2026

As expected, the introduction this year of autonomous mowers throughout the course has led to some unique situations. Has a mower run over your ball? Did one of your shots hit a mower? Did one of the mowers cross your path or come straight at you as you lined up a shot?

Consider this a call to weigh in with your autonomous mowers stories!

And in the meanwhile:

• If an autonomous mower is crossing directly in front of you or is headed directly toward you, step aside and wait to hit until the coast is clear;
• If an autonomous mower runs over your ball, take a free drop, within one club length no nearer the hole; and
• If there’s an autonomous mower in the vicinity, don’t leave a club lying on the ground unless it’s in the fairway cut or on the green. The mowers are blind to anything that isn’t at least several inches above ground level.

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

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 19^th 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 19^th Hole
helde.richard@gmail.com
612-306-3590

At last, after a dry spell that persisted too long, everything came together this year for Braemar’s Metro Seniors team. On August 7, they convincingly captured the 2026 league championship! It’s a historic moment for this squad, following the team’s best season in years— decades even, based on unofficial estimates. Kudos go out to longstanding captain Greg Baron and to the many BMC seniors whose excellent play brought home the trophy.

Braemar’s Metro Seniors team is one of three Braemar traveling teams for seniors (defined as age 55 and older, although many of the BMC’s most talented seniors left 55 in the rearview mirror some time ago). The others are our 8-Man A Team and our 8-Man B Team.

Contrasted with those other senior teams, the Metro Seniors season features a relentless pace, with matches held every Friday over a season of 13 weeks (compared with two matches per month for the other teams). Another difference: Metro Seniors matches are based on net, rather than gross, scores. Standings are determined by the points awarded to teams each week based on the outcomes of each team’s two matches. Point totals are aggregated each week, with the eventual champion determined by point totals at the end of the season. The championship race this year culminated in a showdown August 7 between first place Braemar and second place Columbia– even though the two teams played different opponents. After both teams cruised to lopsided victories, Braemar’s point advantage at the start of the day held up. Final 2026 point totals: Braemar 158, Columbia 154.

Sixteen BMC players contributed to the winning season, including Joe O’Neill, Dave Stougaard, Scott Eckes, Henry Arcos, Bob Peterson, Chris Gaspard, Chuck Gustner, Dan Berend, Randy Krivo, Jim Punch, Mark Schmidt, Marty Weber, Steve Olsonoski, Jeff Roseland, Steve Tanner and Captain Baron.

The photo below features the four BMC players who competed on August 7. From left to right: Chris Gaspard, Captain Baron (holding the trophy), Medalist Joe O’Neill and Dave Stougaard.

Congrats to our entire Metro Seniors squad on an outstanding season!

If you’ve followed Braemar’s traveling teams over the last few years, you won’t be surprised to learn that several of our teams have completed their regular seasons in style and are now headed into the playoffs.

16-Man Team

As the defending 2025 champions, Braemar’s 16-Man Team has made the playoffs again. They completed their regular season by overcoming a strong Bunker Hills squad 24.5 to 23.5 and have now moved into the playoffs against Chaska. The winner, which will be determined on August 2, will reach the finals.

8-Man A Team

The 8-Man A Team finished their regular season on July 14 with a convincing 9.5 to 2.5 win over Hiawatha, producing an overall record of 5-1. They now head into the playoffs as the top seed in their division. They’ll play home and away matches against Bunker Hills, with the concluding match on August 11, and the winner will move on to the finals. According to co-captains Jeff Roseland and Mark Paetznick, special thanks for his year’s success go to several contributors: in addition to Jeff (with a USGA handicap of plus .6) and Mark (with a USGA handicap of 2.6), others include Rick Passolt, Steve Henry, Steve Bloomquist, Mike Longman, Mike Kavanaugh, Tim Smith, Brian Kaul, Steve Devolder and Joe O’Neill. Illustrating the strength of the team, participating in a match typically requires a handicap of 4 or less.

This team has been knocking on the door for several years—could 2026 be the year they win the championship?

4-Man Team

As defending 2025 champions, Braemar’s 4-Man Team has had another good 2026 has been having another good year. With a regular season record of 4-2, Braemar now heads into the finals against a perennially tough Keller team. The 2026 championship will be determined by home and away matches concluding on August 18.

