Men's Night Memories...Both Real and Imagined

There were 36 golfers on Wednesday. That's a solid turnout by any measure. We had a mixture of regulars with some new faces added in.

I want to talk about attendance and some interesting historical facts. But first, I will do a quick recap of last week.

There were skins won on five holes. Winners included Jason Gorrell/Ron Huberdeau ($20 on #1), Stephen David/Braeden Allen ($63.86 on #3), Milt/Neuf ($30 on #5), Phil Ostash/Jordan Murray ($22.50 on #7), and Keith Martin/Jim Geekie ($105.02 on #8).

I am not sure if Milt and Neuf have ever paired up. That has to be a rare occurrence for two people known mainly by one name. That is like Prince and Madonna sharing the stage together, and that maybe occurred only once, on February 23, 1985.

The low round of the evening was Keith Martin's 37, which edged out Ryden Lanouette on a countback. The high round was a 52. Closest to the pins were Brett Griffin on 5 and Joel Ostash on 9.

Ryden also added another birdie to his ringer board. He is now tied for the lead with Stephen David at -4.

Speaking of Stephen, his skin on Wednesday moved his season-leading money total to $261.92. Reegan Kominko is in second place at $88.15.

This year, our Men's Night falls on July 1. That doesn't happen often. We were actually discussing this recently. Interestingly, our belief has been that a Canada Day Men's Night means lots of golfers. That is not true.

The last two years that had Men's Nights on July 1 resulted in fewer players than last week. In 2020, there were only 29 golfers, with 34 in 2015. In 2020, it seemed that camping, fishing, and family time resulted in many regulars being away. One thing the blog noted in 2015 was a large turnout of Ostash's.

There was also a July 1st Wednesday in 2009. I don't recall what happened then because I took over Men's Night in 2010.

Our record turnout was August 3, 2014, when we had 51 golfers. I think that was one of two times in the last 15 years when we have hit 50. After a quick search, I couldn't confirm the other date when we hit 50 on the nose. I wonder if it was real or imagined...perhaps another myth or story that we've told and I have come to believe.

There are times when certain atypical events impact attendance one way or the other. On a beautiful July 12 in 2017, there were only 12 golfers. Most of the others were at the local airport watching the Snowbirds, Canada's aerobatic flight demonstration team. Wes Arnfinson golfed. I recall him saying that they were treated to the airshow on the course because of the proximity to the airport. He said the planes turned right above his group when they were playing hole 7.

So for a few years, I have been talking about how July 1 dates inflate golf numbers. I was incorrect. However, the story became one we retold until we believed it.

Just this last week, I had a similar experience. I was talking about our hole-in-one pots and stated that we had not had an ace since Dale Watson in 2018. I was off on this one as well. He won $1,616 for his hole-in-one on five on July 25, 2012. So that's 14 years since someone claimed the pot. For the record, there were 32 golfers that evening back in 2012.

One thing that has hurt our attendance this year is the lack of Wayway boys. They've only come once. Charles McKay told me that they will be back once our greens return.

I am away this coming Wednesday for the Shoal Lake grad. Sometimes that event drops Men's Night attendance a bit, but not always. If everyone doesn't mind, I would appreciate if no one got a hole-in-one or a deuce during my absence.

Weather Delays, Not Excuses

Wednesday was a weird one. The day after a storm that hit Shoal Lake hard, not many showed up for golf. 

During the day, volunteers removed large trees that fell across the golf course. The late-afternoon, early evening weather likely scared some people away, with worries that round two of the storm might hit.

By the 6:30 pm tee time, there were only 12 golfers who made it. That’s not the best turnout but is good enough to have an official Men’s Night.

Skins went on three holes. Winners included Stephen David/Jeff Hunter ($82.52 on #4), Scott Maynes/Blake Hunter ($20 on #6), and Riley Swereda/Ron Huberdeau ($20 on #7).

Closest to the holes were Stephen David on #5 and Ryden Lanouette on #9. Stephen also had the low round of the evening with a 36. The high round was a 54.

As of Wednesday, the Ringer board is starting to have some movement. Stephen is now ahead at -4 followed by Ryden at -3.

