Golf Club Atlas
GolfClubAtlas.com => Golf Course Architecture => Topic started by: PCCraig on February 04, 2015, 10:42:28 AM
-
The 2015 Midwest Mashie
September 25 – 27, 2015
(http://www.blackyouthproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Minnesota-293x400.jpg)
Minnesota!
After visiting such prestigious clubs as Lost Dunes in Michigan, Lawsonia Links in Wisconsin, Broadmoor CC & The Fort in Indiana, Kingsley Club in Michigan and Canterbury in Ohio the Midwest Mashie is coming to the great State of Minnesota in 2015!
Day 1
The weekend will start this year on Friday afternoon with an opportunity to play a two-time host of the PGA Championship: Keller Golf Course.
Indeed, Keller hosted the 1932 and 1954 PGA Championships, as well as the 1949 Western Open and the PGA Tour’s St. Paul Open from 1930 to 1968. Our own Richard Mandell renovated the classic golf course from 2012 to 2014 and has since opened it to rave reviews, including being awarded the “best municipal renovation” in Golf Magazine and being featured by Ron Whitten in Golf Digest as a “Best Newly Remodeled Course” in October 2014.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5hC34U1thq8/VFKTTRVjgoI/AAAAAAAAJBM/anO35ij5hGk/s1600/Keller%2BGolf%2BCourse%2B13th%2BTee.jpg)
The Par-3 13th at Keller Golf Course
We will have a block of afternoon tee times, where Richard Mandell himself will join us for golf and speak to us about his firm’s renovation work after the round over cocktails.
This round is offered as an addition to the official Midwest Mashie rounds, so please note if you are ‘in’ for this round.
Day 2
The second day will mark the first round of the 2015 Midwest Mashie. The round will take place at arguably the finest modern golf course in the State, Windsong Farm Golf Club (Golf Digest: #6 in State / Golfweek: #134 Modern). Windsong Farm is located in the far western suburbs of Minneapolis in what was once a horse farm, but is now a pure, golf-only, private club.
(http://johnfought.golfservers.net/uploads/images/Portfolio/Windsong/hole_16.jpg)
The par-3 16th with the Windsong Farm Clubhouse in the background
Our host for the day, Jason Topp, has set us up for afternoon tee times followed by dinner at The Murphy House at Windsong Farm.
(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/53a84c59e4b0a229d28898c7/5463a599e4b011a27cb63257/5463a692e4b05851237d1514/1415816858468/DSC_0121-Edit.jpg?format=1000w)
The Murphy House
Day 3
The final round of the Midwest Mashie will be held mid-morning at the oldest golf course in the State of Minnesota: Town & Country Club in St. Paul. The wild and quirky golf course at Town & Country will be an ideal setting for match play, in particular the final stretch of holes which includes three par-5’s from #15-#17 and the par-3 18th.
(https://sites.google.com/site/patccraig/_/rsrc/1412021642552/1-and-2/2%20tee.jpg)
The 110 yard par-3 2nd at Town & Country
(https://sites.google.com/site/patccraig/_/rsrc/1412200418543/10-and-11/10%20looking%20back.jpg)
The par-4 10th at Town & Country
The Details
Where:
Host Clubs
Windsong Farm Golf Club
18 Golf Walk
Independence, MN 55359
Town & Country Club
300 North Mississippi River Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Keller Golf Course
2166 Maplewood Drive
Maplewood, MN 55109
When:
Friday, September 25, 2015 through Sunday, September 27, 2015
Golf:
Round 1 – Saturday afternoon at Windsong Farm Golf Club, hosted by Jason Topp – Best Ball Teams
Round 2 – Sunday morning (roughly 9am) at Town & Country Club, hosted by Pat Craig – Singles Matches
Optional:
Friday afternoon at Keller Golf Course (tee times starting at 12:30pm) hosted by Richard Mandell, who will speak to the group following play over cocktails
Dinner:
Saturday evening after play at Windsong Farm Golf Club
Costs:
Windsong Farm - $100
Town & Country Club - $100
Keller Golf Course - $40
Saturday evening dinner - $75pp
*Golf fees represent walking, cart fees would be additional
**All prices are subject to 7% sales tax
Lodging:
Murphy House at Windsong Farm
(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/53a84c59e4b0a229d28898c7/5463a599e4b011a27cb63257/5463a732e4b0743b7037a2f9/1415817020428/windsong_%232939-212-Edit.jpg?format=1000w)
The Murphy House
(http://static1.squarespace.com/static/53a84c59e4b0a229d28898c7/5463a599e4b011a27cb63257/5463a71be4b0743b7037a261/1415816996399/windsong_%232939-125_HDR.jpg?format=1000w)
A Murphy House Bedroom
We have the Murphy House rented – for people checking in on the 25th and out the 27th. Anyone that wants to stay there should commit to 2 nights at $100 per night. It has 6 bedrooms and 8 beds so it would hold 8 very comfortably. The cost is $200 for two nights per person.
Other lodging options
Given that the event will be held over multiple locations throughout the Twin Cities, the options for housing in addition to the Murphy House are plentiful. I would recommend one of the many hotels in either downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, tailored for your individual price preference. If someone would like a specific recommendation, please let me know.
Other Recommended Golf Courses
Autumn in Minnesota is the ideal time of the year to enjoy the State’s golf courses and we hope you decide to stay an extra day or two to play any that might interest you. Of course, many of my recommendations below are dependent on access, but I thought I would list them regardless. Other local posters might make their own recommendations as well:
Private
Interlachen CC, Edina – A stellar Willie Watson/Ross design which has hosted numerous national championships, including one won by Bobby Jones.
Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska – Host of the 2016 Ryder Cup, Hazeltine is a modern championship golf course with a number of terrific golf holes.
White Bear Yacht Club, White Bear Lake – A wild William Watson/Donald Ross design, that was recently restored by Renaissance Golf, is just a short drive north of St. Paul.
The Minikahda Club, Minneapolis – A Ross design that was restored by Ron Prichard about a decade ago, Minikahda is a special golf course located on the shores of Lake Calhoun just outside of downtown Minneapolis. They will be hosting the USGA Senior Am in 2017.
Somerset CC, Mendota Heights – A Seth Raynor design (with significant renovations by Stanley Thompson) just south of St Paul, Somerset is a treat and worth seeking out for a round if time permits.
Midland Hills CC, Roseville – Home club to GCA’s own Jeff Shelman and Dan Kelly, Midland Hills is a Seth Raynor design with a number of template holes and a terrific back nine.
Minneapolis Golf Club, St. Louis Park – A Park/Ross design that was recently renovated according to a Master Plan by Prichard, Minneapolis GC is a tough parkland layout that many of the city’s best players play out of.
Golden Valley G&CC, Golden Valley – Golden Valley is a difficult, but interesting, AW Tillinghast design.
Public
There are roughly 65 public courses within 20 miles of downtown Minneapolis, but these are the three (other than Keller) that I think are the best public options in town:
StoneRidge, Stillwater – A Bobby Weed design located near 94 east of St. Paul, is an open layout that features a number of really interesting holes.
Troy Burne, Hudson – A Tom Leaman and John Fought design located just over the river in Hudson, Wisconsin.
Chaska Town Course, Chaska – An Arthur Hills design that has co-hosted the US Amateur, is right down the street from Hazeltine.
We hope you can join us this Fall in Minnesota!
(https://theofenraven.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/st-paul-skyline-fall-10-6-13-sm.jpg)
Minnesota’s Capital City - Saint Paul
(http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000c0Ov5C6Banc/s/850/850/101002-0303s8.jpg)
Downtown Minneapolis
Registration
****SEE POST #159 for participant list as of 8/25/2015
-
Please count me in. Can't wait.
By proxy: Count Mike Hogan in.
Also by proxy, as he boards an airliner: Count Shane Wright in.
Please put all three of us in for Keller, too. (Mike and Shane can let you know, later, if they need to come off the Keller list.)
Thanks.
N.B. to all: Anyone who would like to play Midland Hills (Raynor, 1919) on Sunday afternoon (or Monday), please email or PM me. I (and Jeff Shelman) can certainly arrange a round for quite a few -- and perhaps for all. It's only a couple of miles from Town & Country, so it would be very convenient -- if time allows.
-
In for Friday and the weekend!
Thanks to Pat, Jason, and team!
-
IN. Great work MN gang.
-
Please count me in. Thanks for organizing!
-
.
-
Pat:
Sign me up for Friday. Hoover is on a plane so sign him up as well.
-
Pat:
Sign me up for Friday. Hoover is on a plane so sign him up as well.
I guess Hoover can post from a plane
-
As guardian of the Mashie for Team East, I'll be there for all three rounds, proudly bearing our rightful trophy on behalf of my countrymen. I look forward to handing it to a fellow East-teamer at the end of the weekend.
I'll likely find a hotel downtown or in Midtown as a Starwood loyalist, but the Murphy House looks very cool. This entire proposal is an awesome offer. Big thanks to everyone who helped put this together.
-
Please count me in, Shelman, Topp, Hogan, and Hoover, don't think I can miss that.
-
I'm in. Thanks, Pat.
-
I'm in. My plan is to come in Thursday morning and arrange a game or two before Friday's official kickoff. That's still a maybe.
Thanks to all the crew for setting this up. I'm excited!
I'd also be up for Friday morning at Midland Hills and a Twins game on Thursday Night (if I arrive Thursday). I'm from Cincy, but the Twins are my MLB team. Long story.
-
If there are still spots available. count me in.
-
Pat,
Count me in for Friday and the weekend.
if we get too many people for Saturday and Sunday, I'm happy to give up my spot to an out of towner.
If anybody gets in Friday morning and wants to play Midland in the morning before Keller, I'm happy to host. And, as Dan said previously, we're happy to host on Sunday afternoon after T&C as well.
Thanks for your work on this.
Jeff
-
Please count me in for all rounds and activities. Thank you for organizing what is sure to be another great event. Looking forward to my 4th consecutive MW Mashie and back-to-back East victories!
-
Count me in for all of the above!
I know beggars (of which I definitely am one) can't be choosers, but is there an option for 36 any of those days?
Edit: Jeff, Dan, I just saw both of your offers. If that becomes official, I'd love to join that morning.
-
If anybody gets in Friday morning and wants to play Midland in the morning before Keller, I'm happy to host.
Ditto to this. I can be available Friday morning, too.
-
Looks like a great event. Thanks to the Twin Cities crew for hosting.
Friday at Keller: In
Saturday/Sunday: In
Would also be interested in Friday morning at Midland and Thursday night Twins/Indians game at Target Field.
-
Count me in for all of the above!
I know beggars (of which I definitely am one) can't be choosers, but is there an option for 36 any of those days?
Edit: Jeff, Dan, I just saw both of your offers. If that becomes official, I'd love to join that morning.
We should also be able to make at least 27 available at Windsong. If you want 36, Pioneer Creek across the street is the most convenient option. Baker National is also quite close. I would recommend 27 at Windsong, however.
-
Just to add something else to think about:
There are at least four courses very much worth playing in the northern part of Minnesota, should anyone be planning a longer stay; these are 3 to 4 hours north of the Twin Cities:
Northland CC, Duluth (Donald Ross; private, but welcoming)
and
The Brauer Trail -- three resort and casino courses by Jeff Brauer (and his associate, Keff Bauer), which, as far as I know, are the main companions to Windsong Farm as the state's best modern courses. In Chronological Order:
-- Giants Ridge Legend
-- Giants Ridge Quarry
-- The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
Almost everyone has a hard time deciding which of the three is the "best" -- though the battle generally comes down to Quarry vs. Wilderness.
I don't care which is best. They're both really good.
-
Hey, I can actually make this one, as I ought to be up at Superior National (or can be, for a construction close out meeting on Phase II) so sign me up for at least Keller on Friday. Not sure if can stay over both days of the weekend.
IF there is a group of 3-4 who want to head north, I can make some arrangements and wouldn't mind going over there the week before (after might be cold up there) to play with the group at one or two of those. Wouldn't mind a Northland round, either, but have no real connections. It might be of interest to a few for a preview round/construction tour at Sup Nat and then Northland, as the other three are a couple of hours north of Duluth.
Whatever works. Should be fun.
-
I'm in including Keller.
Dan Kelly brings up an excellent point. If someone is coming in Wednesday night, it is definitely more than worth it to head north for a day. It's hard to find a better set of greens than Northland's and Giants Ridge/Fortune Bay are the best public courses in the state.
Shane
-
Please count me in for the entire weekend including Keller on Friday, and thanks for putting this together!
TK
-
Crap...great courses, great hosts, and a state I haven't been to for golf (or anything really).
Alas, I will be running an alumni golf event in Vermont that weekend.
With organization like this, I'm sure the Mashie will come round again to MN soon like Bethpage or #2 US Opens!
-
Pat,
I am in for all events.
John
-
Please sign me and my father in law (Mike Scheller) up for the full Mashie (including Friday). Looking forward to our first Mashie!
-
DOUBLE CRAP!!!
I know it has yet to be officially announced...but this is the SAME EXACT WEEKEND as the 2015 Dixie Cup.
Paging Dr.'s Whitaker, Strulowitz and McBride to the ER...STAT!!!!! :'(
-
I'm in for the whole enchilada with a fine local craft beer. Thanks to the Minnesotans for pulling it together.
-
Put me down for the full monty.
Big thanks to Pat and Jason for their early planning efforts!
-
Put me down for the full monty.
Is it OK if we just put you down for the full schedule?
-
Can I sign up as tentative? Due to work and family, I'd say I'll know if I can make it by June, but definitely interested in trying to make the trip up there (and hopefully seeing the Tribe in a pennant race on Thursday night as well!). If not, no worries - I'll check back in when I know for sure and see if there are still spots left.
The big question...does geography or history win out for team purposes? I slipped onto the West last year as being west of the Cuyahoga River, but I'm guessing I'd be decidedly East as a Clevelander in Minnesota. Either way, can't wait!
-
Pat-I am in for the Mashie, including the round at Keller. Thanks for all the work you and Jason did in putting this together.
-
Awesome job guys! The itinerary looks great!
Please include me for Friday at Keller along with the Mashie.
Keep the East streak alive!!
Ken
-
Awesome job guys! The itinerary looks great!
Please include me for Friday at Keller along with the Mashie.
Keep the East streak alive!!
Ken
Ken -
By definition, a "streak" would require more than one. Just saying...
-
Awesome job guys! The itinerary looks great!
Please include me for Friday at Keller along with the Mashie.
Keep the East streak alive!!
Ken
Partner!!!! Glad you can make it....
-
If I understand his message correctly, Lou Duran is in.
I am not sure whether the Dixie Cup is going to trump this however.
-
I've updated the first post of the thread to include confirmed participants. Thank you for all of the interest, guys!
-
Ken -
By definition, a "streak" would require more than one. Just saying...
Damn George. We have to start somewhere!!
Partner!!!! Glad you can make it....
Pat, most certainly looking forward to it!!
Ken
-
Thank you every one who has helped set this up! It looks amazing!
I would like to play for the East, coming from Cleveland and have played for the East the last couple years. Thanks Jason for bringing home a victory last year!
I would like to be included for all the activities, and like Josh would be up for more than 18 holes any day that it can be done. I am going to look into coming in on Wed, if there is a chance for golf on Thursday up north.
For any one planning on renting a car I would also be interested in splitting the costs...
Thank you all again for setting this up,
chris sturges, team East
-
I would definitely be happy to coordinate at least one rental car as the event draws nearer if air travelers want to look into sharing rides. One thing worth mentioning: the worst thing about sharing a rental car is trying to time flights so that multiple trips to airports for pickup and dropoff aren't required. As this article from FiveThirtyEight outlines, Minneapolis is a great place to have that problem as it's one of the only places in the US where light rail can get you from the airport to downtown more quickly than a car. For those staying downtown, the express train can get you from MSP to your hotel in 15 minutes, where you can meet the buddy who's driving you to Keller or Duluth the next day (which the train isn't nearly as good for, apparently).
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/planes-trains-and-taxis-when-to-take-public-transit-from-the-airport/
-
If I'm back from Europe and this doesn't conflict with the Dixie Cup (or maybe even if it does) I'd like to add Minnesota to my list of states visited and played in.
Count me in, please.
-
Pat, George, Jason, Dan, etc...
Kudos on putting this together. It looks to be a great weekend. I really would like to come, but can't commit just yet. That exact weekend is a strong possibility for our family to head to the sunshine state to visit a certain large-eared rodent. This will provide motivation for me to campaign for one of the other weekends, but my vote carries no veto power. I'll let you know as soon as we make a decision, provided there are still available spots. It looks like early turnout is pretty strong...
EDIT: Yikes, I just double checked the sign up list and it looks to be full. I guess the Twin Cities option was every bit as attractive as everyone thought!
-
Jason,
Something like that will work! I just wanted to get it out there.
Steve,
How are the hickories? I hope we can play golf before this event, I was sad to miss playing hickorys with you and Dean.
chris
-
I would definitely be happy to coordinate at least one rental car as the event draws nearer if air travelers want to look into sharing rides. One thing worth mentioning: the worst thing about sharing a rental car is trying to time flights so that multiple trips to airports for pickup and dropoff aren't required. As this article from FiveThirtyEight outlines, Minneapolis is a great place to have that problem as it's one of the only places in the US where light rail can get you from the airport to downtown more quickly than a car. For those staying downtown, the express train can get you from MSP to your hotel in 15 minutes, where you can meet the buddy who's driving you to Keller or Duluth the next day (which the train isn't nearly as good for, apparently).
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/planes-trains-and-taxis-when-to-take-public-transit-from-the-airport/
Jason,
You bring up a good logistical point. The light rail here is really excellent, especially for trips from the airport to downtown Minneapolis. Most hotels are within a very short walk of either the Nicollet Mall or Government Center stops. You will need a car to access the different golf courses, in particular Windsong Farm :) , however.
Also, if anyone is looking for a good recommendation for a hotel in downtown Minneapolis, I did a quick search on Priceline and found that The Grand Hotel (Kimpton) has rates starting at $96/night that weekend. The Grand Hotel (formerly the Minneapolis Athletic Club) is a very nice hotel where most of the visiting sports teams stay overnight in Minneapolis. It's been recently updated and has a full Lifetime gym in the building. At $96/night it is a very good deal, assuming you plan on staying in downtown Minneapolis.
