New Website Is Shaping Up

 

I've been busy working on the new league website and although it isn't 100% complete and is still being tweaked, it is taking shape nicely and I encourage all members to check it out and bookmark the site for next season. This site will no longer be used for updating. Please let your teammates know so they can be ready when we tee off in Spring 2018. Just click the link below to go to the new site.

http://murrayhillswnml.blogspot.ca/

2017 Playoffs - Final Round

After two straight years of rain shortened final rounds, we were treated to an absolutely perfect day for golf to complete the final 18 holes of playoffs and enjoy our wrap-up party.

In the "A" Flight it was a surprising, yet decisive victory for the Fat Shafts who went from third place and five shots back to finishing in first place by ten strokes. They were also the only team to finish below 400 total strokes overall. The Southpaws finished in second spot with the KGB three strokes back in third and the Dubbers rounded out the division finishing 23 strokes off the pace..

The Rolling Stones started the day with a 19 stroke cushion in the "B" Flight and held on for the win despite a charge by the Whizbangers who managed to pull within eight strokes for second place.

The Fivesome and CCCP struggled and fell further behind finishing in third and fourth respectively.

Over in the battle for "C" Flight it was close all day long but in the end the Hackers managed to hang on to their lead to take the victory and finished just three strokes ahead of the Wedgers. The Latecomers came in third spot while the Bogies were in fourth at the end of the day.

At this time I know all of you will join me giving thanks to some folks who made this day and our entire season a big success. Steve Powell is the driving force behind the running of the league and his endless efforts behind the scenes are greatly appreciated throughout the summer and culminating with a terrific finaly day. We also thank Tom and Alida St.Denis for providing us with a wonderful golf experience and excellent course conditions all season.

Thanks also to Debbie Stewart and Julia Bosma for assisting with the setup today and in tallying the final scores. And of course thanks once again to Steve Westlake and Kim Defosse for organizing and running our annual putting contests after our round again this year.

On a personal note, I want to thank everyone who approached me today and throughout the season to let me know how much they look forward to checking and reading the blog each week. It's nice to know the effort that I put into it is enjoyed by so many of you. I hope to continue the blog again next summer although I should mention that a change in the website and address may be coming before next season. Don't worry, I will post the details here if it happens so you can find the new site.

Don't forget that although the season has ended, everyone is invited to continue coming out on Wednesday nights as we switch to an informal best ball format for those not ready to put the clubs away just yet. If we don't see you out until the Spring, have a safe Winter and we'll see you in 2018.

2017 Playoff- Final Standings

"A" Flight
1. Fat Shafts - 95-102-96-97 = 390
2. Southpaws - 99-93-106-102 = 400
3. KGB - 95-99-103-106 = 403
4. Dubbers - 102-103-111-97 = 413

"B" Flight
1. Rolling Stones - 103-95-106-108 = 412
2. Whizbangers - 110-108-101-101 = 420
3. Fivesome - 114-103-116-112 = 445
4. CCCP - 108-112-117-116 = 453

"C" Flight
1. Hackers - 108-100-114-108 = 430
2. Wedgers - 107-105-108-113 = 433
3. Latecomers - 100-115-119-113 = 447
4. Bogies - 115-108-119-109 = 451

Click on photos to see them larger

2017 Playoffs - Round Two

What a difference one round made for several teams tonight as moves were made to set up an interesting final round on Saturday. Before we go any further, a reminder that the new start time for the final round of 18 holes will be 2:00pm, an hour earlier than previous years.

We must also congratulate Al Wilkinson who aced the 5th hole this evening.

Andy, Tom and Kory wait for Lyle to putt on 13.

Not surprisingly his hole-in-one also stood up for the closest to the pin on that hole. Well done Al.

In the "A" Flight the Southpaws took advantage of some mistakes made by their opponents to move up to first place with a two stroke lead over the KGB. The Fat Shafts are just five strokes off the pace while the Dubbers sit 13 strokes behind.

Over in the "B" Flight the Rolling Stones have a total of 198 and appear to be on cruise control. Unless they fail to show up on Saturday they should be able to hold their 19 stroke lead over the Fivesome. The Whizbangers are 20 off the pace while the CCCP need to make up a 21 stroke deficit on the weekend.

