Sad News To Share

It is with much shock and sadness that I learned today of the sudden passing of one of our league members.

Don Kovanen passed away today and will be greatly missed by all of us and everyone who knew him. Don was always smiling and laughing on the golf course and was a pleasure to be around.

In August of this past year Don sank a hole-in-one during Mens League and was thrilled by his accomplishment.

I know all of our members pass along our most heartfelt condolences to Don's family at this most difficult time. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Rest in Peace Don.

2012 Playoffs - Final Round

I don't know what everybody was worried about. There was never a doubt that we'd get the final 18 holes of playoffs in on this day. Okay, maybe there was a smidgen of doubt when only a few hours prior to tee-off the entire region was dealing with torrential rain and high winds.

But despite the threatening skies to start the round we only had a brief light rain. Oh, and of course some very gusty conditions but I don't think anyone was complaining too loudly considering what it could have been like. The wet conditions also made the greens more receptive I'm sure most will agree.

The day was about wrapping up the season and crowning the playoff champs in all three divisions and we did just that.

In the "A" Division, the Rolling Stones couldn't hold on to their lead as they faltered on the final day and opened the door for the Southpaws who took full advantage and cruised to a eight stroke victory.

The Whizbangers held a seven stroke lead on the Dubbers in the "B" Division prior to the start of the round and they managed to increase their lead and cruised to a 15 stroke margin of victory.

Over in the "C" Division the CCCP lead wire to wire to claim the title by seven shots.

There were no hole-in-one's to be had today but several golfers cleaned up on the Closest to the Pin prizes and other awards following the round.

Once again this year everyone was treated to a scrumptious BBQ steak dinner with so much food there was no excuse to leave the table hungry. Be sure to check below to see more photos from the evening.

I know I speak for all the league members when I thank Steve Powell for all of his hard work, not only for today but for the entire season. He's a big reason why we can all relax and enjoy ourselves. Thanks also to Tom and Alida St.Denis for a wonderful season and excellent course conditions all year long despite one of the driest summer's in recent memory. Thanks also to Debbie Stewart and Lynn McPhee for their help and volunteer work for the day.

To all our league members, thanks for making this such a great summer and enjoy the Autumn and Winter months ahead. Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you again in the Spring of 2013.

On a personal note I'd like to thank those of you who took the time to visit this league blog throughout the season. I know more of you found it this year and I hope you enjoyed it. I know I've had fun keeping it updated for another year.

Final Playoff Results

"A" Division

1. Southpaws - 362

2. Rolling Stones - 370

3. KGB - 372

4. Fat Shafts - 400

"B" Division

1. Whizbangers - 371

2. Dubbers - 386

3. Wedgers - 391

4. Fivesome - 435

"C" Division

1. CCCP - 405

2. Bogies - 412

2. Latecomers - 412

4. Hackers - 446

Click on photos to see them larger

Enjoying a tasty beverage after a long round.

The annual putting contest is underway.

Sharing some laughs.

Kimmer the putting judge.

Dan watching closely hoping for some pointers.

Brian prepares to put while Steve and Dave look on.

Steve hands out the prizes for the night.

A somewhat attentive audience.

Waiting to hear their names called.

2012 Playoffs - Round Two

I've never seen anything like what has been happening in our league down the final stretch of the season. 

Sandy McLeod aced hole #15

For the fifth time in only six weeks someone has shot a hole-in-one. This week it was Sandy McLeod as he aced the 126 yard 15th hole using a Wedge. Congratulations on your third career hole-in-one Sandy!

With only 18 holes remaining in the season and the playoffs, nothing is decided with all three divisions close enough that any team could still win.

In the "A" Division the Rolling Stones have a seven shot lead over the regular season champs the Southpaws. The KGB sit 14 shots back but anything can happen on the final day.

The Whizbangers hold a 7 stroke lead on the Dubbers in the "B" Division but with rain forecast for Saturday's final 18 holes, anything could happen.