-
On vacation in Florida, and I had every intention of signing up, but the sign up wasn't live before I left for our round this morning, and it was filled by the time I got back. So I'm in if there's a waiting list.
-
Just to add something else to think about:
There are at least four courses very much worth playing in the northern part of Minnesota, should anyone be planning a longer stay; these are 3 to 4 hours north of the Twin Cities:
Northland CC, Duluth (Donald Ross; private, but welcoming)
and
The Brauer Trail -- three resort and casino courses by Jeff Brauer (and his associate, Keff Bauer), which, as far as I know, are the main companions to Windsong Farm as the state's best modern courses. In Chronological Order:
-- Giants Ridge Legend
-- Giants Ridge Quarry
-- The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
Almost everyone has a hard time deciding which of the three is the "best" -- though the battle generally comes down to Quarry vs. Wilderness.
I don't care which is best. They're both really good.
I stay about 100 miles north of both courses for 3 weeks every summer and make it a point to play all 3 at least 2-3 times while I am there.
They are all well worth the trip.
Side note, if anyone is planning on driving up, make sure to stop at Gordy's Hi Hat in Cloquet for the best hamburgers money can buy.
-
I can give up my golf spot at Keller and just be an observer if it helps. I can play there at other times.
-
Keep signing up. There is always a juggling act with the numbers at these things and we can figure something out if there is sufficient interest.
-
Pat,
I am also in for all events if there is space available. This might be the most popular year yet!
-
Looks like a great event. Thanks to the Twin Cities crew for hosting.
Friday at Keller: In
Saturday/Sunday: In
Would also be interested in Friday morning at Midland and Thursday night Twins/Indians game at Target Field.
Would be happy to go see the Indians lock up a playoff spot in late September. Hope that doesn't jinx them!
-
Re: accommodations, the Murphy House sounds excellent and I'm not sure how many people will be looking for accommodations. But I propose we should try to figure out a additional "home base" hotel or even an AirBnB if we have more than 8. I think the best Mashie's have been the ones where everyone is in mostly the same spot in the evenings.
If we have only 8 needing a hotel, my comment is null and void and I'd like a bed at the Murphy House :)
-
Please sign me up for all rounds!
-
Does the presence of a wait list mean that this event is already full?
-
Would be happy to go see the Indians lock up a playoff spot in late September. Hope that doesn't jinx them!
Brian --
What makes you think it'll be the *Indians'* locking up a playoff spot?
(NB: People who move to Minnesota are required, by custom if not by law, to root wholeheartedly for the local teams -- and to believe in their infinite potential, the evidence be damned! Failure to do so makes it impossible for any newcomer to experience the life of a true Minnesotan -- i.e., doomed to season after season of futility, with [every decade or so] a glimmer of hope, and [every generation or so] an actual moment of triumph. Of course, as an Indians fan, you know all about that already ....)
Dan
P.S. Sent our exchange to my niece's husband, who grew up in Dayton, lives in the Twin Cities, and roots for the Indians. His reply: "The last generation to experience a moment of triumph in Cleveland was my grandfather's. We're due."
-
Re: accommodations, the Murphy House sounds excellent and I'm not sure how many people will be looking for accommodations. But I propose we should try to figure out a additional "home base" hotel or even an AirBnB if we have more than 8. I think the best Mashie's have been the ones where everyone is in mostly the same spot in the evenings.
If we have only 8 needing a hotel, my comment is null and void and I'd like a bed at the Murphy House :)
I'm probably going to stay at the Aloft or the Westin downtown, at least from Thursday onwards (rates are higher on Wednesday night currently but may be more affordable with some negotiation). I could call those hotels and see if we could secure a group rate if there's interest. I'd just need a general headcount of how many rooms to have them block. The Westin may be the more ideal venue if we're looking for a group block of rooms - I love the Aloft, but it's a little weird and not for everyone.
-
A word to the wise:
It is worth noting that Windsong Farm is a substantial drive from downtown Minneapolis (24 miles to the middle of downtown, on winding country roads, Interstates and city streets) -- and that the dinner at Windsong, Saturday evening, will offer the chance to become not the most reliable drivers.
Two words to consider: Designated Driver.
-
A word to the wise:
It is worth noting that Windsong Farm is a substantial drive from downtown Minneapolis (24 miles to the middle of downtown, on winding country roads, Interstates and city streets) -- and that the dinner at Windsong, Saturday evening, will offer the chance to become not the most reliable drivers.
Two words to consider: Designated Driver.
Aka... UberX/UberXL
-
Re: accommodations, the Murphy House sounds excellent and I'm not sure how many people will be looking for accommodations. But I propose we should try to figure out a additional "home base" hotel or even an AirBnB if we have more than 8. I think the best Mashie's have been the ones where everyone is in mostly the same spot in the evenings.
If we have only 8 needing a hotel, my comment is null and void and I'd like a bed at the Murphy House :)
I'm probably going to stay at the Aloft or the Westin downtown, at least from Thursday onwards (rates are higher on Wednesday night currently but may be more affordable with some negotiation). I could call those hotels and see if we could secure a group rate if there's interest. I'd just need a general headcount of how many rooms to have them block. The Westin may be the more ideal venue if we're looking for a group block of rooms - I love the Aloft, but it's a little weird and not for everyone.
I think that's a good idea. Maybe see what final numbers round out to be and start putting that together. I like any hotel that is clean.
-
I'd be interested In staying in Murphy House or splitting a room with someone.
-
Add me to the list including Friday. Been wanting to visit the area for a while.
I am interested in Murphy house but might be a little late.
-
Sorry - I should of included this in my first post.
Please let me know, so i can form a list, if you're interested in staying at the Murphy House at Windsong Farm.
Thank you.
-
Put me down as a local fill-in, would like to join the dinner(s) for sure. Would also be up for Non-Mashie rounds before or after. Some interesting options south of the metro -- I dont know if Rochester CC (Tilly) might be possible but is on my short list. Northfield is a nice older course with some character and I've heard good things about Owatonna CC. Willingers and Legends aren't worth traveling for on their own but are decent public fillers coming from the South.
Buck
-
I went through and updated the participant list on the first post of the thread. Please let me know if I missed anyone in the process.
If anyone else is still interested in joining us, please keep signing up. As if typically happens with events like this, people drop out for a variety of reasons and those on the wait list are able to join in.
-
I can give up my golf spot at Keller and just be an observer if it helps. I can play there at other times.
Jeff,
We have more flexibility with tee times at Keller, so no worries. We would love to have you join the party.
-
I can give up my golf spot at Keller and just be an observer if it helps. I can play there at other times.
Jeff,
We have more flexibility with tee times at Keller, so no worries. We would love to have you join the party.
Great! Will put it on the calendar, and if possible, join other events.
-
Please add me to Keller since there's some flexibility there
-
Great lineup. And if anyone is looking for another recommendation, try Owatonna to the South or Eau Claire to the East if you are arriving by car.
-
Just to update, I am looking at a couple of hotels in downtown and "midtown" Minneapolis to gauge what kinds of group rates we might be able to get. I'll price both single and double-occupancy. I'm hoping to get a few different offers based on how many people would be interested in a room.
Feel free to let me know if you're definitely interested in staying downtown. I'll err on the side of overblocking rooms so there's no need to confirm just yet if you're still mulling options, but if I can promise a certain number of guests it might positively affect our pricing. I'm looking at the Midtown Sheraton (just outside of downtown proper, across the street from a Russian bar, and 3 miles due west of Town and Country) and the Westin Minneapolis (heart of downtown, close enough to 9th and Hennepin that you can easily procure doughnuts have names that sound like prostitutes) at the moment, and should be able to come up with prices for king rooms for single occupancy and standard 2 queens as well as suites for double-occupancy.
To be clear, this isn't intended to trump the fantastic looking Murphy House, and I don't know that I'll be able to beat the excellent price that Windsong has offered to stay onsite. However, given that the Murphy House only sleeps 10, it does seem like we'll need a second "home base" and the location may be more convenient for some.
-
Jason,
If you're going to stay in a hotel over the weekend, I would not recommend the Midtown Sheraton. It would probably be a fine place to stay a night...but if you are thinking of being able to walk to a bar or two and use it as a home base for a group of guys, it wouldn't be my pick.
You might pay a couple of extra dollars to park a rental car downtown over a weekend, but I think a group of guys would likely enjoy downtown Minneapolis a lot better.
-
Jason,
My current plan is to come in at least on Wednesday night and Pat mentioned " for people checking in on the 25th and out the 27th" on the Murphy House. Not sure if that will be available for the extra two nights so mark me down as interested until I figure that out.
-
Thanks for the local knowledge Pat. Jeff offered a similar take as well.
I'll continue shopping a few hotels near downtown and go ahead and scratch the Midtown Sheraton from consideration. For those looking for rooms, continue to keep me posted and I'll let you know what options I come up with.
-
Currently, I do not plan on renting out the Murphy House beyond the 25th to the 27th. I can rent half or all the house if there are people interested in doing more days. Each floor is set up to be rented by a group of 4. The approximate cost would be $300 for the lower half (2 bedrooms) and $500 for the upper half (4 bedrooms).
The biggest downside to spending extra days there would be location - the experience would be more of a retreat rather than a beehive of activity. You are also looking at a half hour drive to get to most other courses of interest (other than Woodhill, Spring Hill, Wayzata and Rush Creek) and an hour if you want to get to White Bear or North Oaks.
-
Thanks for the local knowledge Pat. Jeff offered a similar take as well.
I'll continue shopping a few hotels near downtown and go ahead and scratch the Midtown Sheraton from consideration. For those looking for rooms, continue to keep me posted and I'll let you know what options I come up with.
I have NO IDEA about prices there, but my brother and his wife (VERY well traveled) always stay at the Foshay Tower hotel: http://www.wminneapolishotel.com/ (http://www.wminneapolishotel.com/). They love the bar there, too. And the museum.
A little history: The Foshay Tower is the original "skyscraper" of Minneapolis. From 1929 till about 1973, when the IDS Center was built, it was easily the tallest building in town. (Nowadays, it's dwarfed -- but it still stands out!)
It was modeled on the Washington Monument. John Philip Sousa wrote a march to commemorate its dedication: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU9Yr4WU3gA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU9Yr4WU3gA).
Its builder, Wilbur Foshay, ended up living in Leavenworth for several years, before being pardoned by HS Truman: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilbur_B._Foshay (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilbur_B._Foshay)
-
My first time in the Twin Cities, I stayed at Le Meridien Chambers in downtown Minneapolis. A bit too artsy for my taste, but it was within walking distance to lots of restaurants and bars.
-
If people end up staying in Minneapolis this could make for a good night out -- very cool place on the roof of a bar overlooking downtown. Not sure what it stimps at.
(http://www.britspub.com/_uls/resources/gallery/deck1.jpg)
http://www.britspub.com/lawn_bowling/index.php?strWebAction=availability
-
My preference is going to be Downtown. Let us know what you come up with.
-
Registration list in post #1 has been updated.
-
Regrettably, I am taking my name off the list for the Midwest Mashie. I'm sure it will be a great event, but a tour of Minnesota's finest golf will have to wait for another time.
TK
-
Regrettably, I am taking my name off the list for the Midwest Mashie. I'm sure it will be a great event, but a tour of Minnesota's finest golf will have to wait for another time.
TK
Sorry to hear that Tyler. I was looking forward to catching up. Any other time you want to come down, shoot me a message.
-
Jason,
I'll certainly let you know when I make the trek to Minneapolis, I'm certain to have a $1 bill with your name on it!!
TK
-
Not to be like the guy at Rancho Park who ran out to the sixth hole to take the spot of a guy who was reported to have dropped dead from a heart attack, but if this bumps me onto the in-list, I'm in for Keller as well as the Mashie.
Sorry, Tyler.
-
If Rick is in as a result of Tyler having to withdraw, I must admit that my ankles will feel safer once I'm in the range of Shefchik mashie or niblick or whatever.
-
Not to be like the guy at Rancho Park who ran out to the sixth hole to take the spot of a guy who was reported to have dropped dead from a heart attack...
Why the back nine took so long:
Hit the ball, drag Fred, hit the ball, drag Fred...
-
If I make it off the waiting list my original post had me in for Keller also.
-
Regrettably, I am taking my name off the list for the Midwest Mashie. I'm sure it will be a great event, but a tour of Minnesota's finest golf will have to wait for another time.
TK
Sorry to hear that Tyler. I was looking forward to catching up. Any other time you want to come down, shoot me a message.
I'm bummed to hear that, Tyler. I was looking forward to hearing your thoughts on T&C having previous experience with the course. Whenever you make it back to Minnesota, please let me know and we will tee it up.
-
As we begin our Spring thaw here in Minnesota....
Registration list in post #1 has been updated.
Also, in a follow up to the original post, Richard Mandell was nice enough to arrange nine tee times for our group on 9/25/2015 starting at 12:30pm. The guest fee will be $42 for walkers and $58.50 for those who want to ride in cart. After the round we will retire to the clubhouse for cocktails and for a Q&A with Richard.
We'll figure out exact tee times and pairings closer to the event.
Looking forward to it, Gentlemen.
-
As we begin our Spring thaw here in Minnesota....
Registration list in post #1 has been updated.
Also, in a follow up to the original post, Richard Mandell was nice enough to arrange nine tee times for our group on 9/25/2015 starting at 12:30pm. The guest fee will be $42 for walkers and $58.50 for those who want to ride in cart. After the round we will retire to the clubhouse for cocktails and for a Q&A with Richard.
We'll figure out exact tee times and pairings closer to the event.
Looking forward to it, Gentlemen.
Please add me to the list for Murphy House. Thank you very much.
-
Thank yall for setting everything up but I'm gonna need to back out.
-
I haven't had much luck finding group rates on hotels in downtown Minneapolis. I've been in touch with a few participants who plan to have a base camp at the Westin, and I'm happy to have them block 5-10 rooms for us if others want to join. However, the hotels downtown are all fairly closely situated and so if you would prefer to stay at the Marriott or Le Meridien or wherever else, it won't make you a social pariah. We'll all be within a two or three minute walk of each other.
-
The more I think about it, the more the Murphy House is sounding appealing to me for Friday and Saturday night. Looking for that retreat feeling, even if it means a bit of drive to T&C on Sunday. Please put me on that list. Thursday night I'll stay downtown for convenience to Target Field.
-
The more I think about it, the more the Murphy House is sounding appealing to me for Friday and Saturday night. Looking for that retreat feeling, even if it means a bit of drive to T&C on Sunday. Please put me on that list. Thursday night I'll stay downtown for convenience to Target Field.
I think you will enjoy it. I may stay out there if it does not fill up.
-
Heads up Mashies this Wed. night, April 22, on the Esquire Channel they are airing Best Bars in America- Minneapolis. I hope to visit a couple of these establishments for my first trip to the Twin Cities if I make the cut for the Mashie. 8)
-
Due to a new job and relocating I am going to have to withdraw from the 2015 Mashie. Just my luck, the Mashie finally makes it way to Minnesota and of course I can't be there.
To all attending have fun and enjoy Minnesota!!
Hogan
-
Best bars Minneapolis tonight on Esquire network!
Psycho Suzi's tiki bar looks like a winner.
Butcher & Boar's beer, brot , and a shot for $12 must be a cant miss.
And I have moved up to #1 on the waiting list!
-
Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out of the 2015 Midwest Mashie. My wife and I have a kid on the way and the due date is 9/28...
The event is in great hands!
-
Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out of the 2015 Midwest Mashie. My wife and I have a kid on the way and the due date is 9/28...
The event is in great hands!
If there was ever a reason to miss the Mashie.... George, you'll be missed. Congratulations!!
Ken
-
Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out of the 2015 Midwest Mashie. My wife and I have a kid on the way and the due date is 9/28...
The event is in great hands!
If there was ever a reason to miss the Mashie.... George, you'll be missed. Congratulations!!
Ken
George! Congrats buddy!!!!!!
-
Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out of the 2015 Midwest Mashie. My wife and I have a kid on the way and the due date is 9/28...
The event is in great hands!
Congrats, George!
-
Well, that's a hell of a way to dodge our annual match. Congratulations buddy.
-
We've have quite a few people's plans change recently, so the registration list has been updated on the first post.
Since we were only down to two people on the waitlist for the event, we figured we would just add Buck & Tom to the list so both can plan accordingly and especially considering there is likely to be a couple more cancelations over the summer anyway.
-
Well, that's a hell of a way to dodge our annual match. Congratulations buddy.
Thanks guys!
Jason: next year...
-
Please put me on the list for Friday at Keller!
-
Evening Guys,
My name is Joe Lynch and I'm a new GCA member. I was on the waiting list for the Mashie right behind Tom Doak but I can't seem to see my name listed anymore. This event will be a blast and hope to join you guys.
-
You left me off the list for Keller. I was the first alternate before the new list was posted.
-
Pat,
I pulled out a few weeks ago, but am still listed on the confirmed list.
TK
-
Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out of the 2015 Midwest Mashie. My wife and I have a kid on the way and the due date is 9/28...
The event is in great hands!
Your sense of timing is really disappointing. Congrats, George, and give our best to the mom to be!
-
Ok, sorry guys. I had a few mistakes in my previous registation list. I've updated it again in the first post, and I'll add it below for good measure. If there are still any errors let me know and I will correct. **Please be sure to check to make sure you're included in the Keller outing if you've registered recently...that's a separate registration.
Thanks.
***AS OF 4/24/2015***
Registration
Confirmed Participants:
1) Pat Craig
2) Jason Topp
3) Dan Kelly
4) Shane Wright
5) Patrick Hodgdon
6) Ben Kodadek
7) Brian Hoover
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Brian Finn
14) Josh Tarble
15) Howard Riefs
16) John Crowley
17) Cliff Walston
18) Mike Scheller
19) Dan Moore
20) Bill Steele
21) Ken Fry
22) Lou Duran
23) C. Sturges
24) Steve Wilson
25) Rick Shefchik
26) Greg Krueger
27) Tim Leahy
28) Tom Doak
29) Buck Wolter
30) Joe Zucker
31)
32)
Friday at Keller Golf Course
1) Richard Mandell
2) Pat Craig
3) Dan Kelly
4) Patrick Hodgdon
5) Ben Kodadek
6) Brian Hoover
7) Jason Topp
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Brian Finn
14) Josh Tarble
15) Howard Riefs
16) Jeff Brauer
17) Shane Wright
18) John Crowley
19) Cliff Walston
20) Mike Scheller
21) Dan Moore
22) Bill Steele
23) Ken Fry
24) Lou Duran
25) C. Sturges
26) Steve Wilson
27) Tom Doak
28) Buck Wolter
29) Greg Krueger
30) Joe Lynch
31) Tim Leahy
32)
Waitlist
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8 )
9)
10)
Interested in Murphy House
1) Josh Tarble
2) Tim Leahy
3) Brian Finn
4) Criss Titschinger
5)
6)
7)
8 )
9)
10)
-
No hurry but when you have time, please switch out Joe Lynch from Keller to regular participant.
