Pikes Prevail in Playoff
by Frank Solle

After battling for nine hard-played holes and then two more nerve-wracking playoff holes, the team of Francis, Nelson, and Gerard Pike, along with Todd Ireland and Brandon Brown, claimed the championship of this year’s Annual Fourth of July Tournament at the Beaver Island Golf Course.

Out of 15 teams to tee off this year, the Pike team finished the course at a blistering 4-under-par 31. But they were not alone as the team of Aaron and Jeremy Morgan, Tom and Lisa Houseman, and John Rademaker, also carded a 31 to set up the ‘sudden victory’ showdown, played out over holes one and two until one team bested the other.

This year the teams alternated players throughout what proved to be a two-hole playoff. With a large gallery following the action, the pressure to perform was applied without mercy until the Pikes prevailed in the end.

Along with engraved bottle coolers that were awarded to each of the winners, prizes were there for the offering throughout the tournament, based on either longest drive or closest to the pin on each hole around the course. As proof that both teams belonged in the playoff, members of those two teams collected six of the nine individual prizes along the way. When you're hot, you're hot, and when you're not . . .

In addition, door prizes were handed out following a catered lunch, while tee-shirts and a gift bag were distributed to every player prior to the start of the day's action. Over 30 businesses and individuals contributed to the wealth of prizes, making this yet again an enjoyable and successful day of golf and fun.