How About Those Mosquitoes?

I don't think anyone is surprised, after the long snowy Winter and the wet Spring, by the over abundance of mosquitoes and black flies we're seeing this year. Some say this will be one of the worst years ever. Hopefully you guys had your bug spray tonight as they were plentiful.

One thing that wasn't plentiful was sub-30 rounds of golf. Nobody was able to break into the 20's as Tom St.Denis and David Schwartz both shot 30 to share the low scores of the evening.

Schwartz was also lucky enough to have his name drawn to win the 50/50 prize.

Andy Koetstra tees off on the ninth hole.

The Closest to the Pin winners tonight were Peter Hughes on hole #4 while Mark Adams took the honours on the back nine on hole #13.

In the team play, sixes were wild once again as five teams swept their matches. The CCCP, Dubbers, Hackers, Southpaws and Wedgers all grabbed six points. The Latecomers took four while the Fivesome earned two points.

Just a reminder that to be eligible to take part in the year end playoff day and party you have to play at least one round in each half of the season. See you guys next week.

Koetstra On Fire Tonight

It's early in the season but Andy Koetstra of the Fat Shafts was in mid-season form as he turned in an impressive round tonight.

His round of one under par 26 led all golfers and moved him into sole possession of the Individual Low Gross. Andy's first shot of the night on hole #12 also held up and garnered him the Closest to the Pin prize for the back nine.

Mark Adams tees off on hole three.

The front nine winner was Barry Defosse on hole #3. The 50/50 winner this week was Marsh Ferguson.

Five of the six matches for the evening were swept as the Fat Shafts, CCCP, Southpaws, Bogies and Wedgers all took six points. The Rolling Stones came close with five points while a single point went to the Latecomers.

I also want to say welcome to all of the new league members we have this year as I see several new faces have joined us. We all hope you enjoy your time in the league this season.

Sorry for the delay updating guys. Work and errands take priority sadly.

Scott Reilly finds trouble on hole four.

Whizbangers Have Strong Night

Was this week two or week four. I'm confused after the late start and the rain out last week. Either way, tonight was a cool but clear and comfortable night for golf after the rain washed out last weeks round.

The Whizbangers obviously enjoyed the conditions as they turned in a strong effort and posted the new Team Low Gross with an 88.

Andy Koetstra sinks his putt on hole 13.

They also took the six points up for grabs in their match. Other teams taking all six points in their matches were the Hackers, Dubbers, Southpaws and Bogies who upset the Rolling Stones. The Fat Shafts took four points from the KGB who earned two.

Len Bosma had a strong individual effort tonight as he set the new low for Individual Low Gross by shooting a 27.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Coady MacGillvary on hole #2 while Brian Moelker saved his best shot for the last hole to grab closest on hole #11. The 50/50 winner was Jim Rogers.

Barry Defosse gets out of trouble on hole 17.

Golf Cancelled Tonight

Due to the lovely rainy weather and the cold damp conditions, golf has been cancelled for tonight.

See you next Wednesday!

Week One Finally Happens

After what seemed like the winter that would never end, the league finally saw the first swings of the new season. For some of us, it was a lot of swings.

A chilly night and a stiff breeze made for less than favourable conditions but the course was in good shape and there was no snow to be found so how could anyone really complain?

My apologies for not getting the results up sooner but I had to work at 9pm Wednesday night and some folks were tardy in entering their scores before I had to leave. But I have the results from night one now. I would appreciate it if you guys could tally the scores as soon as you can get in if at all possible.

Five teams swept all six points as the KGB, Dubbers, Whizbangers, CCCP and Southpaws all won their matches. Meanwhile the Fat Shafts and Bogies battled to a split taking three points each.

Rick Dean grabbed the Closest to the Pin prize on Hole #1 while Tim Donaldson was the sharpest on the back nine on Hole #10. The 50/50 was won by Dave Reid.

Setting the standard to beat for Individual Low Gross was Tim Donaldson shooting a 28 and the Team Low Gross was turned in by the Southpaws with a 95.

Here are a few photos I snapped on night one. You can click on them to see them bigger. See you next week.

Sad News Prior To Start The Season

Our League received some sad news prior to the start of the season when we learned that Ron MacDonald had passed away on Monday at the age of 78.

Ron was a long time member of the Dubbers. He was a quiet man on the course but was always willing to share a laugh or some good conversation and he will be sadly missed. Our most sincere condolences go out to Ron's wife Karen and the entire family.

Friends are invited to call at the Weaver Family Funeral Home - East Chapel, 29 Bay St., Trenton on Friday April 25th, 2014 from 10 - 11 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 AM in the East Chapel.

Here We Go!

I just got the word from Steve Powell.

We start the league on Wednesday April 23rd at 6pm.

Hopefully we're done with the snow and the temperatures will start to climb again finally.

See you guys then.

The Winter That Won't End

Are you guys getting cabin fever and itching to get the clubs out of storage and start swinging again? I know I'm looking forward to losing my first balls of the new season.

As it stands right now there's no word on any official start date for the upcoming league season. Obviously it all depends on the return of some heat and the melting of the snow along with the drying of the course.

Last year it was mid-April before we got things going and I'm guessing this year won't start any sooner but as soon as I hear any concrete date or get an update of any kind on the course, I'll be sure to post it here.

I know that Alida has also started a Murray Hills Facebook page where you might also be able to get details even sooner so you might want to Like that page if you haven't already. That's provided you're a Facebook user of course.

