Local Golf Report: Pony golfers become Lights

For some, the golf season is entering the stretch run. For others, it's just beginning. And two former Havre Blue Ponies are certainly starting new in the game of golf.

Class of 2016 members Jerod Boles and Jeff Miller have both signed to play for head coach Dave Boles and the Montana State University-Northern men's golf team starting this fall. Both golfers played all four years on the HHS golf teams, with both earning Central A All-Conference honors four times.

In what were highly successful high school golf careers, both Boles and Miller earned Class A All-State honors at the 2014 state tournament in Hamilton. Then, in their senior season last fall, both helped lead Havre to a Central A team title, and a solid fourth-place finish at the Class A state tourney in Sidney.

Both Boles and Miller are accomplished all-around athletes as well. Boles was a three-year starter and an All-Conference performer for the Blue Pony basketball team, while also earning All-Conference and All-State honors over an outstanding four-year career in tennis.

Miller of course, was highly successful in high school tennis, setting several HHS records, while also winning a 2014 Class A state singles title. Overall, Miller, who also played basketball at HHS, won four Central A titles and reached the state singles championship match three straight years for the Blue Pony tennis team. Both Boles, and Miller just wrapped up outstanding careers on the diamond for the Havre North Stars American Legion baseball club as well.

The Northern golf season is slated to get underway in just a few weeks.

Meanwhile, back on the golfing front in league play, this week marks the final week of the second half of men's league play at Prairie Farms Golf Course. In the Tuesday night standings, which stayed the same due to a rainout last week, Hole 19, Dan Wagner Plumbing, Bing-N-Bobs and Vic's Place currently hold the top four spots. Hole 19, Bing-N-Bobs, BKD Law and Korb Construction are already in the playoff field.

Wednesday night standings have a tight race going on with Master Sports leading D.A. Davidson by 1.5 points. Valley Furniture is in third place followed by Michelob Light. Havre Ford, Bear Paw Credit Union, Mariani Insurance and Gallery Lounge have already locked up playoff berths. Last Wednesday night saw Valley Furniture earn high-team honors. The team was made up of Cal Wirtzberger, Mike Evans, Hoover Peterson and Dave Peterson. I witnessed Jimmy Kato shoot his outstanding, 2-under 34, which earned him low gross for the night, while Matt Wertheimer was low net with a 29.

Last Thursday also marked the end of the ladies' league regular season at Prairie Farms. D.A. Davidson won the regular season title with 216.5 points. Prairie Farms was high team last week with 25 points. The team was composed of Chandra Moomey, Anna Toner, Sarah Spangler and Nancy Salapich. Carrie Kato made it a family affair for low gross for the week, as she shot a 40, while Laramie Schwenke was low net with a 31.

The playoffs for the ladies begin this Thursday with D.A. Davidson taking on Schubert Agency, Makin Waves against Prairie Farms, Patrick Construction against Havre Heating & AC and Northern Montana Hospital against Independence Bank.

The tournament scene is also back starting this weekend. Saturday at Prairie Farms, the annual Northern Montana Healthcare Foundation Scramble will take place. The tournament is always one of the most competitive of the golf season, and another fun day is certainly instore.

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 143.5

2. D.A. Davidson 142

3. Valley Furniture 139

4. Michelob Light 138.5

5. Havre Ford 131

6. Mariani Insurance 126

7. Gallery Lounge 122

8. BPCU 118.5

9. S.M. Construction 120.5

10. Independence Bank 107.5

11. Aarons 106

12. Koefod Agency 96

Ladies League

(Final)

DA Davidson- 216.5 (1st Place Regular Season)

Northern Montana Hospital- 201

Makin Waves- 191

Scharfe Kato & Co.- 189

Patrick Construction- 187

Havre Heating & A/C- 174

Prairie Farms- 173.5

Independence Bank- 170

Schubert Agency- 157 (Bye Week)

Western Drug- 145

Rock Solid- 134