Thanks a lot
Joe Lynch
-
Windsong served as a brutal test in horrible weather yesterday for US Women's Open Sectional Qualifying:
http://www.mngolf.org/News/Burnham_Headed_to_US_Womens_Open_After_Carding_151_at_Windsong_Farm
They played the course from our red tees at 6300 yards which I suspect will be the most popular tees this fall.
-
Windsong served as a brutal test in horrible weather yesterday for US Women's Open Sectional Qualifying:
http://www.mngolf.org/News/Burnham_Headed_to_US_Womens_Open_After_Carding_151_at_Windsong_Farm
They played the course from our red tees at 6300 yards which I suspect will be the most popular tees this fall.
It was a beautiful Spring Minnesota Day yesterday --windchill way below freezing.
Temperatures stayed in the 40s for most of the day with wind gusts reaching 40 mph, something Burnham felt gave her an edge over other players in the field.
-
I think I have to be in Des Moines for a debate tournament the weekend of the Mashie. It is killing me to have it at home and not be able to jump in. If the team's travel plans change and there's a spot open when that happens, though . . .
-
I think I have to be in Des Moines for a debate tournament the weekend of the Mashie. It is killing me to have it at home and not be able to jump in. If the team's travel plans change and there's a spot open when that happens, though . . .
Jason will get you a tee time at Waveland that weekend
-
I'm devastated, but I must bow out of the Mashie again this year. At some point I'm going to run out of friends getting married.
-
I unfortunately need to drop out due to a family conflict. Hope you all have a great time at the MM. Have a Juicy Lucy for me please.
-
***AS OF 6/24/2015***
***Please Review***
Registration
Confirmed Participants:
1) Pat Craig
2) Jason Topp
3) Dan Kelly
4) Shane Wright
5) Patrick Hodgdon
6) Ben Kodadek
7) Brian Hoover
8) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Brian Finn
14) John Crowley
15) Cliff Walston
16) Mike Scheller
17) Dan Moore
18) Bill Steele
19) Ken Fry
20) Lou Duran
21) C. Sturges
22) Steve Wilson
23) Rick Shefchik
24) Greg Krueger
25) Tim Leahy
26) Tom Doak
27) Buck Wolter
28) Joe Zucker
29)
30)
31)
32)
Friday at Keller Golf Course
1) Richard Mandell
2) Pat Craig
3) Dan Kelly
4) Patrick Hodgdon
5) Ben Kodadek
6) Brian Hoover
7) Jason Topp
8) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titchinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Brian Finn
14) Jeff Brauer
15) Shane Wright
16) John Crowley
17) Cliff Walston
18) Mike Scheller
19) Dan Moore
20) Bill Steele
21) Ken Fry
22) Lou Duran
23) C. Sturges
24) Steve Wilson
25) Tom Doak
26) Buck Wolter
27) Greg Krueger
28) Joe Lynch
29) Tim Leahy
30)
31)
32)
Interested in Murphy House
1) Tim Leahy
2) Brian Finn
3) Criss Titschinger
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
-
Updated participant list is above. Please let me know if there is anything that should be further updated.
Crazy to think that the Mashie is only 3 months away!!
-
I am going to need at least 4 to keep half of the Murphy house so please sign up if you are interested. One benefit of staying there is that I can start you earlier at Windsong and insure a 36 hole day. I believe the golf rate is a daily rate.
-
I am going to need at least 4 to keep half of the Murphy house so please sign up if you are interested. One benefit of staying there is that I can start you earlier at Windsong and insure a 36 hole day. I believe the golf rate is a daily rate.
My name keeps on getting dropped from the interested in the Murphy House list. I'm most definitely interested.
-
I am going to need at least 4 to keep half of the Murphy house so please sign up if you are interested. One benefit of staying there is that I can start you earlier at Windsong and insure a 36 hole day. I believe the golf rate is a daily rate.
Even though I am not attending, I am surprised the Murphy House wasn't booked months ago. It looks awesome and I find few things better in golf, than staying on site at a club.
I need to get up there and see you Jason!
-
I am going to need at least 4 to keep half of the Murphy house so please sign up if you are interested. One benefit of staying there is that I can start you earlier at Windsong and insure a 36 hole day. I believe the golf rate is a daily rate.
My name keeps on getting dropped from the interested in the Murphy House list. I'm most definitely interested.
Got it, sorry about that.
-
Can I sign up for the Murphy house?
Thanks,
Chris
I am getting excited!
-
It's starting to get real...
My wife has made it clear that any fall trip to the Upper Midwest will require bringing back multiple cases of beer from Wisconsin, and with that in mind I'm now planning to drive up. Is anyone else driving up through Chicago/Wisconsin and interested in playing on the way up? I'm thinking of stopping at Erin Hills on either Wednesday or Thursday to get one last round in there before prices shoot through the roof in 2017. I may also reach out to a few other courses. Basically, my plan is flexible other than that I'm reasonably certain I'd like to play some golf somewhere not too far out of the way. Anyone interested, send a PM or reply here.
-
I am still in for Murphy house and every thing else. I am planning on coming in early that week and would like to play another round with anyone who will have me. I will have a rental car and dont mind driving. PM me or post it here. Also would like to catch a Twins game.
-
I am still in for Murphy house and every thing else. I am planning on coming in early that week and would like to play another round with anyone who will have me. I will have a rental car and dont mind driving. PM me or post it here. Also would like to catch a Twins game.
Great to hear Tim. It will be exciting to watch Hoover's Indians attempt to play spoiler in the Twin's drive for the pennant. The Twins are taking a unique approach to winnng games - no offense, mediocre pitching and average defense.
PM Dan Kelly on earlier golf.
-
The Indians will be miles out of contention by the time the Mashie roles around (but my basketball team hopefully will be gearing up for another run).
Serious question, can I be on Team East? I'm living here, but I'll always identify myself as an Ohioan (even when it's embarrassing to do so). Each of the last two years, I've been forced to play on the West because they don't show up. Just once, I'd like to play on the right team.
If anyone is interested in playing elsewhere during that week, I'd be interested as well (depending on work).
-
The Indians will be miles out of contention by the time the Mashie roles around (but my basketball team hopefully will be gearing up for another run).
Serious question, can I be on Team East? I'm living here, but I'll always identify myself as an Ohioan (even when it's embarrassing to do so). Each of the last two years, I've been forced to play on the West because they don't show up. Just once, I'd like to play on the right team.
If anyone is interested in playing elsewhere during that week, I'd be interested as well (depending on work).
How does one give negative karma points?
-
The Indians will be miles out of contention by the time the Mashie roles around (but my basketball team hopefully will be gearing up for another run).
Serious question, can I be on Team East? I'm living here, but I'll always identify myself as an Ohioan (even when it's embarrassing to do so). Each of the last two years, I've been forced to play on the West because they don't show up. Just once, I'd like to play on the right team.
If anyone is interested in playing elsewhere during that week, I'd be interested as well (depending on work).
I am sensing some assimilation issues for Hoover -- we may need to give him a crash course in Minnesota Nice.
edit- The definitive map of the Midwest shows Ohio to be in the West
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0690/5113/products/1453_54e647bb345449.17023737_mw-map-1_grande_large_83a0a34c-35d8-4c59-9a0e-2348b0f5695f.jpeg?v=1435001338)
-
We are now less than two months until the Mashie. If anyone is coming to town early and is looking to play before the Friday round at Keller, please let us know.
-
Pat,
I sent you a PM a few weeks ago, but unfortunately Mike Scheller and I are not going to be able to make it due to a family commitment. Sorry about the cancelation and hope it doesn't cause any inconvenience. Hope the Mashie is outstanding as always.
Cliff
-
Mashers:
For those of you arriving early, Dan Kelly and I will host two groups on Friday morning at Midland Hills (prior to the Keller round).
Rate is $85+tax to walk and is payable in the golf shop with credit card.
We will play between 8:30 and 9 am.
Please send me a message on here if you have interest.
Here's what we have so far:
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6.
7.
8.
-
Jeff, I would be interested in playing Midland Friday morning.
Brian, I am not sure yet when I will get to town, but I would be interested in more golf!
Pat, I am interested in staying at the Murphy House if there are enough people.
Thanks all,
chris
-
Jeff-I would like to play Midland Hills on Friday morning if there are still slots available. Thanks. BILL STEELE
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
I am pretty sure I'll be able to play that morning, so that would open up three more slots. Still can't make it for the whole Mashie, though.
-
The Midwest Mashie is only a month and half away!
Updated Registration List as of 8/12/2015. Please let me know of any updates or corrections. Thank you.
Registration
Confirmed Participants:
1) Pat Craig
2) Jason Topp
3) Dan Kelly
4) Shane Wright
5) Patrick Hodgdon
6) Ben Kodadek
7) Brian Hoover
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Brian Finn
14) John Crowley
15) Dan Moore
16) Bill Steele
17) Ken Fry
18) Lou Duran
19) C. Sturges
20) Steve Wilson
21) Rick Shefchik
22) Greg Krueger
23) Tim Leahy
24) Tom Doak
25) Buck Wolter
26) Joe Zucker
27) Joe Lynch
28) Scott Skorupa
29)
30)
31)
32)
Friday at Keller Golf Course
1) Richard MANDELLolor]1) Richard Mandell
2) Pat Craig
3) Dan Kelly
4) Patrick Hodgdon
5) Ben Kodadek
6) Brian Hoover
7) Jason Topp
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Brian Finn
14) Jeff Brauer
15) Shane Wright
16) John Crowley
17) Dan Moore
18) Bill Steele
19) Ken Fry
20) Lou Duran
21) C. Sturges
22) Steve Wilson
23) Tom Doak
24) Buck Wolter
25) Greg Krueger
26) Tim Leahy
27) Scott Skorupa
28) Rick Shefchik
29)
30)
31)
32)
31)
Interested in Murphy House
1) C. Sturgis
2) Tim Leahy
3) Brian Finn
4) Bill Steele
5) Criss Titschinger
6) Buck Wolter
7)
8 )
9)
10)
-
I need Leahy and Finn to confirm whether they are in or out for the Murphy House. If anyone else is interested, please let me know ASAP. If I do not have 8, I am going to let half of the house go and just rent the bottom half for $300 a night.
Those staying at the Murphy House will be able to play 36 on Saturday at no additional cost (other than cart if you are so inclined).
-
Is it time for the annual monthlong debate of who's on which team? The Reigning Champion East Team has five players returning by my count: Finn, Thurman, Sturges, Steele, and Fry. We also have Doak returning from the 2013 team, and I understand that Hoover's contract with the West expired last year and the East has offered a huge qualifying sheet to him that the West is unlikely to match after a few years of alleged tampering.
There are a lot of geographic Easterners attending this event who have played for Team West in years past. The East welcomes defectors who are willing to fully renounce their loyalties to the hour-behind former empire.
-
The West is willing to trade Hoover for anyone with a pulse
-
The West is willing to trade Hoover for anyone with a pulse
Ouch, that hurts, it really hurts. That's the ice water in my veins...or perhaps it's that I'm just dead inside! ;)
I think I'll keep those signed dollars I owe you.
-
I need Leahy and Finn to confirm whether they are in or out for the Murphy House. If anyone else is interested, please let me know ASAP. If I do not have 8, I am going to let half of the house go and just rent the bottom half for $300 a night.
Those staying at the Murphy House will be able to play 36 on Saturday at no additional cost (other than cart if you are so inclined).
Jason if there's an extra spot I'll take it for Friday and Saturday -- Lakeville can be a long drive
-
If anyone is coming/going from south via I-35 I'll throw open an invite for Owatonna CC on Thursday evening or Friday morning. Long round trip from MSP but it is worth a stop if you're driving by -- not sure what that makes it on the Doak scale. Hopefully I'll have posted an overview by then. Shoot me a PM if interested.
Buck
-
Pat, I thought I was signed up for Friday at Keller, but don't see my name on the list. If there's still room, I'd like to play.
Rick
-
I think this may only affect Thurman, but if you have to drive up 65 to get to Chicago to MSP, avoid north of Indy and find an alternate route (probably across to Champaign, IL). Just north of Lebanon, there was a bridge that sunk and they've closed 50 miles of I-65 between Indianapolis and Chicago. Don't know if they'll get that done before the end of September.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/08/12/interstate-65-bridge-indiana/31556813/
-
I think this may only affect Thurman, but if you have to drive up 65 to get to Chicago to MSP, avoid north of Indy and find an alternate route (probably across to Champaign, IL). Just north of Lebanon, there was a bridge that sunk and they've closed 50 miles of I-65 between Indianapolis and Chicago. Don't know if they'll get that done before the end of September.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/08/12/interstate-65-bridge-indiana/31556813/ (http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/08/12/interstate-65-bridge-indiana/31556813/)
Speaking from experience, that detour won't totally derail your trip, but it will add some time. Keep in mind that coming from Indianapolis, you could also take I-74W over to Bloomington, IL and then take I-39N.
-
When you get to the Twin Cities, it won't be any better. Seemingly construction everywhere.
-
The registration list above has been updated.
-
The registration list above has been updated.
Pat - Leahy is out
-
The registration list above has been updated.
Pat - Leahy is out
For the whole thing?
-
How about this for the teams?:
Teams:
East
1 - Jason Thurman
2 - Ben Kodadek
3 - Brian Hoover
4 - Chris Titschinger
5 - Brian Finn
6 - Bill Steele
7 - Ken Fry
8 - Lou Duran
9 - C. Sturges
10 - Steve Wilson
11 - Frank Sekulic
12 - Greg Krueger
13 - Tom Doak
14 - Joe Lynch
West
1 - Pat Craig
2 - Jason Topp
3 - Dan Kelly
4 - Shane Wright
5 - Patrick Hodgdon
6 - Neil Davis
7 - Jeff Shelman
8 - John Crowley
9 - Dan Moore
10 - Rick Shefchik[/size]
11 - Buck Wolter
12 - Scott Skorupa
13 - Joe Zucker14 - OPEN
-
The registration list above has been updated.
Pat - Leahy is out
For the whole thing?
Yes - broken foot
-
Pat, a little respect for the defending champions would be nice. Typing our names in tiny font is the kind of thing Jud would do.
I'm kidding, of course. Good luck getting that formatting resolved.
-
Pat, a little respect for the defending champions would be nice. Typing our names in tiny font is the kind of thing Jud would do.
I'm kidding, of course. Good luck getting that formatting resolved.
Sorry about that. I copied from Microsoft Word and the formatting on this new GCA is a bit strange. I updated the post above.
-
Had something booked for this weekend that fell through. Is there still a spot available for the Mashie? It sounds like a great weekend.
-
I'd like to say how impressed I am with all the Minnesota GCAers and their gracious efforts in accommodating many pre mashie rounds! Well done guys
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
Cort Sylvester believes he can play Friday morning. Dan Moore wants to join the group.
9. Cort Sylvester
10. Dan Moore
11. Shane Wright
-
I'm still looking good for that morning. Room for a couple more.
-
Pat - Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to make the weekend rounds on Saturday and Sunday. I'm really sorry.
I am still IN for Keller on Friday afternoon[size=78%]. [/size]
And if there is still room, I am IN for Midland Hills (Jeff, Dan, Cort) on Friday morning.
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
Cort Sylvester believes he can play Friday morning. Dan Moore wants to join the group.
9. Cort Sylvester
10. Dan Moore
11. Shane Wright
Updating.
-
Had something booked for this weekend that fell through. Is there still a spot available for the Mashie? It sounds like a great weekend.
Jason are you in for all three rounds?
-
Well, we are now only a month away from the 2015 Mashie.
Updated Registration List as of 8/25/2015. Please let me know of any updates or corrections. Thank you.
Registration
Confirmed Participants:
1) Pat Craig
2) Jason Topp
3) Dan Kelly
4) Jon Bishop
5)Doug Siebert
6) Jason Lietaer
7) Brian Hoover
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Brian Finn
14) John Crowley
15) Dan Moore
16) Bill Steele
17) Ken Fry
18) Lou Duran
19) C. Sturges
20) Steve Wilson
21) Rick Shefchik
22) Tom Doak
23) Buck Wolter
24) Joe Zucker
25) Joe Lynch
26) Scott Skorupa
27) Richard Choi
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
Friday at Keller Golf Course
1) Richard Mandell
2) Pat Craig
3) Dan Kelly
4) Patrick Hodgdon
5) Jason Lietaer
6) Brian Hoover
7) Jason Topp
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Brian Finn
14) Jeff Brauer
15) Shane Wright
16) John Crowley
17) Dan Moore
18) Bill Steele
19) Ken Fry
20) Lou Duran
21) C. Sturges
22) Steve Wilson
23) Tom Doak
24) Buck Wolter
25) Greg Krueger
26) Tim Leahy
27) Scott Skorupa
28) Rick Shefchik
29) Joe Zucker
30) Richard Choi
31) Doug Siebert
32)
Interested in Murphy House
1) C. Sturgis
2) Jason Lietaer
3) Brian Finn
4) Bill Steele
5) Criss Titschinger
6) Buck Wolter
7) Doug Siebert (Single Room)
8 ) Richard Choi
EDIT: Geez...this font issue is a royal pain.
-
Pat -- sent you a PM. Yes, I'm in for all three rounds.
Dan -- is there still room for Midland on Friday morning? I think my flight can work for that.
Jason
-
I am going to try to make this event if I can swing a modification of my travel plans for business.
What would be the most viable plan for Fri morning/Sat morning/Sun afternoon? I will most likely come Thu night and fly out Mon morning.
