This is the first column written for the Clarion in 2017. Pat and Myrna Cowan sold Birch Ridge Golf Course to Zac and Anna Cowan, our grandson and his wife. As a result of that sale, Zac has taken most all of the jobs that Pat and Myrna once did together, and Anna works full time in another profession, plus helping Zac as she has time.
Plus the two of them have two boys, Joshua and Ethan, and they are raising them. Zac has them at the golf course most of the time in the summer as Anna’s profession allows her to work out of the home. To make a long story short, Zac just couldn’t justify the time to write the column, so you get Papa Pat with Grandma Myrna’s help.
The June events that have already happened are the Callaway Kids Junior Golf Camp from June 5 through June 10. This program is for kids that have never played golf – replacing the “Hook a Kid on Golf” national program for which the Birch Ridge Golf Course won a national award in 2012.
Sixteen kids participated in this program and 75 percent of them decided to continue in the game and joined in the Birch Ridge Golf Course Association Junior Camp, which was held June 12 to 21. This program is for ages 8 to 12 with less than two years experience and for advanced golfers who have exceeded the beginners level. Golfers of this level will be given the opportunity to qualify and compete in Alaska state competition.
Some of our graduates or current students have already participated and won in Alaska state competition in 2017 —Katelyn Richards, Annika Richards, Shane Sundberg, Kelly Sundberg and Jacob Brown.
June 17 was the Alaska Golf Association Jackpot – played on Kenai Golf Course and Birch Ridge Golf Course. The results of that tournament have already been announced by Gordon Griffin of Kenai Golf Course in their column.
Another first event Birch Ridge hosted was the SoHi football fundraiser. Don’t have winning info, but 64 folks participated and the proceeds went to fund travel expenses for the Soldotna football team.
Each week there are several leagues in play. Mondays, the seniors play nine holes. A golfer is considered a senior if over the age of 50. All golfers with a current handicap over 50 are invited to play.
June 5, Earl Matthis won with a net 33. He also was the closest to on No. 8, while Sid Cox was closest to on No. 6. June 22, Brad Carver won with a low net of 31. Closest to at the sixth was Steve Hammarstrom, closest to at the eighth was Tom Boedeker and long putt on No. 9 was also Tom Boedeker.
June 30, low net went to Steve Hammarstrom with a 35, but that day no one hit the greens and the long putt was carried over.
Tuesdays the ladies play, with no age limit. All ladies are invited with current handicap. I don’t know who won on May 30, but there were 10 ladies who participated and Rita Geller won the mystery hole.
June 6, winners were Tanna Chenault, Cheryl Hammarstrom and Tanya Boedeker in a three-way tie. Low gross was Rita Geller and low net was Tanya Boedeker. Vicki Hollingsworth chipped in on No. 8.
June 13 brought light rain and nine ladies played. Low net was Sally Tachick and team winners were Rita Geller, Vicki Hollingsworth and Denise Cox. Closest to the pin on No. 8 was Vicki Hollingsworth. June 23 brought sun, with low gross going to Leona Jackson, low net going to Irma Peterson, fewest putts going to Cheryl Hammarstrom and closest to the pin on No. 8 being snapped up by Denise Cox.
Couples night is played Tuesday evenings and is open to all couples who have current handicaps. The event usually tees off at 6 p.m. There is a social hour after completion with folks bringing their own food.
On May 30, low net went to Dan and Linda Murphy at 38, followed by Pat and Myrna Cowan at 39. Closest-to awards went to Dan Murphy on No. 6 and Pat Cowan on No. 8. It looks like the Murphys won another Tuesday, but I don’t seem to have accurate records as to the exact date. Also, rain has kept away the couples other Tuesdays in June. That’s the men’s fault, women will play in the showers.
Men’s Night is open to all men, with no handicap required. The event is a blind-draw scramble that tees off at 6 p.m. every Wednesday night. Records here are also a little sketchy, but I do have some results.
June 24, Mark Baker, Kevin Downs, Zayan Aberkane and Brad Carver shot a 32 for the win. Closest-to awards were Kevin Downs at the sixth and a carry-over at the eighth. Long drive went to Zayan Aberkane, while the pure birdie also carried over.
June 31, Monte Roberts, George Stein, Darell Jelsma and Andy Kirscher shot a 32 and took second in a chip-off to the team of Brad Carver, Kevin Downs, Zayan Aberkane and Jake Eveland, who also shot a 32.
June 7, Beau Forrest, Mike Hollingsworth and Earl Matthis shot a 30 and tied with Tom Hodel, Kevin Downs and Zayan Aberkane. Closest to went to Mike Hollingsworth at the sixth and Beau Forrest at the eighth. Beau Forrest had the long drive and pure birdie went to Kevin Downs.
June 28, Jake Eubank, Del Hoagland, Rob Moore and Tom Hodel blew out the field with a 30. Closest to went to Brad Carver at the sixth and Jake Eubank at the eighth. The long drive carries over, while Jake Eubank collected a pure birdie.
The next major event is the Birch Ridge Golf Course Pro-Am on July 10. Sign up and play with a pro, then stick around and watch the annual skins game. The event is open to all golfers with current handicap. Call the pro shop for details at 907-262-5270.
Next column will have current schedule.
