2025

The results of the first-ever BMC quiz are now in, and we have a winner!

If you follow The Virtual 19^th Hole, you’ll recall that BMC members were asked if they could identify the place on the course that was depicted in a photo displaying some rather innocuous shallow water littered with golf balls– balls that had clearly missed their mark. A challenging test of Braemar course knowledge to be sure. And the volume of responses confirmed that members enjoyed taking up the challenge.

In total, nine members correctly identified number 2 as the hole shown in the photo. Of those, three specifically described the photo as having been taken, as described by photographer Greg Wright, from the riding/ walking bridge looking back toward the tee box, to the north/east.  Several respondents correctly identified the creek on number 2 but judged the photo to have been taken nearer to the narrower walking bridge.  Other contestants who took a shot but fell short took a swing at 16 and, in one case, number 18.

As described, the lesson to be learned was thrown in just for fun since two of the suggested answers were obviously in jest.  Nevertheless, extra credit goes to Vince Bradford, who overcame the inherent limitations of multiple choice and posited that the lesson was to avoid thinking too much!

Congrats to the members whose impressive course knowledge enabled them to zero in on hole 2: Rick Ites, Rick Windham, Vince Bradford, John Hasper, Chuck Wait, Drew Cripps, Tim Smith, Rolf Sonnesyn and Tom Klassen.  The three respondents who specifically identified the correct portion of the creek were Tim Smith, Rolf Sonnesyn and Tom Klassen.

Because Tom’s response came in at lightning speed after only 16 minutes, Tom took the top spot in the competition. Silver goes to Rolf, who needed a few extra hours to get it right, and bronze goes to Tim Smith who, after taking several days to respond, also nailed it–perhaps after completing an inaugural 2025 round and making some careful observations along the way?

Course Knowledge Champion Tom Klassen

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

For every BMC member who loves playing golf at Braemar, here’s an excellent opportunity to show off your course knowledge! Simply take a careful look at the photo above and answer the questions below.  Then submit your answers to The Virtual 19^th Hole. Winners will be included in a drawing at the end of the season for Honorable Mention as The 2025 BMC Champion Golfer of the Year.

Questions

1.  On what hole was the photo taken?
2. Where exactly on that hole?
3. Which of the following best summarizes the lesson to be learned from this photo:
   • For the bombers: big mistake trying to drive over the penalty area.
   • For the rest of us: big mistake topping your approach shot to the green.
   • Stop rinsing your balls here or the resulting rise in water level will quickly overflow the banks and turn this area into a massive lake.
   • With a decent pair of water shoes a guy could easily get himself a year’s supply of golf balls here.

Submit your answers simply by replying to the cover email, or to:

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