Keep your eye on what new things Neuf likes

Everyone knows that technology has taken over the game.  On a yearly and sometime monthly basis, there are new clubs coming out that offer new advances never before seen.  For example, I thought I wanted a Callaway Epic driver because of it's "jailbreak" technology.  Then Taylormade comes out with their new "twist-face" technology.

Most of us are fairly satisfied with our equipment until we see someone else with something new and shiny.  For example, I wasn't that excited about new golf balls until I saw Darcy Kowalchuk and his brand new Vice and Kirkland Signature models.   I am pretty sure  that Brad Benton is sponsored by Titleist the way that he has been promoting the new AVX balls.  He has told me about them 4 or 5 times.

In Shoal Lake, it seems like Neuf is the early adopter to most things new.  I recall not so long ago that he came to the course with this giant new Super Stroke putter grip.  People examined it closely and made fun of the way that it looked.  We held his putter in our hands and said how uncomfortable it was and how it made no sense.  Fast forward to present day when many people, including most of those with whom I play, have an oversized grip.

It wasn't that long ago that golf GPS first came into being.  Now everyone has them.  The early versions were replaced by touch-screen ones and then people such as Scott Martin started wearing GPS watches.  Of course, Neuf was one of the first around to get the hand-held range finder and now others are following suit.  I don't know if I need one of those...especially in Shoal Lake where I know most of the yardages from experience.  However, I will drive back home from the club house if I forgot my  regular GPS.  It's helpful to know that you are exactly 136 yards from the front of the sixth green even though your tee shot is on the seventh fairway.

My fear is that Neuf will bring something new and weird to the course and I will need to buy one because of his track record.  I can imagine an awkward conversation with a stranger at some other course when he asks me about my knee-high black boot golf shoes.  I will tell him that this guy I know has them...and that they will likely be a big thing next year.

There were 22 golfers last night, including several new ones from the farming industry who got some much deserved time off after what I assume was a busy month.

Skins went on three holes.  Winners included Robin Kimpinski / Ron Anderson ($20 on #3), Dale Martin / Jason Neufeld ($20 on #6), and Austin Hunter / Jim Geekie ($58.85 on #7).  Three of those were new winners this year.

Closest to the holes were Ron Susinski on #5 and Jason Neufeld on #9.  Ronnie made his birdie for the only two of the night.  That was good for sole possession of the deuce pot worth $71.25.  As a result, Ronnie is the new leader of the Mens' Night money list for 2018.

With the ringer board, we have Robin Kimpinski and Brad Benton tied at -3.  That's not so new. These guys usually do well in this event.

What is new is Benny's Astoria Pizzaria is sponsoring closest to the pin on #5.  Thanks to Jamie McCutchin who sponsored it for the last few years.  Continuing on with their support of the 9th hole are Kimp Services and Susinski Farms.

The golfer's memory

Golfers tend to forget many things.  For example, it is good to forget the bad shots or poor rounds.  In fact, the most effective golfers are those who can have a bad shot or hole and quickly shake it off and rebound on the next one.  The best and most consistent players have  something akin to short term memory loss.  They do better because they literally can’t remember what just happened.  Every time they get on the next tee, they stand there with a clean slate, a clear mind.  The frustrations of the last hole are not there. They can’t remember that last 3-putt or the last chunked shot around the green.  They can't remember that previous drive that went into the trees.

Others have vivid memories of their bad luck.  They tee off seven still talking about that ball that never should have been lost on four.  They stand over a long putt on nine and remind everyone how they three-putted five.  They come back to the first tee later in the day and state their hope that they don't get another six like last round.

If you want to move on after a bad shot, you need to get past that bad shot.  You need to release all the negative emotion.  I may not score as consistently as some but I am pretty sure I enjoy my time on the golf course more than most.  I may lament a lost ball for a moment before grabbing another to hit.  I don't throw my clubs because I missed a par putt or chunk a chip.  I don't see the point.  I go to golf to relax and hang out with friends.  I don't want to make it a stressful experience for myself or others.

