Virtual 19th Hole

Jason Hardy’s Shocker

The Virtual 19^th Hole has reported on numerous BMC eagles so far this year, but none has been as surprising as the one carded by seven-year member Jason Hardy on June 13.  Readers will recall that most of these eagle stories have taken flight on the eighth hole.  Not so with Jason’s.  For his tale we need to move forward to number 9.  In fact, this bolt out of the blue not only commences on the ninth tee, but on the E box at that (to the best knowledge of The Virtual 19^th Hole, no BMC member has yet made eagle number 9, neither this year nor in any other— so, please speak up if you know any different).

No question, then, that this eagle story takes a different trajectory from the others we’ve reported on.  And even more so when you consider that Jason did not get off the tee with a blistered drive down the middle.  In fact, he smothered his tee shot into the left rough. So, there he was, 151 yards from the flag, in the thick stuff.  But from there, Jason, not one to be flustered by a stiff challenge, selected his 9-iron and lofted his approach nicely onto the green and the ball rolled right into the hole.  Going on to shoot a solid 85, Mr. Hardy understandably credits that round as his most memorable at Braemar in some time.

8-Man Team

As last reported, our 8-Man Senior Team, under the leadership of captain Mike Longman, had gotten the season off to a good start with a record of 2 and 1.  On June 18 they built on that start by improving to 3 and 1 with a win over Baker National, at Baker. In blustery conditions and with occasional showers, this was their second consecutive win over Baker, highlighted by Tim Smith and Jeff Roseland blowing away their opponents 8 & 7, for a 3-0 win.  Also key to the victory were the clutch 4 and 5-footers drained on the last hole by Mike Kavanaugh (who also plays on our Over-70 traveling team) and Mark Paetznick (whose outstanding 68 led the way in the 8-Man Team’s prior victory over Baker).  Great golf, guys!

Their next match is on July 8, at home against Dwan.  Stay tuned, this team is on a roll.

Over-70 Traveling Team

This year, also as previously reported, the MPGA, for the first time, has initiated a traveling team format exclusively for seniors over age 70. These matches feature four players from each team competing in two gross score, best ball matches.  Led by captain Bob Peterson, Braemar’s super senior squad also includes regulars Mike Kavanaugh, John Miller, Tom Russell and yours truly. Currently, our Over-70s are tied with Keller for first place with a record of 3-0-1.

With victories so far against Emerald Greens, Fountain Valley and Meadowbrook, the team’s one tie was against Keller. That match was played from Keller’s blue tees, stretched to over 6200 yards. Noteworthy in Keller’s fine play was a sparkling 68 from Leif Carlson, a one-handicapper, thanks to a five-birdie binge on the front nine.  But owing to strong play by Mike Kavanaugh and Tom Russell in the second match, Braemar managed an overall tie on the day, at 3-3.

Our super seniors’ next match is July 11, an away game against University.  One additional match will then be played before the start of the play-offs.

Triple Birdies

It would be understandable if the Thursday League foursome of Dan Ritacco, Jim Punch, Kyle Litwin and captain Vince Bradford started calling the first par 3 on Braemar’s back nine Lucky 13. That’s because, on June 20, this foursome completed that three par with three birdies (by Bradford and Ritacco from the D tees and Litwin from the I tees).  And while Jim Punch’s bogey may have seemed a bit of a disappointment in comparison, bear in mind that the average Thursday league score on number 13, played from the D tees (as Jim did on June 20), is 4.1.

Great play, guys!

Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19^th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590

The 2024 season has gotten off to a hot start with BMC members landing eagles as if Braemar were some kind of raptor center.

In league play on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, as well as in Four Ball, BMC members have been absolutely victimizing par 5s.  And just in case you’re curious which hole is the BMC’s favorite for making eagles? No question, it’s Braemar’s eighth (which may explain why it’s our 18th handicap hole).

As last reported, the 2024 BMC Eagles Club had inducted nine members: Greg Hasper, Tom Klassen, Drew Cripps, Jayme Nelson, Paul Conley, Timothy Boys, Timothy Clark, Wayne Voland and yours truly (with two).  All in Thursday League play.

Now The Virtual 19^th Hole is pleased, thanks in large part to statistics compiled by Golf Genius, to announce the induction of an additional eight members:

From the E Tees: Mike Wangen, with two, Tim Smith, Alex Haima and David Matlock, all in Wednesday League play, and, in Tuesday League play, Chris Peterson.

Also, in Tuesday League play (for which Golf Genius doesn’t report tee boxes): David Durham, Owen Knezel and Thaddeus Smith.

