The season is officially over - 4 months and 18 days after it started. This day often comes with mixed feelings. On one hand, I am ready to slow down the pace as (often) the last six weeks of the season can be the busiest. On the other, it means the end of warmer weather and playing golf is coming and replaced with cold, snow and dark days. (The picture is of the 18th at TPC Twin Cities, site of the 11th MGA Team Championship, and taken the morning of the last day of the season - Sept 25.)Overall, the season went well. Weather wasn't a factor for the most part, except in mid-June when rain disrupted play during both the US Senior Open Qualifying at Edina and the MGA Players' Championship at Windsong Farm.
Since the season ended, the US managed to lose the Ryder Cup at Medinah, Tim Herron finished in a T-10 last week in Las Vegas, Tiger defeated Rory in Turkey, the USGA has not yet banned the long-putter and/or anchoring and we are still being bombarded by political ads. It is said you should never wish your life away, but I'm ready to get past Nov. 6.
My life has changed from being out at courses conducting events to in the office and doing "site acquisition." I am trying to fill open spots on my "Future Sites Worksheet" as close as next year and as far out as 2019. This is often the most challenging part to my job - trying to talk clubs into giving up their courses for free for two-three days in the best part of the short golf season. Fortunately, we have many great clubs here in MN willing to do just that!
Next week, though, I will be heading up US-10 and I-94 to see some golf courses that I have not seen in my 15 seasons here in MN. I will see and play (weather permitting) Perham Lakeside GC (Perham), Thumper Pond GC (Ottertail), Balmoral GC (Battle Lake), Pebble Lake GC (Fergus Falls) and Eagle Creek GC (Willmar). It will be fun to visit new places. Hopefully the weather holds; otherwise, it will be miserable (which is not uncommon for October golf in Minnesota). Pictures to come!
Until next time-
Doug
