Golfers can rejoice in the fact that Birch Ridge stays open as long as God allows, and the weather couldn’t look better! With the chilly mornings, we might not open right on time, but we have been getting play as early as 10:30 a.m. and staying out well past 6 p.m. Come on out and enjoy the end of fall in a beautiful and tranquil setting, with great views and better company.

Even though its getting colder in the morning, we are still going strong and the Monday Morning seniors don’t seem to mind a little chill. Six came out to play this week, with Darell Jelsma taking both low net and making the longest putt. No one could manage a greenie, though, on Nos. 6 and 8, so that is going to carry over. Keep it up, gentlemen, until the snow flies!

It’s now been a couple of weeks since our 2016 Cold Weather Classic, but now is a good a time as any to share with you the results. It was a nice day of golf, not being too cold and it was dry, so that was nice.

Overall, low gross went to Darell and Susan Jelsma with a score of 85, with second gross going to Eddie and Teresa Sibolboro after winning a chip-off with an 86. Low net went to the dynamic duo of Gary Dawkins and Lori Riggs-Bishop, with a score of 62. Two strokes behind them were Monte and Stephanie Roberts. Afterward, we had a great bowl of chili made by Myrna Cowan. Thank you to all that came out to play.

Know anyone that needs an apartment for the winter? We lease our cottages out seasonally, so if you know anybody, please have them contact Pat Cowan at 398-4136.

Now a final message from the owners for 2016: Pat and Myrna Cowan have been involved in Birch Ridge Golf Course since 1988 as partners (six years) and as owners since 1994 (23 years). We have provided jobs for our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many others. During this time we have enjoyed a great life and have been able to keep a great recreational facility in operation for this community. We look forward to passing the gavel to our grandson, Zac Cowan (a PGA professional), and his family, Anna, Joshua and Ethan.

A heartfelt thank you to this great community and in particular to the golfing public that have supported us all these years. FYI – WE ARE NOT LEAVING. We love Soldotna, it will always be our home.