rule because no one has ever won a skin with a partner having a triple. In fact, it would be an almost impossibility. In order to win a hole, the combined score of the high-low partners has to be even par. So, if someone had a max, the partner would need to have a -3 on a hole to even qualify. For example, if one person had a triple on the par 4 first hole, the other person would need to get a hole-in-one to make them eligible for the win.

Last night, five skins were won. Not surprisingly, no one had a max on their winning hole. Winners included Robin Kimpinski/Dave Gill ($137.51 on #1), Ryden Lanouette/Joe Shwaluk ($67.50 on #2), Matthew Ostash/Orin McKay ($26.25 on #5), Barry Nychuk/Nathan Nowasad ($126.26 on #6), and Scott Maynes/Chris Hogg ($42.50 on #9). 

The prizes on the first and last hole are among the highest single hole payouts we have had. It’s not often a single skin pays out more than $100, and it happened twice last night.

Having mentioned Robin, I should also note that he was closest to the pin on #9. Austin Hunter was closest on #5.

The max has become such a staple of Men’s Night lingo that even when a player earns their triple the old-fashioned way, by just batting their original ball around three too many times, they proudly declare, “That’s a real seven.”

Often when we play somewhere else, the rule usually comes into play. The two things that are often said at other courses prior to teeing off are “Let’s play from the white” and “Men’s Night maxes”. 

It appears the max in golf is somewhat universal. Jason and Neufeld and I played Minnedosa on Monday and got paired up with two guys from Shilo. They were good golfers. However, when one of them mentioned their score to their partner, they said "I'll take the triple max".

Of the 42 players out last night, around 30 recorded at least one max. For the 10 brave souls who shot over 50, the maxes were plentiful.

There were three scores under 40 last night. Congrats to Reegan Kominko and Matthew Ostash who had 36’s and Ryden Lanouette who had a 39. Usually, it isn't easy to go under 40 with a max. But when you do, it makes it even better. You get to say things like, “I had a 37 and that included a max on seven”.

And while triple bogeys may not win you prizes, they may provide you with a moment of quiet reflection as you pick up the ball and ride out the remainder of the hole. Think of the par-5 fourth. That hole has caused more emotional trauma than dial-up internet. Hitting max early on there means you get to cruise down the fairway, guilt-free, while watching your buddies finish the hole. You’re the group’s designated cheerleader at that point, and hey, that’s important too.

And when you think about it, a triple bogey max doesn’t even sound so bad when compared to the Horse Race qualifier, where you can rack up four over par on a single hole. Now that’s golf's version of cruel and unusual punishment.

Of course, our friendly max system even mirrors real golf rules to a certain extent. Under the World Handicap System, the maximum score you can post for handicap purposes is Net Double Bogey. That is par + 2 + any strokes you’re entitled to. So, if you're playing a par 4 and get a stroke, your max is 7. It keeps handicaps realistic and prevents blow-up holes from artificially inflating your index.

So next time you hit a max, take comfort…you are part of a proud Men’s Night tradition. A tradition that says, “Hey, we’re here to play golf, but not for that long.”

 

Tee Time Traditions

Every Wednesday, around 6:30 pm, something interesting happens at the golf course. It’s more than just a round of golf; it's an informal but well-crafted, relatively consistent ritual. From the moment we think about it earlier in the week, to the last putt made, and even beyond, Men's Night is governed by an unwritten set of traditions that keep us coming back.

The ritual often begins long before the first tee. Some people arrive early and some come at the last minute. Guys load up their coolers with essentials and generally there is a congregation of carts and players outside of the Club House. The horn at 6:25 pm is used as an indicator for many to head to their respective holes.

Then comes the start of the round. For some, that it their first hole of the day. For others, it could be our fourth or fifth round. Prior to the first tee shot, group members often declare what kind of ball they are hitting and whether or not they are playing for anything. Lefty-righty snips with snakes is a popular choice.

Once on the course, the ritual continues. Golf balls are hit. Some shots result in positive comments. Others result in search parties. People often feel relief if they get past holes 3 and 4 with the same ball.

Golf rituals are common practices among golfers, ranging from simple etiquette to more peculiar habits, often used to enhance focus or perhaps bring some good luck. Many golfers have routines prior to shooting. Some take practice swings, others have repetitive set-ups when addressing the ball, and many use GPS devices to check yardages for their next shots. And while range finding is a ritual, the shots don't always realize the aniticpated distances.

