That Was Nice For A Change

I don't know about the rest of you but I actually thought tonight's round was a little on the muggy side. I'm not complaining of course. I was actually quite glad to feel some warmth for a change on Wednesday night. Maybe the cold weather has finally left us for a while. I hope I didn't just jinx us.

The rise in temperature agreed with five teams as they swept the points in their matches. The Dubbers, Wedgers, Southpaws, Rolling Stones and KGB all took six points. The Fivesome earned four points on the night while the Hackers took two.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Matt Kenell on hole #6 and Don Muldoon on hole #15. Glenn Lonergran was the nights 50/50 winner.

Bugs In Our Game

Dave Walker in deep thought prior to his tee shot on Hole 17.

Its taken a while but those pesky bugs have arrived again. For some of us the bugs aren't just in our game. Rather, tonight the mosquitoes made their triumphant return to annoy us each and every shot. I kept reminding myself it's still better than the long winter we had. On the plus side, we managed to get the round in prior to watching another strong Spring storm system roll into the area.

Teams sweeping all six points in their matches tonight included the Rolling Stones, Southpaws, Latecomers and Bogies. The KGB and CCCP each earned four points while the Dubbers and Whizbangers took two points each.

The Closest to the Pin winners this evening were Nick Vangemeren on hole #5 and Tyler Donaldson on hole #14. Eric Korver was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Toyne Tears It Up

Steve Powell adds up his match totals for the night.

There was no questioning who had the hot clubs tonight. Norm Toyne of the Wedgers became the new Individual Low Gross Leader by turning in a tremendous 2-under par round of 25. Among his pars, Toyne also had three birdies and even had a bogey on the final hole to shoot his impressive round.

Not surprisingly, the Wedgers took all six points in their match. Also sweeping their matches were the Fat Shafts, Whizbangers, Southpaws and Latecomers. The Dubbers took five points from the Rolling Stones who earned a single point.

The Closest to the Pin winners for the night were Kevin Wadsworth on hole #4 and Coady McGillvary on hole #13. Rick Turtle was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Wet Weather Waits

We dodged a weather bullet tonight as the rain threatened at times but never really was an issue as we managed to get our round in without taking a shower.

Thanks to those members who made a donation towards the bench to be placed on the course in memory of Don Kovanen tonight. If you missed out I'm sure you'll have another opportunity next week to donate. I think we can all agree that Don's absence this year is noticeable but he'll always be in our thoughts.

In the matches tonight, five teams swept all the points up for grabs as the Dubbers, KGB, Rolling Stones, Whizbangers and Southpaws each took six points. The Wedgers grabbed four points while the Latecomers earned two points.

The Closest to the Pin winners this week were Matt Couperous on hole #3 while Andy Koetstra took the honours on hole #12. Jim Boers was this weeks 50/50 winner.

That's More Like It!

After all the rain that fell in April and the resulting cancellation of last weeks round of golf, the arrival of May also brought much better golfing conditions as we returned to the course once again. I think we can all agree the warmer and dryer weather is a welcome sight.

Four teams swept their matches tonight as the Rolling Stones, Latecomers, Dubbers and KGB all earned six points. The Bogies and Wedgers took four points each while the Southpaws and Fivesome grabbed two points a piece.

Al Wilkinson had the low round of the night with a 28 but was one stroke shy of tying for the Individual Low Gross. The Closest to the Pin winners tonight were Ryan Cuculuzzi on hole #2 and Ian Rogers on hole #11. Symen Korver was this weeks 50/50 winner.

Finally The Clubs Come Out

After what seemed like the longest winter in recent memory, the clubs came out of storage and we found our way back to the golf course to begin another season of golf and another year of Men's League.

Despite a few patches of snow still evident back in the more sheltered holes, the course was in pretty good shape. But lets be honest, it didn't matter what shape the course was in, it was just nice to swing the clubs and break off some of that winter rust.

Some guys managed to turn in some impressive scores to start the year but the low score of the night went to Sandy McLeod with a 27. The early lead for Team Low Gross went to the Rolling Stones with an 88. Nick VanGemeren grabbed the Closest to the Pin on Hole #1 while Paul Reid was tightest on Hole #10. Bob Donaldson was the first 50/50 winner of the year.

Four teams managed to take all the points up for grabs with the Fat Shafts, Southpaws, CCCP and Dubbers sweeping all six points. The Rolling Stones and Latecomers each earned four points while the Whizbangers and KGB grabbed two points each.

Getting Close

UPDATE: Weather permitting the league will begin on Wednesday night April 17th at 6:00pm.

For those of you who might be dropping by for an update on a start date for the upcoming season, I have yet to hear anything official at this point.

My best guess if the weather continues to cooperate and the snow melts back on the more hidden holes is that we could be starting within the next week or two.

As soon as I hear an official start date, I will post it here.

In the meantime, polish the clubs and hit the local driving range to get those muscles moving again.

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)