Fore the Record: Fancy Fairway Edition

 

The pic shown is of Ethan Hunter. I included it (with his permission) because he had a good Men’s Night. Information regarding his experience is found further on in this blog entry.

When I got home on Wednesday evening, I texted a quick summary of the evening to someone who was away. The person responded with a suggestion that I add some descriptive words, with more adverbs and adjectives, to really paint a picture. So I took my short overview and dropped it into ChatGPT, an online AI tool. What follows is what it produced.

In a single, magnificent round of a game drenched in unbridled anticipation, only one splendidly adorned skin journeyed forth, with the illustrious Landon Tanner, in a most fortuitous pairing with the unfeeling dummy on the formidable fourth, triumphing in the grand sum of $92.06.

In a grand contest on the majestic fifth, it was none other than the venerable Cubby Bartram who emerged closest, while the sagacious Ethan Hunter made his presence known on the ninth. In a stroke of unparalleled genius, Ethan deftly executed a deuce, thus securing the solitary claim on the grandiose $43.13 pot.

In the annals of our shared history, I am compelled to recall a fateful day that myself and another braved the unforgiving terrain of Shilo, where the cold was of such an intensity that it etched itself into our very bones. On that day, the heavens unleashed a relentless sleet, reducing visibility to mere inches, and the final two holes were played in a surreal landscape of blinding white, rendering our vision obsolete, and causing my words to falter into a slurry of speech.

This week, by contrast, began with an almost preternatural calmness until the infamous Men's Night commenced. It was at this juncture that the wind began to howl with a ferocity that defied the elements, and the temperature plummeted to a biting chill. I have previously engaged in rounds with snow stubbornly clinging to the trees and on one memorable evening when the thermometer read 7 Celsius, though the biting wind made it feel a bone-chilling 3. In another particularly audacious endeavor at Pinawa, early one April, I found myself striking a pond and, in a feat of remarkable daring, ventured onto the icy surface to take my next shot.

This past Wednesday, however, ascends into the lofty echelon of the top five coldest experiences of my golfing existence, a frigid testament to the relentless caprices of nature.

Well, that was interesting. A little too fancy for my taste but it was worth trying once.

 

Local Man Wins Big

There was 27 for Men's Night this past Wednesday. That's a reasonable number for this time of year. 

The story of the night was Wes Arnfinson. He won the solo deuce dot with a two on hole 9. That was worth $153.75. He was also closest to the hole for another $20 and paired to win the $38.87 skin there with Reegan Kominko.

The only other skin to go was #8 where Ethan Hunter and Zach Bartram combined for a $51.25 win. The other closest to the hole was Fred Hyrcak on #5.

The forecast for this week looks good enough. See you then if you can make it.

Let the Fun Begin!

As the grip of another long Manitoba winter finally loosens, we got back to the important stuff with our first Men’s Night of the year. The thawing of the snow and the budding of the trees signal not just the arrival of spring but also the promise of another great summer of golf. 

Each new season is like a reunion with our clubs and our friends and acquaintances. It is interesting that in a small town or area such as this, we get a bit disconnected during the colder months. I heard several people ask others how their winters were.

As we start this 2024 season, be optimistic about this fresh start. Best wishes for a year in which every shot is straighter, every putt drops, and every round includes clear skies with a gentle breeze. May the groups in front of you never play to slow and may those groups behind you never be too fast. For those of you who spent money on the latest and greatest golf equipment, may those shiny new drivers add 50 yards to their tee shots. I encourage you to imagine positive outcomes to manifest positive results. For example, you should all fantasize about getting a hole-in-one by practicing their victory dance in front of the bathroom mirror, and mentally spending the imaginary prize money. Above all else, anticipating the endless laughter, camaraderie, and memories shared with friends on the course, and perhaps at the campground afterwards, even if those memories involve more lost balls than birdies.

Now to the golf results from Wednesday.

Brent Allen and Reegan Kominko hit it closest to the pins on #5 and #9 respectively. There were no deuces recorded.