On Wednesday, some of those who didn’t play likely did not want to risk getting caught in the rain. I did hear that some guys attended a community meeting regarding lake levels.

This got me thinking about acceptable reasons to miss a Men’s Night. This is my list. Your personal perspective might differ.

It’s okay to miss Men’s Night if your child is being born, graduating, or getting married. It’s also reasonable to be away if you are hospitalized, but not if your wife is. Hospitals have afternoon visiting hours that don’t conflict with the 6:30 pm tee off.

You can miss Men’s Night if you are incarcerated, kidnapped, or involved in a kidnapping as the assailant.

Other acceptable excuses include being struck by lightning, elected Prime Minister that afternoon, or finding yourself floating down the lake on a dock that broke loose during a storm.

You may also be excused if your house is actively on fire. However, if the fire department arrives before 6:00 pm, expectations remain high that you play.

A surprise visit from your high school girlfriend or a winning lottery ticket that must be claimed immediately would also be considered valid reasons.

Reasons that are not acceptable include the following…”It looked cloudy,” “I couldn't find my heart medication,” or “I shot a 54 last week and needed time to recover emotionally.”

In the end, the storm passed, the course survived, and 12 brave souls made it out. The rest of you will have an opportunity to submit their excuse forms to the official Men’s Night attendance committee. Jason Gorrell is their contact.

Skins, Deuces, and a Soaking Rain

There were 27 golfers out this past Wednesday for a night filled with skins, deuces, and a good soaking rain for the last few holes. Skins were claimed on six different holes, with winners including Reegan Kominko ($88.15 on #1), Cole Hunter and Wes Arnfinson ($33.76 on #2), Phil Ostash and Stephen David ($20.00 on #5), Jason Neufeld and Riley Swereda ($20.00 on #6), Orin McKay and Brent Allen ($75.02 on #7), and Terry Susinski and Paul Lucas ($75.02 on #9).

Five deuces were carded on the night by Riley Swereda, Paul Lucas, Stephen David, Ryden Lanouette, and Braeden Allen. Ryden’s deuce was especially noteworthy, coming on the par-4 second hole. 

Closest to the pin honors went to Stephen on #5 and Riley on #9. Riley also had the low round of the night with a solid 34, while the high round of 58 was by an unnamed player in his group. Ryden Lanouette is also holding down the top spot on the ringer board, currently leading the pack at -3.

There is a lot of action happening around the course right now. The temporary greens are in full use, and grass is starting to grow on the original greens. Additionally, the tree crew has been busy planting new rows of trees spanning from holes 5 to 8.

With the temporary greens currently in full use, please remember that we are not adjusting our regular putting rules. Rumours have it that some groups on Wednesday played a two-putt maximum, or even allowing gimmies on birdies and pars. If your group is doing this, please discontinue the practice immediately.

To keep things fair, the general rule of putting out all birdies must be strictly followed. However, if you want to give a competitor a reasonable gimmie for a double or triple bogey to keep up the pace of play, that is perfectly fine. While Men's Night is absolutely intended to be fun, remember that we are also playing for real money, so let's keep the field fair and accurate for everyone.

Grit, Gusts, and Grater Greens

Last night, 27 golfers took to the course for a Men’s Night that felt more like a survival test than a casual round. We were met with a double-threat of howling winds and temporary greens, both of which required a serious mental adjustment and a lot of patience.

The low round of the night was the 36 by Dave Mansell, which was ever more impressive given the conditions. Only two skins were won. Darcy Kowalchuk and Ryden Lanouette won $58.14 on #4 and Fred Hrycak and Cole Hunter combined to earn the $20 prize on #6. 

The deuce pot was claimed for the first time this season with Stephen David getting a two on 5 for $168.60.  Closest to the holes were Jason Gorrell on #5 and Scott Martin on #9.

Nothing quite compared to the experience on the ninth green, which seemed to possess a personality all its own. Unlike the other temporary surfaces, the ninth had a texture that was inexplicably jagged and uneven. Putting across it felt less like a golf stroke and more like trying to roll a ball across a giant, rusty cheese grater.