Congrats to each of our 2024 eagle shooters!

As noted, The Virtual 19^th Hole has been able to identify most of these eagles solely through statistics reported by Golf Genius.  But these stats are simply the bare bones– meaning that the details of the stories remain to be told.  So, if you’re in the know, reach out and help The Virtual 19^th Hole to tell these stories.

In the meanwhile, here are two eagle stories you’re bound to like:

Tim’s Eagle

For those of you who don’t know him, Tim Smith is the reigning (and a former) Senior Club Champion, he’s a former BMC board member and former Board Secretary, he’s the current league coordinator for Best Weekly, and he’s last year’s pick by The Virtual 19^th Hole to be the 2023 BMC Champion Golfer of the Year. And Tim’s eagle story is another one that takes wing on the eighth hole.

Go back to May 8, opening night for 2024 Wednesday League play. Tim stood on the eighth tee box one down in his nine-hole match. His opponent, Cutter Tylia, one of the BMC’s foremost golfers, sported a plus 1 handicap at the time (for anyone not in the know, the plus handicap meant that, for Cutter to score a par on number 8, for example, he’d need to make a birdie)! So, with the match very much resting on number 8, Tim launched a nice drive down the left side of the fairway; then, with a light crossing wind from the right, Tim scorched a utility wood to within 20 yards of the green.  Choosing his 54-degree wedge for the pitch shot, Tim’s touch was perfect and he holed out for a three.  With Cutter needing to make an albatross to tie, Tim, of course, won the hole.  And when both players parred number 9, the match wound up all square, with the overall team score also a tie, 3-3.

Chris’s Eagle

Chris Peterson is also a former BMC board member and former Board Secretary.  And Chris is yet another BMC member who has flourished on the eighth hole.

On April 30, in the Tuesday League season opener, Chris, not unlike Tim in Wednesday League play the following week, was able to prevail in his nine-hole match thanks in no small part to number eight.  Playing from the E Tees, he hit a bomb down the left side that narrowly avoided the virtually unplayable natural area left of the fairway.  From there, 220 yards out, Chris pulled out his 3 hybrid and hit a baby draw to within five feet of the hole.  He lined up the putt and struck it solidly– but couldn’t avoid some breath-catching drama as the ball started breaking at the hole. Not until it did a 270-degree turn around the horn did the ball finally fall in. Chris went on to win the match and he and his partner took home a victory, 5-1.

Aftermath

All of this unavoidably leads to several interesting questions.  Because now that BMC members have proven that eagles are so easy to come by, shouldn’t we track some more granular details?

Like, for example, can anyone sink an eagle putt where the ball curls more than 270 degrees around the hole before going in? 

Or, can anyone sink an eagle third shot from more than 30 yards away (the current record being held by first year member Jayme Nelson, who was just able to beat out Tim Smith’s 20-yarder)?

Or, can anyone be left with an eagle putt shorter than 18 inches (the current record being held by yours truly)?

Stay tuned…

Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19^th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590

As last reported by The Virtual 19^th Hole, the 2024 BMC Eagle Club inducted its first members of the season last month. On May 9, Greg Hasper, playing in the season’s inaugural Tuesday League competition, made his first-ever eagle on number 8 and, on May 16, yours truly eagled the same hole, playing for our Over-70 traveling team (with an 18-inch tap-in).  As predicted in that post, more eagles were expected in short order.  And that’s just what has happened. 

While The Virtual 19^th Hole is lacking details on several of these, statistics compiled by Golf Genius confirm that at least eight BMC members have made eagles so far this year.  They are Tom Klassen, Drew Cripps, Jayme Nelson, Paul Conley, Timothy Boys, Timothy Clark, Wayne Voland and yours truly (with two).  Here are the stories for which details have surfaced. 

Drew Cripps on number 6 

On May 23, in regular Thursday League competition, Drew Cripps, playing from the D tees, had a solid front nine going when he arrived at the sixth tee.  With an assist from a steady tailwind, Drew bombed his drive down the middle, leaving only 180 yards to the green.  Selecting his trusty 5-iron, Drew made solid contact on his second shot and rifled the ball right at the hole.  Although he didn’t match his albatross from last year (on number 4 with his two hybrid), the shot was a beauty, rolling out to within 18 feet of the hole.  Drew rolled the right-to-left curler into the middle of the hole and so, just like that, he had his first eagle of the year.  Which would have been reason enough to make his round memorable, but by following up with a birdie on number 7, Drew’s back-to-back sub-par holes combined for a particularly impressive one-two punch. 

