Let the Games Begin

So last year I predicted that we would have our first Mens’ Night on April 19th. Due to a prolonged winter / spring transition it took us two weeks later to get started. Nevertheless, the year has begun and we have a whole season of possibilities ahead of us.

Since it is the start of the year, I thought it would be appropriate to start out with some early season swing tips. Please use them as appropriate:

- It has been a long winter. You likely have not touched your clubs since September. It is also very possible that you have not exercised in months. For the first couple of times golfing, disregard your lack of readiness by swinging as hard as possible. This also is an effective reliever of 6 months of pent-up stress.

- Usually you hit someone else’s driver better than your own. Therefore, ask Robin or Milt if you can use their driver for the first couple of weeks.

- Don’t buy a new driver unless you have had a chance to throw it first.

- Try to minimize negative thoughts during your swing. I try to clear my mind prior to teeing off. I would suggest imagining a shirtless Gorrell riding a white horse. When I think of this I totally forget about trees, water, and other hazards.

- There are lots of people who want to give you advice on your swing. They all have suggestions about your tempo, your backswing, or what you are doing with your wrists. When they provide this advice, smile at them as if you are listening…then imagine their face on your ball. Swing hard.

- If you're afraid a full shot might reach the green while the foursome ahead of you is still putting out, you have two options…you can immediately shank a lay-up, or you can wait until the green is clear and top a ball halfway there.

- Sometimes hitting a second drive even worse helps you appreciate the first one.

- Often we make a great practice swing but then mess up with the real swing. So it is recommended to walk up to the ball, state aloud that “this is a practice swing”, start your swing, yell “this is now my real shot”, then hit it.

- After “laying up” in front of the trees on seven, you can either go with one more club for the next shot or one more ball for the third shot.

- Finally, if you really want to have a better golf swing, go back in time and start it at a much earlier age.

Fifteen golfers were on hand to open the Mens Night season on a mild but pleasant first Wednesday in May.

Skins went on three holes. Winners included Scott Maynes $36 on #4, Robin Kimpinski / Charlie McNabb $20 on #6, and Jamie McCutchin / Carson McLennan $21 on #9.

Closest to the holes were Jamie McCutchin on #5 and Brad Benton on #9. Brad converted his birdie for the only deuce of the evening and a $37.50 prize.

Jamie’s shot on #5 was quite appropriate given that his business Sandy Lake Locker Plant) sponsors the hole. The ninth hole is jointly sponsored by Kimp Services and Susinski Farms.

We will continue with the Ringer Board this year. Information about it is found on the links to the left. Robin and Brad have jumped out to an early lead at -1.

Welcome back to Hannah Street in the Club House. She was joined on Wednesday by Skylar Arnfinson and Jenna Rupa.

This Wednesday is showing 16 Celsius and sunny on the Weather Network, which is slightly better than Environment Canada. I tend to choose the best forecast.