The battle for "C" Flight is a bit tighter as the Hackers sit atop the standings with a 208 total. That puts them four strokes ahead of the Wedgers and seven strokes up on the Latecomers. Sitting 15 strokes back are the Bogies.

Their were two golfers who shared the low round for the night as Al Wilkinson and Tim Donaldson both shot one over par 28. The rest of the closest to the pin winners were Kyle Wilkinson on holes 6 and 8. Al Wilkinson had another on hole 7. On the back nine the winners were Jim Conley, Andy Koetstra, Tom St.Denis and Don Muldoon.

Once again a reminder that the final round will take place on Saturday at 2:00pm with the meal and party to follow. I'm sure Steve Westlake and Kim Defosse will have the putting contest going as well. See you there and please don't drink and drive.

2017 Playoff Standings

"A" Flight
1. Southpaws - 99-93 - 192
2. KGB - 95-99 - 194
3. Fat Shafts - 95-102 - 197
4. Dubbers - 102-103 - 205

"B" Flight
1. Rolling Stones - 103-95 - 198
2. Fivesome - 114-103 - 217
3. Whizbangers - 110-108 - 218
4. CCCP - 108-112 - 220

"C" Flight
1. Hackers - 108-100 - 208
2. Wedgers - 107-105 - 212
3. Latecomers - 100-115 - 215
4. Bogies - 115-108 - 223

2017 Playoffs - Round One

Round one of the playoffs is in the books and some teams played well while others struggled but after only nine holes nobody is out of it.

In the "A" Flight the KGB and Fat Shafts share the lead having both shot 95. The Southpaws are only four shots back with a 99 while the Dubbers are seven shots off the lead after scoring a 102.

The "B" Flight is a bit more open as the Rolling Stones shot 103 and have a five stroke lead over the CCCP who put up a 108.

Steve Powell takes aim at Hole #8.

The Whizbangers sit seven shots back after shooting a 110 while a score of 114 leaves the Fivesome 11 strokes off the lead.

The Latecomers have the early lead in the "C" Flight after shooting 100 on the night. Seven shots back in second are the Wedgers who posted a 107 and a shot behind them are the Hackers who scored a 108. The Bogies had an off night posting a 115 but are still within striking distance.

The low score of the night was turned in by Kyle Wilkinson with an even par 27. Several others posted sub-30 rounds for the night.

The closest to the pin winners were Tim Donaldson, Paul Reid, Tyler Donaldson, Marty McDonald, Kyle Wilkinson, Coady MacGillvary, Kim Defosse and Ian MacDonald.

Playoffs continue next Wednesday night from the white tees once again and on Saturday September 9th we play the final 18 holes from the Blue tees followed by the wrap up party.

2017 Playoff Standings

"A" Flight
1. KGB - 95
1. Fat Shafts - 95
3. Southpaws - 99
4. Dubbers - 102

"B" Flight
1. Rolling Stones - 103
2. CCCP - 108
3. Whizbangers - 110
4. Fivesome - 114

"C" Flight
1. Latecomers - 100
2. Wedgers - 107
3. Hackers - 108
4. Bogies - 115

 

Let The Playoffs Begin

With so many possible playoff scenarios heading into tonight's matches, the final standings were decided without the need for tie-breakers, coin flips or calculators.

When the dust settled on this final night of the regular season, the three playoff brackets were clearly defined heading into round one next Wednesday night.

Scott Reilly starts his round on hole 12.

The playoff flights are listed below.

On this night, three teams swept their matches as the KGB, Hackers and Rolling Stones took six points. Earning four points were the Fat Shafts, Southpaws and Latecomers while two points each went to the CCCP, Fivesome and Bogies. Tim Donaldson shot a round of 28 for the low score of the night.

The 50/50 was won by Dave Pemberton while the closest to the pin winners were Randy Conley on hole #9 and Andy Koetstra on hole #18. Andy's round of 26 this season held up to win the Individual Low Gross while the KGB won the Team Low Gross with their score of 88.

Playoffs will take place the next two Wednesday nights from the White tees and on Saturday September 9th we play the final 18 holes from the Blue tees followed by the wrap up party. Everyone think sunny thoughts.