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
Cort Sylvester believes he can play Friday morning. Dan Moore wants to join the group.
9. Cort Sylvester
10. Dan Moore
11. Shane Wright
12. Jason Lietaer
WAITING LIST (pending securing of fourth member)
13 Richard Choi
Updating.
Updating again. It seems we have filled three foursomes at Midland Hills Friday morning.
If others are interested in joining us, say so, and I will find a fourth member for a fourth group.
-
I updated the registration list again this morning. See above.
-
I did not realize we were up to 8 people for the Murphy House. I will try and reserve the entire house if the upstairs has not been taken.
-
I have rented the entire Muphy House again. These people are in:
1) C. Sturgis
2) Jason Lietaer
3) Brian Finn
4) Bill Steele
5) Criss Titschinger
6) Buck Wolter
7) Doug Siebert (Single Room)
8 ) Richard Choi
The total cost is $1600 for two nights. We can either split it up at $200 per person or have those with single rooms pay $250 and those with double rooms pay $150. I know at least one person on this list is a bit tentative so if someone else is interested they should let me know.
-
Unfortunately I'm in the same boat as Shane Wright, I can still make it on Friday to Kellar but my schedule won't allow me to enjoy the weekend with you all. :(
Will try and free up Friday morning to join you guys at Midland as well (assuming there is a spot open at the time) but won't know until the week of what my meeting schedule is.
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
Cort Sylvester believes he can play Friday morning. Dan Moore wants to join the group.
9. Cort Sylvester
10. Dan Moore
11. Shane Wright
12. Jason Lietaer
WAITING LIST (pending securing of fourth member)
13 Richard Choi
Updating.
Updating again. It seems we have filled three foursomes at Midland Hills Friday morning.
If others are interested in joining us, say so, and I will find a fourth member for a fourth group.
Updating list. Will seek fourth member.
-
How about this for the teams?:
Teams:
East
1 - Jason Thurman
2 - Ben Kodadek
3 - Brian Hoover
4 - Chris Titschinger
5 - Brian Finn
6 - Bill Steele
7 - Ken Fry
8 - Lou Duran
9 - C. Sturges
10 - Steve Wilson
11 - Frank Sekulic
12 - Greg Krueger
13 - Tom Doak
14 - Joe Lynch
West
1 - Pat Craig
2 - Jason Topp
3 - Dan Kelly
4 - Shane Wright
5 - Patrick Hodgdon
6 - Neil Davis
7 - Jeff Shelman
8 - John Crowley
9 - Dan Moore
10 - Rick Shefchik
11 - Buck Wolter
12 - Scott Skorupa
13 - Joe Zucker
14 - OPEN
Hodgdon and Wright are out. Lietaer and Choi are in.
Rich is obviously Team West. I don't know from where Lietaer hails. We still have an odd number of players, but I would guess we'll have one or two more who either sign up or bail in the next month and we can move players around if need be to get an equal number of players per side when/if that happens. Pat, will you be captaining the West squad?
-
Team West dropping like flies!
-
I'm from Ontario, which is obviously not West for this crew. But happy to play for whatever team will have me!
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
Cort Sylvester believes he can play Friday morning. Dan Moore wants to join the group.
9. Cort Sylvester
10. Dan Moore
11. Shane Wright
12. Jason Lietaer
13. Mike Manthey
14. Richard Choi
Updating.
Updating again. It seems we have filled three foursomes at Midland Hills Friday morning.
If others are interested in joining us, say so, and I will find a fourth member for a fourth group.
Updating list. Will seek fourth member.
Updating. Our superintendent, Mike Manthey, has agreed to lead the fourth foursome. Two spots open.
-
I'd take a Midland Hills spot but would let a non-resident take my place-- Midland is wayyyy under-appreciated in my opinion, terrific Raynor course with some very cool holes.
-
Jon Bishop can play for the West.
-
Registration list in post #159 updated as of 8/31/2015. Please let me know if there are any updates and/or corrections.
-
Pat, will you be captaining the West squad?
Sure.
-
Pat (and others)--
As a one-time participant in the Mashie (Lost Dunes) who can't make it this year, I just wanted to chime in and note that the weekend you've planned looks terrific. Hope you all have a great time.
Carl
-
Pat (and others)--
As a one-time participant in the Mashie (Lost Dunes) who can't make it this year, I just wanted to chime in and note that the weekend you've planned looks terrific. Hope you all have a great time.
Carl
Thanks, Carl. I'm sorry you can't make it this year. If you ever make it up here in the future, let me know.
-
I'd like to join the 4th group at Midland Hills on Friday morning if still available.
Thanks,
Joe Lynch
-
Interested in Midland Hills if there is still an opening.
-
It is my honor to announce Ken Fry as the 2015 captain of the Defending Champion East Team. His ability to motivate our players brings to mind the words of the great philosopher Dale Doback.
(http://img.pandawhale.com/139245-step-brothers-I-would-follow-y-3x9y.gif)
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
Cort Sylvester believes he can play Friday morning. Dan Moore wants to join the group.
9. Cort Sylvester
10. Dan Moore
11. Shane Wright
12. Jason Lietaer
13. Mike Manthey
14. Richard Choi
15. Joe Lynch
16. Steve Wilson
Waiting list: Buck Wolter
Updating.
Updating again. It seems we have filled three foursomes at Midland Hills Friday morning.
If others are interested in joining us, say so, and I will find a fourth member for a fourth group.
Updating list. Will seek fourth member.
Updating. Our superintendent, Mike Manthey, has agreed to lead the fourth foursome. Two spots open.
Updating. We are set for tee times at 8, 8:10, 8:20, and 8:30.
If there is demand for a fifth time, at 8:40, I'll see if I can find another member to lead it.
We will need to coordinate with the outing to Keller, where the times start at 12:30.
-
Is anybody going to the Twins game on thursday night? Or does anybody want to?
-
Murphy House:
1) C. Sturgis [/size]2) Jason Lietaer3) Brian Finn4) Bill Steele5) Criss Titschinger6) Buck Wolter7) Doug Siebert (Single Room)8 ) Richard ChoiWait List:9) Steve Wilson (Single room)
I will lead a parade to the Murphy House from Keller (which will be a long drive). If you are not playing at Keller or want to drop your stuff off beforehand, let me know and I am sure we can figure that out. [/size]
-
Is anybody going to the Twins game on thursday night? Or does anybody want to?
I am, but I already bought a ticket.
-
Only 3 weeks out!
Updated Registration List as of 9/3/2015. Please let me know of any updates or corrections. Thank you.
Registration
Confirmed Participants:
1) Pat Craig
2) Jason Topp
3) Dan Kelly
4) Jon Bishop
5)Doug Siebert
6) Jason Lietaer
7) Brian Hoover
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Richard Choi
14) John Crowley
15) Dan Moore
16) Bill Steele
17) Ken Fry
18) Lou Duran
19) C. Sturges
20) Steve Wilson
21) Rick Shefchik
22) Tom Doak
23) Buck Wolter
24) Joe Zucker
25) Joe Lynch
26) Scott Skorupa
27)
28)
Friday at Keller Golf Course
1) Richard Mandell
2) Pat Craig
3) Dan Kelly
4) Patrick Hodgdon
5) Jason Lietaer
6) Brian Hoover
7) Jason Topp
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Doug Siebert
14) Jeff Brauer
15) Shane Wright
16) John Crowley
17) Dan Moore
18) Bill Steele
19) Ken Fry
20) Lou Duran
21) C. Sturges
22) Steve Wilson
23) Tom Doak
24) Buck Wolter
25) Greg Krueger
26) Tim Leahy
27) Scott Skorupa
28) Rick Shefchik
29) Joe Zucker
30) Richard Choi
31)
32)
Interested in Murphy House
1) C. Sturgis
2) Jason Lietaer
3) Steve Wilson
4) Bill Steele
5) Criss Titschinger
6) Buck Wolter
7) Doug Siebert (Single Room)
8 ) Richard Choi
-
If there is a fifth group at Midland, I'd be interested in playing. But I'll caveat that by saying I'd happily give up a spot for an out-of-town visitor.
-
Wait a minute -- what happened to Finn!
-
Further updated below...
Registration
Confirmed Participants:
1) Pat Craig
2) Jason Topp
3) Dan Kelly
4) Jon Bishop
5)Doug Siebert
6) Jason Lietaer
7) Brian Hoover
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Richard Choi
14) John Crowley
15) Dan Moore
16) Bill Steele
17) Ken Fry
18) Lou Duran
19) C. Sturges
20) Steve Wilson
21) Rick Shefchik
22) Scott Skorupa
23) Buck Wolter
24) Joe Zucker
25) Joe Lynch
26)
27)
28)
Friday at Keller Golf Course
1) Richard Mandell
2) Pat Craig
3) Dan Kelly
4) Patrick Hodgdon
5) Jason Lietaer
6) Brian Hoover
7) Jason Topp
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Doug Siebert
14) Jeff Brauer
15) Shane Wright
16) John Crowley
17) Dan Moore
18) Bill Steele
19) Ken Fry
20) Lou Duran
21) C. Sturges
22) Steve Wilson
23) Scott Skorupa
24) Buck Wolter
25) Greg Krueger
26) Tim Leahy
27) Richard Choi
28) Rick Shefchik
29) Joe Zucker
30)
31)
32)
Interested in Murphy House
1) C. Sturgis
2) Jason Lietaer
3) Steve Wilson (Single)
4) Bill Steele
5) Criss Titschinger
6) Buck Wolter
7) Doug Siebert (Single Room)
8 ) Richard Choi
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
Cort Sylvester believes he can play Friday morning. Dan Moore wants to join the group.
9. Cort Sylvester
10. Dan Moore
11. Shane Wright
12. Jason Lietaer
13. Mike Manthey
14. Richard Choi
15. Joe Lynch
16. Steve Wilson
Waiting list: Buck Wolter, Brian Hoover
Updating.
Updating again. It seems we have filled three foursomes at Midland Hills Friday morning.
If others are interested in joining us, say so, and I will find a fourth member for a fourth group.
Updating list. Will seek fourth member.
Updating. Our superintendent, Mike Manthey, has agreed to lead the fourth foursome. Two spots open.
Updating. We are set for tee times at 8, 8:10, 8:20, and 8:30.
If there is demand for a fifth time, at 8:40, I'll see if I can find another member to lead it.
We will need to coordinate with the outing to Keller, where the times start at 12:30.
Updating. Waiting to hear if we'll have a fifth foursome.
-
All right, here is a Midland Hills update for Friday morning.
If anybody else is interested, let me know. We can start a wait list or try to get another member on board and open up more spots
1. Dan Kelly
2. Jeff Shelman
3. Ken Fry
4. Jason Thurman
5. Criss Titschinger
6. Chris Sturges
7. Bill Steele
8. Joe Zucker
Cort Sylvester believes he can play Friday morning. Dan Moore wants to join the group.
9. Cort Sylvester
10. Dan Moore
11. Shane Wright
12. Jason Lietaer
13. Mike Manthey
14. Richard Choi
15. Joe Lynch
16. Steve Wilson
17. Host TBD
18. Buck Wolter
19. Brian Hoover
20.
Updating.
Updating again. It seems we have filled three foursomes at Midland Hills Friday morning.
If others are interested in joining us, say so, and I will find a fourth member for a fourth group.
Updating list. Will seek fourth member.
Updating. Our superintendent, Mike Manthey, has agreed to lead the fourth foursome. Two spots open.
Updating. We are set for tee times at 8, 8:10, 8:20, and 8:30.
If there is demand for a fifth time, at 8:40, I'll see if I can find another member to lead it.
We will need to coordinate with the outing to Keller, where the times start at 12:30.
Updating. Waiting to hear if we'll have a fifth foursome.
We will have a fifth foursome, at 8:40, with host TBD. One spot still open.
-
I just sent a pm to the Murphy House people with details. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
-
One other thing - Windsong is re-building its bunkers and making a few changes to the course with John Fought in charge of the project. There will be some construction work taking place while we are there. It has been on-going for the last month. I do not expect it to be too disruptive at the time of our visit. Thus far, construction is taking place on a couple holes at a time with bunkers on a couple of additional holes out of play. On weekends, I have found that play is not significantly impacted by the work.
I suspect the changes will be fodder for some lively debates. I really like some of the changes and am skeptical of others. I have learned, however, that my judgments about how course changes will actually play are not very reliable so it will be interesting to see how it works.
-
It looks as though I'll be wending and winding my way northwards through Wisconsin on the road to the Midwest Mashie. It seems a shame to be passing near to the storied Lawsonia without playing there. So, are there any GCAers, either participants in the Mashie or just envious onlookers, who might wish to meet up and play at Lawsonia on Wednesday the 23rd. For that matter, the 24th might be available but with 36 scheduled for this old body on the 25th it might be better to reserve the 24th as a day of rest.
-
Further updated below...
Registration
Confirmed Participants:
1) Pat Craig
2) Jason Topp
3) Dan Kelly
4) Jon Bishop
5)Doug Siebert
6) Jason Lietaer
7) Brian Hoover
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Richard Choi
14) John Crowley
15) Dan Moore
16) Bill Steele
17) Ken Fry
18) Lou Duran
19) C. Sturges
20) Steve Wilson
21) Rick Shefchik
22) Scott Skorupa
23) Buck Wolter
24) Joe Zucker
25) Joe Lynch
26)
27)
28)
Friday at Keller Golf Course
1) Richard Mandell
2) Pat Craig
3) Dan Kelly
4) Patrick Hodgdon
5) Jason Lietaer
6) Brian Hoover
7) Jason Topp
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Doug Siebert
14) Jeff Brauer
15) Shane Wright
16) John Crowley
17) Dan Moore
18) Bill Steele
19) Ken Fry
20) Lou Duran
21) C. Sturges
22) Steve Wilson
23) Scott Skorupa
24) Buck Wolter
25) Greg Krueger
26) Tim Leahy
27) Richard Choi
28) Rick Shefchik
29) Joe Zucker
30)
31)
32)
Interested in Murphy House
1) C. Sturgis
2) Jason Lietaer
3) Steve Wilson (Single)
4) Bill Steele
5) Criss Titschinger
6) Buck Wolter
7) Doug Siebert (Single Room)
8 ) Richard Choi
Pat,
I will not be able to make the Keller date. Am still in for Sat. And Sun.
John
-
Further updated below... (as of 9/9/2015)
Registration
Confirmed Participants:
1) Pat Craig
2) Jason Topp
3) Dan Kelly
4) Jon Bishop
5)Doug Siebert
6) Jason Lietaer
7) Brian Hoover
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Jeff Shelman
13) Richard Choi
14) John Crowley
15) Dan Moore
16) Bill Steele
17) Ken Fry
18) Lou Duran
19) C. Sturges
20) Steve Wilson
21) Rick Shefchik
22) Scott Skorupa
23) Buck Wolter
24) Joe Zucker
25) Joe Lynch
26) Tom Atchison
27)
28)
Friday at Keller Golf Course
1) Richard Mandell
2) Pat Craig
3) Dan Kelly
4) Patrick Hodgdon
5) Jason Lietaer
6) Brian Hoover
7) Jason Topp
8 ) Jason Thurman
9) Neil Davis
10) Chris Titschinger
11) Frank Sekulic
12) Richard Choi
13) Doug Siebert
14) Rick Shefchik
15) Shane Wright
16) Joe Zucker
17) Dan Moore
18) Bill Steele
19) Ken Fry
20) Lou Duran
21) C. Sturges
22) Steve Wilson
23) Scott Skorupa
24) Buck Wolter
25) Greg Krueger
26)
27)
28)
Interested in Murphy House
1) C. Sturgis
2) Jason Lietaer
3) Steve Wilson (Single)
4) Bill Steele
5) Criss Titschinger
6) Buck Wolter
7) Doug Siebert (Single Room)
8 ) Richard Choi
-
Dropping like flies! Pat - please add Jon Bishop to the list.
-
Dropping like flies! Pat - please add Jon Bishop to the list.
He's on there...do you know if he is planning on playing Friday at Keller as well?
-
Dropping like flies! Pat - please add Jon Bishop to the list.
He's on there...do you know if he is planning on playing Friday at Keller as well?
Out for Keller
-
I've updated the list once again. Given that we're about two weeks out please confirm that you are in or out so that we can lock down the tee times at the various courses where we'll be playing matches.
I'm working on organizing groups for Friday at Keller now.
Also, please confirm your handicap (as of 9/1 is fine) as that makes it easier to pair up groups.
Thanks!
-
It would also be helpful for people to express a preference at Windsong between 6700 yards (blue) or 6300 yards (red). (you also can play from 7100 or 7400 but I will not be doing so with you). From the 6700 yard tees there is one carry of approximately 200 yards which can play into the teeth of a decent wind. If you carry the ball less than 225, many tee shots will die into a hill and you will be hitting a lot of hybrids as I do.
The difference in course rating is 2 shots and I would suggest that if a group has a mix of preferred tees that the group adjust handicaps by 2.
My index is 7.8 and I am happy to play from 6300 or 6700.
-
I'll be playing the club championship at Windsong next weekend from 7000+ (hopefully not 7400). I'll be the canary in the coal mine and let you all know how it is playing from back there. Of course, if I don't post my scores here, you'll know that I finished DFL and am too embarrassed to reveal my scores. 8)
-
I'll be playing the club championship at Windsong next weekend from 7000+ (hopefully not 7400). I'll be the canary in the coal mine and let you all know how it is playing from back there. Of course, if I don't post my scores here, you'll know that I finished DFL and am too embarrassed to reveal my scores. 8)
I put your over/under at 267 - even bogey. Last year the greens were measured at 13' 3"
-
I'll be playing the club championship at Windsong next weekend from 7000+ (hopefully not 7400). I'll be the canary in the coal mine and let you all know how it is playing from back there. Of course, if I don't post my scores here, you'll know that I finished DFL and am too embarrassed to reveal my scores. 8)
I put your over/under at 267 - even bogey. Last year the greens were measured at 13' 3"
I appreciate the vote of confidence--breaking 90 in each of three rounds! My worry is that the course needs to play firm for me to play from the back tees. If we get rain between now and next Friday, I may need to break out the Hammer driver to keep up (it's Zolex, which is the longest, space-age metal out there).
-
Index 3.5
Happy to play whatever tees the group wants to. I'll try the longer ones in the morning!
