The First Rain Delay of the Tournament Season

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

It is 7:04 pm and I'm at the Chaska Town Course conducting the 10th MGA Senior Players' and 3rd MGA Mid-Players' Championships. After nearly two days of play, we had only two matches left on the course when lightning arrived overhead causing a 3 1/2 hour delay. Of the two matches left, one finished when a player conceded on the 14th hole when four holes down. However, the other match was "all square" (tied) on the 13th green; so we waited.

The Championship matches for each event are scheduled in the morning, so it is important that we attempt to conclude this match today. And, the forecast for the overnight and morning has scattered showers; even more reason to finish this match today. We don't need to finish this match as well as get in the other two matches with the forecast.

The players - Adam Dooley and Troy Johnson - were terrific through the delay. They understood the need to finish today and the potentially sloppy conditions they will see when going back out. And, just like many "mid-players" (players ages 30 & over), they don't need all of the warm up time other players might claim they need. When asked if they wanted some time, they looked at each other and both said, "No, I'm ready!" That made getting them out much easier.

You can follow their match, as well as both tournaments, at www.mngolf.org.

Until next time-
Doug