The last frontier is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Here on the Kenai Peninsula we have a hidden treasure 12 miles down Funny River Road. Bird Homestead golf course is a beautiful nine-hole course; there is a practice green, driving range, and even a kitchen with a new menu this season. Tom Walsh, Larry Hamilton and Clayton have been working hard this summer to get the course up and running. The drive down Funny River is like no other, and worth the 12 miles once you reach the golf course, where you are able to unwind and play a relaxing round of golf, or just have a chili dog and ice cold soda.
Ladies night
On Wednesday night we had 10 women show up for ladies night. The winning team was the triple threat of Kelsey Slough, Connie Orth, and Susan Ellis. Long drive on No. 4 went to Judi Artman. Connie Orth was on fire all evening with her putting, and she won long putt on No. 5. Margie Ubben was in total golf mode and hit an incredible tee shot on hole No. 6, landing her on the green, and won closest to the pin. Faith Link was also in total golf mode, hitting an incredibly nice tee shot on hole No. 8, landing it on the green, and winning her closest to the pin on No. 8. Ladies night is every Wednesday night, rain or shine. We start at 6:30 p.m, and all women are welcome to join us. We have a great time, and skill level is irrelevant to us, we just enjoy the evening without the men.
Men’s Night
Even though the men had ugly weather on Tuesday night, 31 men showed up to play. Long drive was on hole No. 4 and Trevor Baldwin crushed the ball, winning him longest drive. Greg Harrington and Roy Bird both got pure birdies, Greg took home the cash for pure birdie as his pure birdie was on a more difficult hole. Roy Bird did take home money for closest to on hole No. 8, he hit an amazing tee shot only 12 feet, one inch, from the hole. Too bad he missed his putt for birdie. There were eight teams, and first place went to the team of Roy Bird, Matt Hopson, Trevor Baldwin, and J.E. Wells, and yes, the teams were chosen by blind draw. How these hot shots got picked to all play on one team, I don’t know. They came in with a great score of six-under par. Second place went to Denis Casagranda, Cuz Cousins, Aaron Blackburn and Ken Ubben. Mens night is every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., rain or shine. We love seeing new faces. Yes, even if you are a member of Kenai or Birch Ridge golf courses.
Bird Cup
We are always looking for golfers to join our fun association. What are the benefits you ask? You can keep your clubs in our club barn and they will be waiting for you every time you come out to golf. Another benefit is being able to establish an official handicap, which some golf tournaments require, and also the Bird Cup.
The golf association organizes the “Bird Cup” every year which is a handicapped, match play tournament. This is a 1-2 month long tournament, teams of two play another team each week (you organize the time and day). We are always looking for more teams to join the fun, if you want join please call the clubhouse at 260-GOLF. Entry forms are due this Saturday, June 13.
Quilter’s tournament
Our first tournament of the season will be the Quilters Tournament. Every year, the Funny River Quilters hold their annual benefit golf tournament and this year it will be on Saturday, June 20. Registration closes at 9:30 a.m. and shotgun at 10 a.m. This is an 18-hole best ball tournament. This is a fun tournament where funny things happen on Funny River road! Be sure to turn in your entry forms early so they have enough time to plan for food. The number of carts is limited, so reserve one early. For more information call Marilyn at (907) 260-5874 or Lona at (907) 260-3982.
Junior golf lessons
Our junior golf lessons will begin this Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. These lessons are 100% free and clubs will be provided for the duration of the lessons. Golf pro Tom Walsh will be teaching the golf lessons. Parents can drop off and pick up at 6 p.m., stay and watch, or play a round of golf and take advantage of “2 for 1” Thursdays. Children ages 6 through 16 are welcome to come, and no experience is required. Please call the clubhouse to sign up. (907) 260-4653.
Fun Fact Thursday
Golf is one of the two only sports to be played on the moon. On February 6, 1967, Alan Bartlett “Al” Shepard, Jr. performed a one-handed swing with a six-iron, sending the ball flying through the moon’s low-gravity atmosphere. And in case you were wondering, javelin is the other sport that was reportedly played on the moon.