-
I'm the highest capper at these things (19.7, and currently playing worse than that). My preference is 6300, but I'll go back to 6700 if that's what the group wants. Don't let my golfing ineptitude decide tee boxes.
I play fairly quickly, it just takes me more shots than most.
-
I appreciate the vote of confidence--breaking 90 in each of three rounds! My worry is that the course needs to play firm for me to play from the back tees. If we get rain between now and next Friday, I may need to break out the Hammer driver to keep up (it's Zolex, which is the longest, space-age metal out there).
The length won't hurt you as much as the pin positions and firmness of the greens.
-
I'm trending toward a 9.6, and I'm playing one last round at Wolf Run on Friday before the next revision just to add another half stroke or so...
6700 is my preference.
-
I appreciate the vote of confidence--breaking 90 in each of three rounds! My worry is that the course needs to play firm for me to play from the back tees. If we get rain between now and next Friday, I may need to break out the Hammer driver to keep up (it's Zolex, which is the longest, space-age metal out there).
The length won't hurt you as much as the pin positions and firmness of the greens.
With my iron play and short game? No problem!
-
UPDATED:
Ken & Jason - How about this for the teams?:
Teams:
East
| Ken Fry |
| Jason Thurman |
| Brian Hoover |
| Chris Titschinger |
| Bill Steele |
| Doug Siebert |
| Jason Lietaer |
| Frank Sekulic |
| Richard Choi |
| Lou Duran |
| C. Sturges |
| Steve Wilson |
| Joe Lynch |
West
| Pat Craig |
| Jason Topp |
| Dan Kelly |
| Neil Davis |
| Jeff Shelman |
| John Crowley |
| Dan Moore |
| Rick Shefchik |
| Buck Wolter |
| Scott Skorupa |
| Joe Zucker |
| Jon Bishop |
| Tom Atchison |
-
Index 2.8 with a preference to play 6700 or less, definitely not more!
-
Joe Lynch -
Handicap index of 8 and a course handicap from either set of tees would equate to 10. I'm comfortable with either set as well just looking forward to a good time. Special Thanks to everyone who organized the event as well as the courses for allowing us to play.
-
The Minnesota Gophers are hosting their invitational this weekend at Windsong with a strong field that includes, SMU, Oklahoma, Baylor, Cal and others. Scoring is here http://www.golfstatresults.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=participants&tid=8284 (http://www.golfstatresults.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=participants&tid=8284)
I took a few pictures:
18 looking back - a par five we will play at between 525 and 550. They are playing at 575 or 595:
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/jasontopp/IPhone%20457_zpsmurkgaoc.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/jasontopp/media/IPhone%20457_zpsmurkgaoc.jpg.html)
17 tee:
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/jasontopp/IPhone%20456_zpsq7s33uko.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/jasontopp/media/IPhone%20456_zpsq7s33uko.jpg.html)
9 Green:
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/jasontopp/IPhone%20465_zpsradcyz65.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/jasontopp/media/IPhone%20465_zpsradcyz65.jpg.html)
Panorama from Clubhouse showing 16-18
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j352/jason_topp1/Panorama%20-%2016%2017%2018_zps0h0hthtf.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/jason_topp1/media/Panorama%20-%2016%2017%2018_zps0h0hthtf.jpg.html)
-
I was out at Windsong this morning for the first round of the Gopher Invitational. The new bunkering on the front nine looks good. The wind was blowing fairly steadily and the scoring reflected the conditions.
-
I was out at Windsong this morning for the first round of the Gopher Invitational. The new bunkering on the front nine looks good. The wind was blowing fairly steadily and the scoring reflected the conditions.
We're playing match play ---right? Big numbers for some of the best college players in the country
-
I was out at Windsong this morning for the first round of the Gopher Invitational. The new bunkering on the front nine looks good. The wind was blowing fairly steadily and the scoring reflected the conditions.
We're playing match play ---right? Big numbers for some of the best college players in the country
The college guys were playing the course at about 7200. I'm trying to find the course stats, but can't find them. We won't be playing from back there! It's much more playable and enjoyable from the tees we will play.
Update: the course was set up at 7152 yesterday. The wind also took a toll. The scoring average was 75.70.
-
I was out at Windsong this morning for the first round of the Gopher Invitational. The new bunkering on the front nine looks good. The wind was blowing fairly steadily and the scoring reflected the conditions.
We're playing match play ---right? Big numbers for some of the best college players in the country
The college guys were playing the course at about 7200. I'm trying to find the course stats, but can't find them. We won't be playing from back there! It's much more playable and enjoyable from the tees we will play.
Update: the course was set up at 7152 yesterday. The wind also took a toll. The scoring average was 75.70.
Here are course stats
http://www.golfstatresults.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=stats&tid=8284&statsType=c
Does Windsong have "Championship' desires -- looks like it would be a good fit with the BMW
-
16: 201 for the tournament, we will play at about 185 or 160. This front pin is very difficult, expecially downwind. I usually try to bail out right or long.
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b350/jasontopp/IPhone%20462_zpsxm4rw3nj.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/jasontopp/media/IPhone%20462_zpsxm4rw3nj.jpg.html)
-
We are now only 10 days away from the start of the 2015 Midwest Mashie weekend!
As a follow up, we are scheduled to play a very special "bonus" round at Keller Golf Course on Friday, September 25th. Located north of St. Paul, MN, Keller is storied golf course (two time PGA Championship site and host of numerous professional tournaments) that was renovated by our own Richard Mandell in 2013. The course was recognized in Golf Magazine as the "Best US Municipal Renovation of 2014." It is a wonderful classic golf course and I think everyone is really going to enjoy their round.
We are lucky to be able to have Mr. Mandell join us for our event. After golf, we are going to retire to the Keller clubhouse for drinks and a short talk from Mr. Mandell who will talk about his recent renovation work and answer any questions you might have. If anyone wants to have dinner immediately after golf, there is a full service bar/restaurant on site that you can order from (restaurant website/menu: http://www.kellergrille.com/keller-grille-at-keller-golf-course/ (http://www.kellergrille.com/keller-grille-at-keller-golf-course/)) .
Tee times will begin at 12:48. I tried to put the people playing Midland at the tail end of the tee times in order to give them extra time to drive across St. Paul. Please note that the tee times are subject to change.
Please note that the guest fee is $43 to walk and is payable in the Keller pro shop prior to play.
The tee times are as follows:
12:48
Jason Topp
Patrick Hodgdon
Rick Shefchik
12:57
Richard Mandell
Pat Craig
Neil Davis
Scott Skorupa
1:06
Dan Kelly
Bill Steele
Doug Siebert
1:15
Joe Zucker
Dan Moore
Steve Wilson
Chris Sturges
1:24
Jason Lietaer
Brian Hoover
Ken Fry
Shane Wright
1:35
Jason Thurman
Chris Titschinger
Richard Choi
Buck Wolter
Keller has two sets of tees at ~6200 and ~6700 yards, players in each group can choose which set they would like to play.
Here is a link to a copy of the Keller Golf Course Scorecard: https://parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/golf/Documents/Keller%20Scorecard.pdf (https://parks.co.ramsey.mn.us/golf/Documents/Keller%20Scorecard.pdf)
Keller is located at 2168 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109. The Pro Shop's number is 651-766-4170. The course is an approximately 25 min drive from the MSP airport and a 10 min drive from Midland Hills.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
More information and tee times to follow for the Mashie rounds at Windsong and Town & Country in the near future.
-
Keller GC is great fun, especially after the turn. Enjoy everyone!
-
Jeff Shelman and I will figure out the foursomes at Midland based on the groups at Keller.
-
Re: Tee Preferences. I'll be happy to play from 6300. In fact, I'll be content to be the squalling brat who insists on it so that others who also wish to play from them can "Well, I'd've played from further back but Wilson..."
-
Wishing all to have a great time. I would have definitely registered for this, but I just had to get my bucket list trip to 'the old sod' in while the gettin was good.
I can't wait to see the discussion and impressions from the gang on the Keller resto-reno and what they think of it as a County municipal facility. I love it. It is very much like my own regular playground, Brown County Golf Course. There are many diverse points of view on the appropriateness of municipal owned and run golf courses. Most know I am a huge proponent of public recreational golf as a specific benefit of local government philosophy. I think courses like Keller and our Brown County course, have a big and significant of a role in sustaining the game's participation and growth in a broader cross section of potential golfers than a vast number of private mom and pops. I get that some folks think it unfair that a county/city course operation can use its non-property tax status as a cost competition advantage, along with several other inherent advantages of municipal owned. But, municipalities that do a good job like Ramsey and Brown counties, seem to have quality of life advantages as well possibly in part because they embrace and support that aspect of a public recreation facility as part of the spectrum of what local governments can do for its people.
-
Index 4.2, would prefer 6,300 but won't kick and scream if dragged back to 6,700.
If nominated to play at 7,000, I will not run; if elected, I will not serve.
Really looking forward to putting a lot of familiar names with faces.
Rick
-
I still need the handicaps for the following gentlemen:
Doug Siebert
Frank Sekulic
Lou Duran
Chris Sturges
Thanks.
-
As I work on the groupings for the Friday-morning round at Midland Hills, I note:
We still have ONE OPENING. If you'd like it, send me an email: dkelly@pioneerpress.com. Thanks.
-
Pat, Jason,
My current index is 13.9 - highest in 55 years.
The Windsong 6,300 course is best for me due mainly to back condition which will be surgically repaired October 12.
John
-
Pat,
Thanks for all the work you are doing! My current index is a 7.6.
I am fine playing any tee
Thanks,
Chris
-
Thanks, Chris. Looking forward to having you up here next week!
Just missing Frank, Lou, and Doug's handicaps...
Thanks.
-
We've had a couple of cancellations, so in order to even out the teams Joe Zucker was "traded" to the East Team. Here are the updated teams:
East Team
Ken Fry (4.7)
Jason Thurman (9.6)
Brian Hoover (5.4)
Chris Titschinger (19.7)
Bill Steele (17)
Doug Siebert (7)
Jason Lietaer (3.5)
Richard Choi (9.5)
Chris Sturges (7.6)
Steve Wilson (14.6)
Joe Lynch - 8
Joe Zucker (2.4)
West Team
Pat Craig (2.2)
Jason Topp (8.2)
Dan Kelly (5)
Neil Davis (9.1)
Jeff Shelman (5)
John Crowley (13.9)
Dan Moore (2. 8 )
Rick Shefchik (4.2)
Buck Wolter (11. 8 )
Scott Skorupa (12.4)
Jon Bishop (5.4)
Tom Atchison (1.9)
-
Is anyone driving up I-90/94 through Wisconsin on Thursday afternoon? If so you may want to meet me somewhere a little north of the Wisconsin Dells to check out some sand dunes. Send me a pm if interested.
-
Captain Fry and I are currently working on our pairings for next week's matches. If you have any pairing requests, please PM either myself and/or Ken to let us know.
The tentative plan is that Ken and I are going to "live post" the match pairings next week leading up to the event.
Also, please remember to check/verify your tee time for Friday at Keller in the posts above. Thanks.
-
Here are the groupings for Friday morning at Midland Hills. They should all work well with the afternoon times at Keller.
Only two rules: no denim allowed, and collared shirts required.
Please pay in the pro shop when you arrive. It will be $85 plus tax. Cash or the usual credit cards.
MHCC is a very walkable course. Carts are available if you need them. Push carts are available for a small fee.
Give yourself plenty of time. The traffic into downtown Minneapolis from every direction can be very slow at rush hour, though Friday tends to be better than any other weekday.
If anyone needs directions or has any other questions, email me at dkelly@pioneerpress.com. My cellphone number is 612-804-0659.
8:00
Dan Kelly
Steve Wilson
Joe Zucker
Jason Lietaer
8:10
Mike Manthey, MHCC Superintendent
Dan Moore
Jason Thurman
Bill Steele
8:20
Cort Sylvester
Criss Titschinger
Chris Sturges
AJ Hoffman
8:30
Ryan Hanford, MHCC Head Professional
Buck Wolter
Brian Hoover
Shane Wright
8:40
Jeff Shelman
Joe Lynch
Ken Fry
Rich Choi
-
My money's on the East Team! (A temperamental and geographic bias on my part).
I'm always so impressed by the work and generosity of those that organize these events, i.e. the Mashie, the Buda, the King's Putter, the Dixie, the 5th Major -- and everyone seems to do it so well and so right.
I hope you all have fantastic weather and a great time. Go East Go!
-
My money's on the East Team! (A temperamental and geographic bias on my part).
I'm always so impressed by the work and generosity of those that organize these events, i.e. the Mashie, the Buda, the King's Putter, the Dixie, the 5th Major -- and everyone seems to do it so well and so right.
I hope you all have fantastic weather and a great time. Go East Go!
Peter
You and I taking down JC Jones and Thurman? at Kingsley stands out as one of the few highlights or my otherwise mediocre competitive golf career.
Buck
-
My money's on the East Team! (A temperamental and geographic bias on my part).
I'm always so impressed by the work and generosity of those that organize these events, i.e. the Mashie, the Buda, the King's Putter, the Dixie, the 5th Major -- and everyone seems to do it so well and so right.
I hope you all have fantastic weather and a great time. Go East Go!
Peter
You and I taking down JC Jones and Thurman? at Kingsley stands out as one of the few highlights or my otherwise mediocre competitive golf career.
Buck
Buck, wrong Pete P. A man never forgets the seemingly friendly guy in the cart who cuts his heart out 170 yards at a time.
I say it all the time, but I want to be Pete Pittock when I grow up. I do not recall him hitting a shot in that round that didn't go dead straight with a little draw, other than the lost ball at 16 that only set him up to make his bogey save more dramatic. I also do not recall him missing a single putt. My recollection is that he shot 62 and took on the shape of a unicorn at one point. It was not one of the highlights of my mediocre competitive golf career.
-
:-[
You are correct --I have always been bad with alliterated names!
-
:-[
You are correct --I have always been bad with alliterated names!
Buck, I like how you included yourself when it was really Pittock that beat us. ;D
-
After reading Jason's description, I want to be Pete Pittock too!
Maybe he'd be willing to trade identities, just for one weekend at Kinglsey. I'd benefit of course, but he would too: he's probably forgotten the joys of trying to curve a 4 iron through the trees after his short, crooked drive has landed amongst them, or the unique pleasure of trying to make 8 foot putts for bogey hole after hole after hole.
If he still loves the game after playing a round as me, he can know for certain that he really loves the game.
The other Peter
-
Good times!
(http://imageshack.us/a/img89/9899/8fcx.jpg)
-
Team West is the LA Lakers of this event, shouting about history now that the present has passed them by.
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/freem109/photo3-2.jpg)
(http://i383.photobucket.com/albums/oo271/freem109/photo2-2.jpg)
The Mashie's bags are packed and she's resting comfortably. Tomorrow, she will leave this perch and prepare for one last road trip with me before spending a year with Captain Fry:
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/681/21285633901_b521e17a88_z.jpg)
-
The Mashie's bags are packed and she's resting comfortably. Tomorrow, she will leave this perch and prepare for one last road trip with me before spending a year with Captain Fry:
Isn't it pretty to think so?
Bring it on, East.
DK
P.S. I'm not sure if we're prepared to make you feel welcome in the humble (real) Western Midwest with any of that effete Eastern calligraphy. Here in Minnesota, we believe in plain block letters.
-
May I suggest a rules change ala the President's Cup?
Change the team matches to 2 - 9 hole matches and make the individual matches 9 holes against each of the two competitors in the foursome for more variety.
Just in case that's not clear:
AB East
CD West
Team AB vs CD Front Nine
AB vs CD Back Nine
Individual
A vs C Front Nine
B vs D Front Nine
A vs D Back Nine
B vs C Back Nine
-
Just five days away from the start of the Mashie!
Everyone who is based locally is very excited to be hosting so many GCAers coming in from all around the country. Knock on wood, but the weather is shaping up to be very nice this weekend with lows around 60*, highs in the mid-70's and plenty of sun!
Captain Fry and I are planning on "live posting" the pairings for Saturday's matches at Windsong Farm tomorrow evening at roughly 8:00pm EST / 7:00pm CST.
I thought I would post a quick "details" refresher for those participating this weekend.
FRIDAY
Please see the previous page for the posted tee times for our round at Keller. Tee times run from 12:48 to 1:35. Prior to your tee time please visit the pro shop and pay your green fee. The green fee is ~$43 to walk and carts are extra. After golf we are going to retire to the clubhouse where Richard Mandell will be joining us to answer any questions we might have about his recent renovation work on the course. There are no formal group dinner plans, but drinks and food will be available for order if you choose to partake.
Keller's address is 2168 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109 and the pro shop's phone # is 651-766-4170.
SATURDAY
On Saturday we are playing at Windsong Farm, courtesy of Jason Topp, with tee times starting at 1:00pm (going until 1:50). Eight of you are staying on site at the Murphy House and Jason Topp has been in touch with you via personal message with the details. For the rest of the participants coming in from elsewhere, please note that Windsong is a good 30 min drive from downtown Minneapolis...so please plan accordingly. Per previous Mashies, we will be playing best ball matches. We will leave it up to the individual matches as to which set of tees people want to play.
After golf, we will meet back at the Clubhouse for drinks and dinner.
When you arrive at Windsong Farm, please visit the pro shop to pay for your guest fees and dinner. The cost for the day will be $175 which will cover walking green fees, dinner (I have seen the menu and it looks fantastic), and a certain number of drink tickets (exact number TBD but likely 3-4). Carts are $32pp if you would prefer to ride.
Sunday
On Sunday, we are playing Town & Country Club in Saint Paul, with tee times starting at 9:00am.
Town & Country is centrally located at 300 North Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul, MN (Tel. 651-646-7121). If you are staying in downtown Minneapolis, it is a short 10-15 min drive. If you are coming from Windsong Farm, plan on 35-40 min.
When you arrive at T&C, please visit the pro shop and pay your guest fee for the day. The guest fee is $100+tax to walk, with cart fees being extra. The bag room guys will be there and can help direct you to either the locker room or to the first tee/warm up range area across the street. Given that many guys will be hitting the road after the round, please feel free to use the locker room to store your things and to get cleaned up after your round...there are guest lockers that the attendant on hand can direct you to.