The battle for "C" Division is also too close to call with the CCCP holding a five stroke advantage on the Bogies while the Latecomers are only 12 shots off the pace. It should be an interesting final 18 holes. Lets hope mother nature takes it easy on us. But you might want to bring some extra clothes to change into after the round just in case.

The final 18 holes will begin at 3:00pm on Saturday afternoon and that will be followed by the wrap-up party. As always, if you plan to drink, please make arrangements to have a sober ride home.

The standings after 18 playoff holes are as follows...

"A" Division

1. Rolling Stones - 86 (175)
2. Southpaws - 90 (182)
3. KGB - 94 (189)
4. Fat Shafts - 99 (201)

"B" Division

1. Whizbangers - 95 (182)
2. Dubbers - 97 (189)
3. Wedgers - 110 (199)
4. Fivesome - 107 (208)

"C" Division

1. CCCP - 103 (200)
2. Bogies - 102 (205)
3. Latecomers - 105 (212)
4. Hackers - 111 (221)

2012 Playoffs - Round One

The arrival of the playoffs seemed to elevate the play of many of the members tonight with some wonderful scores turned in.

Congrats Norm Toyne on your 20th Ace.

Jim Conley posted a very impressive round of 25 which came just one week too late to win the Individual Low Gross title for the season but it went a long way towards helping his Dubbers team stay close in the "B" Division.

Norm Toyne also turned in the fourth hole in one in five weeks for the league and the 20th ace of his career as he sank his tee shot on the 97 yard sixth hole. Congratulations Norm on the milestone.

The Standings after the first nine playoff holes are as follows:

"A" Division

1. Rolling Stones (89)

2. Southpaws (92)

3. KGB (95)

4. Fat Shafts (102)

"B" Division

1. Whizbangers (87)

2. Wedgers (89)

3. Dubbers (92)

4. Fivesome (101)

"C" Division

1. CCCP (97)

2. Bogies (103)

3. Latecomers (107)

4. Hackers (110)

Next Wednesday night we play nine more holes from the white tees followed by 18 holes from the blue tees on Saturday September 8th and the wrap-up party.

Fat Shafts Edge Dubbers For Final "A" Spot

The only thing left to be decided heading into the final night of the regular season was the last available spot in the "A" Flight of the Playoffs. 

The Dubbers held a one point lead over the Fat Shafts but with the Fat Shafts sweep of the Bogies and the Dubbers only managing four points against the Rolling Stones, the Fat Shafts came from behind to grab the final spot by a single point.

Also taking points tonight were the Southpaws with six and an impressive regular season league championship with a total of 120 points. The KGB also grabbed all six points in their match. Taking four points were the CCCP and Whizbangers. The Hackers and Latecomers grabbed two points each.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Terry Letch on hole #1 and Steve Westlake on #10. Scott Reilly was the 50/50 winner.

The Playoffs will start next week with nine holes for the next two Wednesday's and a final 18 holes and the wrap-up party on Saturday September 8th. Good Luck to all!

2012 Final Regular Season Standings

2012 Final Regular Season Standings

1. Southpaws (120 pts)
2. Rolling Stones (101 pts)
3. KGB (91 pts)
4. Fat Shafts (77 pts)
5. Dubbers (76 pts)
6. Whizbangers (67 pts)
7. Wedgers (66 pts)
8. Fivesome (46 pts)
9. Latecomers (41 pts)
10. Bogies (37 pts)
10. Hackers (37 pts)
12. CCCP (33 pts)


Individual Low Gross
Norm Toyne - 26
Kim Defosse - 26
Paul Scobie - 26 (twice)
Tim Donaldson - 26
Kyle Wilkinson - 26
Team Low Gross
Southpaws - 83

Wilkinson Starts With A Bang

Kyle Wilkinson stepped up to the tee on hole #17, his starting hole for the night, and promptly fired a dart and sank his third career hole-in-one. This makes three weeks in a row that someone has walked away with an ace. Kyle used his 56 degree wedge on the 134 yard hole. Congratulations Kyle!

