Thursday, Friday and Sunday are very special days for the Kenai and Birch Ridge golf courses. The annual Walker Cup competition between the two courses will be contested again.
The Walker Cup competition began in 2005. Birch Ridge jumped out to a big lead in the first few years. Kenai came roaring back in the later years. As of now, the Walker Cup is all even with each team winning six times with one year ending in a draw.
This year the competition will be held on the Kenai Golf Course. The Walker Cup has a total of 24 points during the three-day event over 54 holes. The first day will be best ball, followed by alternate shot on Friday. The third day, Sunday, will be 12 single, head-to-head matches.
At the end of the competition we will host an awards banquet, with the losing team presenting the traveling trophy to the winning team. As in past years, the public is invited to walk around and view this event on all three days.
On Thursday and Friday, the competition begins at 5 p.m. If you would like to see good, competitive golf, join us on the Kenai Golf Course for the Walker Cup.
I would like to thank Tommy Carver, our captain, for organizing this event and Debbie Griffin for putting on a great banquet. I would also like to thank Bob Sizemore and Atigun for the Walker Cup hats for our team. We welcome the Birch Ridge players to the Kenai Golf Course. It is always exciting to play on a different course. It’s all about enjoying the game of golf and great competition.
This past week was a very interesting week for us at the Kenai Golf Course. We had major tournaments and major repairs to make. We had to replace a 50-foot section of the bridge leading to hole No. 10. This was a major project. And I am happy to report that it is complete.
I would like to thank Dan Young, K.S., Dusty Culbreath and Willy Perkins for finishing in only three days. I would also like to thank the tournament sponsors and players as well as the general public for their understanding during this time. The bridge is now open and better than ever! Wow, what a project.
Dan Young, we will negotiate. Dusty and Willy, over and beyond the call of duty. Thank you all for a job well done. Now, on to other projects and help — just kidding. Maybe not!
I would like to thank Charlie Waguespach and Doug Haralson for doing such an outstanding job on our fairways and rough areas. Thanks also to Chris Murray for his continued good work on our tee boxes.
Senior League, July 15 — Low Gross was won by Dwight Kramer with a score of 40. Low net was won by Skip Dove with a net score of 32. Closest to the pin on hole No. 5 was won by Chris Kimball with a shot of 9 feet, 10 inches. During this competition two skins were recorded, one by Chris Kimball on hole No. 1 and the other by Skip Dove on No. 8, each with birdies.
Men’s Night, Thursday — The team of Greg Harrington, Rich Harmon, Mark McComsey, Matt Hopson and Doug Ufer won in a playoff over the team of Brian Wodarek, Bill Haese, Brandon Wold, Tim Bornowski and Skip Dove. The winning score was 2-under par. Closest to the pin on hole No. 10 was won by Brandon Wold with a shot of 7-1. Closest to the pin on the second shot on hole No. 18 was won by Greg Harrington with a shot of 4-7.
The Annual United Way/Tesoso Golf Tournament was held on the Kenai Golf Course on Friday. The Atigun team, which included Bob Sizemore, Caleb Sizemore, Gordon Griffin and Derek Kaufman, finished with a gross score of 61, which is 11-under par.
The second-place team of KSRM, which included John Davis, Jan Cork and Dennis Cork, finished with a gross score of 65, which is 7-under par. The third place team of Puget Sound, with team members Justin Cooley, Ryan Kapp, Tommy Carver and Trevor Baldwin, finished with a gross score of 66, 6-under par. Congratulations to all who participated in this worthwhile event and many thanks to Tesoro/United Way for putting on a great golf tournament.
The Brown Bear Tournament under the direction of Nate Kiel and sponsored by Stanley Ford, was held this past Sunday at the Kenai Golf Course. The Redline 2 team finished first with a gross score of 62. The McDonald’s team finished second with a gross score of 64. Team Dr. Pepper finished third with a gross score of 65. This was an outstanding tournament and thanks to all who participated.
Upcoming tournaments are The Alliance Tournament on Saturday, the Stanley Ford and Chrysler United Way Tournament on Sunday, and the Tesoro tournament on Tuesday.
The Ladies’ Beginning Golfer Clinic is underway. Their hard work on the driving range, putting green and chipping green will pay off on the third day of class when they put those skills to use and play the course. We provide power carts for them so they learn how and where to drive the carts plus course etiquette. It’s a fun day and we often see the ladies play until dark. The next beginning clinic is Aug. 11 to 13. Call the clubhouse for more information.
By popular demand we are offering another Ladies On-Course Clinic on Aug. 4 and 5, 6 to 8 p.m. This clinic concentrates on getting on the green. In two days, in a total of four hours we saw amazing improvement in chipping and pitching skills and confidence shown in those skills. It made golf more fun for those ladies. Instruction is provided by Gordon Griffin and Ron Goecke.
As always, see you on the course. The views have been spectacular and golf is more enjoyable than ever.
