First and foremost: congrats to all the winners in this year’s BMC Club Championships, particularly Club Champion Matthew Chandler (whose 36-hole total was a sizzling 5-under), Senior Champion Rick Passolt (with a 36-hole total of even par), and all our other champions for their impressive play in both the gross and net scoring events.
At the same time, it should be no surprise that, following the Club Championships, BMC members have contributed some additional claims to fame as well.
Gene Haman does it again
As reported earlier by The Virtual 19th Hole, Gene Haman shot his age on May 7, with an 89 just before turning 90. After his birthday, Gene came close again a couple of times, but, alas, no cigar. Then on July 23, playing in Thursday League, and once again favoring the N tees, the stars aligned and, at 90, Gene beat his age by three strokes, carding an 87. Congrats, Gene!
Six-under on one hole?
Wait… what?? OK, to clarify: the event was the annual Thursday League team event, with the format being best 3 out of 4 balls. Also, the competition was based on net scores. Still, six-under on one hole? Not too shabby.
It took place at 16 and the foursome in question consisted of myself, Rick Danmeier, Matt Filner and Ryan Dulkin.
Here’s how we did it: From the E tees, Ryan, who got two strokes on the hole based on his 22 handicap, smashed a drive down the left side and hit the green in two with a 6 iron. Two-putts later, his natural birdie translated to a net albatross. Then Matt, after launching a bomb down the fairway from the D tees, hit the green from 145 yards with a 9 iron. He also two-putted for a natural birdie, net eagle. And to cap things off, Rick, who hit the green in regulation, also two-putted for a natural par, net birdie. And there you have it: six-under on one hole!
And, of course, with plenty of golf left to play this year, who’s to say what feats or disappointments remain in store? Stay tuned.
Dick Helde
Editor, The Virtual 19th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590