Birch Ridge Report: The camera doesn't lie: Birch Ridge columnist's glass is half empty

My new putter arrived. You know those old 60s movies where the hard-working executive practices putting in his office with a glass on the floor? Goes in with a plunk every time from at least 10 feet away. My glass obviously wasn't big enough ... or close enough. I've now placed a 2-quart pan on its side about 3 feet from the ball.

Fragility of my ego aside, I'm going to presume that the busy executive actor's success had more to do with camera angle.

No cameras were needed last Wednesday for Men's Night; those rousing rascals were again in rare form. First-place winners were Phillip Ivarie, Dan Green, Norton Dablemont and Don McGhee; second-placers were Dandy Dan Murphy, Dave Stein, Pete Wolfe and Guy Hayes.

Dan Green struck gold with closest-to on hole six, as did Bob Sizemore on hole eight. Long driver was pro shop technician Kevin Downs; amazing Mike Hollingsworth once again scored a pure birdie on hole four.

Women's and Men's Cup matches started this last week, so I should be reporting a few holes in one. This information should give incentive to those youngsters and their parents out there who are wondering if they should sign up for the Junior Golf Clinics. The answer is a resounding "yes."

Good golf takes self discipline and learned technique and these clinics offer these tools and more; self confidence, pride in accomplishment, camaraderie and sportsmanship are part of the game of golf and can't be learned too early. Besides, the pure fun can't be captured in words. The clinics begin June 7.

Call Tom Walsh at the pro shop to sign up or if you have further questions. You'll have no regrets.

June Scramble, June 12. What more can I say? It's a great way to spend a sunny Saturday (I'm not a meteorologist). Pick your own team of four and sign up no later than June 11 at noon. Two divisions will be determined by handicap ratings; the entry fee is $50, greens fees are $25 (season ticket holders are exempt). Check-in is at 7 a.m. with tee-off at 8 a.m.

An awards barbecue will immediately follow in the pavilion where you also get a chance to exclaim about those putts you missed by centimeters.

June 17 is the Best/Rotary Midnight Scramble followed by the Peninsula Amateur Tournament on June 26 and 27. I'll have more info for you in upcoming articles.

The sun is peeking out from behind some pretty ominous looking clouds, so as soon as I put this spaghetti pot back on the shelf and grab my putter, I'm outta here. See you on the back nine!