We will be playing twelve singles matches, with the pairings being announced on Saturday evening at Windsong Farm.
There is no formal lunch after the conclusion of golf at T&C, however participants are welcome to order off the menu in either the halfway house (next to #18 green) or in the clubhouse both of which I believe accepts credit card. If there is enough interest, we could try to schedule a quick visit to a nearby burger spot (Blue Door Pub) for juicy lucy's. Let me know if there is interest.
If you are heading directly to the airport, T&C is a quick ~20 min drive to the terminals.
For both Windsong and T&C, please note the typical guest rules...no cargo shorts, jeans, sleeveless t-shirts, etc. and please limit cell phone use.
Otherwise, please let me know if I can help in any way or if you have any questions. I know some guys are coming in early for extra local rounds, so if I can make a recommendation for food/last second lodging/entertainment let me know and I'll do my best.
Looking forward to having everyone up this week for the 2015 Midwest Mashie!!
-
Thanks for organizing everything, Pat.
One request, please don't wear any of your Michael Jordan gear at Windsong. I would hate to have to ask management to have you escorted off the premises! 8)
-
Thanks for organizing everything, Pat.
One request, please don't wear any of your Michael Jordan gear at Windsong. I would hate to have to ask management to have you escorted off the premises! 8)
Well ok. But would you mind if I at least brought my own golf cart?:
(http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/808/611/michael-jordan-golf-cart-1_original.jpg?1365719553)
-
That's not a problem. Carolina colors are fine.
Does my LeBron jersey fall outside T&C's prohibition on sleeveless apparel? Surely it's permitted, right?
-
Pat, et al.
I can't thank you enough for your efforts in setting this up. I cannot wait to get up there and get things started.
I did plan on hitting up Blue Door before I flew back Sunday night. I'd be down for going there after T&C if there's interest. Otherwise, I'll probably go there when I land on Thursday morning. My playing partners will love me Thursday afternoon after a Blucy in my gut.
-
Pat, et al.
I can't thank you enough for your efforts in setting this up. I cannot wait to get up there and get things started.
I did plan on hitting up Blue Door before I flew back Sunday night. I'd be down for going there after T&C if there's interest. Otherwise, I'll probably go there when I land on Thursday morning. My playing partners will love me Thursday afternoon after a Blucy in my gut.
Criss,
My flight leaves rather late so I would certainly be up for joining you. There's no way I can leave without a Juicy Lucy (although the flight home could get interesting).
Ken
-
Peter
You and I taking down JC Jones and Thurman? at Kingsley stands out as one of the few highlights or my otherwise mediocre competitive golf career.
Buck
C'mon, Buck. You can do better than this.
Bragging about taking down Jones at anything is borderline, but bragging about taking him down at golf is just plain sad.
-
A Bad News / Good News weather report:
We have had an uncommon amount of rain this September. It is drizzling again today, with more rain in the forecast for tonight and Wednesday and Thursday. That wondrous autumnal firm-and-fast we experience many (most?) years here in the Northland will not be achievable, I suspect, for the Midwest Mashie.
But now the Good News: The forecast for this weekend is EXCELLENT.
From Wunderground.com:
Friday 10 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Mostly sunny skies. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/nt_clear.svg)Friday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[/size][size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low 57F. Winds light and variable.[/size]
Saturday09/2677 | 60 °F
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/clear.svg)Saturday 0 % Precip. / 0 in[/size][size=0.875rem]Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 77F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.[/size]
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/nt_clear.svg)Saturday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[/size][size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low around 60F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
Sunday09/2779 | 60 °F
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/clear.svg)Sunday 10 % Precip. / 0 in[/size][size=0.875rem]Sunny. High 79F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.[/size]
-
Yes, the weather is shaping up to be great this weekend.
It's been a wet summer and I know T&C got over 2.5" of rain mid-last week. I was out there last night running the dog and it wasn't too bad...not rock-hard firm and fast but the course was firming up nicely. Thankfully T&C's property tilts hard toward the Mississippi and drains pretty well. Hopefully the hard rain forecasted for tomorrow manages to miss us.
Just a reminder to be on the lookout tonight for Ken and I's live posting of the Saturday pairings!
-
I'll be on the road to Chicago with precious cargo, but maybe we can stop to eat while I follow the live pairing announcement on my phone. Departure in less than two hours! #EastRepeat #Mashie2015
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/715/21631804995_a455bab120_z.jpg)
-
I'll be on the road to Chicago with precious cargo, but maybe we can stop to eat while I follow the live pairing announcement on my phone. Departure in less than two hours! #EastRepeat #Mashie2015
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/715/21631804995_a455bab120_z.jpg)
Doesn't the law require mashie's to ride in the backseat?
Have a great weekend y'all. I certainly would like to be joining you, but we are taking to kids to Florida for a relaxing ( ;) ) trip to Disney World and Universal. While I am a sweaty mess and mired in an hour-plus line, I assure you, my heart will be at Windsong...
-
:-[
You are correct --I have always been bad with alliterated names!
Buck, I like how you included yourself when it was really Pittock that beat us. ;D
While I obviously don't remember the names of the competitors nor most of the round I do clearly recall that we somehow conceded a 12 ft putt on 17 that left us only 1 up going into 18 where the Jasons got a severe case of lockjaw on my 3 foot par putt to close it out --I know I contributed at least a half on that hole.
BTW I am still looking for an explanation on Finn's WD -- did he find out Hoover lives here now?
-
I'll be on the road to Chicago with precious cargo, but maybe we can stop to eat while I follow the live pairing announcement on my phone. Departure in less than two hours! #EastRepeat #Mashie2015
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/715/21631804995_a455bab120_z.jpg)
Don't forget to feed your co-pilot.
I recommend mashie potatoes.
-
Buck, let's be sure to talk behind Finn's back all morning at Midland Hills.
-
Ok! Let's get this started!!
Ok...first off at Windsong at 1:00pm leading off for the West team is the very formidable team of Jason "$1" Topp and Jeff "BBY" Shelman...
-
Countering Coach Craig's first team will be your's truly, Ken Fry, and fellow Crystal Downs admirer Jason Lietaer in the 1:00 pairing...
-
2nd off at Windsong on Saturday at 1:10pm for the West team is the "historically" awesome pairing of Rick Shefchik and Dan Moore!!!!
-
Countering the historians will be the equally introspective pairing of Jason Thurman and Richard Choi at 1:10....
-
Coming in with the third group at Windsong at 1:20pm is the West team's version of Michael and Scottie (6 rings!!!) is Pat Craig and Tom Atchison.
-
Countering with equal banter and LeBron James backing, Brian Hoover and Joe Lynch at 1:20....
-
Buck Wolter and Scotty Skorupa will be representing the West team at Windsong at 1:30pm!
-
Please excuse the interruption, but for the 1:10 match my money is on the beard-pullers, Thurman and Choi. Show that notorious anti-beard puller Rick S that error of his ways!!
-
Meeting Buck and Scotty in battle will be Doug Siebert and Bill Steele at 1:30....
-
Teeing off at 1:40pm for the West team is our "cooler" team of Jon Bishop and Dan Kelly! :)
-
In the 1:40 group will be Cleveland native Joe Zucker with world traveler Chris Sturges...
-
And coming "up the rear" is my extra formidable pairing of John Crowley and Neil Davis!!!
Bring it on East team!!!
-
Anchoring Team East will be Criss "I'm Bringing My A Game" Titschinger and Steve Wilson....
Does anyone know if I'll have any trouble carrying the Mashie Trophy on the plane for my trip home???
-
Just got back from Windsong - bring extra balls! Due to a wet year the fescue is about shoulder deep.
-
Wow, that was a thrilling draw. I look forward to seeing who Chamblee and Begay think are the favorites on golf channel tomorrow. Surely this carries as much prestige as the other team events.
Thanks again for everyone setting this up, I'm looking forward to a great weekend of golf.
-
Teeing off at 1:40pm for the West team is our "cooler" team of Jon Bishop and Dan Kelly! :)
Hmmmmm. "Cooler" team???
-
I don't know if others scout out courses as much as I like to do but here are some materials:
Midland Hills
- aerial tour - http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/midlandhillscc/aerial.htm (http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/midlandhillscc/aerial.htm)
- course tour from website - http://www.midlandhillscc.org/course-tour (http://www.midlandhillscc.org/course-tour)
Keller
- aerial tour http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/kellergolfcourse/aerial.htm (http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/kellergolfcourse/aerial.htm)#
- Nice MinnPost Article on the history of the course http://www.minnpost.com/view-finder/2011/09/capturing-keller-golf-courses-beauty-and-history (http://www.minnpost.com/view-finder/2011/09/capturing-keller-golf-courses-beauty-and-history)
Windsong
- Aerial http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/windsongfarmgc/aerial.htm (http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/windsongfarmgc/aerial.htm)
- Pictures from Minnesota course photographer, Peter Wong. http://www.peterwongphotography.com/windsong-farm/ (http://www.peterwongphotography.com/windsong-farm/)
The pictures are not all labelled but start at hole 1 and cover most of the holes in order. 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7 (from across pond on right of hole with 8 in background), 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16, 17, 18.
Town & Country
- aerial http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/townccstpaul/aerial.htm (http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/townccstpaul/aerial.htm)
- photos from website http://www.tcc-club.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=282850&ssid=159117&vnf=1 (http://www.tcc-club.com/Default.aspx?p=DynamicModule&pageid=282850&ssid=159117&vnf=1)
-
I don't know if others scout out courses as much as I like to do but here are some materials:
Midland Hills
- aerial tour - http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/midlandhillscc/aerial.htm (http://course.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/course/course/midlandhillscc/aerial.htm)
- course tour from website - http://www.midlandhillscc.org/course-tour (http://www.midlandhillscc.org/course-tour)
That "course tour" is, I am very happy to report, WAY out of date. I am going to go out there, sometime this fall, with a good camera and offer the club my photos.
Many, many of the trees you see there are no more (or shortly will be).
Just for example (one of many possible examples): All of the trees between the fourth green and the seventh tee are gone. And their absence is a beautiful thing to behold.
The aerial tour is somewhat closer to what's there now -- but, again, many ashes, pines and spruces are no more.
-
For those of you playing at Midland on Friday morning, you will see a little bit of bunker work on three holes (Nos. 4, 6 and 7). This is more of a clean up than a rebuild.
There are currently four bunkers out of play (as of last night). It's possible that number will grow to five by Friday morning.
Info on work can be found here:
http://www.mhccturf.com/?p=398
-
Thanks for the updates Jason and Jeff.
As is the case with T&C, our website photos of the course are super old. I did a photo tour last fall which if anyone wants to scout out the course can easily find here.
It is certainly fall project season here in Minnesota. The only project at T&C right now that everyone would notice is that they are currently restoring the back portion of the putting surface on #3 all the way to the edge of the greenpad (it'll increase the size of the green by at least a third). It shouldn't impact play other than you'll get a free drop if you land in the new area long of the current putting surface.
-
The project work on area golf courses is insignificant compared to the nightmare that currently is local road construction in the Twin Cities.
Please see the link in Dan Kelly's post below for information on highway road closures this weekend. It potentially could impact getting to and from both Windsong and T&C.
-
The project work on area golf courses is insignificant compared to the nightmare that currently is local road construction in the Twin Cities.
Please see the link for information on highway road closures this weekend. It potentially could impact getting to and from both Windsong and T&C.
http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/ (http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/)
Brian -- That story is from April.
Here is the current information: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/ (http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/)
Dan
-
The project work on area golf courses is insignificant compared to the nightmare that currently is local road construction in the Twin Cities.
Please see the link for information on highway road closures this weekend. It potentially could impact getting to and from both Windsong and T&C.
http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/ (http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/)
Brian -- That story is from April.
Here is the current information: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/ (http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/)
Dan
I can't be bothered to look at details! :-\ See, road construction has been bad since April...that's what I meant!
I fixed my original post by cross-referencing your post. Regardless, traffic is a nightmare.
-
The project work on area golf courses is insignificant compared to the nightmare that currently is local road construction in the Twin Cities.
Please see the link for information on highway road closures this weekend. It potentially could impact getting to and from both Windsong and T&C.
http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/ (http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/)
Brian -- That story is from April.
Here is the current information: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/ (http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/)
Dan
I don't see any of these projects significantly impacting routes from one course to another.
-
It affects how I get from my house to most places. I'm essentially just thinking about myself! 8)
But hopefully it doesn't impact anyone else.
-
I'm essentially just thinking about myself! 8)
Brian --
That's sort of ... well, for lack of a better description ... an Eastern attitude, isn't it?
In the West, we're all about TEAM!
Dan
PS: God, I hope no one needs an emoticon here!
-
I'm essentially just thinking about myself! 8)
Brian --
That's sort of ... well, for lack of a better description ... an Eastern attitude, isn't it?
In the West, we're all about TEAM!
Dan
PS: God, I hope no one needs an emoticon here!
Yeah, that's right, I'm looking out for Number 1! This will actually be my first time on Team East. In the past, you West boys have been unable to field a full team, so I've been forced to swallow my pride and play for Team West. Now that I'm on Team East, I feel like I've been re-born!
I have no idea what I'm talking about...is it time to go home yet?
-
is it time to go home yet?
Probably, if you intend to get there anytime today.
-
is it time to go home yet?
Probably, if you intend to get there anytime today.
That's actually a fair point.
-
In addition to the links Jason provided on the Twin Cities golf courses of the 2015 Midwest Mashie, here's a link to a fairly brief history piece I wrote about Keller on the occasion of the course's re-opening last year:
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_26168260/keller-golf-course-top-notch-city-course-then
-
In addition to the links Jason provided on the Twin Cities golf courses of the 2015 Midwest Mashie, here's a link to a fairly brief history piece I wrote about Keller on the occasion of the course's re-opening last year:
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_26168260/keller-golf-course-top-notch-city-course-then (http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_26168260/keller-golf-course-top-notch-city-course-then)
Rick --
Of course, the out-of-towners can read ALL about the history of all of the courses (except Windsong Farm) in a little volume called "From Fields to Fairways." I hope you'll have a supply in your car.
Dan
-
I'll lug a few along for the benighted who don't already own a copy.
-
From your beloved St. Paul Pioneer Press, just this morning, for your gustatory consideration:
http://www.twincities.com/restaurants/ci_28863449/best-burgers-minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities?source=hottopics (http://www.twincities.com/restaurants/ci_28863449/best-burgers-minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities?source=hottopics)
-
Please excuse the interruption, but for the 1:10 match my money is on the beard-pullers, Thurman and Choi. Show that notorious anti-beard puller Rick S that error of his ways!!
There was one guy on the opponent's team that I did not want to face - Dan Moore...
It is really tiring to see your opponent hit one straight hit after another. He is a robot.
-
I'll lug a few along for the benighted who don't already own a copy.
For those participants coming in from out of town, I would wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of Rick's book as a souvenir from your Minnesota golf trip. It's a great read and well worth the space on your golf bookshelf.
-
There was one guy on the opponent's team that I did not want to face - Dan Moore...
It is really tiring to see your opponent hit one straight hit after another. He is a robot.
Is this match available on Golf Channel or ESPN2? Should be a fun one.
-
There was one guy on the opponent's team that I did not want to face - Dan Moore...
It is really tiring to see your opponent hit one straight hit after another. He is a robot.
Dan was my partner at this year's 5th Major, and I can assure you it's a lot of fun to see your partner hit one straight shot after another.
But take heart. He did hit a few shots off-line.
Thankfully, I hit a few straight ones.
PS: There are MANY guys on the opponents' team that you don't want to face! This writer excepted, of course.
-
I'll lug a few along for the benighted who don't already own a copy.
For those participants coming in from out of town, I would wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of Rick's book as a souvenir from your Minnesota golf trip. It's a great read and well worth the space on your golf bookshelf.
Winning signed dollars from Topp and Shelman also would make for great souvenirs of your trips to Minnesota.
-
I'll lug a few along for the benighted who don't already own a copy.
For those participants coming in from out of town, I would wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of Rick's book as a souvenir from your Minnesota golf trip. It's a great read and well worth the space on your golf bookshelf.
Winning signed dollars from Topp and Shelman also would make for great souvenirs of your trips to Minnesota.
Well noted, Mr. Hoover.
I hereby propose that the loser(s) of every match should present autographed dollar bill(s) to the winner(s) --
countersigned by Mr. Topp, if it's a Western dollar headed East.
-
A Bad News / Good News weather report:
We have had an uncommon amount of rain this September. It is drizzling again today, with more rain in the forecast for tonight and Wednesday and Thursday. That wondrous autumnal firm-and-fast we experience many (most?) years here in the Northland will not be achievable, I suspect, for the Midwest Mashie.
But now the Good News: The forecast for this weekend is EXCELLENT.
From Wunderground.com:
Friday 10 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Mostly sunny skies. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/nt_clear.svg)Friday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low 57F. Winds light and variable.[/size]
Saturday09/2677 | 60 °F
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/clear.svg)Saturday 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 77F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.[/size]
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/nt_clear.svg)Saturday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low around 60F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
Sunday09/2779 | 60 °F
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/clear.svg)Sunday 10 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Sunny. High 79F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.[/size]
Unfortunately, the meteorologists have been right on the money this week. The courses we hoped to show you F&F will be closer to S&S (Sloppy and Slow).
But the weekend forecast remains primo:
Friday09/2577 | 56 °F
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/partlycloudy.svg)Friday 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 77F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/nt_clear.svg)Friday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low 56F. Winds light and variable.[/size]
Saturday09/2676 | 56 °F
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/clear.svg)Saturday 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Mainly sunny. High 76F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/nt_clear.svg)Saturday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low 56F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
Sunday09/2778 | 61 °F
(http://icons.wxug.com/i/c/v4/clear.svg)Sunday 10 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Mainly sunny. High 78F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.[/size]
-
There was one guy on the opponent's team that I did not want to face - Dan Moore...
It is really tiring to see your opponent hit one straight hit after another. He is a robot.
But think how boring the game is for him, never having the chance for an amazing recovery when everyone thinks you're dead on the hole.
-
Happy first day of the Midwest Mashie weekend! I thought I would "re" post the below message from a few days ago in case anyone who's coming in from out of town missed it.
