Please fix your divots

The essential conditions for a good golf course are quite simple.  For greens and fairways, water and hear and the keys to promoting positive growth.  The temperatures have been fine as of late but we are just getting the rain that is required. Things should be looking very good within the next two weeks.  Soon those bare patches on the greens should begin to fill in.

Next, we need people who take care of the course.  This includes our grounds crew who look after daily maintenance.  It also includes us golfers who need to fix balls marks on the green, replace fairway divots, and refrain from slamming putters into the soft ground simply because we suck at putting.

The best among us are those golfers who always use the garbage cans, pick up the occasional waylaid beer can on a fairway, and use their divot tool more than once every green.  Also, we golfers need to be patient at the start of the season because it takes a while for the course to get growing.  I am not calling anyone out here...I am simply reminding us all about our collective role in ensuring that our course is in as good as shape as possible.

A lot of what I am talking about falls under the umbrella of the term "golf etiquette".  Much of etiquette governs playing rules but a significant portion provides direction on how to help maintain golf courses.  I prefer to think about it more simply.  We all need to be grateful for having such a nice course in our small town and we all need to do what we can to sustain it.  A good example of this would be those members that take time to clean flower beds or trim tree branches around the course.

But of course, I digress...as I often do at the start of the season.  I need to talk about about what happened on Wednesday given that this is the Men's Night blog.

Skins went on four holes.  Winners included Robin Kimpinski / Jim Geekie ($20.00 on #2) and Joel Ostah / Norm Verboom ($51.88) on #7.  Devin Allen paired with the dummy card for a double win, getting $36.88 for a skin on #4 and $20 for #6.

There were two deuces with Braeden Allen and Pete Ostash splitting the $54.39 pot.  Pete did it by hitting it closest on #9.  Closest to the pin on #5 was Troy Chwaluk.

For the second week in a row, Brad Benton had the low round with a 34.  There were a few other rounds under 40 including Braeden Allen (37), Austin Hunter (38) and Devin Allen (39).

It was Scott Maynes' birthday.  His present was birdies on both #1 and 2 which he promptly put on the ringer board.  Brad Benton birdied the eight hole to go to -7 which is 5 strokes ahead of the four people tied for second.  Brad has holes 3 and 6 remaining to fill his card.

By the end of this coming Men's Night, we will have three hole-in-one pots worth $1500 each.  We have previously capped at this level and started building another.   We might consider combining the existing pots in some way.  Perhaps we have one pot of $3000 and a second at $1500.  A second option would be two pots of $2250.  We will discuss this week and come to a group decision.

See you all again for tee off this Wednesday at 6:30 pm.  Remember to fix those ball marks.

We Now Start at 6:30 pm

6:30 pm tee off next week.  I want to emphasize it because there was some confusion this week.  Typically we start the year at 6:00 pm tee off and bump it to 6:30 the first week of June.  So technically this past week should have been 6:00 pm.  You get an extra half an hour now to hang out with your family or finish up at work before coming to the golf course.

I didn't play on Wednesday but I went for a ride with a group and got to enjoy the beautiful evening.  I watched Brad Benton shoot a 34.  I was in awe of the scrambling ability of Jason Gorrell, who went in the bush on 4, took a long drop, hot his third shot in view of the green, his fourth over the green, before draining a long chip in for par.

The bulk of the scores were in the 40-45 range.  In fact, there were several high-low pairings in which the players scores differed by only 2 or 3 strokes.  The most notable was Dave Gill and Chalie McNabb teaming up with two 44's.  One neat grouping was Cubby and Zach Bartram who were randomly selected to be teammates.

There were still scores on either end of the spectrum.  There were five over 50 and two under 40, including Brad Benton with a 34 and Jamie McCutchins with a 39.  Brad's 2-under score was noteworthy in that it included a bogey, a double bogey, two pars, and five birdies.  He also added three of the birdies to the ringer board to bring his score to -6 which is pretty impressive given that June had yet to arrive when he did it.

Skins went on three holes.  Winners included Brad Benton / Troy Chwaluk ($20.00 on #1), Robin Kimpinski / Blake Hunter ($33.75 on #2), and Keith Martin / Darcy Kowalchuk ($20.00 on #6).

The deuce pot of $56.25 was split by Brad Benton, Darren Ostash, and Ian Paterson.  Ian was closest on the 5th hole while Cubby hit it tightest on #9.