Jayme Nelson at Highland National 

On May 31, playing with brother Cory in a BMC Four Ball Match at Highland National, first year member Jayme Nelson needed only three strokes on the par five fifth hole.  Conditions were challenging, as most of the round was played in the rain. But the difficult conditions didn’t dampen Jayme’s resolve.  After four soggy holes, he arrived at the fifth tee ready to shine.  He hit a fine drive on the 508-yard dogleg left, and then crunched a three-wood to within 30 yards of the hole.  Jayme chipped in from there.  Buoyed by that bolt out of the blue, the brothers went on to win their match, 4 and 2. Welcome to the BMC, fellas! 

Tom Klassen on number 8 

On June 6, Tom Klasen, playing in Thursday League from the D tees, was having an up-and-down front nine on one of the windiest days of the year (and with the gales that have blown so far this year, that’s saying something). On number 3, following a double bogey on the second hole, Tom struck a beautiful 9-iron and proceeded to roll in a 14-footer for birdie.  But number 5 proved to be a struggle, leading to another double.  After righting the ship on the next two holes with pars, Tom took control on the eighth hole.  He blasted a drive down the left center of the fairway and then floated a towering 6-iron onto the green for his 180-yard second shot.  The ball came to rest 15 feet from the hole. Striking a no-doubter, Tom rolled the ball in for his first eagle of the year.  Those in the know expect a few more from Tom before the season draws to a close. 

Yours truly on number 5 

I was able to card my second eagle of the year on May 23 and it came in a particularly unexpected fashion.  Playing in Thursday League from the D tees, I made my way somewhat shakily to the fifth hole, which was once again playing into the wind. After throwing the obligatory blades of grass into the air, I pulled a six-iron. Almost immediately playing partner Drew Cripps, who had just hit a five, questioned the club selection. So, I hit the five instead– right at the hole. But with the elevated target, I assumed the ball may have rolled over the green when it disappeared from view. Jim Peterson, who had a better vantage point from the I tees, knew better, seeing the ball roll in.  I enthused gratefully to Drew that the ace was only possible with a little help from my friends (one in particular).  Also, thanks to Drew, the photos below memorialize the ace. After the round, on the 19^th hole, Rick Danmeier, the fourth member of our group, helped economize the traditional celebration by having a water. A virtually empty clubhouse also contributed to what was possibly the cheapest hole-in-one on record. 

Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19^th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590

16-Man Team 

As last reported by The Virtual 19^th Hole, our 16 Man and Senior 8-Man Teams had each played their initial matches of the year.  The 16-Man Team had lost a nail-biter to Keller and the 8-Man Team had pitched a shutout against Theodore Wirth, winning 12 – 0.  Follow-up matches, pitting the same opponents against each other, but at the other team’s home course, were expected to be challenging contests. 

The 16 Man Team’s loss to Keller was at Keller, so the rematch on June 2 was played at Braemar.  And, as predicted by undaunted captain Bryan Francis, Braemar turned the tide in a match even more exciting than the original showdown. Down 11-13 at the start of the rematch, Braemar got standout performances from several players, including 3-0 shutouts from the teams of Michael Kraft/ Coss Barnette, Nick Neudigate/ Tim Lambrecht, and Drew Gumlia/ Bryan Francis. But notwithstanding those stellar performances, the overall result was hanging in the balance until the final hole played by the final pairing of Ronin Burns and Chris Eckes. Facing elimination, Ronin needed to make an eight-foot putt to force a playoff. He rolled in the putt and so the resulting playoff would determine which of the two teams would move on with their season. Captain Francis selected Drew Gumlia and Michael Kraft as Braemar’s team in the playoff. Seeking to bolster his chances, Michael persuaded brother Steven to caddy for him with everything on the line. So, the Braemar players– and caddy– headed to the first tee, knowing that their season now rode on those six stalwart shoulders.  Fearlessly, Drew hit the green in regulation and had a 20-footer for birdie.  But Michael made that putt irrelevant by pitching his second shot from 50 yards to eight inches, nearly holing out for a gimme birdie. Observers credited the indispensable moral support of caddy Steven with making all the difference. Meanwhile, Keller had a 15-footer to gain a tie, but their birdie bid slid just past the hole and Braemar was able to savor the sweet taste of victory. 

Our 16-Man Team now advances and will play Hiawatha in July. 