Arriving at this point entailed some serious drama in Braemar’s final regular season match against University. Playing at Braemar and starting on the back 9, captain Bob Petson and teammate John Miller started their match down two after three holes but eventually finished the front side even. Then, after losing the 10th hole they finally took the lead with a birdie on 4 and a par on five–  only to give it back on 7. But captain Peterson’s birdie on 8 sealed the deal. Meanwhile, Teammates Mike Kavanaugh and Dave Stougaard lost the first 9 and the first two holes on the back. But a Kavanaugh chip-in birdie on the third hole ignited a dramatic come-from-behind win on the back. Final score: Braemar: 3.5, University: 2.5.

Metro Seniors

Braemar’s Metro Seniors Team is having one of its best years ever. Following a resounding victory over Como on July 24, the team moved into first place (itself a first after too many years to count) and now holds a regular season record of 7 – 3. With two more matches remaining, prospects for the championship loom large. Captain Greg Baron attributes the team’s success this year to several players, including Scott Seckes, who’s undefeated, Joe O’Neill, Dave Stougaard and captain Baron, among others.

8-Man B Team

While the 8-Man B Team did not qualify for the playoffs this year, finishing regular season play with a record of 2-4, they generated plenty of excitement. With strong play from captain John Miller and several others, including Mike Kavanaugh, Bill Angel and Matt Filner, there may not have been a more dramatic match than the one played by Tim Nord and Steve Iselin against Highland. Punctuated by punches and counterpunches throughout, and featuring a slew of birdies and an eagle, the conclusion remained in doubt until the final putt was holed. If curious to learn more, don’t hesitate to ask Tim or Steve all about it; they’ll be happy to accommodate,

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

BMC members have been lighting it up during the first half of the 2026 season, including some stellar play by our traveling teams.  Stay tuned for more on our traveling teams in a follow-up story. In the meanwhile, kudos to the following guys for their notable feats so far this year:

Larry Fyten:  Larry, as usual, has shot his age numerous times already this year. But he even outdid himself on July 9 when, during regular Thursday League play, he put a sterling 76 (net 67) on the board, including a 36 on Braemar’s challenging back nine. At 87, Larry has found a friendly home on the N tees and seems to relish punishing a course that has continued to bewilder many of us. His round on July 9 included an eagle on 16 and bettered his age by a whopping 11 strokes.

Bill Angel: Billseems to have done it all so far this year—and the year is only half over. On July 2, in regular Thursday League play, he scorched Braemar’s D tees with a blistering 69 (net 68) that included an eagle on number 12 and bettered his age by seven strokes. On May 30, Bill aced Braemar’s third hole, one of only three holes-in-one made so far this year by BMC members.

Steve Kedzuf: On July 2, during regular Thursday League play, Steve also made a hole-in-one on number 3. And, to sweeten deal, it turned out that number 3 that day was a closest to the pin hole. But even though his shot was a sure winner, Steve nevertheless faced a curious dilemma: where to place the marker? Surely, not directly into the hole? Steve discreetly set it on the fringe, notating the placard with his ace.

Marty Weber. As reported earlier by The Virtual 19^th Hole, Marty, on May 30, scored his first ace ever, on Interlachen’s third hole.

Gene Haman: As also reported earlier, Gene, on May 7, shot his age on the number (89). Since turning 90, Gene has knocked on the door several times, posting a 91 and a couple of 92s.

Thursday Double Dippers: Among the staples of Thursday League competition are the skill contests, which each week feature two holes awarding longest putt and two for closest to the pin. So far this year, three players have, during the same round, completed the rare feat of winning both a long putt and a closest-to-the-pin shot: John Miller, Leigh Carlson and Guy Treanor.

Congrats to Larry, Bill, Steve, Marty, Gene, John, Leigh and Guy!

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

After decades of playing golf and 23 years as a BMC member, it finally happened for Marty Weber: on May 30 he got his first hole-in-one. It happened at Interlachen’s third hole, a 167-yard par 3. Playing into a slight breeze, Marty’s solid 7-iron shot drew in from the right side of the green toward the center pin location— and, after two bounces, the ball dropped out of sight. Turned out that a de facto gallery witnessed the moment from nearby tee boxes on four and eight; and so, when one of Marty’s playing partners speculated that the ball went in the hole, the enthusiastic cheers of the rapt onlookers overcame Marty’s initial skepticism. A memorable feat indeed! We’re left to wonder if Marty received any additional congratulations when he got home, considering that one of his playing partners was his wife.