Skins went on three holes. Winners included Phil Ostash/Joe Shwaluk ($20 on #1), Darcy Kowalchuk/Wes Arnfinson ($24.38 on #5) and Ethan Hunter/Braden Allen ($48.76 on #7).

We would really like to see more participants in the Ringer Board this year. From May 8 to August 21, participants will strive to record their best scores on every hole, aiming to secure the lowest 9-hole score by season’s end. And the cost is only $10 for the season. On any given night, each golfer can enter as many scores as they wish, with each entry representing their best effort on a particular hole. Once a score is recorded, it's locked in. If you don’t have all scores entered after the final night, you will be assigned the Men’s Night max for that hole.

The Last One for the Year

 

I want to provide context for this week's image. It is meant to reflect the saddest day of the golf season. For me, the last Men's Night of the year fits this description. I know that there may be a few more opportunities for golf before the course shuts down, but Men's Night ends this Wednesday.  The Club House will be closing after the upcoming long weekend.  

On a positive note, we get to have a Men's Night in October for the second year in a row. That has not happened previously.

Last week was an excellent final Men's Night for September. We had 23 golfers and the conditions were more than reasonable. Darren Ostash handled the wind better than anyone and scored the low round of 39. 

Skins went on four holes. Winners included Jason Gorrell/Logan Tanner ($40.81 on #1), Vern Snyder/Barry Nychuk ($113.07 on #3, $40.81 on #8), and Wayne Griffin/Ron Hubderdeau ($28.76 on #9).

Phil Ostash was closest to the hole on #5 and Kendal Koroscil was closest on #9. There were no deuces.

Since I noted Wayne Griffin previously, I should mention that he is moving to England later in October. If you see him around before he departs make sure to wish him well.

Given the rapidly declining daylight, tee off will be at 5:30 pm. Let's hope for a reasonable day of weather so that we may get this final day in for 2023.

Let's Do It Again!

Tomorrow is September 27 and the forecast is 22 Celsius and sunny. What more of a reason do we need for another Men's Night?

Last week we had 23 golfers. Skins went on only two holes. Winners included Jason Neufeld ($38.93 on #5) and Tyson Wood /Stephen David ($54.68 on #6).

Closest to the holes were Terry Susinski on #5 and Ryden Lanouette on #9. Ryden hit it to two feet, made the birdie, and claimed the $43.13 deuce pot.

Still Time to Play

 

You never know when the weather or lack of golfers will force us to shut down Mens' Night for the season. So we should take advantage of the remaining good weather and get out and play some golf. I recognize that not everyone is available at this time of year. If you are busy with something else, all the best doing what you need to get done.

Last week we had 20 golfers. That seems to be about our average as of late. Skins went on three holes. Winners included Stephen David/Barry Bone ($40.30 on #2), Sean Blackbird/Paul Lucas ($20.00 on #7), and Ethan Hunter/Jason Neufeld ($20.00 on #9).

Ethan also had closest to on #9 and converted the birdie to claim the $36.15 deuce pot. Closest to on #9 was Vern Snyder.

Leaf Us Alone

 

We don't have a lot of fallen leaves on the course yet but they will be coming soon. Remember two important things at this time. 

Firstly, it is okay to clear a path on the putting green to get rid of leaves and other loose impediments. You can use your hand, your putter, a broom, or a leaf blower. 

Secondly, if you are certain that you hit a shot into a pile of leaves and your ball cannot be found, you can take a free drop and relief under Rule 16.1 of the Rules of Golf. You may simply play a new ball from the general area without a loss of stroke. This often happens along the rough on the right side of hole #1. Prior to taking relief, confirm with a playing partner that they agree with your decison.

Last week, there were 20 golfers. Dawson Tanner and Charles McKay registered the low round with a 34. Charles also won a skin with Blake Hunter, cashing in for $45.38 on # 4.

