June 14, 2008

The 2nd Annual Summer Winds Tournament brought together ten players for 36 holes of golf on a hot and humid day punctuated by brief thundershowers. Returning champion Karl Molitoris (seen here teeing off on Hole 1 with his trademark tomahawk) had some intense competition. The venerable Davis Johnson impressed the other players with his seemingly effortless throwing style and his accuracy. One of his putts went straight into the chains and out the other end, seemingly passing through the galvanized steel pole in the middle. Davis brought alone his border collie, Dhani, who loved the game as much as the players. On every shot, Dhani would carefully eye the thrower. When the disc was released, Dhani would follow it and then plop down on his belly when it landed. It was quite amusing. Newcomer Brendon Pohner proved his mettle by taking the lead in the first round with a one-over-par 57. He's seen here with a difficult lie, putting out on Hole 9. There were two entries in the Novice division, Tim McCarthy and Sumner Stone. In the first round they were tied at 78. After a welcome break with pizza and fruit salad provided by Karen, play resumed and Sumner was determined to par all the holes along the treacherous back nine. He came very close to that goal. Here he is coming out of the deep rough on Hole 12. Tim tried his best to keep up (pictured below on Hole 14), but Sumner was on a roll and finished the second round with a 78, clinching the Novice division. His prize was a new set of Innova discs. But no one was a loser in this tournament. Tim got an attractive golf vest provided by the HCC Development Office. After the exhausting second round, Karl Molitoris retained his title as HCC champion, with a 3-over 59, bringing his 36-hole total to 119. He took home the DGA M14 portable basket. Close behind in second place in the Experienced division was Davis with 121, followed by Brendon in a strong debut with 123. Elbert Bowler trailed the players with his video camera. Here's a short piece culled from some of his footage. Thanks to everyone who participated! And big special thank yous to Davis and Bernie Kuszweski who brought portable baskets for the tourney, and to Bernie and Mike Morin who helped with the extensive clearing needed to get the course in shape. We're all looking forward to the next tournament when the course will have all 18 permanent poleholes, and a bit less lumber in the dense forests of the nefarious back nine!