Ed White Shootout

WHAT AN EXCITING EVENT.  On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, 11 of the most active BMC golfers teed it up for the 19th annual Ed White Shootout. In this event, net scores over the first 5 holes in stroke play determine which of the 5 players will advance and compete, by shootout, to become the EWS champion.

This year we had 11 competitors tee off and the 5 with the lowest net scores met on hole #6 ready for the shootout which is an elimination format. With a nice tag along audience, the first to be eliminated was Tom Klassen who ended in 5^th place. On the par three #7, we had our 2^nd elimination with Mike Kavanaugh taking 4^th place. The 3 remaining players were Denny Russell, Tim Smith and Scott Nelson. Scott had a difficult start to the long par five #8 and was eliminated taking 3^rd place, leaving Denny and Tim for the final hole to determine the ultimate winner. As he had been doing the entire contest, Denny put his drive right down the middle, while Tim had a good drive but then barely rolled into the right rough. At this point the betting odds were on Denny as he had a one stroke handicap advantage over Tim. But, as luck (or rather bad luck) would have it, Denny sent his 2^nd shot over the low fence and the cart path into the edge of the tall grass on the right side of the green on #9. The ball rested right on the edge of the tall grass and Denny elected to take a swing with a hybrid. Low and behold, he hit it out and the ball rolled down the cart path resting under the low fence. After much discussion our marshall, Mark Schmidt, determined Denny would get free relief from the cart path and fence, and could drop in a position that afforded a clear shot to the green and a possible win. In the mean time, Tim had chipped his 3^rd shot to within five feet above the hole.

What excitement! As Denny got ready for his 4^th shot (remembering he had a stroke advantage) the crowd went completely silent. His chip/pitch went past the hole and left about a 10 footer comeback putt. The putt missed and Denny holed out with a 6, net 5. Now it was up to Tim to sink his five footer for the win, or miss for a tie with an ensuing playoff. He confidently centered his aim and, as champions do, sunk the putt for a 4 to become the 2024 Ed White Champion.

                                   

                                     EWS Champion Tim Smith                           EWS Runner Up Denny Russell with Tim

Anyone who thinks he would like to be a part of this shootout should sign up for as many BMC events as possible in 2025. Each event gives you points toward qualifying for the EWS. We hope to see you next season on hole #1 as we tee off  for another exciting Ed White Shootout.

The Ed White Shootout is a special event that recognizes active participation among our members. The event is named after a long-time BMC member, Ed White, who exemplified the kind of active leadership for which our club is known.

The 2024 Event will be held on Sunday September 22nd