Other skins went to Sonny Blackbird/Darcy Kowalchuk ($20.00 on #1, $45.38 on #7) and Brett Griffin/Brad Benton ($58.26 on #8, $171.27 on #9).

Closest to the holes were Ryden Lanouette on #5 and Dawson Tanner on #9. Stephen David had the only deuce to claim the $37.50 pot.

Remember, we will continue with a 6:00 pm tee-off until the end of the season. Wednesday looks promising. The current Environment Canada forecasts suggests 24 Celsius and sunny. Not bad for September 13.

More Golf to Come

With the arrival of September, we sart to hear the familiar laments of those who believe that the summer is over. Yes the weather starts to change and those who had vacation time return to work. But we shouldn't give up because the calendar changes. Summer is as much a state of mind as it is a period of time. Don't let your mind turn over simply because the month does.

Technically, summer runs later than usual this year with the first day of fall arriving on September 23. Also, our weather has been very good. In fact, this past long weekend has to be one of the warmest we've had in a long time. And there is lots of golf to play. Last year, we had a Men's Night in October and the final day of play on the course was October 29.

So don't give up yet. There is still time for more Men's nights. And if the weather is favourable and you are free, there are additional opportunities for evening golf and more chance to add to your golfer's tan.

Twenty-six players worked on their tan last Wednesday. Skins went on only two holes. Winners included Trevor Wilson/Nathan Maynes ($20.00 on #1) and Jason Gorrell/Robin Kimpinski ($20.00 on #5). Gorrell had the only two of the evening to claim the $48.75 deuce pot. Dawson Tanner was closest to the hole on #5 and Nick Roulette was closest on #9.

Remember for the remainder of the year, we tee off at 6:00 pm. And remember that our hole-in-one pot keeps growing and will likely be worth around $2400 this week. Eventually someone is going to get lucky, and you can't win it if you don't play.

Ringer Board Winner

 

The ringer board wrapped up this week. Unofficially, Brad Benton is the winner, edging Darcy Kowalchuk on a countback. Both finished the season at -5.

This past Wednesday we had 27 golfers for Men's Night. Skins went on four holes. Winner included Charles McKay/Joe Shwaluk ($60.64 on #1), Dawson Tanner/Brandon Cloud ($28.76 on #2), Jason Gorrell/Terry Susinski ($20.00 on #5), and Sean Blackbird/Kendal Korsocil ($165.02 on #8).

Closest to the pin on #5 was Terry Brandon while closest on #9 was Stephen David. Stephen converted his birdie to claim the $50.63 deuce pot.

With his winnings this week, Joe Shwaluk jumped to second place in the season money list with $260.04. Jason Neufeld remains in first with $264.39. This year 51 golfers have won skins with a total season payout of $3720.28

There is one tournament remaining this season...the two-person 55+ event that has been rescheduled until Thursday, September 7. Contact the Club House to register.

Final Week for the Ringer Board

Before we do the overview of last week's Men's Night, I need to remind everyone that the final opportunity to record scores on the ringer board is this Wednesday, August 23.

Last week there were oly 19 golfers. Skins went on four holes. Winners included Ryden Lanouette/Ron Susinski ($81.26 on #4), Nathan Maynes/Ashton Tanner ($20.00 on #5, $20.00 on #8), and Charles McKay/Jason Gorrell ($26.88 on #7).

Nathan also was closest to on #9 and converted the birdie to share the $35.63 deuce pot with Sean Blackbird. Joe Shwaluk was closest on #9.

Speaking of Joe, thanks to him for coordinating another excellent Night Golf evening.

Here's the Latest

 

I was away last week so thanks to the the boys who looked after Men's Night. And thanks to whomever can take care of things tomorrow eveing when I am away.

There were 24 golfers last Wednesday. Skins went on three holes. Winners included Tim McWhirter/Keith Martin ($20.00 on #2), Sonny Blackbird/Shaine Kimpinski ($20.00 on #5), and Phil Ostash/Scott Maynes ($20.00 on #9).