While it was easy to let the frustration boil over after a few redirected putts and wayward drives, there is a genuine value to these challenging conditions if you look closely enough. The wind, though a nuisance for our ball flight, acted as a natural defense system by keeping the mosquitoes entirely at bay and providing a refreshing cooling effect during the heat of the afternoon. Furthermore, those temporary greens are a vital sacrifice, serving as a necessary interruption while our regular putting surfaces are resown and restored.

Beyond the practical benefits, these odd conditions provided some other perks that we should all appreciate. The relocation of the holes actually forced us to intentionally hit golf balls to unusual spots on the course where we usually only end up by total accident, giving us a whole new perspective on the layout. These rougher putting surfaces also provided the ultimate ego-saver, as no one can truly be blamed for a three-putt when the green has the topographical consistency of a gravel pit. The wind also turned the round into an impromptu fitness session, as several guys got in some cardio in by chasing down runaway hats.

Ultimately, the night turned us all into amateur physicists, as we spent a couple of hours calculating the aerodynamics of a ball moving through a gale force wind and the friction of a sphere bouncing over jagged, irregular surfaces. Thanks to everyone who made it to the evening and through the evening.

Wednesday Night Wind & Big Greens Changes Ahead

There were 18 golfers this past Wednesday, which was a reasonable showing for a cool and windy night. The challenging weather conditions and the quality of the greens made for some tough scoring across the field, but Ryden Lanouette seemed completely unaffected, carding an excellent 39 to take the top spot. He was followed closely by Scott Maynes at 41 and Brett Griffin at 42.

Every other golfer on the course finished at 45 or higher, leading to the highest middle score in recent memory at 49. This unique night of scoring also saw Jason Gorrell and Wes Arnfinson take home an unusual 49-49 low and high pot pairing, while the highest individual score of the evening reached 58. The elements clearly took a toll on the field, highlighted by a combined score of 16 on the par-5 fourth hole.

Skins were awarded on three holes this week, and all of them were won with combined pars. Joel Ostah and James Van De Velde had a good night, getting $28.13 on hole #2 and another $41.26 on hole #6. Phil Ostash and Blake Hunter earned $20.00 for their victory on hole #3.

Ryden Lanouette claimed closest to the hole on #5, but hole #9 went completely untouched as no one managed to hit the green. There were also no deuces recorded for the evening.

Looking ahead, players should be advised that the course will likely transition to temporary greens this week. The Club is embarking on a major project to completely reseed all of the greens, and the work is expected to begin within the week. The regular greens will remain closed to protect the new grass until it is fully established and ready for its first mow. This closure and recovery period is expected to last approximately four weeks from the start of seeding. The Club appreciates everyone's patience and cooperation while these course improvements take place.

Fortunately, the upcoming forecast looks promising for both Men's Night and grass growing, with a stretch of  hot summer temperatures climbing from 32°C on Monday up to 35°C by Thursday. This ideal weather should give the new seed a massive head start. 

Finally Some Men's Night

Well, we were about a week or so later than usual, but we finally had our first Men's Night of the year. The extra wait paid off, though, as the delay gave everyone more time to gear up, resulting in an expanded field for our first round of the season. The weather was good for golf shirts and shorts, resultiing in a turnout of 27 golfers.

There were two skins won on the night. Dawson Tanner collected a solo $20 on #3 after pairing up with the dummy card. Meanwhile, the duo of Joel Ostash and Brett Griffin partnered up to grab a $30.01 skin on #9.

Ryan Mansell had a solid evening, proving his iron play is already locked in by hitting it closest on both par 3's. However, the putters weren't quite as warm as the weather. Neither Ryan nor anyone else in the field managed to card a deuce during the round. The tough early season greens likely were a contributing factor,

Jason Gorell had the best round of the evening, scoring an even par 36 despite a bogey on #9. That was impressive given his tee shot hit the reeds on the same hole.

The ringer pot officially got underway for the season. This allows players to lock in their best score on any given hole between now and the third week in August. Brett Griffin is the early man to beat, standing as the only player to record a score on the board with a birdie on #1.

Great start to the season. See you all this Wednesday.

Time to Golf Again!

