The pace of play is starting to pick up at Birch Ridge with a number of tournaments and events upcoming. The All-Alaska Pro-Am and Skins Game is set to take place July 14. The pro-am is a longtime favorite of golfers from all over state.

Club professionals bring teams of amateurs down from Anchorage, the Matanuska-Susitna valleys, and as far away as Fairbanks to compete in this tournament. While pros generally bring a full complement of amateurs there’s still a need for local golfers to round out teams. If you’re interested in participating in the All-Alaska Pro-Am please contact the pro shop and have your name added to the waiting list. We’ll work to pair local amateurs with pros from around the state.

The first Wine Wednesday of the 2014 season is set to take place on Wednesday (hence the name), July 16. Wine Wednesdays have quickly become a favorite of local adult duffers on the Kenai Peninsula. The event is highlighted by a wine sampling hosted by Gene “A Lady’s Best Friend” Diamond. Following the sampling golfers receive group instruction on all things golf!

It’s a wonderful time and Gene is simply amazing. Participation is limited to the first 24 golfers to sign up at the pro shop and spots are going fast! Don’t hesitate to get your name on the list. Wine Wednesdays are a perfect fit for all types of golfers. Weekend warriors, scratch golfers and beginners alike will enjoy what Wine Wednesday has to offer.

The 30th Peninsula Senior Amateur is scheduled for July 19 and 20. The Birch Ridge Golf Association, organizers for the event, are working hard on putting the final details together. Registration forms should be available to golfers in the pro shop by the weekend.

July 21 and 22, Birch Ridge plays host to the Alaska Junior. This will mark the first time the Alaska Junior Golf Association has held one of its “major” events on the Kenai Peninsula. For more information on these tournaments and events, or others later in the summer, please call the golf course.

Our surly, motley, yet still lovable crew of grass aficionados have the greens in absolutely beautiful condition. The summer sun has firmed the golf course up nicely and quickened the pace of the putting surfaces. Rolling the rock simply doesn’t get much better than right now. With a number of tournaments and events on the calendar to pair with a bright and sunny forecast, July is shaping up to be a wonderful month of golf for our community of ball chasers!

Old Folks Golf

A large flock of old people sought the greenest pasture they could find in Soldotna on Monday morning to wage battle for senior golf supremacy. In all, 21 golfers hit the course, but dramatically only one could leave as champion.

Tom “Bombs Over Baghdad” Boedeker blew the field away thanks to a spontaneous eruption of great golf shots. Sid “Vicious” Cox was Tom’s nearest competitor, claiming closest-to honors at the sixth and eighth, but even Sid’s eccentric play wasn’t good enough finish near the lead. “Dandy” Dan Mortenson rolled in the long putt at the ninth signaling to his golfing enemies that he wouldn’t go down quietly, not without a fight!

Tuesday Morning Ladies League

The dazzling dames were back Tuesday morning for another riveting week of lady vs. lady golf action. Sally “Sweet Thang” Tachick hit one of the better shots in the history of Birch Ridge, easily capturing closest-to honors at the sixth. Tanna “First Lady” Chenault and Leona “Eye of the Tiger” Jackson displayed equally dominant form. The dynamic duo dispatched their competitors with ease en route to a T-1 gross finish. Cheryl “The Hammer” Hammarstrom claimed low net.

Thursday Night Couples

The lovebirds fell victim to some terribly rainy conditions last Thursday, leading to play being postponed.

Golf Joke of the Week

Fred called his friend in tears.

“I can’t believe it,” he sobbed. “My wife has strayed, she left me for my golfing partner.”

“Get a hold of yourself, man,” said his friend. “There are plenty of other women out there!”

“Who’s talking about her?” said Fred. “He was my only golf buddy that I could ever beat!”