We also seem to forget some things from September to May.  For example, some people forget that they aren't scratch golfers and get mad about early season scores in the mid forties., when that is exactly where they should be.  We don't remember that winter lasts almost 8 months in Manitoba.  It does...so I think we need to suck it up and make sure to maximize the four months when we don't live in a frigid tundra.  We fail to recall how the greens handle the winter...with people frequently complaining about their condition at the start of the year.  Again, we live in a place in which winter lasts a long time.  Be patient.  The greens will get better.

I almost forgot to write about last week.  Four skins were claimed including Jamie McCutchin / Charlie McNabb ($20 on #2), Devin Allen / Brad Benton ($20 on #3), Blake Hunter / Stephen David ($32.10 on #5), and Jason Gorrell / Sonny Blackbird ($25.50 on #6).

Speaking of Gorrell, had a nice chip in from the back of the seventh green for an eagle.  His score of -2 on that hole was the only eagle of the night.  There were no deuces.

Closest to the pins were Stephen David on #5 and Devin Allen on #9.   I missed the putt on #5.  I can't recall if it was a 3 footer or a 50 footer.  

Sorry for being late

I enjoy writing the blog and recapping Men's Night each week.  It isn't cutting edge journalism by any means but I try to do a good job.  I proofread and correct the spelling and grammatical mistakes that I notice. Usually my heart is in it and I knock it off early on Saturday morning.

There are two occasions in which my blog entries are a bit lacking.  Firstly, there are the weeks when I am away.  It's hard to write about things when I wasn't a witness to the things when they happened.  Secondly, long weekends can be a distraction for good reasons.  These two things converged this week.  I was in Winnipeg for a meeting and missed the golf.  Then May long weekend came.

So I am left to report the facts with the exception of one report from the field.  Brad Benton asked me to note that he scored an eagle on one after hitting a 3 wood onto to the green and converting the putt.  That was the only two of the evening earning him the $46.80 pot.

Skins went on three hole.  Winners included Austin Hunter / Peter Ostash ($20 on #2), Jason Neufeld / Phil Ostash ($20 on #3), and Robin Kimpinski / Theoren Hunter ($42 on #9).

Closest to the pins were Robin Kimpinski on #5 and Jamie McCutchin on #9.

Thanks to Neuf and Blake for taking care of things in my absence.  I will absolutely be there tomorrow.  It looks like a nice hot day...plus I hear that some of our farmer friends are wrapping up seeding.

Here we go again!

Well we finally got the season started.  This was one of our latest openings in recent years...but who cares because it is here now.  The start of the season is always filled with such promise.  Many have new clubs or golf clothes with new swing thoughts ready to be applied.  There are visions of low rounds and holes-in-ones as well as aspirations to score better on the ringer board while cashing in more skins.  Heck, even the desire to win the Chase-the-Ace pot is palpable at this time of year.

Speaking of Chase-the-Ace, I finally got my ticket pulled for a chance but couldn't find it among the 41 cards. It's over $1300 for next week for anyone that might be interested.

On a fairly cool opening night, we had 13 golfers come to open the year.  Skins only went on two holes.  Robin Kimpinski paired with the dummy for a $20 win on #1 while Theoren Hunter and Phil Ostash combined for $20 on #2.  Closest to the pin on #5 was Pete Ostash.  No one hit the green on #9.  There were no deuces.

I frequently say that Wednesdays from May to September are my favourite days.  However, I don't mind Saturday mornings such as these.  It's fun to update this blog with both a coffee and my dog nearby...knowing that I will be hitting golf balls with the boys in a couple of hours.

Also I know that the whole golf season is ahead of us.  There should be about 20 Mens' Nights with lots of laughs, some good and bad shots, and more than a few rides home on the cart in the dark.  We will also have some nine-and-dines,  a few Jack and Jills, and several tournaments.  Most of us still have a fairly clean slate with our significant others...given that we probably have yet to play too much or stay out too late too often.

So best of luck to everyone for a fun and long summer of golf.  May your shots be straight, may your balls fly far, may your rounds be blessed, than no worse than par.