The forecast for the next week is sunny and dry.  If anyone knows how to do a rain dance please do it.  The golf course, the farmers, and our lawns need some moisture.

Tournaments Everywhere

With the weather a little warmer, 24 golfers showed up on Wednesday for Mens' Night.  That's a fairly decent number for this time of year.  I say that but then realize that June 1st is a week from today.  I should be writing about how warm it is outside.  The forecast for this week looks very promising with 20 Celsius and sun predicted for Wednesday.

It was windy but that wind helped on several holes.  For example, a few people found the green on the par 4 first hole.  I heard reports that both Kory Stebelski and Neuf hit it close on #1.  Unfortunately, they both had that high-low experience of one second hoping for a hole-in-one while the next watching their eagle putt miss.  At least they both salvaged their birdies.

Skins went on four holes.  Winners included Ron Huberdeau / Neuf ($24.38 on #1), Brad Benton / Chris Malchuk ($63.15 on #4), Jamie McCutchin / Kevin Nickel ($20.00 on #6), and Austin Hunter / Shane Kimpinski ($33.76 on #8).

The deuce pot of $101.28 was claimed by Brad Benton with a birdie on #5.  In addition to that hole, Brad also birdied #1 and #4 to jump out to an early lead on the ringer board.  Brad's 36 was also the low round for the evening.

Closest to the pins were Robin Kimpinski on #5 and Norm Verboom on #9.  If you are wondering why Joe Shwaluk did not get closest on #9 for the third week in a row, he was in Winnipeg for work.

For those of you that enjoy tournaments, there are several this year.  We have our regular ones such as the Fundraiser, the Seniors, and the Horse Race in July.  And we have a couple of new ones in June.

There's the return of the Eagles tournament on June 15 which will be a two-person Texas Scramble.    The Eagles held a great annual tournament a few years back and I am sure that this one will continue that tradition.  They always seem to get a great turnout and all that come seem to have a good time.

The following weekend the Shoal Lake and Oakburn Lions Club are partnering to host a 4-person Vegas Scramble.  If it is a true Vegas Scramble, that means all team members hit their ball then you roll a die to see whose ball you take.  The intent of this format is to prevent one team member from dominating and making most of the shots.  Not to be critical, but on the tournament fun scale, the Vegas Scramble for me is just above an alternate shot round with my wife.

The reason for my lack of enthusiasm for the Vegas Scramble is as follows.  In a Texas Scramble, the weakest golfer usually only has to make their 3 or 4 tee shots and they are off the hook.  They often are fortunate to add a couple of other nice shots or putts during the round and walk away feeling as if they really contributed.  Then there's the Vegas Scramble.  Imagine someone on the team is having a tough round, topping balls and sailing more than their fair share into the trees.  Imagine further that this same person has the misfortune of getting their number rolled more often than their teammates.  This can end up being a very frustrating round for both them and the people with whom they are playing.

Of course, I am forgetting my frequent mantra which states that there are three things that matter in golf...where you play, how you play, and who you play with...and the first two don't matter.   And tournaments in any format are a great time.  It is likely that everyone that golfs in the Lions' Tournament will have lots of fun because they will golf with friends and family.  I think perhaps my comments are more reflective of my current mindset than problems with the Vegas Scramble format.  I am laid up for a bit, eager to golf but yet to set foot on the course.  Hopefully, I get to a Men's Night before the end of June and have a few swings in prior to the Fundraiser on July 5.

New Greens Crew

Fifteen golfers came out on a windy May 15th. After only having one skin go the first week, there were four skins claimed this week.  Winners included Mike Susinski / Jason Neufeld ($20.00 on #2), John Gill ($26.89 on #5), Dale Martin / Joe Shwaluk (#$26.89 on #6), and Dick Edgeworth / Brad Benton ($20.00 on #7).

Closest to the pin on #5 was Mike Susinski.  Closest on #9 for the second week in a row was Joe Shwaluk.  There were no deuces.


Welcome to our new Heads Groundskeeper Tracey Spearing and his assistant Dawson Hunter,  Thanks to our new Board member Robin Kimpinski and our new grounds crew for getting the course in awesome shape to start the season.  I have not been on the course this year but I hear the greens are fantastic.

