Local Golf Report: Saturday was special for everyone

It’s no secret that the game of golf is near and dear to my heart. After all, I spend my summers on the golf course as much as I can, and I spend my winters waiting until I can play golf again.

In writing this column over the last decade, I’ve also made it well known that the Havre Women’s Golf Association’s annual tournament to fight breast cancer — and, this year, to fight all forms of cancer — has always held a special place for me. I’ve always been so proud of the women in our community for their dedication to the cause and I’ve always enjoyed writing about their annual tournament.

But this year, I got a chance to participate in the event, and it meant a lot to me. It meant a lot because I, like so many others, too many others, have had cancer affect my family. My sister-in-law battled breast cancer many years ago, while my grandfather, for who I am named, lost his bout with cancer when I was just five years old. So given the chance to help out with this year’s women’s tournament, I jumped at the opportunity.

For that opportunity, I would like to say thank you to those who allowed me to spend the day at Prairie Farms Saturday. I want to say thank you to everyone who pitched in, worked, organized and played in the event, because it is an important event, and it means so much to so many in our community. I had a blast hitting golf balls across No. 6 on Saturday, and I think I did pretty well, with the exception of that final group, and to them (you all know who you are), I would like to humbly apologize for my collapse. Yes, golf is a humbling game.

But again, I had a great time being part of this year’s tournament, and I look forward to continuing to help the cause, with my golf game, and with this column for years to come. It truly was a special day for me.

As for the action on the golf course last Saturday, D, D and J Farms captured the championship. The team was composed of Dana Donoven, Johanna Kapperud, Heidi Borlaug, and Jordy Donoven. Second place went to Baker Amusement, made up of Paula Sheppard, Shari Baltrusch, Patsy Divish, and Dustin Azure, and third place went to Independence Bank. That team was composed of Terry Lilletvedt, Maxine Munson, Delonna Malone, and Matt Hedstrom.

The net tournament up on the Prairie Farms’ schedule is the annual Natalie Patrick Foundation Scramble. Another worthy cause, the Natalie Patrick event will be held this Saturday.

In men’s league action last week, 15 West captured high-team honors on Tuesday night. The squad, composed of Lowell Swenson, Tom Haas, Bill Schilling and Kerry Ward, scored 26 points. Both Jeremy and Jeff Jensen shot 38 to share low gross for the night, while Barry Zanto was low net with a 30.

Last Wednesday night saw Independence Bank capture high team with 22 points. The team is made up of Darby Donoven, Todd Smith, Bill Keller and Ty Hedlan. Jordy Donoven and Jeff Jensen each shot rounds of 2-under-par 34 to earn low gross, while Jim Kirkpatrick was low net with a 29.5.

There are just two more weeks of men’s league action before the halfway point in the season. Those two weeks begin tonight at Prairie Farms.

Lastly, if you’re watching the U.S. Open this week, keep an eye, at least, on the full leaderboard, as Montana will have a native son playing at the famed Pinehurst No. 2. Billings’ native Brandon McIver qualified for the Open this week. McIver just finished his sophomore year at the University of Oregon. I’m not sure who the last Montana-born player was to play in the world’s biggest golf tournament, but I’m guessing it’s been a while, so it’s pretty exciting to see McIver’s name as part of the list of qualifiers for what the great Roy “Tin Cup” Mcavoy once called “The most democratic golf tournament in the world.”

Prairie Farms Men's League Standings

Tuesday Night

Dan Wagner Plumbing 135; Northern Edge 125.5; 15 West 119.5; Tilleman Motor Co. 119; Hole 19 113.5; Bing-N-Bob's 113; Rock Solid 110; BKD Law 110; Havre Muffler 109; Triple Dog Brewery/Schubert Agency 107.5; Stockman Bank 106; Patrick Construction 105.5; Havre Ford 101.5; Korb Construction 105.5; Spencer's Hi-Way Bar 92; Nalivka's 90.5; Hi-Line Drilling 80; Independence Bank 78.

Wednesday Night

Michelob Light 108.5; Valley Furniture 104; Independence Bank 100.5; Bear Paw Credit Union 97; Master Sports 96.5; DA Davidson 94.5; Havre Ford 93.5; Taco Johns 92.5; Hi-Line Audio/Video 91.5; Mariani Insurance 90; Tiger Woods 89; Property West 79.5; Triangle Communications 69.5; Koefod Agency 75.5; Ruff Real Estate 65.5; Prairie Farms 68.