Goodbye winter...hello golf!

Our first Men's Night of the year will be next Wednesday, May 9th starting at 6:30 pm.  At the end of last season I predicted that we would get going by April 25.  I apologize for being off by two weeks but the weather is just starting to cooperate.

It looks like the course wintered well.  The greens look good and everything is much dryer than we usually see at this time of year.

The format for Men's Night will be the same, with skins beginning at 6:30 pm.  One slight change will be the entry fee will go up from $8 to $10.

The Ringer Board will continue and run from the first week until August 22.  Last year's champion Jamie McCutchin will be looking to defend his title.

We will also keep track of prize winners.  Last year, Robin Kimpinski led the way with $469.25 in earnings.

In terms of other things to note in and around the golf course, we would like to welcome Carter Chegwin as our new head greenskeeper.  Carter is taking over from his grandfather Dave.  We have also chosen to lease the Club House this year to Francis Caspillo.  Finally, there is a new washroom facility in the middle of our campground.

Spread the good word...and maybe we will see you next week,

Another good season of golf

Well...it's October 1st.  The start of a new month and the official end to our Men's Night season.  There will be those people who are sad that summer has ended.  Others will mention how quickly it passed and start talking about how the cold weather is soon to arrive.  I prefer to join the ranks of those that were grateful for five good months of golf.

Living in Manitoba, we generally have beautiful summers with long days that allow golf past 10:00 pm at the end of June and early July.  Other than the wind that seems to fill most of the days in May and September, conditions are quite favourable for driving golf carts and hitting golf balls.  This of course is balanced with winters that can get fairly cold with the occasional blizzard.  It seems to be a reasonable trade-off.

Also, there are advantages in living in a landlocked province in the middle of this country.  We are fairly immune to those natural disasters which seem to be increasing in their frequency.  Sure Manitoba gets the occasional mild tornado but they are extremely infrequent. Our biggest challenges seem to be periods of too much rain which alternate with times of too little precipitation.  Our most noteworthy weather event of the year was the short hail storm that hit early in July.

If you are sad to see summer end, plan to do something fun or productive to fill your Wednesday evenings.  You could take up curling or start walking or exercising if that's your thing.  If that doesn't appeal to you, enjoy having an evening off once per week to catch up on things at home, or to relax and hang out with family and friends.

Our final Men's Night was held on Wednesday. Skins went on four holes.  Winners included Dale Watson / Robin Kimpinski ($20 on #2, $20 on #4), Jason Gorrell / Brad Benton ($20 on #2), and Scott Maynes / Stephen David ($20 on #6).

Scott Maynes was dialed in on the par 3's.  He was closest on both 5 and 9 and converted one of the putts for the only deuce of the night.  This won him an additional $19.50.

Robin Kimpinski capped of a strong season atop the money list with $469.25 in total winnings.  This is the single year record since we started recording.  There were 21 Men's Nights this year.  Robin won cash in 15 of the 19 weeks in which he played.  This is remarkably consistent and not as easy as one might assume.  Even good golfers need to get paired with partners to win holes.

I should mention that we held our second annual NHL Hat Auction last night. Thanks to everyone involved in the planning and all of those that came out to make this a successful event.  And as much as it pains me to say this as a Maple Leaf fan....let's go Canadians!  Also, Vancouver Canucks...bet of luck in your quest to be the worst team in the league in 2017-2018.

Each year I like to predict our start up for the following season.  I am going to say that special day will be Wednesday, April 25.  Until then...enjoy your fall and winter.  And don't give up golf just yet.  Last year, the course was busy on a warm Saturday on November 12.

September golf

September golf is fun...except for the leaves. I have played yellow golf balls for most of this year, trying to be cool like Scott Martin.  Those balls have been harder to find as of late.  I have had a few just off of fairways or greens that required small search parties to locate.  I probably should play white balls for the remainder of the year.

Last week, we had 16 golfers which was pretty good for this time of the year.  Skins went on three holes.  Winners included Jason Gorrell / Brad Benton ($20 on #1), Robin Kimpinski / Barry Twerdun ( $53.00 on #5), and Charlie McNabb / Theoren Hunter ($20 on #9).

