From Tee to Green

Tournament of champions

Matt Krause became the third Whitefish golfer to win the tournament of champions in Bozeman this year. The annual event features the top-three finishers from the state high school golf tournaments of 2006.

Chris Conners, by winning the Class A state tournament, was invited along with Krause, who finished third in Class A. The other entrees come from Class AA, B and C from across the state.

In the opening round, Conners posted a 69 to lead the tournament, which was shortened to 27 holes due to severe thunderstorms. Krause fired a 73 to trail by four shots after 18, but came back with 35 to catch Conners and force a playoff.

In the playoff Krause pared the second hole and was awarded the medallist honors. Conners, who heads off to play for the Montana Tech College team this fall, finished second to Krause.

Krause is an unusual athlete, having won the main event in annual Dog-Cat smoker boxing matches and then the state tournament of champions golf tournament all in the same week. That may never happen again.

Not bad for the young man who leaves for college at West Point in two weeks to pursue a career as an Army officer.

Junior golf qualifier

Whitefish Lake Golf Course once again hosted the Montana State Junior District One qualifier this past Monday. A full field of more than 80 players tested their skill over the North Course to determine who advances to the state level tournament.

The top-four players in each age group will advance and compete to represent Montana in the America's Cup Tournament. Last year, Tyler Holtet was the local member on the boys team, while Maresa Jenson and Alex Micklewright played for the ladies from Montana.

Thanks for the hard work of Gary and Mary Ann Rodman for running the tournament again this year. They both have dedicated years to junior golf around the state of Montana.

Tuesday morning golf

On Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m., all players interested in playing high school golf are invited to come improve their golf skills. The sessions will include all phases of the game, from swing mechanics to etiquette and rules. For more information, contact coach Nelson at 862-4375.

Fixing ball marks

This week at Whitefish Lake Golf Club, the focus is on getting everyone to fix ball marks on the green. It is the responsibility of all golfers to do their part by repairing damage to the putting surface caused by incoming shots.

So please, take the time to carefully locate and gently repair your ball mark and any others you find.