My favorite part of every golf year is when school gets out for summer and the kids are showing up in numbers on the driving range as well as the links of Birch Ridge. The kids pick up the swing so fast and their enthusiasm is awesome. I really would like to thank all the parents who work as transport heroes for their children getting to the course.

The Birch Ridge Golf Association Junior Golf Program is just 10 days away. There is still time to get signed up at the pro shop. This is a great way for your young ones to learn the game of golf in a casual group environment. Instructors Zac Cowan and Bill Engberg will take good care of the future PGA and LPGA players! The event runs from June 13 to June 17, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Call the golf shop for information and to get signed up.

Men’s Club

We had another nine players come out for Wednesday men’s night this week. With the retro format of blind-draw teams and three-man scramble golf, they all had a good time. A 2-under-par 33 was the winning score, belonging to Earl Matthis, Brad Carver and Steve Hammarstrom.

We also had closest-to-the-pin competitions, taken by Mike Hollingsworth and Earl Matthis. Long drive went to Tom Hodel, and a pure birdie was won by Mike Hollingsworth.

Let’s see the numbers grow and join in on the fun! Names are pulled at 6 p.m. Big Wednesday will be the last Wednesday of each month, where entry triples and so do the payouts!

Senior Club

The senior men played Tuesday this week, but we return the normal Monday with a 10 a.m. start. Sixteen gentlemen completed nine holes with varying results.

Sid Cox continues to dominate early season events taking first net with a great score of 31. Second place was net 32 by Frank Harper. Three guys tied for third place and the tiebreaker — a 100-yard dash — has yet to be determined. Mike Hollingsworth, John Davis and Earl Mathis will let us know when one of them finishes the tiebreaking race.

Ladies Club

Ladies club played on their normal 10 a.m. start Tuesday with the magic number of nine. Kathy Herring blasted her way to low gross, and low net went to Vicki Hollingsworth. They played a 3-2-1 Game, which was taken by Delaine Richards. Delaine also had a birdie on No. 9. Not to be outshined, Vicki Hollingsworth birdied No. 9 as well as a chip-in on No. 8. The Mystery Hole was won by Denise Cox. Thanks for coming out ladies. See you next week at 9:30 a.m.

Upcoming Events

The Alaska Golf Association Kenai Peninsula Jackpot is June 18 and 19 at Kenai Golf Course and Birch Ridge Golf Course. This is a two-person team event, with each team playing six holes in three different formats, 18 holes on each day. Go to agagolf.org for more information and to sign up.

Last word of encouragement for the golfer who is struggling with the putting game of golf. Even the PGA professionals only make just over 50 percent of their putts from 6 feet.