Charlie had a good evening, scoring the only deuce for $24.  His tee shot on #9 landed about 15 inches in front of the pin and stopped about 7 inches behind it.

Charlie was closest on #9 and Jason Gorrell was closest on #5.  Both won a bottle of Jim Beam for their efforts, courtesy of Iam Rambally, a friend of Mr. Benton.

This coming Wednesday is our final official Men's Night of the year. The Club House is closed for the season as of Thursday.

There's still time

Mens'  Night is still planned for this week.  Our general rule of thumb is it ends when people stop showing up.  That usually corresponds to when the weather turns significantly enough so that even the diehards don't come out. That isn't the case yet...so hopefully we will see you at 6:00 pm on Wednesday. The forecast looks promising.  For reference, our final round of the year in 2016 was September 28th.

Last week we only had 10 golfers but it was a good evening. It was our 20th Men's Night of the season.  Only one skin was won by Robin Kimpinski and Ian Paterson who received $20 for their efforts.  Closest to the pins were Brad Benton on #5 and Scott Maynes on #9. Only Maynes birdied to claim the $36 deuce pot.

Usually near the end of the summer, I note some highlights of the year that was.  So here are some of the interesting happenings of 2017:
- Our season started on May 3rd and so far it has spanned 21 weeks.
- We had one lost evening due to rain, wind, and cold.
- Jamie McCutchin edged out Scott Maynes on the last night of the ringer board.
- There were multiple nights when no one recorded closest to on a par 3.
- We had a great feature about the golf course in the Brandon Sun.
- Our campground has a new playground.
- Robin Kimpinski has run away with the season money total.
- There have been 50 people who won money during the season.
- We didn't have a single night with more than 40 golfers. That was the second year in the row in which this has been the case.  Our single best turnout in 2017 was 35 golfers.
- Chris Kimpinski was the Horse Race champion.
- High score for the year was a 59 and low score was 33.
- There were no holes-in-ones with the last one recorded in 2012.

There are some interesting developments with respect to the golf course.  For example, our bathroom facility on the golf course is being completed as we speak.   It will have male and female washrooms with showers as well as a central utility room with a washer and dryer.

Also, on September 30 we have our second annual NHL Hat Auction fundraiser.  There will be a roast beef supper prior to the auction.

Lost balls don't define a round

I don't like to look for golf balls.  I lose my fair share but I can't really be bothered looking for them.  I usually take the perspective that if I hit one in the bush or water the penalty is fair.  I either hit a provisional or take a drop if it is appropriate to do so.

Some people seem to love looking for a missing ball.  Often they have a good round going and feel that if they just find that one ball the universe will align and their perfect play will be sustained.  Frequently, these aren't always the best golfers.  Instead, they are people who play expensive golf balls.

I hit new golf balls, but moderately priced new golf balls.  I can understand why it is hard for someone to stop looking for a $6 Pro V1.  I also know it is much easier to give up on the $1 balls that fill my bag.

The impact of the loss of a golf ball seems to be compounded for those that hate to lose a single ball.  They look a little longer than they should and it frustrates them.  Usually they haven't even hit a provisional so they end up making that long trek back to the tee box to hit another.  Frequently, the next one isn't much better.

The lost ball stays with some people longer than it should.  They are tight on the next tee box, still thinking about that shot that went astray.  They lament how those one or two unlucky shots ruined their score.

The loss of a beloved ball is hard on others in the group.  They have to wait until their playing partner finally gives up the desperate search.  They stand by their own ball while that guy goes back to rehit.  And they often get to hang out with someone who talks about that bad hit for longer than they should.

Giving up on a lost ball doesn't mean that you also give up on your round.  In fact, moving on quickly seems to free you up to play more loosely and with more joy. On Wednesday I lost three balls. All were completely my fault.  Two were dead from the club face so no search was required.  One seemed good off the tee but I hit a provisional just in case.  I drove up and my first shot wasn't where I though it should be.  I scanned the edge of the bush quickly before jumping into my cart and heading over to my provisional.

