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Believe it or not, it really is that time of year again! So, dust off those golf clubs and brush off those winter blues. Birch Ridge Golf Course officially opened this past Saturday. By this time next week most of the leagues will be in full swing for the year.

And to really help us with our own full swing, Bill Engberg is putting on a clinic this Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Bill is one of our golf professionals and wants to make sure we get off on the right foot this season (or is the left?). Whether you are a beginner or just a little rusty from the winter, Bill will go over swing fundamentals.

If you are a season pass holder, the clinic is free. For other participants, there will be a $10 fee. Golfers must be at least 16 years of age. Space is limited, so please call the pro shop at 262-5270 and reserve your spot.

As usual, the seniors were the first ones out again this year. There's just no stopping 'em. However, the 13 who showed up Monday morning were all men, and senior-in-charge, Ray Hamby, wants to know where all the ladies were.

Come on out next Monday and see if you can make a longer putt than Grant Fritz did on No. 9, or get closer to the hole than George McDowell on No. 6, or beat out Chuck Rider for the lowest net honor. He posted a 35. How about just getting on the green on No. 8, since that closest-to-the-hole prize is carried over to next week.

Wednesday Night Men's League starts this week. Results will be reported next week. The Tuesday Morning Ladies and the Tuesday Night Couples will both begin next week. So come get into full swing with one or more of these fun groups of golfers.

The 35th Anniversary Par 3 Tournament is coming up on May 17. This is a fun event where the course is set up for all 18 holes to be played as a par 3. Golfers can put together their own team (or not) for this four-person, handicapped scramble format. Tee off is at 3 p.m. Fee is $35 and includes the barbecue that follows. Sign up by 6 p.m. on May 16.

SHARON'S THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: I'm thinking the course is in a lot better shape than I am so I think I'll call Bill and have him reserve me a spot for this Saturday's clinic. Maybe he can help get me into that full-swing thing that golfers are supposed to do.