The first Men’s Night of the year should happen soon…maybe next Wednesday if we are lucky, or no later than the week after if things aren’t quite ready. And after what felt like the longest Manitoba winter in recorded history, I think we’ve all earned it. 

At one point in February, I was considering taking up curling just so I could hang out with other men in a socially acceptable setting. By March, many of us had forgotten what grass looked like. And by early April, every sunny day created the same false optimism where we hoped that the course would open next week. It never did.

But now here we are. The signs of winter are mostly gone, the geese have returned take over the ninth green, Francis will soon have the Club House running, and golf season is almost back.

There’s something about the first Men’s Night of the year that feels different from every other Wednesday. Nobody has officially ruined their swing yet. Everyone still believes the new driver was a good purchase. Those who went to a simulator three times feel like they have a headstart on others in their group. Guys who shot 51 in the final Men’s Night round of 2025 are suddenly convinced they figured something out over the winter. Hope and delusion are both at peak levels in early May.

Some traditions will immediately return. Jason Gorrell will likely find himself near the top of the money list whether he shoots high or low on the first night. Scott Maynes will chip in from somewhere completely unreasonable and act like it was planned. Darcy Kowalchuk will stripe some drives down the middle while casually mentioning how much older he is than others in the group.

Milt will spend at least three holes explaining how he used to hit that club about 20 yards farther. Someone in his group will politely nod while secretly wondering if he’s talking about 2007. Blake Hunter will likely deliver a round that includes both a tap-in birdie and a golf shot that briefly threatens people on an adjacent hole.

Wes Arnfinson will line up a putt from every possible angle before somehow leaving it exactly two inches short. Somewhere along the way, I will loudly declare that I am just happy to be out here before becoming visibly upset over my third lip-out of the round.

There will also be several golfers dressed for completely different weather conditions. Paul Lucas will be in shorts. Neuf will be wearing a toque. And someone else will be fully prepared for rain that never comes.

Players will start off their first hole with a birdie and wonder if this will be their lowest round ever. Others will double bogey the first three holes and start hoping for a score or two to add to the ringer board. The boys from Wayway will likely play $20 skins until after dark.

Inevitably, the first few holes will also double as a catch-up session on how everyone survived the winter. Vern Snyder will recount his trip to New Zealand and talk about how much better the weather was there. We’ll check in on Phil Ostash on how he’s recovering after his knee surgery, likely getting a very optimistic “it’s coming along” response regardless of reality. And we’ll ask Reegan Kominko how his hockey season went out in BC.

The beauty of Men’s Night is that it never really changes, and that’s exactly why we like it. Soon the campground will be full again. The smell of fires will reach the course, coolers and cans will be rattling in carts, and groups will gather at the Club House afterward to debate missed putts, replay great shots, watch some hockey, and maybe head to a campsite for an extended visit involving some playing cards.

We’ll welcome back the regulars and those mysterious golfers who only appear three times a year but somehow always leave with half the skins money. We’ll see golfers from Shoal Lake and surrounding communities, all showing up for the same reason…to enjoy a Wednesday evening with friends, good weather, competition, and just enough aiming fluid to improve confidence on the last few holes.

There are lots of things to look forward to this season. The return of the deuce pot. The ongoing chase for the ringer board. The Horse Race tournament later this summer. The inevitable debates about whether conditions were windy or merely character building. The annual accumulation of lost golf balls scattered throughout the water hazards, bush, long grass, and occasionally the lake adjacent to holes #8 and 9. The complaints and the optimism about the green conditions.

And of course, we will resume pursuit of the elusive hole-in-one pot, which has now grown large enough that several players are probably already planning imaginary purchases with money they absolutely will not win. A quick reminder to those in my group, if someone wins we don’t tell our wives. 

So, charge your Bluetooth speaker, dust off your clubs, stretch whatever muscles survived winter, and prepare yourself for another summer of golf, laughs, questionable shot decisions, and stories that improve slightly every time they are retold.

Winter took its sweet time leaving, but Men’s Night will finally resume after another offseason. That alone feels worth celebrating. See everyone on a Wednesday some time in the near future.

