Today the Jack Hoeven Wee Links will host the Charles and Kay Ruppert Drive, Chip and Putt Contest. The contest is free and it is for boys and girls ages 14 and under.
Registration is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the event scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
Trophies will be awarded for the winners in each skill category. We named the event in honor and memory of Charles and Kay as they were tremendous supporters of youth golf. It is an annual event and I would encourage parents to get your kids to the Wee Links this evening. The event can show your youngster his or her strong points and the areas of the game that they need to work on. Also if you plan on attending and would like to help we can always use another adult to make sure the kids are safe!
It truly is the game for a lifetime. We have youngsters as young as three years old trying out their swings at the Wee Links and last week 92-year-old Chuck Westlie birdied the first hole at the Minot Country Club. His playing partner Jack Hoeven said that Chuck went on to shoot a 40 on the front nine. So if we do the math, some of those youngsters that start the game at the Wee Links could go on to play the game for 90 some years. As the kids say, "That's awesome"
Another fun, exciting and pressure-free event is the Flat Screen 2-person Tournament. The tournament will be held at Souris Valley and the Jack Hoeven Wee Links on Saturday, Sept. 18th. It is a 27 hole event with 9 holes of scramble, 9 holes of alternate shot and 9 holes of better ball. The best ball portion of the tournament is held at the Wee Links. There is a flat screen TV for each closest to the hole at the Wee Links and lunch and a light dinner after play. Sign up early. Entry fee is $150 per team.
Also I always like to remind people that fall golf is some of the best golf of the year. The golf courses are generally in great shape, they are not quite as busy and the fairways are a little harder so the ball will roll a little farther!
Tip of the week: This time of year be prepared for any weather. It can be cooler out in the open at the course. Always take along a jacket and cap!
Rule of the week: Rule 16 B. Lift and Cleaning Ball - A ball on the putting green may be lifted and, if desired, cleaned. The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted, and the ball must be replaced.
Quote of the Week: "Golf was soon consuming most of Ben's spare time and attention. Clara Hogan frequently expressed her disapproval, "Why don't you utilize your spare time like your brother and get an honest job?'" from the book - Hogan The Man Who Played for Glory By Gene Gregston 1978 Prentice-Hall
Good Golfing and keep it in the fairway!
(Steve Kottsick is the head golf professional at Souris Valley Golf Course. He writes a regular column during the golf season. He can be reached via email at sports@minotdailynews.com).