2017 Playoff Flights

"A" Flight
1. KGB
2. Fat Shafts
3. Southpaws
4. Dubbers

"B" Flight
1. Whizbangers
2. CCCP
3. Rolling Stones
4. Fivesome

"C" Flight
1. Latecomers
2. Wedgers
3. Hackers
4. Bogies

KGB Clinch

For the third straight year a different team will walk away as the regular season league champs. The KGB stretched their lead to seven points over the defending Fat Shafts to clinch the league title with one week remaining.

As far as the playoff positioning goes, there isn't much decided and the last week will sort things out.

Dave Walker makes his sand save on #7.

Aside from the KGB and Fat Shafts, four teams (Dubbers, Southpaws, Whizbangers and CCCP) can still secure a spot in the "A" Flight.

The Rolling Stones are solidly in the "B" Flight but six teams could either fall back or move up to get in. It's almost too confusing for your humble blog master to figure out. The only other guarantee is that the Hackers and Bogies will be in the "C" flight in two weeks. Next week will be fun to watch.

In tonight's matches, the KGB, Whizbangers, Rolling Stones, Fivesome and Latecomers all took six points. The Southpaws grabbed four points while the Fat Shafts earned two. The low round of the night was turned in by Andy Koetstra with a 28 while Kyle Wilkinson shot a 29.

The closest to the pin winners were Dave Walker on hole #8 and Kyle Wilkinson on hole #17. Scott Burmie was the 50/50 winner this week.

Crunch Time

With only two more regular season weeks left after tonight's round, the opportunities to make a move for a playoff position are running out quickly.

The Southpaws made progress tonight by grabbing six points to slide past CCCP by one point and sit in fourth place and the last spot in the "A" flight. Only three points separate sixth place and fourth and the next two weeks will decide the "A" and "B" flight combatants.

Dave Pemberton strikes the ball on 18.

The Fivesome sit in ninth and are six points away from moving into the top eight. Meanwhile, the battle for first overall got a bit tighter as the Fat Shafts were handed six points by the absent Rolling Stones while the KGB took only four points to hold a three point cushion for first.

Taking six points tonight were the Southpaws, Dubbers, Whizbangers and Fat Shafts. The Fivesome and KGB earned four points while two points each went to CCCP and Wedgers.

The closest to the pin winners were Jim Conley on hole #7 and Rick Dean on hole #16. Randy Grills was the 50/50 winner this week.

KGB Move Into First

For the first time this season there is a different team at the top of the league standings as the KGB took all six points in their match to pass the Fat Shafts who failed to earn a single point tonight in their match against the Whizbangers. The KGB now sit in first with a five point lead and a total of 73 points.

One member of the Fat Shafts had a very good round. Andy Koetstra, who sat out for his team, was picked up by the Rolling Stones and shot a one under par round of 26. This was good enough to give him sole possession of the Individual Low Gross lead heading into August. Andy also won a Closest to the Pin prize by sticking his tee shot on hole #6 within a foot of the hole.

The Latecomers joined the KGB and Whizbangers as the only other team to take all six points in their match. The Rolling Stones, Southpaws and Dubbers all earned four points while the Wedgers, Hackers and CCCP each took two points.

The other Closest to the Pin winner tonight was Mike Lessard on hole #15 while Bob Donaldson was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Time To Make Moves

Believe it or not, the end of the season is quickly approaching and time is running out for teams to make their moves to get to the playoff positions they hope to be in at the end.

Eric Korver fires his tee shot on #17 and lands on the green.

The middle of the pack is still relatively close and a lot can change in the weeks ahead.

Scoring continues to be tough this season as only four teams, the KGB, Fat Shafts, Southpaws and Dubbers were able to shoot sub-100 rounds as a team tonight.

The KGB, Fat Shafts and Whizbangers all took six points in their rounds for the evening. Five points were earned by the Dubbers and Southpaws while the Hackers grabbed four points. The CCCP took two points while single points went to the Bogies and Wedgers.

The low score for the evening was turned in by Tim Donaldson with an even par round of 27. The Closest to the Pin winners were Rick Turtle on hole #5 and Denis Schick on hole #14. Benny Brock was the 50/50 winner.

