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.

2015 Playoffs - Final Eighteen (Nine)

Our luck finally ran out. After a season of amazing weather on Wednesday nights, our final round and party were met with rainy and cold conditions.

A pre-game beverage and chat.

Some of the long time members couldn't recall ever having a final day like the one we had today but at least we were still able to play some golf, enjoy another very tasty meal and share some good conversations one final time this season.

Here is a final look at how the playoffs wrapped up on this day. Our final 18 holes had to be shortened to a final nine holes thanks to mother nature.

In the "A" Division, the Southpaws claimed the title after posting a round of 87 for total of 270. That was good enough for a 19 stroke margin of victory over the second place Rolling Stones who shot 105 today and a total of 289 overall. The Fat Shafts turned in a round of 100 to finish four shots back of second with a 293 total. Finishing in fourth were the Dubbers who had a round of 107 and total of 305.

Over in the "B" Division the Wedgers easily held on to their lead to coast to the win. They shot 100 even for a three round total of 279. Moving up to second on the final day were the Whizbangers who shot 92 for a total of 291. Five shots behind them with a score of 296 were was the KGB who had a 103 today. The Fivesome were well back in fourth spot scoring a 119 round and a final total of 322.

The "C" Division was also won by a significant margin. The Bogies ran away with it by posting a 92 today and had a three round total of 288. This was good for a 17 stroke victory over the second place Hackers who shot 99 today and 305 overall. The third place team was the Latecomers shooting 101 in the rain and a 312 total which was two shots better than the CCCP who finished fourth with a total of 314 after turning in a round of 106 for their final round.

Despite the less than ideal conditions there were some good scores posted today. The low round was shared by Tim Donaldson, Andy Koetstra, Denis Schick and Paul Reid who all shot two over par 29. The most honest golfer of the day was Scott Reilly.

There were a total of 14 Closest to the Pin prizes up for grabs. The winners were:
Hole 1: Denis Schick
Hole 2: Steve Westlake
Hole 3: Denis Schick
Hole 4: Dave Walker
Hole 5: Terry Hore
Hole 6: Norm Toyne
Hole 7: Coady MacGillvary
Hole 8: Frank Cusson
Hole 9: Thom Christmann
Hole 10: Mark Kennedy
Hole 11: Paul Scobie
Hole 12: Nick Vangemeren
Hole 17: Tim Donaldson
Hole 18: Mark Kennedy

As always, a special thanks goes out to Steve Powell for all of his hard work, not only for this day but for the entire season.

Watching Jim's tee shot on 10.

Our thanks to Tom and Alida St. Denis for another fun year and excellent course conditions. Also thanks to Debbie Stewart for her assistance today as well. I would also like to pass along my thanks to those of you who took the time to visit the blog this season and especially those who allowed me to post photos and videos of them. If all goes well, I'll be back to do it again next season.

Don't forget, as long as we're able to, we will still be golfing on Wednesday evening and everyone is invited to come out and take part in the scrambles and fun. If we don't see you, have a great safe and happy off season and we look forward to seeing you again next Spring.

2015 Playoffs - Final Standings

"A" Division
1. Southpaws - 270
2. Rolling Stones - 289
3. Fat Shafts - 293
4. Dubbers - 305

"B" Division
1. Wedgers - 279
2. Whizbangers - 291
3. K.G.B. - 296
4. Fivesome - 322

"C" Division
1. Bogies - 288
2. Hackers - 305
3. Latecomers - 312
4. C.C.C.P. - 314

Mark putting for birdie on 10.

2015 Playoffs - First Nine

It was a hot night on the old links as we kicked off the 2015 league playoffs and for one particular golfer, the night was even warmer.

Norm Toyne helped his Wedgers team to a lead in the “B” Division by shooting an impressive three under par round of 24. That score combined with the rest of the team produced the low total of the night with an 89. The KGB sit seven shots back with a 96. The Fivesome turned in a 99 while the Whizbangers shot 104.
 
