Golf Notes: Frost Delays

Last week the Little River Golf Course had a couple of frost delays which are not common but they do happen when the temperature drops below 32 degrees and the greens turn white. Course supervisor Terry Stratton must make the call, when to declare the delay and when to allow play. The concern is when the greens are frosted damage can occur if walked on. As Terry explained when the grass is frozen and walked on the grass blades break off and die. When the greens thaw, if they have been walked on, we would see dead spots. A putt is challenging enough to make we don’t want dead, cracked greens to increase the challenge. It has now warmed so no more delays in the near future.

Shelly Howarth, playing last week with her husband Jim shot the very best nine holes in her golf career a forty-four. Shelly has only been playing for six months but scored two birdies, the first on hole one and the other on hole seven, on her way to the forty-four. Getting a birdie on hole one is not an everyday event for any golfer. I told Shelly we’d try and get this article published in the New York Times so everyone could celebrate her achievement. Can you help us with that Chris Pugh, editor of the Ft. Bragg Advocate and

Mendocino Beacon?

Also last week Gabe Jennings eagled the sixth hole from 70 yards out. Gabe was playing with Lindy Peters who witnessed Gabe’s shot bouncing on the green, hitting the pin, and dropping in the hole. In his past life, Gabe tried out for the Olympics in the 1500-meter track event. He took first place in the trials and ninth place in the Olympic semi-finals. Gabe was unable to compete further due to lingering injuries. Nice eagle Gabe… congratulations. And congratulations to Chuck Allegrini for setting a personal record for the fewest putts in a round.

Chuck playing in the Stableford game last Friday finished his round with 21 putts. His previous record was 22 putts. Can we get this in the New York Times as well Chris? On the same day playing with the same Stableford group Matt Howard had a round he characterized as bipolar….up and down back and forth. Matt had five birdies but also double bogies and bogies… up and down. Despite up and down due to his birdies Matt accumulated 40 Stableford points winning first place individually. Last Sunday another first was my grandson Kyden Miller, playing with me and his dad Oscar, who got his first par. Kyden hit off the fifth tee way out onto the fourth fairway, was able to punch his ball back onto the fifth, chip to the fringe, and sink a 20foot putt for par. You’re on your way Kyden.

Shelly Howarth, playing last week with her husband Jim shot the very best nine holes in her golf career a forty-four. Shelly has only been playing for six months but scored two birdies, the first on hole one and the other on hole seven, on her way to the forty-four. Getting a birdie on hole one is not an everyday event for any golfer.