I had three bad holes on a pretty good round.  More than usual but not life ending. Even better, I finished just in the high pot and ended up winning three skins when I paired with the low score of the night.

Those three skins were on #4, 6, and #7.  Thanks to Robin Kimpinski for the help in winning a shared $77.50.  I also had a couple of other holes that went okay and we pushed those so no one got the skins.  On one of those holes I should have lost a ball but it hit a tree and came back into play.  You take the good bounces with the bad and simply hit the next shot.  The only other win of the night was Ian Paterson and Wes Arnfinson who made $20. from #8.

Closest to the pins on #5 and 9 were Scott Martin and Blake Hunter.  There were no deuces.

Numbers were still down due to the farmer still being busy.  Hopefully some get finished soon so we get even more people enjoying the great weather forecasted for this week.

Spectacular shots often follow bad ones

If you think of the times that you have hit spectacular shots, it usually required a great recovery from some bad position after the previous hit.  For example, there have been a few spectacular 4's on the first hole after a lost ball.  You yank one in the bush then get up thinking if you hit it perfect you have a chance.  Then just as you hoped the ball sails right up the middle, gets a good bounce, and ends up on the green.  Then you drop the putt for a par.

Another spectacular shot opportunity is now possible on #7.  You hit it into the bush straight away from the tee.  You walk up and see that the middle area is hard and dry rather than the small pond that existed early in the season.  You figure you are only about 200 yards from the middle of the green and you have a good lie...albeit on dirt.  You grab your club and hit the spectacular shot onto the green from the middle of a hazard.

Sometimes the spectacular shots are simpler saves for par after initial trouble.  You hit the reeds on #3 and take a drop and leave it short of the green on your next shot.  Now lying three, you chip a ball a bit hot which travels 50 feet before hammering the pin and dropping in for four.

Spectacular shots are fun and you get fired up when you make them.  However, they often require trouble before them. It is better to have a boring round where you hit it up the middle, then get to the green in regulation, and two putt for par.

Speaking of spectacular...it is pretty sweet how well the farming season seems to be going in the area.  Farmers and related businesses are in the middle of harvest, so Mens' Night numbers were lower than usual for this time of year.  Fourteen golfers played and skins went on five holes.  Winners included Dayce Roulette / Joe Shwaluk ($20. on #1), Brad Benton / Stephen David ($20. on #2), Scott Martin / Darcy Kowalchuk ($73. on #3), Sonny Blackbird / Jason Gorrell ($40. on #5), and Wayne Griffin / Terry Brandon ($20. on #9).

Closest to the holes were Sonny on #5 and Dayce on #9.  Only Dayce converted the birdie and he shared the deuce pot with Darcy Kowalchuk and Terry Brandon.

The weather still looks good for September...so you still have some time for spectacular shots.  There are those pessimists out there that are talking about how soon it will be cold.  Some are even talking about how the Farmers Almanac is predicting frost by the end of September.  I say who cares.  It is only the start of the month and there remains several weeks of spectacular shot opportunities.

Jamie McCutchin - Ringer board winner

Jamie McCutchin had his best round of the year at the right time.  He shot a sizzling 34 which included birdies on holes 3 and 5.  This allowed Jamie to move from -5 to -7 and claim the ringer board title for 2017.  Scott Maynes had been at -7 coming into this week but bogeyed his final hole to drop back to -6.

The final standing for the ringer board are:
First flight:
1. -7  Jamie McCutchin
2. -6  Scott Maynes
3. -3  Robin Kimpinski (countback)
Second flight:
1. -1  Jason Gorrell
2.  1  Austin Hunter

Twenty golfers came out for Men's Night this week. Closest to the pins were Scott Martin on #5 and Jason Gorrell on #9.  Only Scott made the birdie which gave him a share of the $30 deuce pot with Jamie.

Skins went on five holes.  Winners included Joe Shwaluk / Stephen David ($20. on #1, $41.50 on #7), Scott Martin / Blake Hunter ($20 on #2), Dayce Roulette / Jason Gorrell ($20. on #6, $33. on #9), and Sonny Blackbird / Brad Benton ($41.50 on #8).

