Birch Ridge Report: Heat affects more than golf game

No witticisms, wisecracks or jokes; it was too hot. I'm sticking to golf stories.

Wednesday's men's night always has the same names, but don't you wish you were that good? Cal Larson, Jay Kriner, Mick Reeve and Dan Murphy scored a 5-under par to place first. Placing second with 2-under were Pete Wolfe, Ray Hamby, Rob Smithwick and Bob Sizemore. Caleb Sizemore did papa proud with the longest drive ... again. Closest to the pin on No. 6 went to Jake Blanchard, with Pete Wolfe doing likewise on No. 8.

The Family Affair Tournament was again a great hit. The first place winning family duo was Bob Sizemore and son, Caleb. Dan Murphy and son-in-law Curtis Nelson, for the third year in a row, beat out Myrna Cowan and grandson Zack Cowan in a playoff for second place. To those families that didn't win an award, playing together is often award enough.

Well, I'm sure you read it in Wednesday's edition. Tom Walsh, Birch Ridge's own hero, won the seventh annual Wells Fargo All Alaska Pro Skins Game Monday. I had to be out of town, unfortunately, so I didn't get to see it this year. Thankfully, Jeff Helminiak of this newspaper was there and saw it all. Tom Walsh gives lessons, you know, maybe we should sign up.

A couple reminders: The Peninsula Amateur Tournament is scheduled for July 19 and 20. Call the pro shop for tee times to qualify. The Alaska Junior Golf State Tournament is scheduled for the afternoon of July 25. I'll get back with you next week with the starting time.

We only have a couple of months left of events to share with all you golfers who enjoy Birch Ridge Golf Course as much as I do. That doesn't mean a golf game can't be had; last year we played our last nine on Dec. 6.

It was a sticky, hot day. Sweat streamed in wavelets down the writer's forehead ... the dreaded deadline drew dauntingly near. Ah ... I couldn't help it!