8-Man Team 

Our 8-Man Team’s rematch against Wirth was played at Wirth on May 21.  And, as expected, Wirth did not roll over.  In a tough 6 – 5 loss, the Braemar seniors simply couldn’t overcome their opponent’s home field advantage.  But in their next match, at home on June 4 against Baker National, the 8-Man Team fared considerably better.  After winning by the decisive margin of 7.5 – 4.5, team captain Mike Longman offered special kudos for new BMC member Mark Paetznick, who fired a blistering 68.  The rematch against Baker will be played on June 18 at Baker. 

Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19^th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590

It’s no secret that BMC members card their fair share of eagles– and, last year, two members even made double eagles, Taylor Smith on Thursday League’s opening day and Drew Cripps on Tuesday League’s last day of the season.  Bookends! So, don’t expect this year to be much different.

Birthday present

May 7 was opening day for Tuesday League and Greg Hasper was looking forward to reconnecting with his BMC golf buddies. Besides, May 7 was his 59^th birthday– and what better way to celebrate than on the links? But coming off hip surgery, Greg harbored no giddy expectations for the round. Testing out the new hip, and bearing in mind his 22 handicap, Greg approached the first hole with playing partner Brian Janni having chosen to play the I tees. Sure enough, the round did not get off to an auspicious start, with Greg struggling to a triple bogey on the first hole. And yet… by the time he reached number eight, Greg felt his game coming around. But even a nice drive right down the middle didn’t prepare him for what came next.  Hitting his second shot from 210 yards out, Greg’s three wood just cleared the far lip of the fairway bunker, and that’s when the fun began. The ball rolled resolutely onto the green and came to rest no more than five feet from the hole.  Giving himself a birthday present he won’t soon forget, Greg then rolled in the knee knocker en route to a 2-up victory against opponent Bob Gleason. His first-ever eagle!   We can only assume that Bob appreciates the integral role he played in making this birthday one of Greg’s most memorable ever.

Happy 59^th, Greg—and many happy returns!

Another one just like the other one

Coincidentally, just as the ink was drying on the above story– but before it was posted to the website— something unexpected was about to change the story from Greg’s Special Birthday Present to Eagles Land on Number 8.

On May 16, yours truly played on our 4-Man Over-70 Team in a match against Fountain Valley. We started off on the back nine. Dr. Bob Peterson and I played in the first foursome and were faring well but, as we headed to the eighth tee, we had not yet closed out our match. I drove first on number 8 and my drive headed a bit to the right—but wound up taking a fortuitous bounce off the cart path right onto the fairway. From 190 yards out, I hit a solidly struck 4-hybrid and Doc Peterson seemed impressed, but from our vantage point we couldn’t see the result.  Turns out the ball rolled to within 18 inches of the cup. And after I tapped in for a three, the eighth hole had recorded its second 2024 eagle just nine days after the first from Mr. Hasper–unless, of course, there have been any others not yet accounted for?

The more the merrier

If you or a golf buddy makes an eagle, you know who to call.  Because wouldn’t it be fun to keep track of our BMC eagles over the course of the season?  The BMC Eagle Club is now looking for new members!

Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19^th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590

With the 2024 golf season now well underway and our BMC leagues running at full tilt, it’s high time we gave a special shout-out to our traveling teams (you can find more information on our traveling teams on the website).

Unlike league play, where BMC members compete against other members, the traveling teams play against golfers from other clubs.

And this year we’ve added a fourth traveling team: the 4-Man Over-70 Team. In addition, the BMC supports a 16-Man Team, an 8-Man Senior Team, and a Metro Seniors squad.

16-Man Team

The 16 Man Team is composed of our ultra-low handicappers, the crème de la crème. 

In the season opener for the 16-Man Team, an away game against Keller held on May 5, Braemar faced off against a particularly tough competitor. Although it was a nail-biter, the match wound up as an 11 – 13 loss.  Nevertheless, many Braemar highlights brightened the result, so the team feels well-positioned to take on Keller in the upcoming rematch.   Leading the way for our guys were Michael Kraft and Alex Hintz, with a 3-0 win, and Cutter Tylia and Mike Wangen, winning 2.5 – .5.  The rematch against Keller will be played at Braemar on June 2. Stay tuned to see if our home field advantage will help put Braemar over the top in the grudge match.

The 16-Man Team normally plays from the championship tees at Braemar and similar tee boxes at other courses. Team captain Bryan Francis creates the best 16-man line-up available for each monthly match.  As with the 8-Man and Over-70 matches, these are gross score, best ball match play competitions.  One point is awarded for each nine and one for the 18.  Ties are worth a half point.

8-Man Senior Team

This team, captained by Mike Longman, is a showcase for the BMC’s best golfers over age 55.

