Looking back on the 2016 golf season, it was the lack of things that will be remembered most.
A lack of rain lead to a lack of weather delays and cancellations. This lack of rain also lead to a lack of bugs. 5 footers were definitely more manageable without being buzzed by the mosquitos. Although, I still seemed to miss my fair share of them. So much for that excuse..
Water levels hit an all time low and managing the usage of this water became a full time job as the drought intensified. As golfers, we just kicked back and enjoyed beautiful day after beautiful day. Hats off to our Superintendent, Ash Gough for keeping the course alive and well during this stressful season.
It is this time every year when we name our Most Improved Players.
Beginning with the ladies..
This year's Most Improved Player lowered her index from 40.4 to 35.0. She experience great success in all three of the Ladies Member-Guest events. Tying for first in the 18 Hole Member-Guest, tying for 2nd in the 9 Hole Member-Guest and tying for first in the Twilight Member-Guest. She was a steady performer in the Ladies 9 Hole League and Twilight League where she also served as co-chair. Congratulations to our 2016 Most Improved Female Player, Carole Kametz.
In the Men's Division, our Most Improved Player lowered his index from 11.0 to 6.8. He flourished in the multi-day team events where endurance, well maybe tolerance, plays a large role. He won his flight in the Spring Member-Member and Fall Member-Member. In the Fall Member-Member Shoot-Out, his tee shot was impressive but it was his touch around the green which propelled his team to a Shoot-Out victory. He also had multiple top finishes in our Stag Days and Weekend Sweeps. Congratulations to our 2016 Most Improved Male Player, James Holloway.
Our best players always seem to rise up come Club Championship time.
Returning to the winner's circle in our Ladies Club Championship was Carina Watkins. Carina's steady play and experience outlasted the competition as she notched another championship.
The ever competitive Senior Club Championship went to multi-time champion, Rich Banish. Rich captured this year's title competing in the 60-69 Division. Just like a fine wine, gets better with age..
Every so often we have a year when a particular player separates him or herself from everyone else. 2016 belonged to Dave Hanson. Dave got things rolling by winning the Member-Guest tournament with his brother Mike. Next came the Club Championship, where through sloppy conditions and significant delays, he set a new tournament scoring record, shooting 5 under par, 139. This score put him 10 shots clear of the nearest competitor. From there Dave captured the Gross President's Cup plowing through the talented field. Congratulations to Dave on a great season!
2016 brought a new face to Beaver Meadows. James Ruff learned the ropes quickly and was a valuable addition to the staff. We look forward to his return in 2017. Also, planning on returning is Ryan Reynolds. Ryan continues to do a wonderful job for us and has evolved into one of the finest Assistant Professional's in Central New York. Ryan and James continue to progress through the PGA Apprentice Program. We are lucky to have two career oriented and competent Assistant Professional's at our club. Thank you to Ryan and James for all of your efforts this season.
I realize now to be true what I have always been told; "time flies"! Hard to believe that I have been your PGA Head Professional for fourteen years. When I came to Beaver Meadows I was 29 years old, engaged to be married with a full head of hair. Sue and I just celebrated 13 years of marriage, have 2 girls closing in on the teen age years and am considering giving Rogaine a try. Beaver Meadows is a great club with members that truly love the game of golf. I am extremely grateful to come to work everyday at a place where I am surrounded by people who share my same passion. There is no better therapy than golf and those who don't play will never understand.
Thank you for another great year at the club and I wish everyone a safe and healthy off season. See you in the Spring!
-Alex
A lack of rain lead to a lack of weather delays and cancellations. This lack of rain also lead to a lack of bugs. 5 footers were definitely more manageable without being buzzed by the mosquitos. Although, I still seemed to miss my fair share of them. So much for that excuse..
Water levels hit an all time low and managing the usage of this water became a full time job as the drought intensified. As golfers, we just kicked back and enjoyed beautiful day after beautiful day. Hats off to our Superintendent, Ash Gough for keeping the course alive and well during this stressful season.
It is this time every year when we name our Most Improved Players.
Beginning with the ladies..
This year's Most Improved Player lowered her index from 40.4 to 35.0. She experience great success in all three of the Ladies Member-Guest events. Tying for first in the 18 Hole Member-Guest, tying for 2nd in the 9 Hole Member-Guest and tying for first in the Twilight Member-Guest. She was a steady performer in the Ladies 9 Hole League and Twilight League where she also served as co-chair. Congratulations to our 2016 Most Improved Female Player, Carole Kametz.
In the Men's Division, our Most Improved Player lowered his index from 11.0 to 6.8. He flourished in the multi-day team events where endurance, well maybe tolerance, plays a large role. He won his flight in the Spring Member-Member and Fall Member-Member. In the Fall Member-Member Shoot-Out, his tee shot was impressive but it was his touch around the green which propelled his team to a Shoot-Out victory. He also had multiple top finishes in our Stag Days and Weekend Sweeps. Congratulations to our 2016 Most Improved Male Player, James Holloway.
Our best players always seem to rise up come Club Championship time.
Returning to the winner's circle in our Ladies Club Championship was Carina Watkins. Carina's steady play and experience outlasted the competition as she notched another championship.
The ever competitive Senior Club Championship went to multi-time champion, Rich Banish. Rich captured this year's title competing in the 60-69 Division. Just like a fine wine, gets better with age..
Every so often we have a year when a particular player separates him or herself from everyone else. 2016 belonged to Dave Hanson. Dave got things rolling by winning the Member-Guest tournament with his brother Mike. Next came the Club Championship, where through sloppy conditions and significant delays, he set a new tournament scoring record, shooting 5 under par, 139. This score put him 10 shots clear of the nearest competitor. From there Dave captured the Gross President's Cup plowing through the talented field. Congratulations to Dave on a great season!
2016 brought a new face to Beaver Meadows. James Ruff learned the ropes quickly and was a valuable addition to the staff. We look forward to his return in 2017. Also, planning on returning is Ryan Reynolds. Ryan continues to do a wonderful job for us and has evolved into one of the finest Assistant Professional's in Central New York. Ryan and James continue to progress through the PGA Apprentice Program. We are lucky to have two career oriented and competent Assistant Professional's at our club. Thank you to Ryan and James for all of your efforts this season.
I realize now to be true what I have always been told; "time flies"! Hard to believe that I have been your PGA Head Professional for fourteen years. When I came to Beaver Meadows I was 29 years old, engaged to be married with a full head of hair. Sue and I just celebrated 13 years of marriage, have 2 girls closing in on the teen age years and am considering giving Rogaine a try. Beaver Meadows is a great club with members that truly love the game of golf. I am extremely grateful to come to work everyday at a place where I am surrounded by people who share my same passion. There is no better therapy than golf and those who don't play will never understand.
Thank you for another great year at the club and I wish everyone a safe and healthy off season. See you in the Spring!
-Alex