Highlights of Men’s Night 2025

Well, here we are...the end of another season. Generally I do the blog fairly soon after Men's Night. Not this time. While our final evening of golf was October 8, I was in no rush to do this write-up. Something about this makes the season end seem more definitive.

We had a great year, which I will recap shortly. Prior to that, I will do a quick overview of the final evening. We had 19 golfers, I think for the third straight week.

Closest to the pins were Braeden Allen on #5 and Sonny Blackbird on #9. There were no deuces. There were also no holes-in-one, which means the $4300 pot will carry over to next year. Let's hope it goes in 2026.

There were three skins won on October 8. Myles Shingoose was on his own for two wins, $26.86 on #2 and $20.00 on #3. Chad Tanner and Terry Susinski paired for $20.00 on #8.

So, let's look back at some highlights of this past season. 

• We had 21 Men's Nights. 
• We started on May 7 and went to October 8. 
• We had two cancellations, one due to weather and one because only 9 guys showed up.
• Jason Gorrell was the season money leader with a $382.75 total. Scott Maynes was second with $295.66 and Phil Ostash was third with $235.68. 
• Zach Bartram found himself in the top 10 for the first time. His $160.02 was good for 8th place.
• There were four instances where a golfer earned over $100 in a single evening. The highest single-night earnings were achieved by Kevin Bartram, who took home $187.15 on May 7. Other notable single-night earnings include Colby Moore with $160.02 on July 9, Dawson Tanner with $116.26 on May 14, and Jason Gorrell with $105.94, also on May 14. These standout performances highlight some of the biggest paydays of the season.
• May 7, 2025 had the highest total payout, totaling $324.71 distributed among the winners.
• August 20, 2025 had the most individual winners, with 7 different players earning skins that evening.
• In total, over $4400 in skins were paid out over the course of the season.
• Darcy Kowalchuk won the ringer board with a -7 score. 
• While not official Men's Night stats, I am certain that there were at least 20 games of poker in the campground, following the golf rounds.

My made-up Saturday afternoon math suggests that there quite a few beverages that accompanied the golf. Over the course of 21 Men’s Night rounds, with say an average of 30 participants each week, estimated alcohol consumption adds up significantly. Each week, we can assume that the group consists of 6 non-drinkers (0 drinks), 6 heavy drinkers (approximately 8 drinks each for 48 total), 14 moderate drinkers (approximately 4 each for 56 total drinks), and 4 “couple-of-drinks” players (2 each for total of 8), for a weekly total of 112 drinks. Over 21 weeks of play, this amounts to approximately 2,352 drinks consumed during the season. In volume terms, that’s about 28,224 ounces or roughly 220 gallons of beverage, enough to fill a small backyard pool. Maybe next year I will create a cumulative list of weekly leaders in the beverage category.

Assuming the average golfer lost one ball per nine holes, there was likely over 600 balls that were hit and never recovered. Combine this with other errant shots, flubs, three-putts, and chunks, and there was likely a couple of thousand instances of profanity.

But these stats, whether factual or extrapolated, only tell part of the story. As we close the book on the 2025 Men’s Night season, it is imporant to note that our weekly golf is about so much more than numbers, winnings, or perfect swings. It’s about camaraderie, laughter, and the shared experience of hanging out with friends on Wednesday evenings. From incredible shots to memorable mishits, from cheers for a well-earned deuce to groans at yet another three-putt, each round was a chance to connect, compete, and enjoy the game we love. 

Whether it was celebrating high earners, savouring scores for the ringer board, or just enjoying a few drinks and some friendly poker afterward, the true highlight of the season was the community and spirit that made every Wednesday a night to look forward to. Here’s to the memories made in 2025 and the anticipation of another great season of golf, friendship, and fun in 2026.

The Many Faces of Men’s Night Success

If you’ve been following along this golf season, you already know that the Wednesday skins game has been good for many people. To date, 55 different players have won at least one skin, which either proves the incredible depth of talent in our group, or shows that luck is the single most valuable club in anyone’s bag. Every week, it’s the same story: the regulars grind it out, showing up rain or shine, week after week, chasing that chance for a skin. And then there are the occasional visitors, the folks who stroll in after long absences, and somehow walk away with half the pot.