There's an unspoken understanding of the flow. It generally takes around two hours for the Men’s Night round, but for some reason it takes some groups much longer. The actual golf doesn’t take that long. Occasionally you have to wait for the group ahead to clear. At other times, the arrival of the Gator/beverage cart causes a slight delay. Last night that ritual changed slightly with the appearance of a blue GMC Sierra near the fifth teebox, taking the place of the disabled Gator.

Of course, no Men's Night round is complete without the constant banter and hydration. This is intertwined with the shared laughs over a missed drive, the grudging respect for a miraculous birdie, and the ongoing conversation that picks up right where it left off seven days earlier.

Once the score cards are all finally submitted, the ritual shifts gears. The pursuit of the deuce pot and skins is a weekly highlight. As the results are being tabulated, many enjoy some food at the Club House. That was the case for several of the 26 golfers last night.

This week the ritual of prizes was handled quickly. Only one skin went, with Zach Bartram and Jim Geekie winning $61.25 on hole #5 thanks to Zach's birdie. That also won him the $48.75 deuce pot. 

Closest to the holes went to Milt on #5 and Stephen David on #9. Hopefully, someone eventualy gets an ace soon so we can renew a long past ritual of awarding a large hole-in-one prize.

After the prizes are awarded, about half those in attendance head out and the others remain for a while and visit. And then, for some, the evening culminates in the poker at the campground. 

Rituals in golf are important. These rituals might be informal and light-hearted but still carry significance, providing a consistent structure and sense of continuity week after week. Ultimately, the power of Men’s Night lies in our unwavering commitment to showing up each week for the camaraderie and the chance to spend a few hours with friends, away from work, stress, and responsibilities. The simple fact is that we go because it’s fun...because it matters in the way that only the best traditions do. It’s the feeling that, no matter how your round went, you're part of something, something relaxed but also fun and competitive, something that we look forward to for 22 times or so per summer.

So, here’s to the unwritten rules and the enduring traditions that make every Wednesday Men's Night special.

 

This is 40

On Wednesday, we had 40 guys at Men’s Night. That’s right…forty golfers. Four-zero. That’s a pretty solid turnout for this time of year. It’s not 50, but hey, it’s better than 30.

40 is not just a number, it’s a vibe.

For some, it’s the line between a good round and a great round. Some people shoot a 40 and call it the round of their life. Others shoot a 40 and say their round wasn’t anything special. It’s all about perspective.

 

40 in golf is way better than 50. There’s something psychological about seeing a 4 at the start of your scorecard. You feel competent, even if the rest of your round looked like a nature walk with clubs. Even a 49 is infinitely better than a 50. You get a 49 and you feel as if you dodged a bullet. You get a 50 and you hope no one asks you how your round went.

 

40 minutes is roughly the gap between the first group turning in their scorecards and the last. This week was no exception. It was a nice evening. Who is going to blame someone for playing a few extra holes.

 

There were probably 40 comments about how the scores would have been lower…if only the greens were better.

 

Many of us put in a 40-hour work week just for the chance to three-putt from 10 feet on Wednesday night.

 

40 yards was the total distance of a couple of shots in my group. And that’s being generous.

Age 40 is when many of us start believing that golf is the one sport we might still peak in. Our dreams of stardom in baseball, hockey, or figure skating? Long gone. But golf? Golf gives us hope. No running, no jumping…just unrelenting optimism sprinkled with quiet suffering.

 

40 guys at Men’s Night means 40 different stories about how their putt just lipped out.

 

40 dollars is what many guys take to poker later in the evening, each hoping to leverage it into a legendary windfall.

And some say golf is 40% mental… and 60% denial. They’re not wrong.

 

40 ounces is also the approximate volume of several bottles that get emptied on Men’s Night. We stay hydrated.

 

40 mosquitoes followed me around Wednesday evening like I owed them money. It was definitely one of the first nights that demanded a good dose of bug spray.

Kevin Bartram won a combined total of $187.15 on Wednesday. He claimed the $135 deuce pot with a deuce on #9, while winning $20 for closest to the same hole and getting the $65.63 skin with Alvin Rutchka. If you convert that $187.15 to the currency of Kuwait, Cubby won approximately $40 Dinars.

Another skin went to Pete Ostash and Wayne Griffin who won $25 on #2. If you add their two ages together and divide by four, you almost get 40.

The other two skins went to Jeff Hunter/Zach Bartram ($8,76 on 7#7) and Joel Ostash/Orin McKay ($83.76 on #8). If you add Zach and Orin's ages, it is almost 40.

Closest to the pin was Braeden Allen. It you divide the total number of letters in his first and last name by three and multiply by ten you get 40.

 

So, here’s to the 40 golfers who showed up on Wednesday. Next week, let’s aim for another 40. Or maybe even 41. Dream big!