On A Hot Summer Night

Boy oh boy did summer finally show up tonight. It was a hot, humid, sticky and buggy round for sure but it's nice to see more seasonal golfing conditions for a change.

The Fat Shafts took six points against the Wedgers to keep their slim one point league lead over the KGB who took all six points when the Rolling Stones failed to field a team. The Dubbers also took six points to move into fourth place.

Also taking six points tonight were the Whizbangers, Hackers and Bogies. Sandy McLeod had the low round of the night shooting a 2-over-par score of 29.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Eric Mofina for the second week in a row on hole #4 and Andy Koetstra on hole #13. Randy Grills was the 50/50 winner this week.

Hughes Aces Sixteen

It was a race to beat the weather tonight but for most of us it was a race we lost as we had to finish the last couple of holes in the rain. Even the mosquitoes were taking cover under the umbrellas.

Congratulations to Peter Hughes who didn't let the threat of rain keep him from getting a hole-in-one.

Peter Hughes all smiles after getting a hole-in-one.

Peter used a Gap Wedge to ace the 108 yard sixteenth hole.

The battle for first overall continues to tighten as the Fat Shafts hold a slim one point lead over the surging  KGB squad. The Fat Shafts took five points tonight while the KGB swept all six points in their match against the Whizbangers.

The idea of possibly getting damp kept several golfers away and that led to some forfeits. Both the Southpaws and CCCP were given six points each as the Rolling Stones and Wedgers failed to have enough players. The Dubbers also earned six points while the Bogies took four. The Fivesome managed two points while the Hackers posted a single point.

The low rounds of the evening were turned in by Tim Donaldson and Rick Dean who both shot a 29. Donaldson also earned Closest to the Pin honours on hole #3 while Eric Mofina stuck his tee shot close on hole #12. Thom Christmann was the 50/50 winner this week.

Fat Shafts First to 50

As we settle into the heart of the season the Fat Shafts are the first team to surpass 50 points this year despite only taking two points in their match tonight against the impressive CCCP team who took  four points.

The evening was perfect weather wise as it finally felt like a summer night of golf.

Don St.Denis fires at hole #7.

The warm weather and calm air did little however to help the scoring as not one team could post a sub-100 total.

Just three teams swept their matches as the Hackers, KGB and Rolling Stones all eared six points. The Dubbers and Latecomers grabbed four points while the Whizbangers and Fivesome took two points each.

Andy Koetstra shot even par 27 for the low round of the night and moved into a four way tie for the Individual Low Gross.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Peter Hughes on hole #2 and Kyle Wilkinson on hole #11. Mark Kennedy was the 50/50 winner this week.

Team Low Gross Tie

After seeing teams struggle to post low scores to start the season, tonight things improved a great deal with several posting totals in the 90's.

Jim Conley takes aim at hole #12.

In the process, two teams posted scores of 92 as both the Fat Shafts and KGB are tied for the team low gross.

It's also getting crowded in the race for individual low gross as Tim Donaldson shot even par 27 to move into a tie with Kyle Wilkinson and Rick Dean. Other low scores tonight included a 28 by Steve Westlake and 29's by both Jerry Powell and Denis Schick.

It was a night of sweeps in the matches as the Fivesome, Southpaws, KGB, Rolling Stones, Fat Shafts and Wedgers all took six points.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Jimmy Rodgers on hole #1 and Jim Turner on hole #10. Nick Defosse was the 50/50 winner this week.

Blues Prove Tough

Judging by the scores posted tonight, it seems the long blue tees combined with some breezy conditions, made for some less than stellar shooting tonight for many.

Mark Lafee launches his ball towards the 14th green.

Even your humble blog host posted an epic score of which we will never speak of again.

By no means can we blame those scores on the course conditions as the greens were quick and looking in great shape. Hats off to Tom and the crew for their hard work during this damp Spring. But Summer is finally here and hopefully that will bring more sunshine and warmer temps.

In the evenings matches, the Fivesome, CCCP, Wedgers and Bogies all took six points. The Southpaws and KGB grabbed four each while the Latecomers and Fat Shafts managed two points.

The Closest to the Pin winners this week were Marsh Ferguson on hole #9 and Kevin Wadsworth on hole #18. Lyle Williams was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Ride For Dad Thanks

A message to all league members from Don Muldoon:

To the Wooler Wednesday Night Men's League. I would like to thank all the members for their support over the years for "The Ride For Dad" fight against prostate cancer.