When you look at the season money list, it really breaks down into two categories. First there are the Grinders, those of us who rarely miss a Wednesday, scrape together a win here and there, and build our totals like we’re collecting Air Miles. I proudly count myself among the first group. I am a Grinder. I only miss one or two Wednesdays a year, and when I do, I feel like I should leave a note in the clubhouse explaining my absence. My approach is simple. I show up, have enough good holes to stay happy, and hope my partner in the high-low pot matches one of my best holes.

And then there are the Gunslingers, the ones who show up infrequently and walk away with some big cash. Colby Moore would be an example. He has only played a handful of times yet is in the top 10, mainly because of a $160 deuce pot.

Then there’s Jason Gorrell, who’s somehow managed to be both. As a regular, he’s always in the mix, quietly scooping up small wins regardless of whether he is in the high or low group. But every now and then, he explodes for a monster night. He did that this past Wednesday, turning the rest of us into spectators. Not surprisingly, he now sits comfortably atop the season money list, and catching him in our final week would require divine intervention.

This past Wednesday, Jason put together a career round at Men’s Night, a sparkling 36. Along the way, he got closest to the pin on #9, shared the deuce pot, and cleaned up with three skins. Teaming up with Phil Ostash, he pocketed $35.64 on #3, another $25.01 on #8, and capped it off with $35.64 on #9.

Three other skins were won. Darcy Kowalchuk and Zach Bartram got $35.64 on #4, Scott Maynes and Blake Hunter combined for $25.01 on #5, and Wes Arnfinson won a solo $20.00 skin on #7.

Closest to the pin on #5 was Mr. Maynes who also shared the $75.01 deuce pot with Gorrell and Blake.

So back to the main focus of the blog…the Grinders and the Gunslingers. What about everyone else? That’s what makes Men’s Night fun. The random high-low pairings which are the Great Equalizer. You don’t need to shoot the lowest score to win a skin, in fact, the lowest score often gets shut out because they catch a high-scoring partner. However, the highest score doesn’t always mean you’re left empty-handed. Just this past week, someone carded a 53 and still won a skin. That is proof that all you need is one good hole…and a partner who can occasionally find a fairway.

One quick thing to note, not that it may matter to some of you. The season money list is just for skins and deuce pots. Prizes for closest to the pin and hole-in-ones do not count. That being said, give me the hole-in-one prize and I could care less how it impacts my standing on the money list.

So, as we head into the final week, we salute the Grinders, the Gunslingers, and everyone who’s ever muttered, “Well, maybe next Wednesday.”

Well, this Wednesday is the last next Wednesday of the year. So come on out one more time and see how you do. With the hole-in-one pot around $4300, all you need is one good swing to win big.

Don’t forget…it will be October 8 so tee off is at 5:30 pm.

October Golf!

This week will be doing something that is not very common. We are going to have a Men's Night in October. Wednesday is the first day of the new month. 

Prior to discussing this topic, I will provide a quick rundown of last week when we had 19 golfers.The closest to the holes were Charles McKay on #5 and Phil Ostash on #9. No one recordded a deuce. There were three skins won, all by the same pairing. Chad Tanner and Ron Sopko won $22.51 on #1, $22.51 on #2, and $33.76 on #7.

The forecast for Wednesday, October 1 is 25 Celsius. That is way better than last year. When we teed off at 5:30 pm on October 2, 2024, it was about 10 Celsius with wind gust up to 50 km/hr. By the end of the round, it was around 7 Celsius air temperature with a pretty good windchill. 

This week isn’t just bonus golf, this is t-shirt weather in Fall. In Manitoba. It’s like Mother Nature heard us grumbling in April and is trying to apologize with a hot flash.

Sunset will be at 7:20 PM, so we’re aiming for a 5:30 PM start. Yes, that’s early. Yes, it’s technically still work hours for some. But we’re prioritizing golf over employment. If you are a little late, no problem. This early tee time is consistent with what we have done in the past for October golf. And by the past, I mean last year, when we played on both October 2 and 7.

Playing in the tenth month is rare. How rare you might wonder? Well, we did it twice last year. And we have not done it in any year previously, at least back to 2013 when I started doing this blog.