I will be out of action for at least 3-4 more weeks.  During that time, feel free to text me with any interesting Men's Night news for possible inclusion in future blogs.

Let the Season Begin

Well...the 2019 Men's Night season started a little later than we would have liked.  But it has started and with it likely 20 plus Wednesday's of fun and golf.

It seems like a familiar refrain every year...but man was that another long winter and spring.  The reality is that the key to an early start for Men's Night is a good spring.  This spring was not something many would classify in a positive sense.

While we have great summers in Manitoba, we go a long time without golfing.  Our last official Men's Night was September 5, 2018.  The time period between then and May 8, 2019 is equal to 245 days, or 35 weeks, or 8 months.  Simply writing that is a bit disheartening.

That's enough complaining about the weather for now.  Let's move on to what happened on the first evening of the year.

There were 15 golfers who came out for a cool and windy opening night.  Only a single skin of $20 was won by Ron Susinski on the 1st hole.  Closest to the pins were Chris Hogg on #5 and Joe Shwaluk on #9.  There were no deuces.  The low round of the evening was a 40 carded by Jamie McCutchin.

This would be an appropriate time to thank our closest to sponsors.  Brad Benton sponsors #5 and Kimp Services / Susinski Farms sponsor #9.

Men's Night Starts Tomorrow

One might argue that it isn't quite golf weather.  However, what is indisputable is that Men's Night begins tomorrow evening.

We start the season with a 6:00 pm tee-off until sundown gets extended a bit.  It is the same format as recent years...nine hole stroke play for $10.  We will also have the ringer board running from tomorrow (May 8) to August 22.

Finally, the Club House is open with Francis Caspillo back and taking care of things.

Have a great 2019 golf season.

Two short

We only had eight golfers last Wednesday.  We require 10 for an official Men's Night.  Thanks to those who made it - Sonny Blackbird, Charles Blackbird, Jason Gorrell, Stephen David, Joe Shwaluk, Jason Neufeld, Blake Hunter, and Brad Benton. Hopefully we get to 10 tomorrow. The forecast looks reasonable for this time of year.

The Club House will be open until October so we will run Men's Night as long as the weather and numbers allow it.

The new lucky number

Lucky 13. In some countries, such as Italy, 13 is considered a lucky number. The expression "fare tredici" ("to do 13") means hit the jackpot.  Thirteen was certainly a lucky number last Wednesday.  With farming in full swing, we were sitting at only eight golfers ten minutes before tee off.  Needing ten for Men's Night, we were lucky when five more showed up to play.  

It was a lucky evening for 6 of the 13 who won prizes.  Barry Bone paired with the dummy to win the $20.00 on #7 and $80.02 on #9.  He also scored a deuce on #9 for $52.53.

Skins went on four other holes.  Stephen David and Sonny Blackbird won holes 1, 2, and 3 valued at $29.39, $20.00, and $49.39 respectively.  The final skin went to Austin Hunter / Jason Gorrell who got $20 for their efforts.

Closest to the holes were Gorrell on #5 and Neuf on #9.

On Friday evening we had a great evening of night golf.  Conditions were ideal and all that turned out seemed to have a fun time.  Thanks to Joe Shwaluk for suggesting this and then coordinating.

A reminder that tee off for Men's Night is 6"00 pm for the remainder of the season.

Hello September...please be nice

Even though it is not completely related to Men's Night, I thought that I would begin by promoting the Night Golf event scheduled for this Friday.   Tee off is at 9:00 pm.  It is a four-person, nine-hole Texas scramble.  Cost is $160 per team / $40 per person.  Registration covers kit to illuminate course as well as six high quality LED balls per team.  The restaurant menu available prior to tee off and beverage cart will be available during round. To register sign up at the Club House or call the golf course at 759-2002.

A few of us attended a similar event in Hamiota a few weeks ago and it was a lot of fun.  The forecast for Friday looks ideal.

There were only 15 golfers last week with harvest in full swing.  Skins went on four holes.  Blake Hunter and Robin Kimpinski teamed up twice, winning $71.89 on #6 and $36.26 on #8.  Other winners included Jason Hunter ($21.26 on #1) and Stephen David / Scott Martin ($20 on #7).

Closest to the pins were Brad Benton on #5 and Jason Hunter on #9.  There were no deuces.