Sonny was closest to on hole #5 and Dave Mansell was closest on #9. Sonny converted his birdie to split the $45.00 deuce pot with Jim Geekie.

Joe and Pete - Power Couple

There have been many famous two-person collaborations...Milli Vanilli, Batman and Robin, Tom and Jerry, Thelma and Louise to name a few. 

We can add a new twosome to those ranks...Joe Shwaluk and Pete Ostash. The two combined for skins on the third and fifth holes, collecting $98.76 and $169.40 respectively. Beyond their winnings, both added something else noteworthy during their rounds. Pete was closest to on hole #9. Joe chipped in from the bush line on #3 for birdie. 

On an evening with 27 golfers, skins went on four other holes. Winners included Brad Benton/Jason Gorrell ($20.00 on #2), Chad Tanner/Zach Bartram ($20.00 on #7), and Jason Neufeld ($20.00 on #8).

Nathan Maynes was closest to on #5. He converted his birdie to share the $50.63 deuce pot with Brad Benton. Benny also had the low round of the evening with a 33, featuring a chip in on #2 for two and a 80 foot birdie putt on #6.

A Big Week for Prizes

 

After a quiet week on July 19, there were multiple winners last night and some very large prizes. We had 30 golfers yesterday and 11 won something. The big winner of the evening was Scott Maynes who claimed a deuce pot of $178.13. Mike Susinski and Wayne Griffin combined for a $152.52 skin on #1. Other skins winners included Pete Ostah/Bill Flynn ($20 on #2), Jason Gorrell/Charlie McNabb ($37.50 on #7), and Jason Neufeld/Terry Susinski ($37.50 on #8).

Closest to the pin winners Trevor Wilson (#5) and Keith Martin (#9) picked up $20 each for their efforts.

Scott Maynes' first win vaulted him to second place in money list behind Jason Neufeld who has $244.39 in season winnings. Charles McKay is in third place with $160.97.

Next week we will likely have four skins worth $100 or more including a new accumlating hole-in-one prize.

We previously capped our hole-in-one pot at $2250. As of last night, we have three such pots. The intent is if someone gets an ace one week, there will be a big prize ready to go for the next week. However, we are going to have the second and third pot remain at $2250 but allow the first one to build until we get a winner. As of last night, that prize is $2283.76 and it will be over $2300 next week.

Don't forget to enter the Horse Race this Saturday if you have yet to do so. As of today we have 33 entrants.

A Quiet Week...So a Quiet Update

 

There were only two skin winners last week...Joel Ostash and Milt. That's them standing alone on the podium. They combined for a -2 on the second hole and won a $20 skin for their efforts. The previous week, skins went on five holes. 

Two weeks ago we had six deuces. Last week we had zero among the 30 registered golfers.

There were two closest to the pin winners...Kendal Korsocil on #6 and Milt on #9. Joel Ostash had the low round with a 35.

Good luck to everyone at the Horse Race this Saturday.

Burning Gator and Multiple Deuces

 

That's the only picture I could find for a burning gator. The relevance to Men's Night is that we didn't have our regular beer cart because the course Gator had a small problem. It caught fire when a t-shirt that was sitting on it got somehow tangled up in the engine. The damage wasn't too significant and they just needed to order a replacement part for the one that melted. Thanks to the grounds crew for setting up a rental cart as a makeshift beer cart.

The theme of the actual Men's Night this week was birdies which occured on mulitple holes by multiple golfers. In fact, there were six players who scored deuces.

We don't have an official Men's Night list of rules but we do have some longstanding practices. One is if we have 5 or more deuces we don't pay anyone out and carry the money over to the following week. So instead of 6 people splitting a $65 pot last night, the money goes to build the pot for the next week. That being said, we will still acknowlegde the deuces of Brandon Cloud, Chad Tanner, Jaden Patterson, Jason Gorrell, Joel Ostash, and Stephen David.