Among several of us losing time on the course this year due to medical issues, Marty couldn’t have demonstrated a better way to make the most out of an abbreviated season.

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

After surviving golf’s ultimate hazard, Frank
Macgowan is now all smiles

What’s the most intimidating hazard you’ve ever faced on a golf course? A pond requiring a 200-yard carry? A Florida gator giving you the evil eye from just off the fairway? All child’s play, if you ask longstanding BMC member Frank Macgowan.

Picture this: Frank and his playing partner are at Oak Glen in Stillwater and his partner hits his tee shot OB left. From the tee it appears that the ball may have come to rest in someone’s back yard, and, sure enough, as they approach the yard, not only is the ball OB but posted on the neighbor’s fence is a surprisingly unfriendly No Trespassing sign.

Naturally, this was at the 13^th hole.

It was when Frank and his partner got to the No Trespassing sign that things started to get weird. Especially when Frank saw what was going on one house down. Two people were sitting on the back deck, by all appearances a husband and wife. But while the missus seemed to be sitting there nonchalantly enough, her husband was anything but. He was leveling a scoped rifle directly at Frank!

Please raise your hand if anyone has ever aimed a rifle at you while you were on a golf course.

The gun was never discharged. But you won’t be surprised to learn that experiencing his potential demise did not have a salutary effect on Frank’s game. Under the circumstances, he did well just to bogey in.

Turns out the local police department was well aware of The Rifleman, as they had received past complaints about his unneighborly disposition. So, upon hearing from an understandably aggrieved Mr. Macgowan, they decided that enough was enough. Frank is still waiting to see if he’ll be called upon by the City Attorney to serve as a witness.

Interestingly, there was also a sign posted at the next yard down from The Rifleman’s, just off the 14^th fairway– but with a strikingly contrasting tone: “Come on in and get your ball– and TAKE SOME LESSONS”!

When was a sense of humor more welcome?

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

What are the most holes you’ve ever played in one day?  36? 54?  For many of us septuagenarians (although things used to be different), completing 18 seems challenge enough.

But when you pose the question to third-year member Andrew Hooyman, you get an answer nothing short of startling: 100!  That’s right, 100 holes of golf in a single day.

How does he do it? And why?

The answer: it’s for charity—  play 100 holes and help raise funds to support brain injury survivors and their families.  The event is sponsored by Birdies4Brains, a group founded in 2011 by a golfer whose sister developed an aneurism in her brain; since then, Birdies4Brains has leveraged this unique annual golf outing into a vehicle for providing financial assistance to people like the founder’s sister and their families.  Spoiler alert: to maintain pace of play, all golfers ride and no more than two putts are allowed per hole.  Most years, golfers complete their 100 holes, the equivalent of 5 ½ rounds, by late afternoon.

Join Andrew on June 22 at Keller for a memorable day of golf and an opportunity to make a real difference to those who could use the help. It’s a full day of golf, laughs and a little swag. The field is limited to 39 golfers, so register today!

Just go to www.b4bmn.org or email Andrew at hooyman84@gmail.com.

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

Readers of The Virtual 19^th Hole will recall that two longstanding members of the BMC’s Age Shooters are Larry Fyten (who’s done it so many times, at so many courses, that not even he can keep count) and Gene Haman, who did the deed at Braemar in 2021, firing an 81 at 81 years young. So, it’s no surprise that each of them has done it again.

Both feats took place on May 7, during Thursday League’s opening day, a day of chilly temperatures and wind gusts up to 18 miles per hour.

For Larry, an 18-year member who makes 87 look like 67, it was just another ho-hummer from the N tees: 41-39, missing a score in the 70’s by a single stroke due to a 3-putt on the last hole.  As the math majors and accountants will already have calculated, Larry could have10-putted the last hole and still shot his age.  When asked afterwards about his round, Larry simply noted that he was trying to keep up with Bob Devereaux (who’s still playing regularly as he turns 100 this year!).

Similarly, for Gene, a 30-year member who turns 90 next month, the weather was neither too cold nor too windy, as he put a smooth 89 on the board, also from the N tees.  After nearly making a sandy on 13, and settling for a bogey, Gene overcame some trouble on 14 and finished strong with three straight pars.  In the words of playing partner Clay Halverson, Gene’s round was “not too bad for a guy whose favorite sport is actually pickleball.”  As far as Gene’s own reaction to his round, he conceded, in his typically dry wit, that he was just happy to come through the winter without his picture hanging in the post office.

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