Someone asked me yesterday when will we wrap up the Men's Night season.  Usually it is near the end of the month...dependant on the weather.  I bet we have at least 3 or 4 more weeks to go.

Smoke, night golf, and ringer boards

The picture to the left is a smoky Golf.  Smoky golf has been very common as of late.  This past Wednesday was a bit of a reprieve from the hazy conditions that we have been experiencing for quite some time.  That smoke is back again today.  You can see it out the window and smell it as soon as you step outside.  That's too bad because several of us are of to night golf in Hamiota this evening.

Speaking of night golf, we will be hosting our own such event on Friday, September 7.  The sign up sheet is in the Club House.  Since I am mentioning upcoming events, the final Jack and Jill is scheduled for this Tuesday, August 28th.

On Wednesday, we only had 19 golfers.  This isn't surprising given that harvest is now in full swing in the area.  Skins went on three holes.  Winners included Terry Brandon (#43.76 on #2), Robin Kimpinski / Stephen David ($26.88 on #5), and Dave Reagh / Brad Benton ($26.88 on #7).

Closest to the pins were Brad Benton on #5 and Blake Cramer on #9.  Robin Kimpinski had the only deuce of the night for $35.64.

The ringer board ended this week.  Robin Kimpinski won the first flight and $68 on a countback against Brad Benton.  Both finished at -8 with Brad claiming $34 for second.  Third place for $17 was Scott Maynes at -5.   The second flight winner was Jason Neufeld at -1.  He made $34 for his efforts.  Runner-up in the second flight was Darcy Kowalchuk who got $17 for his even par final score.

One final thing to note...we will start teeing off at 6:00 pm for the remainder of the season.

I miss golf

Some say that the sign of a good summer is that you have been busy and travelling a bit.  By that mark I guess it has been a good one.  However, as the result of being busy I have missed five Men's Nights including last week.  I am definitely looking forward to getting back this week.

It isn't just missing golf that gets me...it's missing Men's Night.  I don't think I am exaggerating when I say that Wednesday is my favourite day of the week from May to September.  I know that there are others who share this sentiment.  It is always fun to get out with the boys and hit some balls, have a few drinks, and share some laughs.

Fortunately I have only been missing golf because of other fun summer activities.  There are others who have been prevented from playing because of doctor's orders, or farming, or because they are building cabins.

There were 24 golfers who didn't miss golf last Wednesday. Skins went on two holes.  Winners included Charles Blackbird / Dion Brandon ($84.38 on #1) and Derek Patterson / Scott Maynes ($84.38 on #4).

Closest to the pins were Mike Zenchyshyn on #5 and Derek Patterson on #9.  The $45.00 deuce pot was split between Dion Brandon and Chris Malchuk.

Finally best of luck to our Men's Night brethern who are involved in the Tamarack Golf Tournament in Clear Lake.  They include Darcy Kowalchuk, Jim Geekie, Bob Moffatt, Sonny Blackbird, Wes Arnfinson, Keith Martin, and Dale Watson.

The dog days of summer - part 2

After starting this week's blog entry, I realized that I wrote about the same theme previously.  I checked some old posts and found that on August 15, 2015, I talked about the dog days of summer, that time of year where we typically have our hottest days.

I think it is okay to occasionally write about the same or similar topic.  However, I recognize that I tend to repeat certain themes in my posts.  This was evident earlier this week.  A golfing partner, who shall remain nameless, was talking about how the summer was almost over.  I reminded him that we had lots of time remaining and asked if he read a recent blog about this exact topic.  He stated "Yes...I read you 15th or 16th post of being optimistic".  He is likely the target audience of my motivational entries but doesn't realize it.

We have had some warm stretches this summer and we are definitely in the middle of one right now.  We are experiencing plus thirty temperatures every day with this Saturday projected in the mid-30's.  That will make for a warm Horse Race.

I read today that a Manitoban climate expert says a higher number of 30 C days is expected to be the new normal for the season in coming years — and the average is only going to rise after that.  As of Thursday, southern Manitoba had already experienced 18 days with a recorded temperature of 30 C or higher, compared with the annual average of 13.3 C, according to Environment Canada.  By Saturday, we will have 20 such days.  We are likely faring better than other places.  Ontario and Quebec have had a heat wave for most of the summer.  The Maritimes just ended several weeks under heat advisory.

