A Great Day For Golf
by Frank Solle

A few scattered rain drops did little to damped the enthusiasm of some 90 golfers during the annual golf tournament at the Beaver Island Golf Course that has become a large part of the traditional Fourth of July activities on the Island.

Indeed, the golfers attacked the course with a vengeance, with numerous rounds coming through under par. But none were lower than the winning four-under-par 31 carded by the happy champions.

The winning team consisted of course owner John “Lay of the Land” Works, Jr., former teaching pro Larry “Don’t Leave it Short” Roy, longtime summer resident Bob “I Golfed All Winter in Florida” Simpson, local super-chef Mike “Practice Makes Perfect” Bailey, and secret weapon Carl “The Score Saver” Evans.

Each of the winners was awarded a classy desktop digital clock donated by Eager Beaver Clean & Store.

Other awards were claimed through golf skills as nearly each hole had a prize for some sort of golfing expertise. Whether it was the longest drive, closest to the pin off the tee on the shorter holes, or closest to the pin on the second shot, all golfers had an equal chance to claim some glory.

After the tournament a variety of door prizes were awarded, all donated by local businesses, individuals, or artists.

Once again compliments were freely given and well deserved for the work Works, Jr. has put in towards improving the course. The pin placements on each hole provided the most challenging round of play the course can offer, yet the new 150- and 100-yard markers placed on each side of the fairways kept the golfers aware of where they were in relation to the green.

And the greens themselves are a sight to behold, as well as to play. Green, smooth, consistent, and fast—Island golfers have nothing to complain about.

This year Mike Sowa stepped up to fill his much-missed father Jerry’s shoes to organize the tournament, along with the ever-present, behind-the-scenes help from his mother Shirley. This year Mike also was assisted by his son Jeremy, keeping another tradition in tact.

Next up for local golfers is the first Jerry Sowa Memorial Golf Outing on Friday, August 4. This will be a four-person team scramble with monetary prizes for the top three finishers. There will be a $5.00 per person entry fee. For more information contack Buck Ridgeway at 448.2680.