Where did April and May go?
It just seems I was getting things cranked up for the golf season, and the first 64 days of bona fide golfing weather has passed us by.
Even though we could use some moisture, our area courses look no worse for wear. This is a good thing, as our courses will see increased activity not only from scheduled tournaments but also traffic from our visitors from afar.
It is time to bring out the old axiom that has stayed with me since my first keystrokes for this column 32 years ago. This has to do with respect for the course you are playing, and it involves your divots and ball marks.
We witness on television how much terra firma is lofted into the air when a PGA Tour player strikes the ball in the fairway or craters a ball on the green. In lieu of not having the luxury of a caddie, it is our responsibility to replace divots and repair ball marks (and maybe even abrasions from absent-minded golfers who preceded us).
Remember: Replacing and repairing begins the healing process in 24 hours, compared to neglect and a waiting period of 24 days.
The seemingly accelerated calendar tells us the 2013 Navajo Trail Sponsors Tournament will be played Saturday at Hillcrest Golf Club as golfers from the many generous sponsors of the Coca-Cola/Navajo Trail Open will celebrate their involvement with a customary trip (round of golf) around the 18-hole layout, followed by dinner in the clubhouse.
The actual 54-hole event will take place June 14-16, with the Pro-Am on June 13. Proceeds will go to the Hillcrest Junior Golf Foundation. And just a heads up, Hillcrest will not be open to regular golf patrons during the four-day event so the grounds crew can prepare the course after each days’ round.
On the Four Corners Regional Tournament calendar, the Pinon Hills Ladies Charity Classic is June 11 and the San Juan Country Club Ladies Charity Classic on June 12.
Ladies Day
The Dalton Ranch Women’s Golf Association Ladies Day event, May 29, at Dalton Ranch Golf Club:
1. Nannine Reynolds, low gross, low net, 58.
T2. Sandy Elliott, Claudia Patterson, 60.
T4. Marilyn Anderson, Diane Curtis, Dolly Turner, 61.
Closest to the Flag: Sue Ries, No. 15.
The Hillcrest Women’s Golf Association Ladies Day event, May 28, at Hillcrest Golf Club:
First Flight
1. Patty Crigler, low gross, 39.
1. Ann Emigh, low net, 35.
2. Aimee Fladt, 38.
Second Flight
1. Karen Spickard, low gross, 43.
T1. Janis Smith, Lauren Waters, low net, 33.
Third Flight
1. Macky Headrick, low gross, 53.
1. Char Fischer, low net, 39.
T2. Beverly Ellis, Debi Marti, 40.
9-hole First Flight
1. Val Munro, low gross, 22.
1. Donna Aubrey, low net, 16.
T2. Nancy Holmes, Carol Woodward, 17.
9-hole Second Flight
1. Sheila Moring, low gross, 24.
1. Nancy Sofka, low net, 16.
2. Janice Naegelin, 18.
3. Marcia Baxter, 20.
Dave Bray has been covering the local golf scene for 32 years. He can be reached at dbray3751@gmail.com.