This warm weather is great for those of us over 40.  The hot days seem to take care of the muscle and joint pain that can be an issue during cooler weather.  A person with whom I golf has probably used the phrase "hard to gold in these conditions" at least 20 times in the past two weeks.  He is joking of course, because we are all enjoying hot, sunny days with little to no wind.

Two of our over 40 golfers definitely liked the conditions yesterday.  Wayne Griffin and Sonny Blackbird combined for two big skins - $110.01 on #3 and $91.26 on #5.  Other skin winners include Ron Huberdeau / Scott Martin ($20.00 on #7) and Jim Geekie / Scott Maynes ($69.38 on #8).

Closest to the pins were Mike Zenchyshyn on #5 and Brad Zimmer on #9.  Mike converted his two to share the $50.64 deuce pot with Ashley Brandon.

Looking at the names above, all are over 40 with the exception of Mr. Maynes.  It definitely seems that the hot weather is better for the old guys.

That's it for this week.  There is a sign up sheet at the Club House for the Nine and Dine tomorrow (Friday).  If anyone has yet to sign up for the Horse Race on Saturday, call or text me (Stephen David) @ 847-0161.

Horse Race this week

Our annual Horse Race tournament is this Saturday.  The 18 hole qualifying round begins at 9:00 am.  This is followed by the calcutta and flighted horse races.  As of right now we are only at 24 entries so we are hoping to pick up a few more at Men's Night this week.

Last week we had 30 golfers.  There were lots of pushes with only two skins going.  Winners included Austin Hunter / Dale Martin ($74.38 on #4) and Blake Hunter / Ashley Brandon ($20 on #7).

Jason Gorrell chipped in for 2 on the par 4 first hole to claim the $56.25 deuce pot.  This vaulted Jay to the lead in the season money list with $251.13.

Closest to the pins were Charlie McNabb on #5 and Austin Hunter on #9.

Lots of summer remaining

It is a common experience for many of us.  We are in the middle of enjoying summer vacation and the great weather when we start to hear from the pessimists.  This usually happens at the end of July or the first of August.  Those with a less rosy outlook on life begin to lament how summer is half over.  Some will even go so far to suggest that summer is almost done.  Let me be the first to state that this is crazy talk.

We have long and cold winters in Manitoba but excellent summers.  There is lots of daylight and our weather is usually extremely good.  To suggest that summer is ending when we are still in July is an extreme over reaction.  Heck, even the kids have 5.5 weeks of break remaining.  That's 37 days until September 6.

I am surprised sometimes that people don't complain that their life is half over when they hit 40.  I hope that doesn't happen because we have lots of us old guys who attend Men's Night.  If everyone realizes that we are nearly half dead we might stop coming.  What's the point of enjoying ourselves on Wednesday evenings when some of us will likely be gone by 2058.

I am reaching a little here but it is an important point.  Today is July 29th...a beautiful Sunday in the middle of summer.  It will be a long time before we can't golf anymore.  There are lots of more nice days and evenings to come.  No one needs to start packing away the patio furniture or getting out the snow shovels just yet.

Golf is a game best enjoyed by optimists and least enjoyed by pessimists.  Often these two groups view the identical experiences in completely different ways.  Optimists say they get pars on the second ball while pessimists note their double bogeys.  Optimists say they had an okay round and are happy with their 42.  Pessimists talk about how the triple bogey on seven screwed up their chance of scoring under 40.  Optimists talk about how they will make a long putt to save par.  Pessimists will mention how they dread getting another three-putt.

Last Wednesday was a cool and windy night from what I heard.  However, that didn't deter 24 optimistic golfers from bundling up and playing.  A first-timer, Wes Gregory from Hamiota, won the $166.89 deuce pot.  Skins went on three holes.  Winners included Austin Hunter / Jason Gorrell ($20 on #6), Blake Hunter / Keith Martin ($20 on #8), and Charlie McNabb ($91.26 on #9).

The best shots on the par 3's were Wes on #5 and Charlie on #9.  Combined they won almost $300  when you add their above winnings as well as the closest to prizes.

As an optimist, I look forward to this Wednesday having missed the last two weeks.  I still have a few open holes on my ringer board.  I can't wait to fill them in with some birdies.  And if I don't get them this week, I will have a few more cracks at it later in August.

Does this look like you?