Kyle Wilkinson all smiles after his hole-in-one.

With only one week remaining before the start of playoffs there's still plenty of room for some changes to take place in the standings. With only one point separating the Dubbers and Fat Shafts for fourth place, the last spot in the "A" division is still in question. The Wedgers are six points back of the Dubbers for fourth and could still be a factor depending on the tie-breaker.

The "C" flight teams are already decided however the seeding there is yet to be determined.

The only thing for certain is that the Southpaws will be the regular season champs with 114 points and a 15 point cushion over the Rolling Stones heading to the final week of play.

The Southpaws missed a chance to add to their impressive total tonight as the Fat Shafts narrowly took all six points up for grabs in their match. Other teams taking six points this evening were the Latecomers, Whizbangers and Rolling Stones. The KGB took five points, the Fivesome earned four, the Dubbers took two while a single point went to the Hackers.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Rick Dean on hole #9 and Peter Hughes on #18. The 50/50 winner was Nick Vangemeren.

Reilly Drains Fourth Ace

Scott Reilly aces 2nd hole.

For the second week in a row our league saw a hole-in-one as Scott Reilly aced the 132 yard 2nd hole. Scott used a 9-iron to grab his fourth hole-in-one ever on his way to a 3 over par round of 30. Congratulations Scott!

Hitting their shots tight on the money holes tonight were Jim Boers on hole #8 while Nick Vangemeren was the Closest to the Pin winner on hole #17. Don St.Denis was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Five of the evenings matches were swept as the Wedgers, KGB, Rolling Stones, Whizbangers and Southpaws took six points each. The Hackers earned four points from the Dubbers who settled for two. 

It's hard to believe that only two weeks of regular season golf remain before playoffs begin. The summer has flown by once again.

Kovanen Aces Third Hole

The hot and muggy conditions were exactly what the right conditions for Don Kovanen tonight as he picked up a hole-in-one. Don used a five iron on the 130 yard third hole to snag his ace. Congratulations Don!

Don Kovanen aced hole #3 tonight.

Dennis Schick nearly aced the 7th hole but had to settle for the Closest to the Pin prize on the front nine. Kevin Wadsworth grabbed his second closest to the pin prize in back to back weeks sticking it close on hole #16. The weeks 50/50 winner was Marco Leone.

As we creep closer to the end of the regular season and teams jockey for division rankings for the playoffs every point becomes more important. Four teams took all six points in their matches with the Rolling Stones, KGB, Southpaws and Latecomers increasing their totals. The Whizbangers earned five points while the Dubbers managed four. The Wedgers earned two points and the Fat Shafts squeaked out a single tally on the night.

Points-a-plenty Tonight

The dry and muggy conditions continued tonight but there were a few raindrops to give us hope that the current drought we've been going through might see some relief. But it didn't happen while we were playing and that's always a good thing.

There points were spread around this evening as nine out of the 12 teams managed to increase their totals.

Only three teams managed to take all of the points up for grabs in their matches as the Fat Shafts, KGB and Southpaws each earned six points. The points by the Southpaws moves them past the century mark with 102pts. The CCCP and Dubbers grabbed five points and four points went to the Whizbangers. The Rolling Stones took two points while the Hackers and Bogies earned one point a piece.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Kevin Wadsworth on hole #6 while Ryan Cuculuzzi was tight on hole #15. Paul Scobie was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Not Quite As Hot

Okay, it wasn't exactly cool but by comparison to the temperatures we've been dealing with in recent days, I think we got off pretty easy tonight. It was still toasty but as the night wore on the comfort level improved. Most of the bugs seemed to take the night off as well thankfully.

Cooling down after a warm round.

There were no changes or additions to the Individual or Team leaders but there was some movement in the standings. Four teams took all six points in their matches including the Southpaws, Fivesome, Rolling Stones and Hackers. CCCP and Wedgers each earned four points while the Fat Shafts and Bogies took two points each.

The Closest to the Pin Winners were Don St.Denis on hole #5 and Barry Defosse on hole #14. Jerry Powell was the weeks 50/50 winner.

