Golf course is seeing a lot of use this year

Number of rounds up

by Tim Olson and Terry Nelson

The total number of rounds played at Whitefish Lake Golf Club has increased again this season, with member rounds leading the way.

On a couple of exceptionally busy days this past week, more than 650 players enjoyed the fabulous playing conditions.

Thanks to the staff's excellent work, the average round of golf remains right at four-hours on both courses.

Remember that your spot on the course is directly behind the group in front of you, not just ahead of the group behind you.

Junior Tour

The Flathead Valley Junior Tour make its 2007 start at Meadow Lake Resort last Monday with more than 40 players participating.

Golf professional Steve Stevens ran the event and presented the medals to the different winners of each flight.

The Tour will come to Whitefish Lake Golf Club on July 11 beginning at 1 p.m. for the older age groups and at 2 p.m. for the 11-and-under age group.

Ladies Invitational

The annual Ladies Invitational is scheduled for a shotgun start on Wednesday, July 11, at 9 a.m. Women from the around the region are invited to participate in the Invitational along with the ladies from Whitefish. For more information, contact the Golf Shop at 862-5960.

Fourth of July tournament

This year's Fourth of July tournament will begin with a practice round on July 4, followed by three days of competition. This year, once again, the field is full and loaded with quality players from throughout the Northwest.

Last year's winner, Scott Anderson, will not be competing since he is now playing on the mini-tour, trying to get his big break.

The players will find new tees greeting them on the North Course this year, with an additional 200 yards over previous years. With the course in great condition, I would expect the winning score to be right around par for the three days in the championship flight.

Carroll Lilly and Jason Johnstone are a couple of locals who could challenge for the top spot this year.

The tournament offers a great chance to watch some of the best amateurs in the region compete, so come on out and join the gallery during the rounds and the derby.

Rules of the game

Player A hits his tee shot and thinks it may be out of bounds, so he plays a provisional ball. When he gets to his original ball, he finds it is in bounds but in a really bad lie.

Player A then decides to play his provisional ball instead. Can he elect to play the provisional because he didn't like the lie, unplayable condition, he discovered with his original ball?

Absolutely not. If he proceeds, he is playing the wrong ball and subject to all the penalties associated with playing a wrong ball, which can lead to disqualification.