Jaden had the low round of the night with a blistering 34. Following close behind was Darcy Kowalchuk with a 35 despite two bogies. Congratulations to Zach Bartram who shot his lowest round with a very solid 43.

Darcy was closest on hole 5 and Brandon Cloud had closest to on 9.

Skins went on four holes. Winners included Ron Huberdeau/Jason Neufeld ($44.38 on #2), Dawson Tanner/Derek Patterson ($82.51 on #4 plus $21.88 on #9), and Chad Tanner/Ron Susinski ($61.88 on #9).

The Horse Race on Saturday, July 29 is fast approaching. Contact Stephen David if you are interested in participating. The current list of entries may be found at the following link -https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t45aX7nyalqo7vpIx8Paneu0thv0oqgw/edit

Few Winners But Still a Fun Night

It is the morning of the local Fundraiser tournament and I have a bit of time to burn. So here is a quick update from this past Men's Night when we had 36 golfers.

Only a single skin went, on hole #7, where Dale Martin and Mike Susinski combined for $60.63. Closest to the holes were Matt Ostash on #5 and Dan Wowryk on #9. Terry Susinski claimed the $67.50 deuce pot.

The Horse Race tournament is Saturday, January 29, 2023. Call or text at (204) 847-0161 if you are interested in entering.

Golf is Not a Game of Perfect

Country singer Luke Combs makes a statement that is likely true for many of us at different times. We golf because we enjoy it but sometimes it can be frustrating. I will speak to my personal experience with this in a moment. However, I will quick do a recap of last week's Men's Night for anyone who just prefers that information.

There were 28 golfers on June 21 with skins going on three holes. Chad Tanner and Charlie McNabb won twice ($20.00 on #2 and $38.13 on #3). Pete Ostash and Milt combined for a $20.oo win on #9. Closest to the pins were Derek Patterson on #5 and Jim Geekie on #9. Derek converted his birdie to share the $52.50 deuce pot with Chad and Pete. Chad's two was noteworthy in that he got it on the par 4 second hole.

Okay, back to the highs and lows of golf. Stop reading now if you aren't interested.

I generally try to be optimistic with golf and I have written often in this blog about the importance of positivity. However, the last three weeks have been challenging. I am hitting the ball very well tee to green, but if I miss the green I am having troubles. I have been plagued with an extended bout of the shanks. This isn't the occasional thing in which I hit one bad shot once per week. This time it is several shots per outing. For example, yesterday in Minnedosa, I had no less than seven shanks. A few times I turned a ball just off the green with a chance for birdie into a triple. The best or worst of these was 20 feet from the pin in one on a long par 3 which ended as a score of six.

Here's the funny thing...I can't wait to get out and play again. Tomorrow will be a full day of golf and I will be playing early and late. And as soon as it stops raining or misting outside, I am heading over to hole 6 to try to remember how to chip again. I am hoping one of the 20 videos that I watched this morning will provide some insight.

In addition to the need to practice work through whatever it is that I am doing wrong, I need to relax and remember how fortunate I am to be playing golf. I need to stop walking up to a chip thinking that I am going to mishit it.

And if it takes a bit to sort things out, I will still be outside golfing. Golf is not a game of perfect...but even poorly hitting golf balls in early summer is a heck of a lot better that most things in the winter.

The Search is On

I want to talk about lost or missing golf balls. But I wlll do the Men's Night run down for those of you who are simply interested in that part.

We had 33 golfers last Wednesday. Skins went on four holes including one big prize on #8. Winners included Charles McKay/Jim Geekie ($41.26 on #2, $158.16 on #9), Brett Griffin/Keith Martin ($78.77 on #6), and Pete Ostash/Luke Funk ($20.63 on #9).

Charles was closest to the hole on #5 and Ron Huberdeau was closest on #9. Charles and Pete split the $61.88 deuce pot.

Okay...now on to lost golf balls. Personalities are revealed when searching for missing  balls. 

