Kenai Golf Report: Lesson learned: Never give up

When I was in the clubhouse on Sunday, I happened to overhear one side of a phone call. Apparently someone called the golf course desk to check on the PGA Championship scores. Barry was working and very professionally and accurately told the caller what the status of the tournament was and what the standings were for the top number of players. It has been my experience that each and every one of the staff is friendly and willing to be helpful.

Gary Katsion wrote a note in his Kenai Cup report this week that we all might find interesting and informative. The Kenai Cup is match play; that means scoring is done on each hole. He wrote: "Just a reminder to the Beauty and Agony of Match Play ... during one of the hotly contested matches last week, one competitor did not give up on a hole and won with a score of 11. His opponent, who also scored 11, had to give a shot due to the handicap differential, lost the hole. So next time, do not give up on a hole because on the Kenai Golf Course anything that can happen, usually does happen."

Ladies Day

Prior to playing on Thursday, the ladies enjoyed a hot dog lunch provided by Kenai Golf Course management. It was enjoyed by all in attendance.

Because some of the greens on the front nine were temporary and some had been sanded, it was decided to play the back nine this week (a greater challenge for most of us). We were also told that a bear had been spotted on No. 3.

Kathy Heus and Judy Salo tied for low score, Kathy Herring had the fewest putts, and Kathy Heus was closest to the pin on No. 10, and Nora Satathite was closest on No. 14. Leona Jackson won the mystery hole.

In addition to the lunch, the course management sponsored a closest to the pin contest after we finished our round. Don Moock was the official spotter for us and John Dahlgren assisted him. Don offered us the opportunity to do the contest from the No. 1 tee box back to the practice green. We took a vote and decided to wait until No. 10 was open. Forty balls and four rounds later (there were ten ladies) no one had managed to reach the green and/or stay on it. We were all around the green and one lady was within an inch of the green. The "Gully Gods" received an abundance of offerings from the ladies, too (about 20 balls, I think). It was getting late and it was decided to continue the contest at another time. Though we "sacrificed" a few (?) balls, we all had a great time trying to put the ball on the green!

Playing the back nine was interesting for us all, but I believe we will look forward to playing the front nine on Thursday. Don't forget ladies, we tee off at 12:30 p.m.

Men's Night

The weather continues to welcome the players on men's night. The first place winners this week was the team of Cliff Baker, Ken Liedes, Keith Stuart and Barry Jackman. Dave Kirkvliet, Ron Stafford, Robert Anderson and Kirk Hyman took second place.

Long drive was won by Dave Kirkvliet, closest to the pin on No. 5 was Mo Redford and on No. 9 it was Barry Jackman. Congratulations, gentlemen. In the chipping contest Barry Jackman took the honors. Men, don't forget to come out on Thursdays at 6 p.m. for the men'

s night scramble format.

Kenai Cup Results

The final week of the 2005 Kenai Cup regular season is this week.

The winning teams from Aug. 10 are Cliff Baker/Noel Widmayer, John Dahlgren/Spencer Devito, Dwight Kramer/Bob Drewes, Keith Stuart/Dana Bassel, Dan Young/Steve Honrud, Doug Jung/Paul Nunamaker, and Dave Ramsey/Ed Marsh.

After the results of Aug. 10, three more teams attained playoff spots. They are the teams of Tom Reese and Greg Duggin (Mulligans), Keith Stuart and Dana Bassel (Stuart/Bassel), and the defending champions of 2004, Dave Ramsey and Ed Marsh (Sport' Woodies). Three playoff spots remain and five teams are still in the running.

General Manager's Remarks from

Gordon Griffin

The Kenai Chrysler Open was very successful and Gordon would like to sincerely thank the following people for their excellent work during the tournament; C. T. Reese, Tom Reese, Bill Burtram, Keith Stuart and Ron Goecke. Your valuable help made a big difference.

Cliff Baker did an "as-built" for the driving range. Gordon says "Thanks, Cliff, for a professional job."

Coming Events

Wednesday — Kenai Cup

Thursday — Ladies Day at 12:30 p.m. and Men's Night at 6 p.m.

Sunday — KGA Members Only Event. Sign up by Friday. Tee times begin at noon.

Aug. 27-28 — KGA Morgan Championship Tournament

Quote for the Week

"... It (golf) means going into God's out-of-doors, getting close to nature, fresh air, exercise, a sweeping away of the mental cobwebs, genuine recreation of the tired tissues.

— From "Golf" by

David R. Forgan