In the “A” Division the scores were more average which will keep things relatively tight heading into round two next Wednesday. The Southpaws and Rolling Stones each posted scores of 94 while the Dubbers shot 97. The Fat Shafts had a less than impressive start but still remain within nine strokes of the lead after posting a 103.

Over on the “C” Division, the Bogies set the high mark by turning in the groups only sub 100 round by shooting a team total of 99. That score gives them a one stroke lead over the CCCP who played to a total of 100. The Latecomers and Hackers also had strong nights and sit six shots out of first after shooting 105 each.

There were eight Closest to the Pin holes to shoot for this evening with four on the front and four on the back nine. The winners were:

Hole #1: Paul Dicrescenzo
Hole #2: Randy Conley
Hole #3: Rick Dean
Hole #4: Jim Turner
Hole #10: Tim Donaldson
Hole #11: Al Wilkinson
Hole #17: Ralph Lampert
Hole #18: Mark Kennedy

Please note that the start time for the final 18 holes on September 12th has been changed to 2:30pm. This is 30 minutes earlier than normal. See you next Wednesday night.

 
2015 Playoff Standings – Week 1

“A” Division
1. Southpaws - 94
1. Rolling Stones – 94
3. Dubbers – 97
4. Fat Shafts – 103

“B” Division
1. Wedgers – 89
2. KGB – 96
3. Fivesome – 99
4. Whizbangers – 104

“C” Division
1. Bogies – 99
2. CCCP – 100
3. Latecomers – 105
3. Hackers – 105

Okay, Now There's One Week Left

It has come to my attention that after tonight's round, we still have one week of regular season left. Last week I was given some wrong information from Andy Koetstra regarding this and that is what led to the confusion.

Andy asks for forgiveness.

Andy feels much shame for making this error and has promised me one beer as punishment and asked for forgiveness. So in fact, NOW we only have one more week remaining before the playoffs begin.

I'm short on time so I've updated the standings and you can do the math regarding potential playoff implications of the final week.

Tonight, there were three teams that swept their matches as the Bogies, Fivesome and Southpaws each grabbed six points. The Hackers, KGB and Fat Shafts all earned four points while the Latecomers, Rolling Stones and Wedgers took two points each.

The Closest to the Pin winners this week were Paul Reid on hole #9 and Mark Kennedy on hole #18. The 50/50 winner was Steve Powell. See you next week.

WARNING: The following videos are rated PG for strong language. Someone had a bad night on the course.

Sixes Were Wild

Sorry I'm a little late with the update guys. I'm busy busy busy these days. But better late than never.

It was a beautiful night for golf this week. It was so nice in fact that I think every mosquito in Wooler decided to feast on the course like seniors at an early bird special buffet in Florida. I'm still scratching and hearing the buzzing in my ears.

In between swatting and swearing we were able to get in our round and on this night sixes were wild as every match was swept. I think that might be a first this season. Taking all six points up for grabs were the Fat Shafts, Rolling Stones, Wedgers, Southpaws, Hackers and Latecomers.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Mark Kennedy on hole #3 and Matt Couperus on hole #12. The 50/50 winner was Art Mansfield.

Stones Move Into First

The scores were a bit higher overall tonight however that didn't stop the Rolling Stones from taking advantage of their head to head match up against the Southpaws. The Stones moved into the first place all alone as they swept the match. This should be an interesting battle to watch all season.

The rest of the teams near the top of the standings continue to put up good scores and grab points making for a very tight leader board at this point in the season.

Dave Wharry tees off on Hole 12.

Just six points separate seventh spot from the second place spot.

In the matches for the evening, every group was all or nothing as the Dubbers, Fat Shafts, KGB, Rolling Stones, Wedgers, Bogies and Fivesome took six points. The low team gross for the evening was turned in by the Dubbers and KGB who each shot 94. Three players shot under 30 this week as Jerry Powell, Steve Guindon and Mark Lafee each posted a 29.

The Closest to the Pin winners this week were Mike Morey on hole #6 and Mark Kennedy on hole #15. The 50/50 winner was Dave Wharry.

