Tapemark Pro-Am & Radio Personality

Well, this is a busy week for golf enthusiasts and weekend for me.

This week, the three MSHSL State Championships are being conducted. The Class AAA tournament at Bunker Hills and Class A Girls tournament at Pebble Creek were completed without a hitch despite the weather forecast. However, the Class A and Class AA Boys events at Pebble Creek and the Ridges at Sand Creek, respectively, have been plagued by thunderstorms. The Class A Boys was shortened to 18 holes after lightning caused officials to clear the course and never allowed a restart. The same happened in Jordan, and they will attempt to complete the first round on Friday morning. Fortunately, the Class AA Girls were able to complete their first round before the storms hit. For complete coverage of the events, read Mike Fermoyle's stories at www.mngolf.org.

Another annual long-standing Minnesota golf event starts, or will attempt to start, Friday when I tee off in the Tapemark Pro-Am at 6:40 am at Southview Country Club in West St. Paul. The Tapemark is in its 37th year of raising money for charities that support families and individuals with cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities. This year, the Tapemark will pass the $6 million mark in donations to deserving organizations such as the ARC of Minnesota, ARC Greater Twin Cities, Pro Act, Children's Home Society and Family Services, and Dakota Communities. Check out their web site to follow me, my team, and all of the action!

The Tapemark is the one tournament I play each year. And, while my game shows I don't play competitively, it is important for me to play. As the parent of a child with disabilities (Erich, 12, has Williams Syndrome), my family has benefitted from the services of both ARC Minnesota and ARC Greater Twin Cities. I sincerely appreciate the commitment and dedication of the Klas and Cody families, as well as the countless number of volunteers who give so freely of their time, to make this event so special. However, if it were not for the 180 amateurs who generously and willingly play, then the tournament could not be a success. So, on behalf of all of the families who benefit, thank you!

As if playing a tournament isn't enough, I have the fun opportunity to co-host the Teemaster Golf Show this Saturday morning from 6-7 am. I will share the studio with Michael Hsu, Teemaster founder, on "The Talk Station - AM1500 KSTP." If you live outside the listening area, you can listen on-line. This will be the third of four times for me to host this season. I really have fun doing the show; it's amazing how quickly one hour can pass. Feel free to call in (or e-mail) with your rules questions.

Next on the schedule, the MGA Senior and Mid-Players' Championships at Golden Valley G&CC June 17-19 followed by the MGA Players' Championship at Northland CC in Duluth June 24-26.

Until next time-

Doug