The ride was in Ottawa on June 6th this year and there were 1600 riders. Donation numbers were not complete for this year but last year 1.3 million dollars was raised and over the 17 years of the ride over 24 million dollars has been raised.

With you generous help I was able to raise over $500 dollars this year to donate to the worthy cause. Thanks again for your help.

St.Denis Hot Again

When you're hot, you're hot and for Tom St.Denis, he's on fire when it comes to the Closest to the Pin holes. For the third straight week Tom walked away with a share of the pot by landing his ball closest on hole #8. Scott Reilly was dialed in and earned the honour on hole #17.

If you forgot your bug spray you were extra busy during tonight's round swatting the pesky mosquitoes between or even during your shots.

For the first time in a long time there was a forfeit as the Rolling Stones were unable to field a team which resulted in the Fivesome being awarded all six points. Also taking six were the Dubbers, CCCP, Wedgers and Fat Shafts. The Southpaws earned five points while a single point went to the Hackers.

Paul Scobie shot the Low round of the evening with a 29. Tom St.Denis and Andy Koetstra each shot 30. No teams came close to challenging the Team Low Gross. Marty MacDonald  was the 50/50 winner this week.

Shutouts Galore

We were blessed with another beautiful night for golf. The sun was shining, the shorts were on for some but we won't talk about the pesky mosquitoes.

The perfect conditions helped many to post some very impressive scores.

Lyle Williams chips on Hole #3 after his layup.

Both Rick Dean and Kyle Wilkinson shot even par 27 and now share the Individual Low Gross lead.

It was all or nothing when it came time to add up the scores for the night. All six matches were sweeps as the Fat Shafts, Whizbangers, KGB, CCCP, Rolling Stones and Southpaws took all six points up for grabs

For the second week in a row Tom St.Denis took a Closest to the Pin prize by sticking it tight on hole #16. Kevin Wadsworth's first shot of the night on hole #7 finished just over a foot away to take the honour on the front nine. Dave Horner was the 50/50 winner this week.

New Team Low Gross

While driving to the golf course tonight I wasn't sure if we would be lucky enough to get our night in but fortunately the thunderstorms didn't develop and we were able to play a storm free round.

The KGB were the hottest team on this evening as they posted a team score of 93, good enough to take over sole possession of the Team Low Gross spot.

Jim Bruce tees off on Hole 14.

Nice shooting guys. The Low round of the night was turned in by Kyle Wilkinson who shot a two over par 29.

The first place Fat Shafts were one of four teams to sweep all six points in their matches. The Dubbers, Rolling Stones and Whizbangers also blanked their opponents. The KGB came close earning five points while the Wedgers took four from the Latecomers who settled for two points. The Hackers finished the night with a single point.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Tom St.Denis on hole #6 and Ralph Lambert on hole #15. Eric Korver was the 50/50 winner this week.

I Didn't Mean To Bug Ya

After all of the wet weather we've been getting I don't think anyone was surprised by the number of flying annoyances we had to deal with tonight. However, judging by some of the scores, they didn't appear to bother everyone.

All but two matches this evening were very tight for points. Only the Fat Shafts and CCCP swept all six points. The Southpaws and Hackers  earned five points while the Latecomers and Wedgers each took four points.

Steve Westlake takes aim at hole #8.

Two points went to the Fivesome and Whizbangers while single points were earned by the Bogies and Dubbers.

Once again this week, team scoring was on the high side as only the Fat Shafts and Southpaws posted sub-100 totals of 98.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Jim Bruce on hole #5 and Kevin Wadsworth on hole #14. Jordan Mercer was the 50/50 winner this week.

Season Heats Up

The black flies and mosquitoes were plentiful but nobody seemed to care too much because thankfully we had some warmer weather finally. But judging by the scores, the temperature was the only thing that was hot.

Four of the six matches tonight swept all of the available points as the KGB, Dubbers, Latecomers and Rolling Stones each earned six points. The CCCP took five points while the Fat Shafts managed four points against the Whizbangers who took two. The Southpaws tied the net in their match and picked up one point.