Opening their season on May 7 at Braemar, the 8-Man Team produced some real fireworks. In what may have been a historic first, Braemar actually pitched a shutout– winning by the remarkable final score of 12 – 0. Hey, a lopsided win is one thing—but, in four matches, not a single loss or even a tie?  Incredible.  Playing for Braemar were Jeff Roseland (with a .3 hcp.), Mike Kavanaugh (4.9), Tim Smith (4.3), Mark Paetznick (3.8), Mike Longman (3.7), Hans Rasmussen (3.2), Rick Passolt (2.5), and Bill Angel (6.8).  Great play, guys!

Theodore Wirth, the victim in this historic competition, will get another shot at our guys in an away game on May 21.  Another Braemar win would lead to a sweet 2 & 0 start to the season.

Metro Seniors

The Metro Seniors matches are arranged a bit differently from the other traveling team competitions.  Held weekly, these are individual net score matches and are played by a spritely group of golfers as young as 50.  Captain Greg Baron sets the line-ups for Braemar.  Each match is for 6 points, 2 on the front, 2 on the back, and 2 for the 18.

In their first two matches several Braemar golfers have already had stand-out performances, including Jeff Roseland, sporting a plus 2 handicap, winning all six points in his first match; Chris Reeves, winning all six points in his first match; Dr. Bob Peterson, with a five-point victory: and Dan Berend, with a four-pointer. Our Metro Seniors squad is currently in tenth place.

4-Man Over-70 Team

This year the MPGA introduced a new match play team competition: the 4-Man Over-70 competition.  To ensure Braemar could participate, longstanding BMC member Dr. Bob Peterson took the reins and built our Over-70 team.

And, when the bell rang to initiate the season, our 4-Man Team answered the call. On April 30, in an away game against Emerald Greens, Braemar brought home a 3.5 – 2.5 victory.  In our second match, a home game on May 16 against Fountain Valley, the 4-Man Team won handily, 6-0. The next match will be an away game on June 13 against Keller. Keller’s talented team is expected to pose a serious challenge to the Over-70 squad starting the year 3 & 0.  Again, stay tuned.

The over-70 matches are similar to those for the 16 Man and 8-Man Teams, but with just four players to a team, meaning two best ball matches in each competition. Captain Peterson creates line-ups for the matches.

Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19^th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590

They say records are made to be broken.

Well, thanks to our unseasonably mild temperatures this winter, we’ve definitely been obliterating Minnesota weather records– and BMC members have not hesitated to take full advantage on the golf course.

In what may be a first ever, we’ve had year-round golf this year, including rounds in the unfathomable months of January and February.  When has that ever happened?  Several courses opened for business during these typically off-season months, and word has it that BMC members were spotted at, among other venues, Pioneer Creek, Bunker Hills, Ridges at Sand Creek and Rum River Hills.

Of course, winter golf in Minnesota is bound to involve a few abnormalities.  Hit it into a pond?  See if the ball skips over the ice and ends up safely on the other side.  Having trouble pushing your tee into the frozen ground?  Just bring a drill along to pierce the turf–as BMC member Drew Cripps observed another player doing at Rum River Hills.

Lacking the fortitude of some other BMC members, yours truly held off on my inaugural 2024 Minnesota round until March 12. Playing with fellow members Rick Danmeier and Tom Klassen at The Ridges, we had a beautiful day in the mid-60s, it’s just that our putts kept coming up short.  Maybe our golf muscles had gone soft due to a lack of snow shoveling?

Of course, many of us headed south this winter, golf clubs in tow (in some cases only to experience weather no better than here).  Among the highlights: a hole-in-one by Past President and Thursday League Coordinator Greg Wright.  On his first shot of 2024 Greg, playing with his brother-in-law, struck a wedge on the 120-yard first hole at Jupiter Dunes on Florida’s east coast.  Unfortunately, Greg couldn’t see the ball land because he was facing directly into the sun, but the boisterous cheers from onlookers on a nearby porch confirmed the result.  Recall that Greg was the leading money winner last year in Thursday League, so don’t be surprised if he fires his first Braemar ace this summer.

Maybe the most exotic golf venue played this winter by a BMC member was at Bali National Golf Club (in Bali, Indonesia).  Drew Cripps, accompanied by wife Susan, was up before dawn to reserve a tee time at this jewel in the jungle (where greens fees reportedly rival Pebble Beach’s), and he reports that the views were breathtaking.  The photo below was taken just after sunrise from the left of the first tee, which, without careful observation, you might otherwise miss at the far right of the photo.

Based on our mild winter weather this year, is anyone planning to scrap their plans to head south next year?  Or does our most recent wintery blast cool your jets?