Good shots...just a little late

I have had a couple of hole in ones recently. Not official ones where I hit the actual hole in the ground.  I have hit the previous hole twice in August....which exemplifies the above image.

Hitting the perfect shot a day late is something that happens to everyone on occasion.  The day after missing a birdie on #7 for the ringer board, you eagle it playing for fun on a Thursday.  The day after three-putting on #9 for a snake you drain a 50 footer on the same hole for birdie.

Recently, there have been lots of seemingly good shots that have not worked out as planned. August was a dry month and the greens are as hard as they have been.  It is now difficult to stick a ball close to a pin as a result.  Even close chips seem to run and release much more than expected.  On a positive note, it is speeding up play.  You don't have to fix any ball marks...even from shots outside of 150.

Thinking of perfect shots, how many of us have imagined that round where all of our perfect shots come at the same time.  Most of us likely have a lifetime ringer board in which we have eagled a few holes on the course and birdied the rest.  In the middle of winter when I dream of this perfect round, I envision eagles on #1, 2, and 7 with birdies on the rest for a score of -12 or 24 in total.  And I have done that...just not in the same round.

Recently our course had an awesome feature in the Brandon Sun. The scoring record that was noted in the article was 31 or -5.  Interestingly, I played with both players when they hit this number.  Scott Maynes did it a few years back on a Mens' Night after an untimely green aeration. The countless little holes and bumps in the greens didn't affect him because he likely was not outside five feet on any approach.  The other 31 was turned in by Jason Wowryk...also on Mens' Night but 12 or 13 years ago. This round included a bogey on #8 as well as a remarkable shot to 5 feet from waist deep bullrushes 150 yards out on #3.

Since I mentioned the Brandon Sun article, it may be found at https://www.brandonsun.com/sports/local/outofboundsdemanding-test-awaits-at-lakeside-440853543.html

Last Wednesday, there were some good shots and some bad shots judging by the cards. I was away for the second week in a row so these score sheets are all that I have to go on.

There were 27 golfers.  Skins went on three holes.  Winners included Ian Paterson / Scott Maynes ($25.50 on #1), Derek Ostash ($23.00 on #2), and Ron Susinski / Blake Cramer ($36.50 on #6).

Closest to the pins were Scott Maynes on #5 and Brad Benton on #9.  Neither converted the birdies allowing Robin Kimpinski to take home the $40.50 deuce pot.

This week is the final opportunity to enter scores for the ringer board.  Any holes that aren't locked in will be set as triple bogies by default.

Finally, good luck to all our local golfer who are competing in the Tamarack this week in Clear Lake.

Here's What Happened in a Nutshell

This will be a short one. I was away last week and all I have to report is the sheet with skins.

There were 19 golfers last Wednesday. Skins went on three holes. Winners included Scott Maynes / Charlie McNabb ($20 on #4) and Darcy Kowalchuk ($20 on #7).

Closest to the pins were Blake Hunter on #5 and Jamie McCutchin on #9. Blake, Wes Arnfinson, and Jason Gorrell split the $28.50 deuce pot.

There are two weeks remaining on the ringer board...this Wednesday and next week (August 23rd). Scott Maynes added a birdie and a par to go to -7 with one hole remaining. Jason Gorrell's two birdies jumped him to second place at -6.  Five players are at -5.

Almost...so close

Brad Benton almost dropped a hole-in-one on #9 on Wednesday. Almost.

It's been several years since we have had an ace. Dale Watson had the last one on July 25, 2012.  That is 5 years and 11 days ago.

We now have three hole-in-one pots. Two are capped at $1500. and the third is currently at $615.  If the third gets to $1500. before a winner, we will propose combining the first two for pots of $3000. and $1500.  It will likely take the third pot around 30-35 weeks to get to $1500...so that will not happen until early 2019. My suggestion is for someone to hurry up and get a hole-in-one this year.