Like many of you, I have the classic golf tan shown to the left.  You get that tan that stops abruptly at your ankles and upper arms with the cool v-tan shape at the neck.  Some of us even get that added tan line on one wrist from our golf glove.  Rather than wasting out time lounging shirtless by the lake, we devote our time to the golf course baking in the hot sun.

The golf tan doesn't affect everyone.  A few brave souls who are most comfortable with their bodies often whip off their shirts on the hottest days.  Being mild mannered and considerate, they wait until the second tee box before disrobing.  This ensures that the Club House diners don't have to see the middle-aged bodies on full display. 

I didn't get a chance to add to my golf tan last week...but 30 other golfers did.  On a warm evening on the course, skins went on only two holes.  Winners included Terry Brandon / Blake Hunter ($20 on # 6)and Mike Susinski / Mike Zenchyshyn ($59.38 on #7).

Closest to the pins were Darren Ostash on # 5and Chris Kimpinski on #9. There were no deuces.

The Susinki Machine

Ron Susinski has been on fire this year...winning money on a regular basis. Despite missing several Men's Nights at the start of the season, Ron is now on top the season money list with $221.64.  He has cashed in on five separate evenings including the last two.  On Wednesday, he split a $147.64 skin on hole #1 when both he and Terry Brandon birdied for a combined -2.  Ron is also in solid contention in the ringer board having already recorded 5 birdies.

Once in a while, a young golfer comes out of nowhere to raise to the top.  This year it looks like that young phenom might be Ron Susinski.  Our only hope is that we stay close to him until he leaves in August to go harvest.

There were 35 golfers last week.  Other skins went to Brad Benton / Devon Allen ($57.51 on #4,  $57.51 on #6) and Austin Hunter / Stephen David ($21.88 on #8).

Closest to the pins were Robin Kimpinski on #5 and Darcy Kowalchuk on #2.  There were no deuces recorded.

Brad Benton recorded two more birdies to move to -7 on the ringer board with three holes remaining.

The horse race sign up sheet is now on the blog and will be at Men's Night each week.  Sign up in person or by texting Stephen David at 847-0161.

Summer golf is the best

It's hard to beat summer golf....especially in July,  The weather is great and the days are long allowing us to play well into the evening.  Recently, many guys simply turn in their score cards after the Men's Night round and keep going for extra holes.  As long as we have the cards to do the prizes, feel free to hit balls until the sun goes down.  Summer golf bring nice greens and fairways as well as Thursday vacation days which make Wednesday evenings more enjoyable.

This past week we had 30 golfers which seems to be our standard number this year.  Skins went on three holes.  Winners included Terry Susinski / Ron Susinski ($101.26 on #2), Scott Maynes / Joel Ostash ($72.51 on #5), and Austin Hunter / Charlie McNabb ($20 on #8).

There were four deuces recorded by Robin Kimpinski, Mike Susinski, Scott Maynes, and Austin Hunter.   Mike had a very nice evening winning closest to the hole on both par 3's.

Robin's two on nine added another birdie to his ringer board total of -6.  He currently has a one stroke lead over Darcy Kowalchuk and Brad Benton.  Scott Maynes entered his first three scores of the year with birdies on 1, 2, and 5.

This year the Horse Race is on Saturday, August 11.  If you are interested in registering, there will be a sign up sheet at Men's Night.  You can also text Stephen David @ 847-0161.

Thanks for everyone who participated in the Fundraiser tournament on Friday and donated prizes.

Better late than never

I hope everyone had a great long weekend.  I know I did.  I was gone to the in-laws from Friday to Monday and spent the day in Brandon today.  I am telling you this so you will understand why the blog is so late and why it will be very brief.

There were 27 golfers last week.  Closest to the holes were Mike Zenchyshyn on #5 and Shane Kimpinski on #9.  There were no deuces.  Skins went on three holes. 

Winners included Shane Kimpinski / Jason Neufeld ($36.88 on #3), Ashley Brandon / Darren Ostash ($20 on #7), and Terry Brandon ($53.76 on #8).

Congratulations graduates

It's graduation week across the school division, with Shoal Lake students walking across the stage tomorrow evening.  I want to congratulate the Grads of 2018 on their special day.  Also, I want to remind the students that graduation is often considered to be a pathway into adulthood.  One sure sign of adulthood in Shoal Lake is golfing.  So feel free to join us for Ladies Night on Tuesday or Men's Night on Wednesday.