FRIDAY
Please see the previous page for the posted tee times for our round at Keller. Tee times run from 12:48 to 1:35. Prior to your tee time please visit the pro shop and pay your green fee. The green fee is ~$43 to walk and carts are extra. After golf we are going to retire to the clubhouse where Richard Mandell will be joining us to answer any questions we might have about his recent renovation work on the course. There are no formal group dinner plans, but drinks and food will be available for order if you choose to partake.
Keller's address is 2168 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109 and the pro shop's phone # is 651-766-4170.
SATURDAY
On Saturday we are playing at Windsong Farm, courtesy of Jason Topp, with tee times starting at 1:00pm (going until 1:50). Eight of you are staying on site at the Murphy House and Jason Topp has been in touch with you via personal message with the details. For the rest of the participants coming in from elsewhere, please note that Windsong is a good 30 min drive from downtown Minneapolis...so please plan accordingly. Per previous Mashies, we will be playing best ball matches. We will leave it up to the individual matches as to which set of tees people want to play.
After golf, we will meet back at the Clubhouse for drinks and dinner.
When you arrive at Windsong Farm, please visit the pro shop to pay for your guest fees and dinner. The cost for the day will be $175 which will cover walking green fees, dinner (I have seen the menu and it looks fantastic), and a certain number of drink tickets (exact number TBD but likely 3-4). Carts are $32pp if you would prefer to ride.
Sunday
On Sunday, we are playing Town & Country Club in Saint Paul, with tee times starting at 9:00am.
Town & Country is centrally located at 300 North Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul, MN (Tel. 651-646-7121). If you are staying in downtown Minneapolis, it is a short 10-15 min drive. If you are coming from Windsong Farm, plan on 35-40 min.
When you arrive at T&C, please visit the pro shop and pay your guest fee for the day. The guest fee is $100+tax to walk, with cart fees being extra. The bag room guys will be there and can help direct you to either the locker room or to the first tee/warm up range area across the street. Given that many guys will be hitting the road after the round, please feel free to use the locker room to store your things and to get cleaned up after your round...there are guest lockers that the attendant on hand can direct you to.
We will be playing twelve singles matches, with the pairings being announced on Saturday evening at Windsong Farm.
There is no formal lunch after the conclusion of golf at T&C, however participants are welcome to order off the menu in either the halfway house (next to #18 green) or in the clubhouse both of which I believe accepts cash, interclub credit, and the clubhouse takes credit card. If there is enough interest, we could try to schedule a quick visit to a nearby burger spot (Blue Door Pub) for Juicy Lucy's.
If you are heading directly to the airport, T&C is a quick ~20 min drive to the terminals.
For both Windsong and T&C, please note the typical guest rules...no cargo shorts, jeans, sleeveless t-shirts, etc. and please limit cell phone use.
Otherwise, please let me know if I can help in any way or if you have any questions. I know some guys are coming in early for extra local rounds, so if I can make a recommendation for food/last second lodging/entertainment let me know and I'll do my best.
Looking forward to having everyone up this week for the 2015 Midwest Mashie!!
-
Well we had a perfect day for golf today at Keller Golf Course. A huge thank you to Richard Mandell who hosted us and was kind enough to lead a Q&A after the round.
Just a quick photo recap for those who are interested:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/IMG_20150925_172327_zpsd1htrrag.jpg)
Welcome to Keller
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/IMG_20150925_133930_zpsgzlfwwyq.jpg)
Scott Skorupa on the 4th Tee
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/IMG_20150925_140138_zpsp7jzixph.jpg)
Jason, Patrick, and Rick on the 7th Fairway
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Keller%2012%20green_zpsm4wqcxsg.jpg)
The 12th Green Looking Back
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/IMG_20150925_154828_zps4dhjb8bc.jpg)
The 13th
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Keller%2014%20Green_zpsuxs4nz8p.jpg)
The Green at the excellent short par-4 14th
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/IMG_20150925_174813_zpsbupicxxb.jpg)
Richard Mandell addressing the Mashie participants
-
I didn't get to spend a lot of time with Richard but was very impressed. Definitely thoughtful, incredibly well-spoken and gave a lot of insight into the process of a muni project and the conflicting agendas -- in particular when it comes to trees! Keller is one of the best and most interesting munis I have ever played -- if I win the powerball tonight he leads my Waveland muni restoration project in Des Moines.
Here's a link to his upcoming affordable golf seminar in Canton OH .
http://www.symposiumonaffordablegolf.com/
Buck
-
Good luck to Team East today! I can't think of a more deserving Captain then Ken Fry! One of GCA's finest.
-
After day 1, Team East 3.5 and Team West 2.5.
-
East wins 9.5 to the West's 8.5!
-
Well, the 2015 Midwest Mashie is in the books, with the East Team squeaking out a 1-point victory thanks to Captain Fry's leadership and the motivational quotes he e-mailed late Saturday evening to his team.
As with any GCA event, it's always terrific to see old friends, to put faces with names, and to make new friends. We could not of asked for a better group of guys to share a few Minnesota courses with under three days of perfect blue skies.
Many thanks to Jason Topp who coordinated and hosted us at Windsong Farm on Saturday for golf and an awesome dinner. The Windsong experience is just fantastic!
I took a bunch of random photos over the last couple of days, which hopefully might recap a bit of the weekend:
The 4th hole at Windsong. Note the perfect blue skies and Windsong's new bunkering:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Windsong%204_zpsvqt8tmfn.jpg)
The rough was up at Windsong
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Tom%20Windsong_zpsdzdxm1qi.jpg)
Joe and Brian Hoover, our Day 1 opponents:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Joe%20Brian%20Windsong_zpsbhmnqtwz.jpg)
The 16th at Windsong Farm
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Windsong%2016_zpscrzoocvs.jpg)
A picture of the 17th at Windsong at dusk:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Windsong%2017_zps8gtkelvd.jpg)
And a picture of the 18th looking back at dusk:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Windsong%2018_zpsspyqdtmm.jpg)
Cocktail hour at Windsong Farm (Ken Fry is in the front and he's happy...):
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Cocktails%20at%20Windsong_zpshwlozrox.jpg)
....Because his East Team is up after Day 1:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Day%201%20Leaderboard_zpssqobwy9b.jpg)
Post-dinner firepit at the Murphy House:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Murphy%20House%20Firepit_zpsvau6b8ws.jpg)
Day 2 at Town & Country
Another perfect weather day. Here is the view from the top of the 9th at T&C:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Skyline%20at%20TCC_zpsc6yjluf0.jpg)
Watching the third grouping of Jason, Rich, Neil, and Joe finish the 18th:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Group%20on%2018%20at%20TCC_zpsyly35i7y.jpg)
Our group assembled watching the matches come in:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Watching%20Groups%20Come%20in%20at%20TCC_zpsgqdcggc5.jpg)
The Mashie came down to the wire...with the East Team narrowly avoiding a West Team comeback:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Mashie%20Final%20Leaderboard_zps4dnsywen.jpg)
Captain Fry with his trophy:
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Ken%20W%20Mashie_zpshncuul6w.jpg)
Thank you again to everyone who made the trip up to Minnesota for the 6th Midwest Mashie! It was a great time and really good to see and meet everyone. I hope everyone enjoyed our cities and the itinerary of courses that we put together.
Sent via Blackberry Classic
-
Bump. :)
For those who attended the Mashie... I look forward to seeing your photos and reading your analysis/discussion of the courses you played over the weekend.
-
I'd like to publicly thank both Pat Craig and Jason Topp for organizing the details and logistics. Also, thanks to Dan Kelly and Jeff Shelman for allowing us to play Midland Hills. Finally, thanks to Ken Fry for leading Team East to a big victory!
After my first time playing Town & Country, my thoughts are that it is very quirky and very fun. For a course of "only" 6400 yards, it sure as hell took all I had. By the end, I was running on empty after 90 holes in 3 days. I'd like to play it again when I don't feel like I'm on the verge of physical collapse.
I also want a rematch against Jeff Shelman!
-
After my first time playing Town & Country, my thoughts are that it is very quirky and very fun. For a course of "only" 6400 yards, it sure as hell took all I had. By the end, I was running on empty after 90 holes in 3 days. I'd like to play it again when I don't feel like I'm on the verge of physical collapse.
Thanks Brian, I'm glad you had a good time and that you enjoyed T&C. We will certainly get you out there again soon.
Did you have any favorite holes at T&C? Any you didn't like?
-
My favorite holes at T&C were probably 6 and 12 because of the green complexes and the connected chipping areas. I also really like 13 because it was a great risk-reward driveable par 4 (and I came close to driving the green and made birdie), although I'm not sure I would enjoy it as much from the back tee because of the need to thread the needle between trees. (Selfishly, I also enjoyed 14 because I hit it to about 18" from 243 yards!)
The hole I didn't like was probably 18, because of the screen of pines behind the green and I generally don't care to finish on a par 3. But admittedly I was running on empty and didn't have the energy to play the hole; I just wanted to be done and take a cold shower at that point.
-
No. 6 at T&C has always been a very tough par 4 -- 458 yards, the last 200 over a steep ridge to a blind green. As I get older, it feels more an more like a mislabled par 5 (although we all know par is irrelevant.) Finding myself already down three to the tenacious Steve Wilson, who was 1 over par at that point, I hit the two best shots I've ever hit on #6, a 260-yard drive and a 200-yard hybrid, to the middle of the green -- surely the first time I've ever hit that green in regulation. Alas, my two-putt par wasn't good enough to win the hole. Getting a shot from me, Steve made the most routine 5 imaginable. It was at that point that I was tempted to begin silently weeping.
-
It was at that point that I was tempted to begin silently weeping.
I wept a bit for you when I looked over to 2 green and saw him sink that endless putt from the fringe (or the very edge of the green).
-
Guys,
I had a great time at Keller Friday afternoon. Thanks for coming out and making it the warm-up for the Midwest Mashie. It was good to see some old friends as well as put some more names to faces.
-
It was at that point that I was tempted to begin silently weeping.
I wept a bit for you when I looked over to 2 green and saw him sink that endless putt from the fringe (or the very edge of the green).
I nearly wept (and verbally expressed dismay) when Jeff Shelman somehow made par literally from the middle of the hillside overlooking the 10th green. It was probably the most impressive recovery I've seen all year.
-
It was at that point that I was tempted to begin silently weeping.
I wept a bit for you when I looked over to 2 green and saw him sink that endless putt from the fringe (or the very edge of the green).
I nearly wept (and verbally expressed dismay) when Jeff Shelman somehow made par literally from the middle of the hillside overlooking the 10th green. It was probably the most impressive recovery I've seen all year.
I climbed up to the top of that hill, myself, to look for Doug Siebert's 2nd shot (which we never found).
My ankle is weeping today, from the trip back down. I should say from the *voyage* back down; had I tripped, I might have killed myself.
BTW: That 6/12 area is my least favorite part of T&C. The greens and the mutual chipping area look ... out of place to my eyes -- and, more to the point, out of the time of the course. And I love the par-3 18th (except for the screen of arborvitae behind the green, which, like the green screen behind No. 3, would be better off dead, IMO).
My favorite holes: 2, 5 (because it's so outrageous a hill), 8, 10 (particularly if that hillside to the right is maintained such that balls will release or at least be found), 11, 17, 18.
I would add 15 to that list if the entire hillside were mowed as fairway.
But of course: To each, his own.
-
As Captain of the victorious East Team, victorious for consecutive years now, I have one last full disclosure to provide: I didn't do a darn thing this past weekend. People think the Ryder Cup Captaincy is ceremonial? At least they have to figure out pairings and outfits. I didn't do anything. The Men of Minnesota stepped up this past weekend and put on a hell of a show, especially Pat Craig for taking the lead with so many details.
Thanks to Dan Kelly and Jeff Shelman for organizing a round at Midland Hills CC. Thanks to Pat Craig and Richard Mandell for a great tour and discussion of Keller Golf Course. Thanks to Jason Topp for organizing the first round of the Mashie along with the post round reception and dinner at Windsong Farm. Finally to Pat Craig for setting up Town & Country Club, not only arrangements to play but for literally choosing tee and pin locations. The Mashie this year was Pat's show and he nailed it.
I can't recall playing four such different golf courses in a trip before. I left Minneapolis with the strong belief it could be one of the most underrated areas for golf in the country. It's unfortunate the average golf fan will only recognize the name Hazeltine. Minneapolis and St. Paul are blessed with some very solid course choices.
I'll chime in with thoughts on specific courses as discussion develops but again, to all that had a hand in organizing the 6th Midwest Mashie, thank you!!
Ken
-
My favorite holes at T&C were probably 6 and 12 because of the green complexes and the connected chipping areas. I also really like 13 because it was a great risk-reward driveable par 4 (and I came close to driving the green and made birdie), although I'm not sure I would enjoy it as much from the back tee because of the need to thread the needle between trees. (Selfishly, I also enjoyed 14 because I hit it to about 18" from 243 yards!)
The hole I didn't like was probably 18, because of the screen of pines behind the green and I generally don't care to finish on a par 3. But admittedly I was running on empty and didn't have the energy to play the hole; I just wanted to be done and take a cold shower at that point.
Thanks, Brian. I love the commentary. T&C can be a polarizing golf course so it's always fun to hear what people have to say...good and bad.
I like the 6th/12th green complex in its current state as well. I personally prefer short grass to thick rough in almost all cases. If I had my way I would have more short grass near and around other greens at T&C. Before the bunker renovation, that area was pretty worn down...there used to be a line of evergreens along an old wire fence and there were trees and rough between the greens/tees. During construction they actually found a survey map and found that our property line was a few feet beyond the existing fence therefore a new retaining wall and fence was built adding valuable real estate in an already crowded area of the course.
I really like #13 for much the same reasons you do. There has been significant tree removal near the green in recent years and it's made it a much better hole. My preference would be to clear cut the trees on the left side of the hole so the green is more easily visible from the tee. I also agree that the back tee shot is too narrow and at least one of the two trees that are there now should be removed to open it up a bit.
Personally, I enjoy #18 as a par-3 as I think it lends itself to some fun finishes in matches. I agree that the arborvitae need to be removed (badly) and hopefully that will be accomplished in the near future. There are some plans floating around for the #18 hole, 1st tee, and 10th tee which if they are ever completed would really transform the area for the better.
-
Regarding trees on 13 at T&C, I was referring to the trees around the tee as being the ones to thread the needle. If playing the back tee from the flat spot between 6 and 12 greens (a feature which I like very much by the way), one would need to thread the needle to get past the forward tee box. Those trees could be removed.
But I do actually like the tree on the left side of the landing area. I'm probably in the minority here, but I liked having to carry that tree with a driver. Maybe because I did just that, I'm biased in favor of that shot. Had I hit the tree, my opinion may have been different, but I actually liked that tree.
-
No. 6 at T&C has always been a very tough par 4 -- 458 yards, the last 200 over a steep ridge to a blind green. As I get older, it feels more an more like a mislabled par 5 (although we all know par is irrelevant.) Finding myself already down three to the tenacious Steve Wilson, who was 1 over par at that point, I hit the two best shots I've ever hit on #6, a 260-yard drive and a 200-yard hybrid, to the middle of the green -- surely the first time I've ever hit that green in regulation. Alas, my two-putt par wasn't good enough to win the hole. Getting a shot from me, Steve made the most routine 5 imaginable. It was at that point that I was tempted to begin silently weeping.
Thanks Rick. I hope you had a good time yesterday, despite the outcome of your match!
I agree that most of the complaints about #6 are founded in it's par. When Jeff Mingay made a couple of trips earlier this summer, he had made that exact point in defense of not tearing the hill down. (There was a plan to "knock" the hill on #6 down that was scheduled for this fall, but thankfully that project has been shelved). I can't speak to the specifics, but Jeff had an idea about moving the 5th green to the east and down the hill a bit and then moving the tees back on #6 to restore it to the par-5 that it was originally.
-
Guys,
I had a great time at Keller Friday afternoon. Thanks for coming out and making it the warm-up for the Midwest Mashie. It was good to see some old friends as well as put some more names to faces.
Rich,
Thank you again for being such a terrific host at Keller on Friday. I hadn't actually been to the course since Rich was nice enough to give me a construction tour a couple of years ago, so it was awesome to see the final work. I really liked Keller before, but after Rich's work I really love the place. It's such an unassuming, fun golf course and place that it's hard not to enjoy yourself, in my opinion. And as I've said before on here, I think #12-18 stacks up with any course in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Those holes are really good.
Personally, I think Keller is now the best public golf option in the Twin Cities, hands down.
It was also a supreme treat to be able to have Rich join us for our round and for him to talk about his work to the group afterwards. That was awesome!
Thanks again,
Pat
-
It was at that point that I was tempted to begin silently weeping.
I wept a bit for you when I looked over to 2 green and saw him sink that endless putt from the fringe (or the very edge of the green).
I nearly wept (and verbally expressed dismay) when Jeff Shelman somehow made par literally from the middle of the hillside overlooking the 10th green. It was probably the most impressive recovery I've seen all year.
That is a nearly impossible up and down from up there, in particular this year with all of the rain we've gotten. Usually the grass is thin up there and the ground hard, leading to balls running back down the hill. Well played, Mr. Shelman!
-
Thanks Rick. I hope you had a good time yesterday, despite the outcome of your match!
Let the record show that Rick won his match!
-
BTW: That 6/12 area is my least favorite part of T&C. The greens and the mutual chipping area look ... out of place to my eyes -- and, more to the point, out of the time of the course. And I love the par-3 18th (except for the screen of arborvitae behind the green, which, like the green screen behind No. 3, would be better off dead, IMO).
My favorite holes: 2, 5 (because it's so outrageous a hill), 8, 10 (particularly if that hillside to the right is maintained such that balls will release or at least be found), 11, 17, 18.
I would add 15 to that list if the entire hillside were mowed as fairway.
Thanks Dan.
That approach to #15 has been expanded a bit each year for the last couple of years. I, too, would love to see it completely restored to a super wide fairway approach. Hopefully it'll happen in the near future.
I personally think the short grass near #6 and #12 is a huge improvement over what was there before. It has made #6, already the hardest hole on the course, infinitely more playable as with most players missing the green in two at least you now have more options around the green than just hacking a SW out of thick greenside rough.
And I agree with you 10000% on the trees behind #3 and the arborvitae behind #18.