Just five more weeks of regular season play remain before the playoffs begin.

Low Gross Getting Crowded

And then there were five.

You can add a fifth name to the growing list of golfers sharing the Individual Low Gross. Tim Donaldson posted a 26 in his round this evening. Paul Scobie who already had a share of the lead with a 26 earlier in the season posted another 26 tonight as well. 

Scott Reilly of the Hackers shows great form.

Both Scobie and Donaldson are members of the Southpaws and their scores also helped to set the new Team Low Gross of 83.

To no surprise, the Southpaws also took all six points in their match. Also taking all six points were the Fat Shafts, Wedgers and Fivesome. The Whizbangers earned four points while the Dubbers and Latecomers split taking three points each. The KGB managed two points.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Andy Koetstra on #4 while Dave Walker stuck it tight on #13. Bob Donaldson was this weeks 50/50 winner.

MacGillivary Aces Sixth Hole

The hot, humid and sticky weather along with some pesky bugs annoyed a few of us but it didn't seem to have much of an affect on Coady MacGillivary.

MacGillivary shows off his hole-in-one ball.

After shooting a birdie on hole #5, Coady launched his tee shot on hole #6 dead on target and upon reaching the green, found his ball settled in the bottom of the cup for a hole-in-one. Congratulations Coady!

In our return to nine hole rounds only the Fivesome and Rolling Stones swept all six points up for grabs in their matches. The Hackers and Southpaws took five points each while the Fat Shafts and Dubbers earned four points. The CCCP and Whizbangers grabbed a pair of points each while single points were awarded to the Bogies and KGB.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Matt Couperus on hole #3 while Steve Westlake stuck it tight on hole #12. Jimmy Rogers was the nights 50/50 winner.

Oh Baby That Was Toasty

The first official day of summer arrived today and boy did it ever! The temperature was 33 Celsius when we teed off but luckily a breeze and a bit of a reprieve from the heat made it a bit more tolerable.

Kyle Wilkinson turned in an impressive nine hole round of 26 to grab a share of the Individual Low Gross lead. The Closest to the Pin winners were Coady MacGillivary on hole #2 and Michael Morey on hole #11. Andy Koetstra won the 50/50.

Another 12 points were up for grabs on this final week of playing 18 holes, not including next weeks fun team Scramble. The Rolling Stones were the only team to take all 12 points in their match. The Southpaws took 11 while the Hackers and Fivesome earned 8 points each. The Fat Shafts managed 7 points, KGB and Bogies split 6 points each and the Dubbers grabbed 5 points. The Wedgers and CCCP managed 4 points each while a single point went to the Whizbangers.

Southpaws Set New Low

Could we have asked for a better night to golf? Very few bugs, clear blue skies and very comfortable temperatures. If only every night was like that.

Jeff Istead putts on 17 while Barry Defosse looks on.

The excellent conditions may have been a factor in the Southpaws taking over the lead for Team Low Gross as they combined on one nine for a score of 84. Paul Scobie chipped in with a round of 26 which moved him into a three-way tie for Individual Low Gross.

Nine teams managed points on this night. The Fivesome, Southpaws and Rolling Stones took all 12 points up for grabs while the KGB took 11. The Dubbers had a good night earning nine points. The Wedgers and Whizbangers split their points to take six each. CCCP earned three points while the Fat Shafts managed a single point.

It was a Defosse clean sweep for the Closest to the Pin prizes. Kim Defosse took the honours on Hole #1 while Barry Defosse stuck it tight on Hole #10.

We have one more week of 18 holes before the fun team Scramble the following week.

Hughes Aces Eighteen

I had my doubts as to whether the weather would hold out for us as the sky was threatening for most of our first 18 hole night but aside from a few light showers all went well.

That was good news for Peter Hughes as he took full advantage of the round to sink a hole-in-one on hole #18. Hughes used an 8-iron on the 143 yard hole. It was also the Closest to the Pin hole for the back nine so he picked up some extra cash to help pay his bar tab for the night. Nick VanGemeren grabbed the other closest to the pin prize on hole #9. The 50/50 winner this week was John Renault.