If you think of it, there are many similarities between high school graduation and golf.  High school students spend 13 years learning and studying to get to their graduation.   There are highs and lows to their journey, as is the case for many golfers during their 9 holes.   Graduates spend their evening reflecting on their time at school with most attention given to the positive memories that they have.  Similarly, golfers gather at the end of Men's Night to celebrate their evening while focusing on the best parts of their rounds.

Both graduation ceremonies and Men's Night have an award presentation.  In place of scholarships and bursaries, golfers receive recognition for skins won, deuces, and closest to the pins.  And while Men's Night does not have a formal valedictory address, there are usually a couple of louder guys who want to share their evening experiences with the crowd.

Like a school graduation, there are some at Men's Night who just want to leave and move on to the next thing.  Of course, there are others who want to spend a little more time with friends. reliving their individual and collective experiences.

Obviously graduation is much more important than golf.  Phil Mickelson found that out last year when the US Open conflicted with his daughter's grad.  There was some talk that the school might reschedule the ceremony to accommodate the famous dad.  In the end, Phil withdrew from the tournament to celebrate his daughter's special day.  This was a much better story than what happened to Phil this year.

So...now on to the award's ceremony for last Wednesday.   There were eight golfers recognized as receiving honours.  Congratulations to skin winners Darcy Kowalchuk / Ron Anderson ($20 on #4), Jim Geekie / Brad Benton ($51.88 on #6), Chris Kimpinski / Luke Funk ($36.88 on #7), and Jason Gorrell / Darren Ostash ($36.88 on #9).

A $15 scholarship from Kimp Services / Susinski Farms was presented to Brad Benton for getting closest to the hole on #5.  Jamie McCutchin won the Benny's Gift Certificate Bursary for being tightest on #9.  The biggest award of the evening went to Jason Gorrell who won the $155.64 Deuce Pot Scholarship.

Last week's Governor General Winner as top golf student was Darcy Kowalchuk who scored a 36.

We had 32 golfers last week.  The forecast looks great any this Wednesday.  Let's try to crack 40.

A deuce would be nice

I was away on June 6 and sometimes when I am absent I miss things...especially if no one tells me anything.  Apparently there were four deuces that night and each person agreed to throw the  $45 deuce pot back.  This week there were no twos. As a result, an additional $50 has been added to the pot.  If we get a similar turn out next week the pot will likely be in the neighbourhood of $150.

As I thought about the phrase "throw it back", I realized that it generally references getting rid of things that you don't want.  For example, people throw back fish that are either too big or too small.  Or baseball fans throw back home runs hit by visiting teams.  And there is the usage during an argument when throw it back and remind someone of something bad that they did in the past in order to upset them.  

I guess it can also have a positive meaning...such as when people throw back a drink, finishing it in one gulp.  Or when others post old pictures on social media on Throw Back Thursday.

Since it is Thursday, I thought I would do a throwback to some of the past blogs when the weekly title painted a clear picture of something that happened that week.

• For example, on May 26, 2010, the blog was titled "Opening Night" which symbolized the first week of Men's Night that year.  That was also my first blog entry ever...over eight years ago.
• On September 3, 2011 we had the "1st Annual Lakeside Club Toss" when Hubey put his driver in the bog to the left of the eight tee box.  
• On July 27, 2012 the blog was dedicated to a single golfer when it said "Dale Watson hole in one".  
• Five common-named guys on August 21, 2014 helped me write a column called "That was a lot of Jasons".  
• Dan Stokes sticking his ball in a tree behind the eight green was the focus of "Three in the tree" from August 30, 2015.  
• On June 6, 2016, we learned that "Jason is better than Robin".
• July 16, 2017 was a "Great Wednesday evening" due to Men's Night and the Snowbirds that flew over the course during the community air show.

Last night we had 27 golfers.  Skins went on four holes.  Winners included Robin Kimpinski / Ron Susinski ($31.88 on #3), Brad Benton / Jason Hunter ($70.13 on #4 and $20 on #7), and Chris Kimpinski / Dale Martin ($20 on #9).

Closest to the pins were Stephen David on #5 and Brad Benton on #9.  As mentioned earlier, there were no deuces.