Hope to see you on the course within the next few weeks.

2013 Playoffs - Final Round

I don't know what weather radar the Weather Network uses or who posts the forecasts on their website but they might want to rethink their methods because they're useless. Although rain was called for earlier, a quick check of the local radar showed no rain in the area or expected for our final round of playoffs today. As we quickly found out, that wasn't the case as light rain fell for most of the last 18 holes of another Men's League final.

Andy Koetstra tees off on Hole #11

Despite the soggy conditions it did remain relatively warm at least which made golfing a bit less uncomfortable and some teams and golfers were able to post some impressive scores.

Before I run down the final standings I want to congratulate all of the winners of each division, the Closest to the Pins cash and the prize winners following the round. Also you'll find more photos by scrolling down.

Thanks to Steve Powell for his continued hard work each season to keep the league and final day running smoothly for all members to enjoy. It's safe to say that the work by Steve behind the scenes may not be noticed by many but it certainly is appreciated by all.

Dave Walker prepares to hit his tee shot on Hole #17.

We should also thank Tom and Alida St.Denis for another great year at the course. The course was in great shape all season long even when Mother Nature wasn't providing much help. Also thanks to Alida, Debbie Stewart and Lynn McPhee for their efforts today in tallying the results and organizing the meal. I hear that dessert was even located by some guys.

And last but not least, thanks to Kim Defosse and Peter Hughes for looking after the organization and running of the annual putting competition. Peter did a fine job filling in for Steve Westlake who I understand is now home and resting comfortably. We hope to see Steve back on the course soon.

In the "A" Division the Rolling Stones turned in an impressive effort today posting nine hole scores of 83 and 85 and turned their slim one stroke lead from Wednesday into a 26 stroke margin of victory with a total of 351. The Southpaws finished in second place posting a 377 total.

Over in the "B" Division the Whizbangers were unable to close the gap enough on the KGB who grabbed the title by just two strokes. The KGB finished with a 368 while the Whizbangers posted a 370 total.

In the "C" Division the Bogies lead wire to wire and kept the pedal to the metal today by shooting rounds of 96 and 99 which allowed them to cruise to a 21 stroke victory over the second place CCCP.

Even Leafs & Habs fans get along on the final day.

To all of our league members, thanks for another great summer of golf and good times. Hopefully we're back out for another season before we know it. Have a safe Autumn and Winter and we look forward to seeing you again next Spring.

And on a personal note, thanks again to those of you who checked in on the blog each week. Each year I think a few more guys find out about it and I hope you enjoyed the updates all season long.

Here are the final standings for the 2013 Playoffs:

"A" Division

1. Rolling Stones - 351

2. Southpaws - 377

3. Wedgers - 392

4. Dubbers - 401

"B" Division

1. KGB - 368

2. Whizbangers - 370

3. Fat Shafts - 403

4. Latecomers - 430

"C" Division

1. Bogies - 392

2. CCCP - 413

3. Fivesome - 451

4. Hackers - 464

Click on photos to see them larger

2013 Playoffs - Round Two

It was a very comfortable evening for some golf action tonight as the cooler temperatures were welcome after the humidity of last week. However, even though the mercury dropped some, the scores didn't for many teams as there was some movement during tonight's second round of playoff action.

Over in the "A" Division the Rolling Stones comfortable four stroke lead after round one vanished as they struggled this evening and posted a score of 99 which was 15 strokes worse than their opening round. The Wedgers who were in second place also faltered and dropped to third but still only remain five strokes off the pace. Meanwhile, the Southpaws remained fairly consistent to their score last week and shot a 94 which leaves them one stroke back heading into the final 18 holes on Saturday. The Dubbers had an off night posting a 109 leaving them well off the pace.

The "B" Division is a two team race. The Whizbangers had the lead going into the round but struggled and posted a 99. This allowed a surging KGB squad to take full advantage by shooting an 88, vaulting them into a six stroke lead. The Fat Shafts turned in a slightly better round but sit 22 strokes off the lead after shooting a round of 101 and will be battling the Latecomers for third spot on Saturday after they turned in a round of 97 and remain five strokes back of the Fat Shafts.

Over in the "C" Division it's shaping up to be a great finish this weekend as the first place Bogies hold a slim one stroke advantage over the CCCP. The Bogies shot a 100 tonight while the CCCP had a 102. The third place Fivesome improved their scoring tonight posting a 103 but sit 17 strokes out of first with 18 holes to play. The Hackers shot a 115 on their second nine and will need a lot of good things to happen if they hope to turn their playoff run around.

Once again I won't be posting the Closest to the Pin winners from tonight's round but all winners will receive their prizes following Saturday's round. The low score of the night was turned in by Dan Vance who shot an even par 27.

REMINDER: Don't forget that we tee off at 3:00pm on Saturday. All league members who show up will play however as usual only the top three players from each team will count each nine holes. The groups will be evened out as best as possible so no more than six players will be in each group.

The updated standings after 18 holes of play are as follows:

"A" Division (tonight's score & total score shown)

1. Rolling Stones - 99 (183)
2. Southpaws - 94 (184)
3. Wedgers - 100 (188)
4. Dubbers - 109 (204)

"B" Division

1. KGB - 88 (182)
2. Whizbangers - 99 (188)
3. Fat Shafts - 101 (204)
4. Latecomers - 97 (209)

"C" Division

1. Bogies - 100 (197)
2. CCCP - 102 (198)
3. Fivesome - 103 (214)
4. Hackers - 115 (225)