Some people will not stop looking until told to do so. It doesn't matter whether they've lost a $6 ProV1 or a junk ball. Sometimes these tireless searchers are motivated by not wanting to hurt their score. In other instances, they simply don't want to give up looking. On many occasions they look so long that their group plays ahead and finishes the hole without them.

Others are in the oppositie camp, having no emotional attachment to their lost ball. Most often these individuals buy their golf balls in bulk through some online dealer. They hit a ball into the bush and say "Oh well, that only cost 80 cents". Additionally, while these people care about their score, they often take a more realistic approach to searching. They say things like "That one is in there too far so there is no point in looking" or "I am not getting any wood ticks today". 

Both groups are right. Whether you want to search a bit or not, that's up to you. Just remember a couple of things. Firstly, if you think a ball is in trouble, hit a provisional. Secondly, you have three minutes to search. If you find the ball in the bush, you may take a drop within two club lengths of the found ball. And finally, if you can't find your ball and did not hit a provisional, the official rule requires you to go back to the spot of your previous shot and play under stroke and distance. If your local group allows you to simply drop where you think you lost the ball, you must add two strokes.

The last point sometimes causes confusion. For example, you hit off of the sixth tee and think that you are okay but eventually can't find the ball. You can go back and hit three of the tee. However, if you don't return to the tee and drop further up the hole where you think you lost the ball, your next shot is your fourth.

I also believe that there is no such thing as a lost golf ball. Someone will find it. For example, I found a ball last week and showed it to someone. They said "That's mine. I lost it last night". Of course, they extended their hand and I returned it without question. Maybe I should have charged a small finder's fee of something.

Staying in Bounds

 

There are a few places on our course where you can hit a ball toward OB and then find out you are safely on the right side of the white stakes. It happens most often on second or third shots on #5. It also occurs on #3, #5, and #7. You drive up feeling a little bummed because you had to hit a provisional...and then there is your ball, just in bounds. Of course, that doesn't mean you are out of jail because usually you have to cross back through some trees to get back in play. 

That's the way golf goes sometimes. You need to take the highs with the lows. For example, many weeks we are short $10 or $20 because someone forgets to pay. But then last week we were ahead $5. Bonus!

We had 33 golfers last Wednesday, which wasn't bad. Birtle had 73 on Thursday, but apparently their Chase the Ace prize is big and ready to go soon.

We had skins go on four holes. Winners includedBrad Benton/Ash Brandon ($71.27 on #3), Robin Kimpinski/Kendal Koroscil ($71.27 on #4), Reegan Kominko/Donovan Tanner ($20.63 on #7), and Brandon Cliud/Darren Ostash ($58.14 on #9).

Closest to the pins were Dale Martin on #5 and Brandon Cloud on #9. They bought made their putts to share the $97.51 deuce pot with Dawson Tanner.

Lucky to Get the Round In

 

Sometimes golfers are not the bad decison-makers. Often this relates to club or shot selection. On Wednesday it related to the weather. I arrived at the course at 4:50 pm when the air temeprature was 28 Celsisus. By 5:10 pm, the temeprature dropped down to 16 Celsisu. Twelve degress down in 20 minutes. A big storm blew in and Shoal Lake finally received some well needed rain. While our numbers were lower than previous weeks due to the weather conditions, we still had 19 golfers tee of for Men's Night. We did have to wait until about 6:50 pm before we started. Once we got going the weather settled considerably. In the entire rain, we only got a little bit of drizzle for ten minutes or so.

You know the conditions were less than ideal when no one from Waywayseecappo showed up. That is the first time in three years that Charles and the crew didn't make an appearance. Those who decided to play had a good evening, although the scores were not great as a group. There were two scores under 40 led by Brad Benton's 36 and Phil Ostash's 39.

Phil also cashed in with a big $139.53 skin on #7 with Bill Flynn as his partner. The only other hole that went was #2 where Brad Benton/Charlie McNabb claimed $20. Closest to the holes were Jason Gorrell on #5 and Terry Susinski on #9. There were no deuces.