Another Tough Lie!
Bill Moore
The SaddleBrooke Ranch fourth annual Ventana Canyon Golf Outing was a huge success. The turnout was unbelievable with 56 golfers, 20 women and 36 men! On Monday, August 8, we did a reverse shotgun on the Mountain Course at Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club.
Like last year, many of us stayed at the Lodge at Ventana Canyon Sunday night. This alleviated the long drive home after gorging ourselves on dinner at Bazil’s Italian restaurant. This also helped those people that woke up “slightly less than fresh.” We had almost 50 people taking over the bar area!
The game this year was a Modified Scramble, also known as a Step Aside, for both men and women. The women’s teams had already been chosen the prior week. A big thank you to Carole Erickson for volunteering to set up the women’s game again this year.
However, to add a little intrigue during dinner, the men’s teams were sorted by handicap and randomly chosen out of a hat by the participants. The results were then announced over cocktails back at the lodge! Maybe next year we’ll throw in a little pari-mutuel betting.
At precisely 8:30 on Monday morning the golf staff led us out to our assigned holes on the back nine of the Mountain Course.
Ventana Canyon is a spectacular setting up against the south side of the Santa Catalina Mountains and high above the city with mature fauna and flora. The course was in excellent condition. As predicted, due to the monsoons the course played long and difficult. It was also hot – 105! Most people discovered there are no good places to be other than in the fairway and/or on the green. Even then there were no guaranties!
After four and a half hours of enjoying a wonderful golf course and great companionship, we headed for lunch while overlooking the mountains. As we ate and rehydrated, the Ventana Canyon golf staff posted scores and announced the winners.
For the Women: 1st Place: Score 70, Vicki Godbey, Jeanne Jensen, Pat Kanitz and Janice Mihora – $30/Player; 2nd Place: Score 74, Lynn Fidler, Mary Ann Nemecek, Lee Rinke and Diane Seyl – $20/Player
For the Men: 1st Place: Score 67, Steve Kovach, Richard Osterlund, Steve Thomson and John Williams – $36/Player; 2nd, 3rd and 4th Places were a scorecard playoff. 2nd Place: Score 68, John Hess, Mike Mycka, John Ness and Bill Smith – $26/Player; 3rd Place: Score 68, Bob Erickson, Brian Grover, Bill Harant and Paul Lapotosky – $18/Player; 4th Place: Score 68, Dave Hansel, Pat Larkey, Guy Shelton and a Blind Draw – $10/Player.
All prizes were in the form of gift certificates to the Ventana Canyon Pro shop.
In addition we had Closest to the Pin on Holes 3 and 16 for both the men and women. Prizes were a sleeve of Callaway golf balls.
Hole No. 3: Men – Rob Readdy, Women -Lorraine Smith
Hole No. 16: Men – Jeff Silver, Women – Jean Osterlund
I want to thank Mike Jahaske, our Head Professional, for coming out and supporting the group. While he didn’t play in the game, he and a couple of the Ventana Canyon Pros played together and ran interference for us!
This was another spectacular event. Everything went like clockwork, and everyone had a great time. Many folks have asked for two nights at the lodge next year so they can have more time to enjoy the venue. This is already being looked into.
Thank you to everyone for coming out and supporting the event. The Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club and Bazil’s Italian Restaurant really appreciated our business.
For those who missed this year’s fabulous event, the fifth annual Ventana Canyon Golf Outing will be held on Monday, August 7, 2017, on the Canyon Course. Mark your calendar! See you there!