By Bradford Bixby
The Mountain Times
Welcome back, Dear Reader, to another sizzling column on the world of golf. As I write this we are coming off a heat spell and have now slid into that perfect golf temperature. Sizzling was an understatement for the 4th of July which I chose to spend at the Waterfront Blues Festival. It’s still a great event although I do miss the good old days when ten dollars or a couple of cans of food got you in the door.
My favorite memory from the festival came over a decade ago. It was Saturday night and the headliner for the whole event, John Hiatt, was playing on the south stage, which faces away from the river. He couldn’t see or hear the lightning storm raging on the other side. But we could, and every flash brought a massive oohs and aahs from the crowd. Poor John thought it was all for him. He stepped to the mic a bunch of times to tell us we were the best audience he ever played for. I’m sure we were but I’m glad no one spilled the beans and broke up the love fest.
Getting back to the present: we are in the heart of summer and the season is in full bloom. The course is in great shape and begs to be played. This is the time of year when the Men’s Club enjoys their match play championship with the open division winner being crowned club champion. The women will be crowning their Ace of Aces this month as well. And don’t worry, Dear Reader, your intrepid reporter will bring you the names of all the winners and no matter how modest and humble I am, I will still report if I win.
Speaking of tournaments, the course had a massive weekend with Miller Paint taking over the entire course on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, followed by the Mike Nelson charity tournament on Saturday. Congratulations to Tom Franklin and his crew on their fine job, making both run as smooth as the top of my head.
That brings me to the 4th of July weekend event held on Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th. On Saturday, the winning team as pictured consisted of Don Erickson, Lynann Solberg, Greg Johnson and Brian Meskel (who came in at minus 18, three strokes ahead of second place). Closest to the pin on the par threes were won by Ron Biehm, Raymond McCue (our beloved president), Mary Thompson and Tim Ramstad. On Sunday they held a 9 hole scramble with each player allowed to use only 3 clubs all day. The winners were Dale and Kay Rhoney with Mike and Cathie Anderson. Closest to the pin winners Sunday were Lane Stalsberg, Pat Wiesner and Carmen Wiesner.
Congratulations to all the winners and all the players for making it a great weekend of golf.
That’s about it ,kids. Resort GM Christopher Skipper is bringing live music to the Mallards grass patio every Friday for the summer. Yay! Come join us and when you do remember to “Hit Em Straight.”