Scoring proved tough tonight as only two teams shot below 100. The KGB posted a 95 and the Fat Shafts turned in a 98.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Symen Korver on hole #4 and Al Wilkinson on hole #13. Tom St.Denis was the 50/50 winner this week.

Chilly But Dry Round

It was nice of mother nature to give us a break from the rain after the torrential storms moved through over the past week. The course was in pretty good shape for our round tonight despite the recent inclement weather. I think we all can agree it's well past time for the heat to arrive.

There were some close matches this evening but three teams managed to sweep their points as the Fat Shafts, KGB and Dubbers each took six. Four points each went to the Wedgers and CCCP. In the closest match of the evening the Rolling Stones and Whizbangers tied both the Gross and Net for three points each while two points were earned by the Southpaws and Hackers.

Kim Defosse hit the stick on hole #3 and earned the closest to the pin prize while Eric Mofina earned the honour on hole #12. The 50/50 winner this week was Dave Walker.

Nobody's Perfect

After only two weeks, no teams have a perfect start by sweeping all of their points. If this continues it could make for a very interesting season.

There were four teams that swept their matches this evening as the KGB, Southpaws, Bogies and Whizbangers all took six points.

Kim Defosse hit the ninth green with this tee shot.

The Wedgers and Latecomers came close earning five points each while the Fat Shafts and Hackers squeaked out single points for the night.

Rick Dean set the new low mark to beat for Individual Low Gross by shooting a 28. The Wedgers equalled the round by the KGB last week by shooting a 94 to grab a share of the Team Low Gross lead.

The closest to the pin winners were Kyle Wilkinson on hole #2 and Jordan Mercer on hole #11. The 50/50 winner was Thom Christmann.

Just a reminder to make sure when entering the closest to the pin pool that you add the correct amount.

2017 Season Commences

After a long winter and a late start thanks to Mother Nature, we finally kicked off the 2017 Men's League with an exceptional night weather wise.

Bob Donaldson tees off on #16.

Even most of the bugs failed to show up.

A special welcome to the new faces that have joined the fun this season and it was nice to see so many diehards back at it for another year.

Four teams started off strong by sweeping their matches. The Fat Shafts, Fivesome, Rolling Stones and CCCP all earned six points. The Dubbers and KGB each took four points while two points each went to the Latecomers and Whizbangers.

Andy Koetstra and Kyle Wilkinson each shot 29 to set the early target for Individual Low Gross. The Team Low Gross after night one was set by the KGB after shooting a solid round of 94.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Eric Korver on hole #1 and Andy Koetstra on hole #10. Rick Stuckless was the years first 50/50 winner.

Night One Cancelled

No Golf Tonight!!

It looks like our luck has run out early this year.

After zero rain outs last season we're starting off with one as tonight's first night of league play has been cancelled due to the inclement weather.

We'll try again next Wednesday night.

April 19th It Begins

Bundy and Denis get some early practice in on the course.

It's official!

The league will begin play on Wednesday April 19th at 6:00 p.m.

Please pass along the word to your fellow team mates if they haven't already been contacted by the team captain.

A rag tag group waits to tee off on hole #4.

The course is open now if you'd like to get out and get the rust off and play a round or two before the league starts.

Several members were already out golfing last Wednesday night (April 5th) for fun and the course was in good shape but a little damp which is to be expected at this time of the year.

So get your clubs and shoes out of storage and we'll see you on the 19th to start another year of fun.

Denis Shick takes aim at Hole #3.

 

I Can Smell Golf Season

Hi guys! I hope you've all been enjoying your winter so far. As winters go, this certainly hasn't been too tough to deal with but of course we aren't in the clear just yet.

Despite the rain and warmer temperatures today and the absence of any snow in the area, we can't count our chickens just yet. March has produced some major storms in the past but with any luck we'll get into April without any more shovelling.

Even though we are expecting another sharp drop in the mercury later this week, the mild winter and weather lately has me and I'm sure many of you itching to get the clubs out of storage and our feet back onto the grass. With any luck the bugs won't be too bad this Spring.

Looking forward to seeing everyone healthy and ready to go once we get the word on when the new season will begin. I'll be sure to post it here once I know. In the meantime, stay safe and see you soon.