Two teams turned in impressive scores tonight to take over the Team Low Gross lead. Both the Southpaws and Rolling Stones shot an impressive 86 to share the honour.

A total of 12 points per match was up for grabs this evening. Not surprisingly, the Rolling Stones and Southpaws both swept their matches. The Fat Shafts earned 10 points. The KGB and Bogies grabbed eight points each while the Whizbangers took seven. The CCCP grabbed five points, the Dubbers and Wedgers took four each while the Latecomers managed two points.

A reminder that we play another 18 hole round again next week.

Defosse Celebrates Birthday In Style

On the night of his 55th birthday, Kim Defosse proved that getting older only improves your game as he shot a one-under 26 to tie Norm Toyne for the Individual Low Gross.

As if that wasn't good enough, Defosse also grabbed some extra cash by sticking his tee shot close on hole #8 to win the Closest to the Pin. Al Wilkinson had the most accurate shot on the back nine as he stuck it closest on hole #17. The 50/50 winner this week was Kevin Wadsworth.

Ten out of 12 teams managed to earn points this evening with the Bogies and Southpaws each taking all six in their matches. The Rolling Stones earned five points. The Whizbangers, Latecomers and KGB grabbed four each. The Hackers and CCCP improved their totals by two points while the Dubbers managed a single point. 

Just a reminder that next Wednesday is our first week of playing 18 holes so be prepared to stay a little later than normal.

Wildlife and Insects Abound

On any given night at the golf course we can see various forms of wildlife. Some of the animal variety and some in the form of the golfers themselves. Tonight some golfers were fortunate enough to see deer while a family of foxes have also been spotted around the 12th hole. Mosquitoes were plentiful on hole #15 on this night although none of us thought they were cute and cuddly.

I was also informed that someone hit a horse to the left of the 12th hole and Dave Walker was wondering who it might have been. Rumour has it that Nick VanGemeren was the guilty party but that was only according to Dan Jess.

As for the golf on this beautiful evening there were some good and some not so good scores turned in but nobody really cared considering the ideal conditions. Grabbing all six points tonight were the Dubbers, KGB, Whizbangers and Wedgers. The Rolling Stones and Southpaws took four each while the Fat Shafts and CCCP earned two.

The 50/50 winner was Ron MacDonald. Closest to the Pin winners were Eric Korver on hole #7 and Kim Defosse on hole #16.

Very young fawn located near hole #5.

Points For Most Teams

Maybe I was the only one who struggled with the windy conditions tonight but I doubt it as the gusty winds made club selection a bit tricky. Judging by the majority of the scores though it looked as though most of you fought through it admirably.

The points were spread around a bit more this week with eight of the 12 teams managing to increase their totals. The Whizbangers, Southpaws, Wedgers and KGB all grabbed six points. The Rolling Stones and Dubbers each earned four while the Fat Shafts and Hackers took two points each.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Dave Reid on hole #6 and Ian Rogers on hole #15. Sandy McLeod was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Have a great Victoria Day long weekend guys!

Cloudy With A Chance Of Golf Balls

Mother Nature did us a favour tonight and pushed the showers through before we hit the links but the temperatures did cool down so it wasn't all good news. Before long we might be wishing for the cooler weather.

Five teams swept all the points in their matches this evening. The KGB, Southpaws, Rolling Stones, Fat Shafts and Latecomers each earned six points. The Dubbers took four points while the Wedgers grabbed two.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Coady McGillvary on Hole #5 while Dave Walker stuck it tight on Hole #14. Don St.Denis was the 50/50 winner.

Most Improved Golfer of the Night - Dan Jess

That Was Cutting It Close

We knew the rain was coming, it was only a matter of whether we'd get the round in before the skies opened up or not. We did...but only by a whisker, and that's all that mattered. In a scene reminiscent of last season the threat of rain didn't keep us from getting out. Plus, it was actually quite muggy at times as we finally had a normal temperature.

