Local Golf Report: Playoff races heating up at Prairie Farms

August is almost upon us, and that means two things for golfers. For the adults, local golf leagues are starting to wind down and the playoffs are almost here. And for the youngsters, the high school golf season is about to arrive.

Currently, Havre High head golf coach Brett Gilman is conducting open range for all interested Blue Pony and future Blue Pony golfers. There are still sessions this Thursday, next Monday and next Thursday, each running from 6-8 p.m. at Prairie Farms Golf Course.

The Havre High golf season officially starts on Aug. 11 with the first day of practice, while the Blue Ponies will start the regular season three days later at the Great Falls Invitational. All golfers are reminded to that they must have a sports physical before they can compete.

Back in golf league action, there are just two weeks left in the second half of men’s league at Prairie Farms. And teams are certainly pushing hard to earn those final playoff spots.

Last Tuesday night saw Wagner Plumbing grab high-team honors with 24.5 points. The team was composed of Dan Wagner, Russ Earl, Greg Baltrusch and Jim Wirt. Kyle Sheppard fired an even-par 36 to earn low gross, while Wirt was low net with a 30.

The current Tuesday night standings have Hole 19 in first place, followed by Wagner, Bing-N-Bobs and Vics Place. Hole 19, Bing-N-Bobs, BKD Law and Korb Construction are already in the playoff field.

Last Wednesday night saw Master Sports earn high team with 22.5 points. Doug Sheppard, Mark Kato, Wayne Bolken and Dave Sheppard made up the team. Jeremy Jensen shot a 1-under 35 for low gross, while Dog Sheppard was low net with a 28.5.

Master Sports and D.A. Davidson have the top two spots in the Wednesday night standings, while Havre Ford is third and Michelob Light is fourth. Ford, Bear Paw Credit Union, Mariani Insurance and Gallery Lounge have already locked up playoff berths.

The ladies are also getting close to their playoffs. This Thursday night will be a makeup night for the league, and then the playoff begins.

Last Thursday night saw D.A. Davidson score 23.5 points for high team. The team was made up of Shari Baltrusch, Patsy Divish, Mel Gilman and Karla Bolken. Ali Ward was low gross with a 41 and Baltrusch was low net with a 29.5.

I’d also like to take this time to congratulate any men and women for our area competing in Montana State Amateur tournaments over the next few weeks. I didn’t see many Havre area players in the final State Am standings, as it was held last weekend at the Laurel Country Club. The Montana State Women’s Am and Women’s Senior Am will be conducted this weekend at Green Meadow CC in Helena, while the Men’s Senior Am will be played next weekend at Bridger Creek in Bozeman and the Montana Mid-Am will be held Aug. 11-13 at Polson Bay.

Prairie Farms Golf Leagues

Tuesday Night Men

1. Hole 19- 123.5

2. Dan Wagner Plumbing- 119.5

3. Bing n Bobs- 115

4. Vic’s Place- 113

5. BKD Law- 110

6. Korb Construction- 109

7. Stockman Bank- 107.5

8. Milk River Engineering (Misfits)- 104.5

9. Patrick Construction- 104

10. Rock Solid- 103

11. Northern Edge- 101.5

12. Havre Ford- 100.5

13. Cowan & Son- 100

14. Tilleman Motor CO- 99.5

Wednesday Night Men

1. Master Sports -122.5

2. DA Davidson- 120

3. Havre Ford- 118.5

4. Michelob Light- 115

5. Valley Furniture – 114

6. S&M Construction- 109

7. Bear Paw Credit Union- 104.5

8. Mariani Insurance- 104

9. Gallery Lounge- 102

10. Aarons- 98.5

11. Independence Bank- 93.5

12. Koefod Agency- 87

Ladies League

DA Davidson- 194

Northern Montana Hospital- 188

Makin Waves- 176.5

Independence Bank- 170

Scharfe Kato & Co.- 167.5

Patrick Construction- 164

Havre Heating & A/C- 160.5

Schubert Agency- 157

Prairie Farms- 148.5

Rock Solid- 131.5

Western Drug- 128.5 (Bye Week)