Brad's tight pin shot won him closest to the pin and a share of the $67.50 deuce pot with Robin Kimpinski. Closest on #5 was Darcy Kowalchuk.

There were 17 golfers this week.  Skins went on three holes.  Robin combined with Jamie McCutchins for two wins...$33.00 on #2 and $22.50 on #9.  Brad and Jason Gorrell wo $58.00 on #5.

The final night for the ringer board is August 25th. You have three weeks to enter your scores and complete your card.  Scott Maynes still leads at -6 with five golfers one stroke back at -5.

Have a good couple of weeks. I will miss the next two Mens' Nights.

In Search of Missing Golfers

The weather was almost perfect this week. It was sunny and hot and the lake was a sheet of glass. It was a beautiful day at the end of July. However, we only had 28 golfers. That was an improvement over last week's 21 and the 16 from two weeks prior.

It used to be 50 was the magical number to illustrate a great Mens Night turnout. That may have been a bit high because we only have crossed that threshold twice. I think now 40 might be the number.

This year we have had 12 Mens' Night. We have been nowhere near 40 on any evening. Our high for 2017 is 35.  We also had 32 one night and 31 three times.

The 28 that we had this week tied the number that they had last night in Russell...for Ladies Night. I know because my wife attended.

Looking on the positive side, it was an excellent Wednesday this week. Austin Hunter certainly enjoyed himself firing off a sizzling 36 to lead all scorers.  Austin also combined with Hubey for a $24.50 skin on #7.  Other skins went to Brad Benton / Charlie McNabb ($24.50 on #4), Luke Funk / Phil Ostash ($24.50 on #6), and Jason Hunter / Jason Gorrell ($24.50 on #8).

Closest to the pins were Stephen David on #5 and Scott Martin on #9. There were no deuces recorded.

Don't forget the Horse Race is tomorrow...starting at 9:00 am. There are 33 golfers registered to date.

Stay Safe...Stand in the Middle of a Fairway

The picture above is there for three reasons.  Firstly, we have some deer hanging around the golf course that seem pretty comfortable with carts and players.  Secondly, it was posted by Rock Bottom Golf which is really good follow on Twitter or Facebook.  It's an American golf supply store that posts lots of funny and random thoughts and images.  Finally, it epitomizes the typical golf game of many people. Often the safest place to stand if you are in front of most golfers is right up the middle of the fairway.

One person that has little trouble splitting the fairway is Robin Kimpinski.  He paired with the dummy card on Wednesday and won the only two skins.  He cashed in for $20 each on both holes 1 and 9.  This raised his season money leading total to $272.  This is $100 ahead of Scott Maynes in second and $180 in front of Charlie McNabb in third.

Robin is on pace to set the new single season prize money record.  For perspective, the season money winners since we started tracking them have included Stephen David ($262 in 2016), Jason Gorrell ($351 in 2015), and Scott Maynes ($283 in 2014, $234 in 2013).

There were only 21 golfers this past week. This has been an odd year with lower turnouts than usual, especially so far in July. 

Blake Hunter has a good evening. He was closest to the hole on #9 and converted the birdie to share the $38.50 deuce pot with Brad Benton and Brett Griffin.  Blake also birdied 1 and 2 to add three more negative numbers to his ringer board.

Closest to the hole on #5 was nobody. ..which doesn't happen very often.

The Horse Race is next Saturday. The list of entrants to date is on the left side of this blog. If you are viewing it on your phone, scroll to the bottom and select "view full site".

A Great Wednesday Evening

Usually when I miss Men's Night I am a little disappointed. This past week I was fine not being there. Instead I was sitting at the Shoal Lake Airport watching the 25th anniversary air show featuring the Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, commonly known as the Snowbirds.

Some people wondered if we would cancel last week because of the air show.  We decided to run Mens' night as scheduled and allow people to choose how to spend their evening.  I chose to watch the planes while 16 others decided to golf.  I assume that everyone was happy with their choices.

Those people that did play said they had a great vantage with the Snowbirds regrouping after most maneuvers above the seventh hole.  Wes Arnfinson even reported needing to back away from his tee shot on nine because of the noise and spectacle above him.