For the second time in only two weeks, Lyle Williams of the Fat Shafts was the weeks 50/50 winner. The Closest to the Pin winner on the front nine was Len Bosma on Hole #4 while Jim Conley stuck it close on Hole #13.

Five teams swept all the points in their matches as the Southpaws, Rolling Stones, Fat Shafts, KGB and Hackers all took six points. The Bogies came close earning five while the Dubbers squeaked out a split on the net to earn a single point.

Those who stuck around after were treated to a sighting of the resident fox as it scampered around the eighth and ninth holes.

Toyne Sets The New Low Gross

On a night when the winds were less tornado like than in previous weeks, Norm Toyne took advantage and recorded the new Individual Low Gross score. Toyne's 26 was one stroke better than the previous best by Steve Westlake.

The Closest to the Pin winners this week were Tim Donaldson on Hole #3 and Michael Shick on Hole #12. Jim Turner was the 50/50 winner.

Only four teams managed to sweep all the points in their matches as the Rolling Stones, Wedgers, Whizbangers and Latecomers all grabbed six points. The Southpaws and Bogies earned four points each while the Dubbers and CCCP each earned two points.

Cold Weather Leads To High Scores

I can't say for sure if the reason for so many of us posted higher than normal scores was just because we were that bad tonight or if the bone-chilling and breezy weather conditions were to blame. That's what I'm going with. But on the bright side, at least it was dry.

Some teams still managed to sneak away with some points despite the larger team totals. The Fat Shafts, Dubbers, KGB, Wedgers and Southpaws all took six points while the Fivesome managed to earn four points over the Bogies who grabbed the other two points.

The Closest to the Pin winners this week were Rick Dean on Hole #2 and Mark Kennedy on Hole #11. Lyle Williams won the 50/50 draw.

Lets hope for some warmer weather next week.

League Starts With A Bang

I don't think Nick VanGemeren could have asked for a better start to another year of Men's League play as he fired an Ace on the 132 yard 2nd hole. Nick used a wedge to put the cookie in the jar.

Steve Westlake had the hottest overall game of the night as he grabbed the early lead for Low Gross with an even par 27. The Southpaws set the low mark for Team Low Gross combining for an 88. The first Closest to the Pin winners of the season went to Jim Turner on Hole #1 and Andy Koetstra on Hole #10. The 50/50 was won by Dave Powell.

It was all or nothing when it came to the evenings matches. The Bogies, Southpaws, Wedgers, Fat Shafts, Dubbers and Latecomers swept all six points.

It's Official...Season To Start

In case you hadn't heard guys, we've been officially informed that the league will kick off on Wednesday April 11th.

League dues are still $30 and are to be paid that night. If you can't scrape together the dough then you can probably get a week's extension but please be prepared to pay if you can.

I was out again tonight with about 18 guys for a fun scramble and despite a cool breeze we had a good round in preparation for the start of the league. The greens are in great shape and were even kind enough to grant us a few birdies.

So pull the clubs out of storage and get ready to start swinging next Wednesday night...weather permitting of course.

See you then!

Are You Ready To Start Swinging?

I hope everyone survived the winter just fine. It certainly wasn't a rough one like we've seen in the past and I haven't heard too many complaints.

I was out to the golf course last night and played a scramble with about 15 members of the League who decided to take advantage of the early Spring golfing weather. The guys were out dusting off the rust from a long break and preparing for the season ahead.

As it stands right now, if the weather co-operates, the first night of league play will be on Wednesday April 11th at 6:00 p.m. as usual.

The dues are still $30 and should be paid on the first night but I'm sure they'll let you slide for a week before they come after you.

The course is in excellent shape and wintered well. I noticed they have some new flags and cups this year which I'm sure we'll all look forward to filling.

If I hear of any changes I'll be sure to post them here and if all goes well I'll try to keep the site and standings updated throughout the season as usual.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the course again soon.