PSC Golf from Tropical Golf Group
Tuesday, April 26, Mt. Shadow – Stableford
It’s the hot part of the hot season, yet still many intrepid (or stupid) golfers regularly show up to play. Most even opt to walk, clearly proving the heat clouds judgment. Speaking of clouds, there were no merciful clouds this day to give even a hint of relief. The Tropical Golfers made a last minute change to play Mountain Shadow instead of the scheduled course that is documented to be so hard and dry as to be unplayable.
Air conditioners blazing, everyone arrived safely at Mountain Shadow. The course was not crowded and we got off a little early. The weather was (unfortunately) sunny, and the only relief came from a breeze (although a hot one) that picked up for a few holes. Still, it was appreciated. Did I mention it was hot?
GOM winner Mashi Kaneta (left) and Monthly Mug winner Dave Cooper (right) celebrate with Lek from BJ’s Holiday Lodge.
Mountain Shadow is in good condition – considering! There are dry and bare patches, but no worse than other courses now, and better than many. Most fairways were more-or-less green, and the greens themselves were their usually tricky selves and in good condition. It was a test of stamina as well as skill. Who would conquer?
First place went to Mashi Kaneta playing off an adjusted handicap of 18, with 38 points. Mashi can take the heat and pressure! Next was John Davis (15) with a fine 37 points, followed by Bob Britton (17) with 36, beating Maurice Roberts on count back. Stay cool and pray for rain!
Near Pins: John Davis (2), Dick Warberg, Maurice Roberts.
Friday, April 29, Crystal Bay – Monthly Mug/Stroke
We have two kinds of days now, hot and hotter, but still 18 golfers showed up for this VIF – Very Important Friday. It was another alignment of the stars where the Monthly Medal Mug and the Golfer of the Month award came on the same day. Everyone wanted in on the action and suspense – and what suspense there was! With three players within five strokes, and the last day being stroke play where one hole can destroy a round, anything could happen.
(L-R) Mashi Kaneta with John Davis and Bob Britton.
Playing the C and B courses we started on time trying to beat some of the heat. Crystal Bay is in fair-to-good condition considering the time of year, and the greens are in very good condition. The weather was (surprise) hot but a fair amount of cloud cover helped. Thunder in the distance hinted at rain but none arrived, and we can only hope some golf courses got watered.
Playing Medal golf under such conditions should be called “mental golf” because that is the best tool to have. With several prizes to be had, the suspense came all the way back to BJ’s Lodge.
First up, the beautiful Monthly Mug went to Dave Cooper (H/cap 25) who conquered the heat and the course with a fantastic net 67. Well done Dave, and we know you will put that mug to proper use soon! Next came Mick Coghlan (23) just a stroke back with net 68, then Mashi Kaneta (18) with net 69. The final call was for Maurice Roberts (14) with net 72.
After much edge of the seat waiting, the announcement finally came that Mashi Kaneta won the BJ’s Holiday Lodge Golfer of the Month. This makes Mashi the first back-to-back GOM winner. Can anyone say three-peat? Special thanks to Lek, Bill, and the staff at BJ’s Holiday Lodge for another month of great support, and sponsoring the GOM award.
Near Pins: Barry Oats, Landis Brooks, Brian Gabe, Steve Truelove.
