Braemar’s 16 Man Team has been lighting it up this year. Under the leadership of former BMC member Bryan Francis, they’ve been overpowering opponents and appear a sure bet to reach the post-season.
The 16 Man Team won this year’s first three regular season matches handily– by scores of 19.5 to 4.5 against Hiawatha, 16 to 8 against Chaska and 15 to 9 against New Prague. Their final match, also against Hiawatha, at Hiawatha, ended in a narrow defeat, 11 to 13, but the result won’t affect the final standings. That’s not only because Braemar’s won-lost record is best in its division, at 3-1, but also because of a remarkable lead in total points, at 61.5– 17.5 points ahead of second place finishers Chaska, at 44, and Hiawatha, at 36.5.
While the official playoff schedule has not yet been announced, there can be little doubt that Braemar will be competing in the initial playoff series on September 7.
Several players have led the charge for Braemar this year, including Michael Kraft (USGA plus .9), Mike Wangen (USGA plus .4), Cutter Tylia (USGA .5), Steven Kraft (USGA .5), Alex Hintz (USGA .5), Drew Gumlia (USGA 1.3), Ryan Heide (USGA 1.6), John McNaughton (USGA 2.1), and Billy Utter (USGA 2.2).
The playoffs promise some serious excitement and will culminate in a championship match on September 28. More to come on The Virtual 19th Hole.
Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590