TUESDAY: THREE SCORE NET 60’S DESPITE WINDS

The MMGA were somewhat fortunate to tee off at 7:00am on Tuesday because most got in 14 holes before the forecasted strong winds blew in. And despite the winds there were some fine rounds shot.

Frank Thomasino, after several weeks of struggling with his driver, managed a nice round of 38-40-78 to win medalist honors by one stroke over Dick Swayne who also had a great round after even more struggles with his game but was rewarded today with a nice 37-42-79. His second place finish was rewarded with a low net of 65 edging out Courtney Larsen (94) and Gary Denhalter (81) who both had net 66’s. Gary had the best front nine holes with a one under par 34 and was rewarded with second place low net when he bogeyed #13 and Courtney double bogeyed for third place.

“Bubba” Petrick (80) finished in the 4^th spot with a net 71. Of the 23 players 10 had rounds in the 30’s on the front side, obviously enjoying the perfect conditions early on. Bill Irace had the second best front side with a one over par 36. The oddity of the day was on the par three fifth hole where of the 13 skin players there were six birdies, six pars and only one bogey.

APERCUE’S: The only reported shots of the day were turned in by Frank Thomasino and “Bubba” Petrick on the par four 10^th hole. With the pin on the top level all the way back, Frank hit his second shot to within 30 inches and “Bubba” within four feet. Both players made excellent birdies.

THURSDAY:

COYOTE SPRINGS WINS AGAIN

The MMGA took a road trip to Coyote Springs on Thursday trying to once again tame the “tiger,” in this case the coyote that has eaten their lunch in all previous trips over there. Unfortunately, except for four players who somehow managed to break the dreaded 90 level, most were very far north of that

Frank Thomasino led the leaders with an 87. He went par, birdie, par on the first three holes and appeared headed for maybe something in the 70’s. That thought did not last long as he triple bogeyed the par three fourth hole. “I really didn’t play that bad except for the par threes where I was six over for the day. That course at this time of the year has a way of not re-warding good shots.”

Paul LeVan shot 88 and Bill Irace and Paul Backe each were one back with 89’s. Irace was rewarded for his good round with first place low net with a 76. While Backe’s 78 was second and Swayne’s (94) was a net 80 for third because Paul LeVan who also had a net 80 “quaded” the second handicap hole for 4^th. Tom Durenberger (93) and also with a net 80 double bogeyed the first handicap hole and dropped to the fifth spot. To illustrate the other frustrations, there was one 13, two 11’s, seven 10’s and two WD recorded at the end of the day.

APERCUE’S: There may have been more of these but this is the only shot of the day that was reported. “Bubba” Petrick on the 196 yd par three eight hole hit his tee shot about five feet off the ground for at least 130yds hit the ground running and rolled straight to the left side of the green where it started to take the curvature of the sloped green and rolled down the hill another 90 feet to within seven feet of the cup where he made the pressure putt for a “fantastic” birdie two. Not sure that was necessarily a fluke because he had just birdied the previous par four 7^th. Great back to back birdies “Bubba”.

NOTE: Next play is on Tuesday March 13 at 7:00 at Falcon Ridge, and Thursday March 15^th at the Canyons at 8:00. Always check your sign - up sheets, and or our website, for any changes. Anyone interested in the MMGA may call 346-6363 or visit our website at mesquitemensgolf.com.