But this year we will do it again. That’s right, two years in a row of October golf. We’re on the verge of creating a tradition, or at least a weird seasonal weather anomaly.

So don’t put your clubs away yet. Put on your favourite golf shirt, apply some deodorant, and join us for what may be the most beautiful, unlikely round of Men’s Night we’ve had in October in Shoal Lake. Because nothing says fall magic like duffing a shot into a pile of crunchy leaves while pretending it is still summer.

Men’s Night Welcomes All

Several people have asked when does Men’s Night end. It is totally weather-dependent. Last year we played twice in October. This week’s forecast looks excellent. It is supposed to be 22 Celsius and sunny with 0% chance for precipitation. That is great for both golfers and farmers.

Our little nine-hole golf course is an important Wednesday evening gathering place for men in our community. But it’s not just the locals that make Men’s Night a success. No, we’ve also had the privilege of welcoming players from all across the province, and sometimes even a few from further away.

Over this summer, our Men’s Night has seen some familiar faces from nearby communities like Hamiota, Oakburn, Kenton, Birtle, and Keeseekoowenin. These are the guys who don’t mind the short drive for a few hours of golf and good company, and we sure appreciate them. And we also get individual community reps, such as Jim Geekie from Strathclair, Ron Huberdeau from Isabella, Scott Martin from Minnedosa, Ryan Merasty from Morden, and Darcy Kowalchuk from Langenburg.

Charles and his crew from Waywayseecappo have helped boost our numbers over the past few years. They come out often, and when they do, they add a lot to our weekly gathering. And during those weeks in the summer when they are busy with slo-pitch and fastball, we really notice their absence.

Several of the out-of-towners have won skins this year, which might make them more interested in returning next week. This past week, for example, of our 18 golfers, several were not from Shoal Lake. Two from Birtle did well. Bill McArthur had closest to the pin on #5 and Al Bray won a $21.88 skin on #8 with Jason Gorrell.

The only other skin went to Scott Maynes ($20.00 on #5). That was a good hole for him. He had closest to the hole plus he converted the putt for the only deuce of the evening. That won him an additional $31.89.

Thanks to the campground right next to the golf course, our membership has soared past 200 this year, bringing in golfers from all corners of Manitoba and beyond. There are regulars on Wednesdays, like Vern Snyder from Brandon, that we see almost every week because they have seasonal campsites.

We also see increased traffic during special events and holidays. When the July long weekend rolls around or the Horse Race tournament kicks off, we get Men’s Night players from all over, including Saskatchewan and Alberta.

It is standard practice for our members to invite people to join us. Whenever we meet someone new on the course or in the community, we quickly let them know that Men’s Night is on Wednesday.

Sure, it’s great to have a nine-hole course for the local crowd, but it’s the influx of out-of-town (and out-of-province) players that turns our small-town golf experience into something better. On any given week, our visitors make our course feel a little bigger. So, whether you’re coming from nearby or further away, we’re just happy you’re here.

If you ever have guests who might be interested in taking a crack at a golf course surrounded by good company, make sure to invite them to our Men’s Night. We’ve got room for them.

A Late Summary

Okay, I am doing this the day before Men's Night. What can I say. I have been busy. I enjoy writing extended blogs when I have time. And sometimes when I have other things on the go, the blog gets delayed.

So here is the quick rundown from last week. After not getting the required 10 players the previous week, we had 18 golfers on Wednesday.

Some highlights included Ryden Lanouette's low score of 37, Charles McKay and Phil Ostash getting cloest to the holes on #5 and #9 respectively, and Colby Moore cashing in for a $160.02 deuce pot on the last hole.

With fewer golfers, we had several skins won, six to be exact. Winners included Pete Ostash/Jason Neufeld ($63.76 on #1), Jason Gorrell/Blake Hunter ($23.75 on #2 and $20.00 on #3), Trevor Wilson/Vern Synder ($23.75 on #4), Charles McKay/Joe Shwaluk ($20.00 on #5), and Phil Ostash/Brett Griffin ($20.00 on #9).

Don't forget it is 6:00 pm tee off until the end of the season.

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.