There are all kinds of sports activities, and our skills in some diminish as we move on in age while some can stay with us as long as our abilities stay true to our dedication.
I was thinking recently about one of our local athletes, Ned Overend, who has enjoyed an incredible career in cycling. He continually amazes those in the sport, be they young or seasoned. Picking a sport you can stay with throughout most of your life is a wonderful accomplishment in itself. Over the three-plus decades I have penned this column, I have reinforced the fact that golf is one of those sports you can enjoy for as long as you are able. There is a need to keep the interest of the sport in the forefront, especially for those who are just gaining awareness and a desire to pick up or improve the game of golf.
This being said, the 2017 Hillcrest Junior Golf Program is right around the corner, June 5-8, for beginning youth ages 5 to 17. Age bracketing will decide which clinic athletes are assigned. This program promotes an appreciation for the game and it’s tradition. It teaches the basic fundamentals of the game and helps develop golf skills, sportsmanship and camaraderie through participation in tournaments. Registration is currently underway at the Hillcrest Pro Shop. There is also an Advanced Junior Golf Program, with specific definitions for those who fall into the category of advanced. This Advanced Program begins June 22nd and runs through July 30th. Check with the pro shop for all the details and sign-up information.
Dalton Ranch is hosting the Member Meltdown on Saturday, and I will have results for you in my June 3rd column.
One of the more popular charitable events on the Dalton Ranch tournament schedule is The Bank of the San Juans event June 2nd. Event proceeds benefit a local organization, and it also gives you a chance to have a three-day weekend with the tournament on a Friday. Give the Bank of the San Juans a call to see if there is still room to enter.
Two days later, on June 4th, it’s the monthly Dalton Ranch Couples Tournament with the field limited to the first 48 players and a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Check with the DRGC Pro Shop for sign-up info.
Looking ahead on the tournament calendar, we find May 28-29 the Durango Amateur Championship, sponsored by Morehart-Murphy Auto Center. This is one of the long-standing events on the Hillcrest calendar and is an excellent venue to test your individual skills in a 36-hole stroke play format. The entry fee is $50 per person and will be flighted according to your handicap. Proceeds benefit Youth Baseball of La Plata County. Check with the pro shop to see if there are spots still available.
It is never too early to start plugging the Navajo Trail Open at Hillcrest. The Sponsors Tournament will be held June 10, followed by the Pro-Am on June 15 and the 54-Hole Open portion June 16-18. Professionals and amateurs from all over the Four Corners and beyond converge on Hillcrest to test their skills on this always challenging course.
Lets get to some results of recent tournaments:
Express Employment Professionals Horse Race Best Ball and Shootout
May 6, Hillcrest
A-Flight Best Ball
1. Andrew Colbert, Kermitt Barrett, 30.B-Flight Best Ball
1. Shriley Crom, Laurel Waters, 28.A-Flight Horse Race
1. Mark and Morgan Miller.B-Flight Horse Race
1. Daphne D’Agostino, Carl Curtiss.Durango Education Foundation Tournament
May 12, Dalton Ranch
1. Kermitt Barrett, Paul Catnatsy, Gary Mestas, Jim Morehart, 55.T2. Mark Anderson, Don Ferrarese, Josh Neiman, Jeff Perino; Matt Aupperle, Troy Sergesketter, Steven Stewart, Cullen Zion.
Dave Bray has covered the local golf scene for 36 years. He can be reached at dbray3751@gmail.com.
1. Kermitt Barrett, Paul Catnatsy, Gary Mestas, Jim Morehart, 55.T2. Mark Anderson, Don Ferrarese, Josh Neiman, Jeff Perino; Matt Aupperle, Troy Sergesketter, Steven Stewart, Cullen Zion.