2014 Playoffs - Final 18 and Party

I don't think we could have asked for a much better day to wrap up yet another season of Men's League play and the playoffs. The rain moved away, the sun came out and the temperature was ideal for the final 18 holes of the year and the party that followed.

Congratulations to the winners in each division of the playoffs!

In the "A" Flight, the Rolling Stones cruised to a convincing margin of victory posting a 36 hole total of 350 which left them 21 strokes ahead of the second place KGB who shot 371. The Wedgers grabbed third spot with a 373 while the Southpaws finished fourth at 374.

The "B" Flight was slightly closer with the Whizbangers hanging on for a slim two stroke victory.

Mark Kennedy and Andy Koetstra pose for a selfie.

They shot 387 while the second place Dubbers shot 389. Well back in third were the Fat Shafts with 413 while the CCCP shot 417.

Over in the "C" Flight, the Bogies had a solid lead heading into the day and didn't falter. They shot a 36 hole total of 400 with the Latecomers grabbing second spot with a 418 total. The Fivesome took third with 437, just ahead of the Hackers who finished with a total of 439.

Congratulations to all of the Closest to the Pin winners during the playoffs. There were too many to mention here but you know who you are.

As always, a big thank you goes to Steve Powell for all of his hard work in running the league and especially for everything he does to make the final day and party a big success. Thanks also to Tom and Alida for another wonderful year. I think we can all agree that the course was in great shape today and all season long as well.

Dave Powell grabs a seat.

Also thanks to Debbie Stewart for helping to keep us all hydrated by running the refreshment cart and for helping to tally the final totals after the round.

It was another fun season and we look forward to getting together again in the Spring to start it all over again. Just a reminder for those of you interested, although the league is done for the season, we still golf on Wednesday nights as long as the weather and daylight holds up. We usually make up teams and play a best ball format for fun.

I've included some photos and video from the day below that you can view. You can click on the photos to see them larger if you like.

I've enjoyed updating the blog for those of you who know about it and appreciate seeing the weekly results and photos and if all goes well I'll continue it again next season. Have a safe and happy winter season! See you next year!

Playoffs Approaching Fast

A Rainbow shows how close we came to getting wet tonight.

Where has the summer gone? Heck, where was the summer at all? I think we can all agree it wasn't a long hot summer this year which probably helped to make it feel like summer flew by this year and with it our golf season.

With one week of regular season remaining there isn't a lot left to be decided but final positions for the playoffs still have some wiggle room. With only two points separating them, the KGB and Whizbangers both still have a shot at grabbing the final spot in the "A" flight on the last week. If my math is correct, both the "B" and "C" flights have been determined but there is still some room for movement and final seeding.

On this night, the Fivesome, KGB, Rolling Stones and Fat Shafts took all six points up for grabs in their matches.

The Dubbers and Wedgers each earned four points while the Latecomers and CCCP grabbed a pair of points each. Steve Westlake had the low individual round for the evening, shooting an even par 27. The Rolling Stones blanked the Southpaws, but the lefties have already claimed first place overall for the season.

The Closest to the Pin winners were Tom St.Denis on hole #6 and Mark Kennedy on hole #15. Don Muldoon was the 50/50 winner.

I likely won't be there next Wednesday night but will try to get the final results and playoff info updated as soon as I can.

We've Been Lucky

The boys share some laughs after a hot night of golfing.

I think it's safe to say that we've been very fortunate this season to avoid the nasty weather on Wednesday nights so far. I hope I didn't just jinx us. Once again, threatening skies and a severe thunderstorm watch never developed into anything and other than the dampness caused by the humidity, it was another hot and dry night for golf.

The standings are still crowded in the middle of the pack with several teams competing for the last spots of the "A" division but time is running out to make a move. If the top teams keep playing well then jumping divisions could be a difficult task.

Improving their chances tonight by taking six points were the Latecomers and Fat Shafts while the first place Southpaws also grabbed six in their match. The KGB and Wedgers each earned five points while the Rolling Stones took four points. Also earning points tonight were the Hackers with two while the Fivesome and Dubbers each grabbed single points.