Skins went on six holes this past week. Winners included Wes Arnfinson / Les Blackbird ($20 on #1), Austin Hunter / Jason Neufeld ($20 on #8, $40.50 on #9), Sonny Blackbird / Blake Hunter ($20 on #4), Wayne Griffin / Terry Brandon ($20 on #6), and Barry Bone / Brad Benton ($40.50 on #7).

In addition to their double skin win, Austin and Neuf were closest to the holes, on #5 and #9 respectively.  Also, they converted their birdies for the only deuces of the evening to split the $24 pot.

There are lots of things happening at the golf course in the next few weeks. There is a Nine and Dine on Friday plus the Yellowhead 150 Tournament on Sunday.  Also, our annual Horse Race tournament is July 29th. The list of registrants to date is shown on the left hand links.  To register for any tournaments contact myself or Scott Maynes.

What the hail?

The weather is finally getting better...except for the hail storm that started just after Mens' Night ended last week. The image above shows the size of what hit Shoal Lake. We were more fortunate than our Birtle neighbours who had twoonie-sized frozen balls of fun.  The car dealer in their town reported 65 vehicles damaged in the storm.

There were 32 golfers last week with skins going on four holes.  Winners included Robin Kimpinski / Jim Geekie ($55.00 on #2), Shane Kimpinski / Chris Kimpinski ($32.50 on #4), Jason Neufeld / Scott Maynes ($20.00 on #6), and Darcy Kowalchuk / Jason Hunter ($20.00 on #8).

Closest to the pins were Wayne Griffin on #5 and Pete Ostash on #9. Pete converted his birdie to share the $48.00 deuce pot with Ron Huberdeau and Mike Susinski.

Don't forget that the Horse Race is scheduled for June 29th. Let me know the names of entrants asap.

Hello July

The picture above doesn't really relate to anything that I am writing about today.  I thought it was funny and appropriate given the experience of many golfers. Hopefully this week you hit a lot of fairways.

I am once again late to update the blog. Since Friday, I have been visiting the in-laws in Winnipegosis. Their internet is Xplorenet which is incredibly slow. With the whole family there, it was difficult enough to get texts and check emails.  I was also away last week. It seems that I am less attentive to the blog when I am away.

There were 31 golfers on Wednesday. Scott Maynes had a sizzling 34 which included one bogey.  He added three more birdies to the ringer board to take the lead with a -6.  He also split a $54.50 skin with Ken Ostash on #6.

Other skin winners included Robin Kimpinski / Kevin Bartram ($20 on #1), Colin Heier and Ron Anderson ($20 on #5), and Jason Gorrell / Bob Moffatt ($39.00 on #8).

Colin Heier had the only deuce and won $49.50 for his efforts.

Closest to the pins were Robby Eastcott on #5 and Dale Martin on #9.

This is a great week for golf. Tomorrow night is a Jack and Jill, Wednesday is Men's Night, and Friday is our Fundraiser Tournament. Have fun and play as well as you can.

Night of the Robin

Wednesday was a pretty good day at Mens' Night.  Most of the 31 golfers had fun and several made some cash.

It was the night of Robin Kimpinski. Not only did he add another $57 to his season leading money total, he won the Chase the Ace and $1200. This was the second time in two years that Robin has won the big prize. Last year he took home around $2200 for finding the ace of spades.

Robin reconnected with Charlie McNabb to win skins on two holes. They got $20 for #1 and $95.50 for #7.  Other skins winners included Chris Kimpinski / Ron Susinki ($38 on #4), Blake Hunter / Luke Funk ($50 on #5), and Scott Maynes / Ken Ostash ($74.50 on #9).

The $48 deuce pot was split by Scott Maynes, Darcy Kowalchuk, and Blake Hunter. Scott was closest on the #5 while Darcy did the same on #9.

It was also summer solstice on Wednesday. Several groups took advantage of it being the longest day of the year by playing some extra holes.

This week looks very promising in terms of weather with a forecast of 22 Celsius and sun.