Andy Koetstra turned in another low round of 26 coming shy by one stroke once again of tying Norm Toyne for the Individual Low Gross.

Lyle Williams tee shot on hole #3 barely crept past Mark Kennedy's shot to take the Closest to the Pin on the front nine while Norm Toyne stuck his shot close on hole #12. This weeks 50/50 winner was Jeff Istead.

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.

Wet Start To Season

The weather was wet on Wednesday night but at least it wasn't white as well as we kicked off the league for another year.

The dampness kept some away but they missed out on what was actually an enjoyable night for golf as the rain was mostly light and had little effect on the play.

Five teams got off to a strong start taking six points each.

The low scorers for the night were Dennis Schick and Rick Dean, each shooting a 29.

Kyle Wilkinson had an impressive shot on hole #1 to earn the Closest to the Pin honours while Dave Walker zeroed in on hole #10. Mark Kennedy was the first 50/50 winner of the season.

Humid Enough For Ya?

I don't like to complain about the heat especially when i despise winter so much but enough is enough already! It was another hot, humid and sweltering evening on the course with it feeling like 40 degrees when we started and it only got hotter after the light rain stopped and the sun came out.

The good news for some of us was that we came in a lot lighter and wetter than when we started.

Teams taking all six points tonight included the Bogies, Whizbangers, Southpaws and Fat Shafts. The Latecomers and Wedgers each took four points.

The 50/50 winner tonight was Steve Powell. Zeroing in on the Closest to the Pin holes were Mark Kennedy on hole #7 and Tim Donaldson on hole #16.

April Showers in June

For the second week in a row Mother Nature decided the Murray Hills Golf Course needed some watering. Unlike last week however, the rain combined with winds and cooler temperatures resulted in a cancellation of our first 18 hole night of the season.

The rain sent most home or to the clubhouse but a few groups decided to play nine holes just for the fun of it. I was not one of them as I decided to enjoy a beverage with my teammates instead.

Having some spare time I was able to get the results from last week and have updated the standings. I can also report that the Closest to the Pin winners were Steve Westlake on #8 and Art Cross on #17. Mark Kennedy was last weeks 50/50 winner.

See you next week as we try for another 18 holes.

Returning To Normal

After four straight weeks of playing 18-hole rounds, the league returned to the usual nine hole match tonight which meant a quicker finish and return to the clubhouse for social time.

The skies were threatening to begin the round but the sun returned and made for a muggy evening of golf.

Five of the six matches were clean sweeps as the Bogies, Wedgers, Southpaws, KGB and Rolling Stones each took six points.

Now into the second half of the season, points become even more important as teams battle for playoff positions.

Paul Scobie's tee shot on hole number four was accurate enough to win the Closest to the Pin prize on the front nine while Peter Hughes shot on hole 13 did the trick on the back nine. Mark Kennedy was the 50/50 winner this week.

Sad News & Scores Improve

The sunny and cool weather continued which allowed for our members scores to continue to drop overall.

A quick look at the scores of those that counted showed an improvement as everyone continues to shake the winter rust off and steadily get back to the usual form.

There was no change at the top of the leader board as the Wedgers and Southpaws remain tied with a perfect 18 points each. The Whizbangers and Dubbers also remained solid to start the season with another strong week to remain in the top four.

Only two teams have yet to win a point this season but it's only a matter of time.

Paul Scobie's low score of 28 was good enough to move him into a tie for the Low Gross with Tim Donaldson and Norm Toyne. Andy Koetstra shot a 27 but was not counting this week for the Fat Shafts and was not eligible.

Scobie also had a good enough shot on hole 12 to take away the Closest to the Pin winnings on the back nine. Mark Kennedy was closest on the third hole to take the honours on the front nine.

Members also received some sad news as longtime Mens League and golf course member Lou Boudreau passed away earlier in the day. Lou was 77 and is survived by his wife of 52 years Peggy and his children. Lou loved to golf and we will miss seeing him walking the course.