-
Thanks Rick. I hope you had a good time yesterday, despite the outcome of your match!
Let the record show that Rick won his match!
Whoops! Sorry Rick!
-
As Captain of the victorious East Team, victorious for consecutive years now, I have one last full disclosure to provide: I didn't do a darn thing this past weekend. People think the Ryder Cup Captaincy is ceremonial? At least they have to figure out pairings and outfits. I didn't do anything. The Men of Minnesota stepped up this past weekend and put on a hell of a show, especially Pat Craig for taking the lead with so many details.
Thanks to Dan Kelly and Jeff Shelman for organizing a round at Midland Hills CC. Thanks to Pat Craig and Richard Mandell for a great tour and discussion of Keller Golf Course. Thanks to Jason Topp for organizing the first round of the Mashie along with the post round reception and dinner at Windsong Farm. Finally to Pat Craig for setting up Town & Country Club, not only arrangements to play but for literally choosing tee and pin locations. The Mashie this year was Pat's show and he nailed it.
I can't recall playing four such different golf courses in a trip before. I left Minneapolis with the strong belief it could be one of the most underrated areas for golf in the country. It's unfortunate the average golf fan will only recognize the name Hazeltine. Minneapolis and St. Paul are blessed with some very solid course choices.
I'll chime in with thoughts on specific courses as discussion develops but again, to all that had a hand in organizing the 6th Midwest Mashie, thank you!!
Ken
Ken,
It was an honor being your rival Captain for the 6th Mashie. It's ironic as the first time we met was at the very first Mashie at Lost Dunes! I'm glad you guys had a great time in the Twin Cities and I hope you guys make a return trip sometime soon...you have an open invitation!
-
Pat, Jason,
THANKS for making all the arrangements!
John
-
As much as I hated to miss the Dixie Cup, I'm glad I chose to attend my first Mashie. It's always so good to be able to put faces and voices to the written words we share on this site.
I want to join everyone in thanking Jason and Pat for organizing this event and enabling us to be welcomed at their respective clubs. I'm sorry I didn't get to spend any time with Pat but there are always more outings. Four distinctive golf courses in three days. I enjoyed them all and without getting into their relative merits I have to say I had the most fun at T and C. But to hear that there were plans to knock the hill down on 6...well, there's nothing constructive I have to say to that. That truly is a case of where par is a number. I thought I misheard Rich Shefchik when he said it was the hardest four on the course. I didn't look at the card and so assumed given it's playing properties that it was a 5. That's the glory of match play. The only numbers that matter are your respective scores.
A great event, and I hope to make it to another one in the next few years.
-
Wow! In a word, that sums up my Mashie experience. I’m still trying to take in the whole experience, so I'll have to save course commentary and photos for another post.
After last year's Mashie at Canterbury, I felt pretty down on my game. Those that played with me know how much I struggled. I used this year’s Mashie as a chance to rebuild a respectable game; physically and mentally. While I still have a ways to go, I'm more or less very pleased with how I played this year.
So many people to thank for this weekend. I may get a bit emotional here...
To Chandler Withington and Lisa Nelson at Hazeltine National for letting me check out the place and roam the clubhouse with all its historic memorabilia. As passionate as Minnesotans are about their golf, that's going to be a fun Ryder Cup next year.
To Chris Nathlich at White Bear Yacht Club for hosting me. I can’t properly describe how great that course is. Wilder and more undulating than I could have imagined.
To Jeff Shelman and Dan Kelly for hosting us at Midland Hills. I had to fly hundreds of miles to play my first Raynor despite the fact I live about 25 crow-flies miles from a pretty darn good one (i.e. Camargo Club), but it was worth it.
To Richard Mandell for sharing us details of his renovation at Keller. Has to be one of the best bang-for-your-buck courses in all of golf.
To Jason Topp for arranging our rounds and hospitality at Windsong Farm. The Murphy House was off-the-charts good. Loved the chats and camaraderie around the fire pit and lit up putting green. Perfect way to unwind after 36 hole days of golf.
To Pat Craig who did so much for us. Hosting us at Town & Country. Putting so much time and effort into organizing this year’s Mashie. For the many food recommendations. The pizza at Lola was outstanding. The Jiffy Burger at Blue Door Pub… well… that was a bit strange. :)
To Ken Fry for always helping to support my game. He knows I’m the high capper of the group, but always makes me feel welcome. Never cares what I shoot. Always making sure that I’m having a good time.
To all my playing partners this weekend. I had a blast playing with you all. Special thanks to Jerry Lettner for being a gracious host at Town & Country Club in my singles match with him. Loved his perspective of the course and being genuinely interested in our thoughts.
To everyone else; whether it’s the first time I met you or not. It was an absolute pleasure to get to know you more. Hope to see a lot of you next year and in the years to come.
Parting thought: I have got to make it back to Minnesota for golf. I felt like I only scratched the surface on the amount of great courses to play. Not just the Twin Cities, but the courses up north as well.
-
Criss,
Thank you for your note and for your kind words. It was great to meet you and I'm glad I at least made one good recommendation ;)
I'm looking forward to your course commentary and photos.
I'll be sure to forward your note to Jerry who isn't on GCA.
Pat
-
As much as I hated to miss the Dixie Cup, I'm glad I chose to attend my first Mashie. It's always so good to be able to put faces and voices to the written words we share on this site.
I want to join everyone in thanking Jason and Pat for organizing this event and enabling us to be welcomed at their respective clubs. I'm sorry I didn't get to spend any time with Pat but there are always more outings. Four distinctive golf courses in three days. I enjoyed them all and without getting into their relative merits I have to say I had the most fun at T and C. But to hear that there were plans to knock the hill down on 6...well, there's nothing constructive I have to say to that. That truly is a case of where par is a number. I thought I misheard Rich Shefchik when he said it was the hardest four on the course. I didn't look at the card and so assumed given it's playing properties that it was a 5. That's the glory of match play. The only numbers that matter are your respective scores.
A great event, and I hope to make it to another one in the next few years.
Steve,
It was great to have you up to Minnesota for the Mashie. I'm sorry we didn't get to catch up at all over the weekend, but I'm sure we will at the next Mashie. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed T&C!
Pat
-
Big thanks to the Twin Cities contingent for putting together the best top to bottom itinerary of any Mashie yet. I've talked to a few veterans of the event whose only complaint about past Mashies is that we didn't play enough rounds. I don't think anyone will have that complaint this time around. After 7 1/2 rounds in six days, I'm ready for a long layoff - at least 24 hours. The work that Pat Craig, Jason Topp, Dan Kelly, Jeff Shelman, Richard Mandell, and countless others chipped in to make this event a success should not go unnoticed.
Of course, more than the quantity of courses we played, the quality really shined. Midland Hills is simply a blast to play. Keller is a rollicking ride that doesn’t feel like a muni architecturally or agronomically. Windsong Farm is one of the finest settings I’ve seen for golf, and Town & Country is a complete paradigm-breaker and the quirkiest golf course I’ve played.
The worst thing about the golf courses we played was the quality of golf I played on them. I’ll give a giant thank you to my East Team brethren for making sure my poor performance didn’t matter to the final score. I’m especially happy for my neighbor Criss and the way he buried a tough weekend last year with an excellent one this time around. I’m especially thankful for Steve, Chris, and Criss for being willing to kick the Mashie off early with rounds at Lawsonia and White Bear Yacht Club. It was a joy to reunite the Ohio contingent of Steele and Hoover with this transplant at Midland Hills, even if the group was infiltrated by a West Teamer whose golfing prowess is only matched by his historical acumen and dedication to the study of our game’s playing fields. Nobody rolled with the punches this weekend like Rich, who had to make do with a dirty slut of a PowerBilt rental set at Keller and a pair of sandals when his clubs were left behind by the airline on the way in. Ordering family-portioned side items with Lietaer at The Butcher and Boar made my drunk ass feel like I’d won the vegetable lottery. Someday I’ll learn how to make restaurant-quality Brussels sprouts at home. It was a pleasure to revisit Iowa golf with Pete Pittock’s old partner and Doug over dinner Saturday, and to revisit the scene of the East Team triumph in Cleveland while talking courses with my dude Zucker. Last but not least, the Captain himself. Ken will tell you he did nothing to lead our team, but that’s simply not true. He quite literally led me everywhere I went this weekend, and without him and his phone’s GPS I’d likely have gotten lost in traffic going to the Warrens Cranberry Festival and spent the weekend with the Ocean Spray guys instead of all of you. Hell, even the West Teamers aren’t so bad, and I truly thank Rick, Dan, Dan, and Scott for their competition and for putting up with my frustration and outbursts when I struggled with my play. The camaraderie at this event always leaves me feeling refreshed and energized. It’s amazing how guys who were strangers a year or two ago have become people I look forward to seeing for weeks leading up into the Mashie, and equally amazing how quickly we’re able to forge bonds with new faces over golf, booze, and food once the festivities kick off.
Seriously, my last note: The courses we played are worthy of much discussion, and the quality of golf near the Twin Cities deserves a much deeper exploration than what the archives of this site show or what this single thread can provide. I plan to start several threads over the next few days to discuss the wild and genuinely unique golf we saw as my thoughts become clearer, and I hope others will join.
-
Hell, even the West Teamers aren’t so bad, and I truly thank Rick, Dan, Dan, and Scott for their competition and for putting up with my frustration and outbursts when I struggled with my play.
I can't speak for Rick, Scott or the other Dan, but as for me:
I always find it remarkably easy to put up with an opponent's bad play and resultant frustration!
It was great to meet you, Jason. I enjoyed our round, and I look forward to your thoughts about the courses.
Sorry (sort of) that your driver and your putter betrayed you!
Dan
-
I will echo all of the comments made above. The weekend was fantastic for many reasons. The golf, the courses, the weather, and last but not least, meeting many fine GCA members. The MN contingent made this a great weekend and I thank you all very much for making my first Mashie so welcoming.
I'll save my comments on the four great courses I played for later threads, but I will say that playing Town & Country the day after Windsong made for an excellent comparison of the old and new. To see the most unique course I have ever played the day after playing a stout modern test really crystalized the varied playing fields our game has. This is part of the reason golf is so great. These two courses are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but both very enjoyable rounds.
-
I plan to start several threads over the next few days to discuss the wild and genuinely unique golf we saw as my thoughts become clearer, and I hope others will join.
This would be awesome, Jason.
It was great meeting you this past weekend and I'm glad you had a good time here in Minnesota!
-
Jason,
I noticed this remark in your summation of the Mashie Experience.
After 7 1/2 rounds in six days, I'm ready for a long layoff - at least 24 hours.
Re: the layoff. When I played the BUDA this year i managed 18 at Montrose, 36 at Arbroath, 18 more in a rain shortened day at Arbroath.
Driving from Carnoustie to Buxton. 18 at Cavendish. 36 at Sherwood. 36 at Holinwell. 18 at Holinwell followed by an 8 and half hour drive back to Golspie so I could get up and play Stableford with the Golspie seniors at 9. I ended up playing 41 that day.[size=78%] [/size][/color]
[/size][/color]
[/size] That evening I told Jane, my landlady about my father's basset hound who, on a very warm for November rabbit season opening day chased five or six rabbits for several hours with no getting a shot. On the way back to the car, a rabbit jumped out a few feet ahead of Ruff. Dad said the dog quickly and pointedly looked away as though that rabbit never existed. [size=78%][/color][/size][size=78%] [/size]
[/size][/color]
[/size]I told Jane that the next day I was going to pretend I didn't have any golf clubs. About six that evening while driving by the course I thought "It wouldn't hurt to go walk a little." Once I got there it didn't make any sense to just walk when I could take a golf club for a walking stick. And if I have a club I might as well take a couple of balls.[size=78%][/color]
Four holes later darkness and rain were fast approaching so I gave it up as the course returns near the club house at that point. So, I jumped over and played 18 in the fading light just ahead of the drizzle. I don't know if its a sickness or just a sport and a pastime but I do know that the amount of golf I play in a given time doesn't have much to do with how long I have to wait to be ready for more. Sounds like you are pretty much the same.
-
Thank you for everyone who had a part in setting this years Mashie up! Thank you!, Jason, Steve and Criss for premashie golf! Thank you to Dan, Pat, Rich, Jason, Brian and there clubs, members and staff for such a mid western welcome.
As others have noted Minnesota has more great golf than any of us new and I am sure we all want to come back and play more. Even if we play bad.
I want to thank everyone I played with, there were lots of ups and downs with my game.
But the most important part was becoming friends with other GCAers and fellow golfers. It is always fun to put a face with a name, but more so to have more people to play this silly game with and appreciation for were we play, be it modern or old, it is just great to be able to be out there swinging a club and hopefully finding it.
For those of you who have not played a gca event, I challenge you to play at least one next year and you will truly know why GCA is a great web site with amazing people!!!
Thank you Midwest Mashie 2015 and I look forward to 2016!
Congratulations Ken Fry for proving last year was not a freak accident for team East.
chris
-
Thanks from me as well to generous hosts who welcomed us to four very interesting and enjoyable courses. I would not hesitate to visit those courses again as they are kind of courses that invite deeper analysis and appreciation. I feel really lucky to have experienced them.
Great thanks also goes to Captain Fry and Craig who put on a great event. 2015 Midwest Mashie was a smashing success and much of that is due to you guys.
There are few things better in life than hanging out with a bunch of GCA'ers over an open fire with fine whiskey in hand talking about golf courses. I give Murphy House a Doak 10 (for a golf cottage). It was a fantastic place to hang out (Thanks Jason!).
-
For those looking to play more in Minnesota, I have found the course guide found on the Minnesota Golf Association's site to be very accurate in terms of Contacts and various fees. For some reason, I can't find the sole course guide again, but the 2015 Media Guide contains the same information; you just have to dig past the tournament results section for the course information.
http://www.mngolf.org/Res/MGAMediaGuide_2015.pdf
-
For those looking to play more in Minnesota, I have found the course guide found on the Minnesota Golf Association's site to be very accurate in terms of Contacts and various fees. For some reason, I can't find the sole course guide again, but the 2015 Media Guide contains the same information; you just have to dig past the tournament results section for the course information.
http://www.mngolf.org/Res/MGAMediaGuide_2015.pdf (http://www.mngolf.org/Res/MGAMediaGuide_2015.pdf)
Criss,
Thanks for posting this. I just might add that unlike some cities like Boston, New York, or Chicago, the private clubs of the Twin Cities are unusually open to visitors. With a little common sense (i.e. - try to play during the week and in the spring & fall) and a phone call from your head pro you would be amazed at the quality of courses you can play. For example, the private clubs around town really quiet down after Labor Day and if you're willing to pay your way most clubs will happily let visiting golfers go play and look around.
-
I want to thank everyone I played with, there were lots of ups and downs with my game.
chris
To my great displeasure, I know of the doings at the Mashie itself only from the reports posted here. However, I have to say that there probably wasn't a greater contrast at Midland than that between Chris and me--as he hit one well-struck and fairway-bound driver after another, and I hacked my short and crooked tee balls into unfamiliar locales. And yet, my guess is that somehow we ended up with reasonably comparable scores.
Outstanding outing, and I certainly hope to do it again. Maybe next time I'll actually be able to stick around for the competition.
-
We're sorry to have missed you during the weekend rounds of the Mashie, Cort!
-
First, I want to thank all you guys in the Twin Cities for having us out. I had high hopes, and they were exceeded. On the non-golf front: what a baseball stadium.
A few observations in no particular order:
1. Midland Hills was a lot of fun, especially the back 9. I thought there were a few really cool holes: I liked the Eden and the Cape on the front, and the stretch on the back starting with the punchbowl was really cool. I wish i was playing better that morning to have hit some good shots into those greens, but that'll have to wait for another time.
2. Richard's renovation at Keller was good fun. For a muni, it was a blast and I thought there were some really interesting green complexes. I think he said that the short par 5 was his favourite spot on the course and I agree. that downhill shot was really neat. I thought the uphill par3 on the back was a pretty special hole.
3. the more i think about it, the more i liked the tree on the par 3 at Keller. It was quirky and it's grown on me. granted, I didn't really investigate the options around/under it, but I'll certainly never forget the hole.
4. I thought Windsong Farm was an incredible setting. Sort of reminds me of Redtail golf course here in Canada: a good golf course on an incredible setting. The Murphy House, fire pit, etc was a great experience.
5. I was pleasantly surprised how much room there was at Windsong. The pictures made it look tight before going, but there was plenty of room to play. The group certainly tested it, but it was a blast.
6. I really liked the course at Windsong, but didn't love the 18th hole. I thought it was forced in there and looked out of character with the rest. i would have much rather preferred a tee up far to the left and make it a par 4. Others might disagree, I just think the hole could be great, and right now it's the only hole that I felt that way about out there.
7. Town and Country was fun and quirky. One of the quirkiest REAL golf courses i've ever played.
8. i like the two par 3's back to back at the beginning. I almost wish i would have hit a bad shot into number2 to try to recover from those bunkers earlier in the round. Well, almost.
9. The quirk kept me off balance all day out there. I Felt like I was hitting decent shots but just hadn't figured out the course. I feel like i need to play it about 5 times to figure out the misses.
10. Pat -- you had started a thread about the clubhouse one time. for what it's worth, I thought the clubhouse was great. Don't waste your money on anything but the course. You'll never get it back if you shoot for a bunch of weddings and a huge great room. That clubhouse has character.
11. The changes proposed by Jeff Mingay look really good, especially that area around the 18th green and 1st tee. get those trees the hell out of there!
12. the guys in the mashie were great. it was great meeting [size=78%]you all, and thanks to ken and Thurman for taking me in on friday night for dinner. [/size]
[/size]
[/size][size=78%]PAT, JEFF, DAN, JASON all you guys from MN: thanks again. [/size]
[/size]
[/size][size=78%]GO BLUE JAYS[/size]
[/size]
-
Jason, regarding your view about 18 at Windsong, you're not alone. It's my least liked hole on the course (at the very least because the tee shot doesn't fit my game), and I agree that it seems forced, a victim of the routing...almost as if the architect needed a tee shot there because of the proximity to 17 green. I will admit that it's grown on me after a season of playing out there, but it's still just not my kind of hole.
I don't think it's as weak starting with the second shot, although I'd prefer to see the water hazard reduced. My problem is the tee shot, because there's just so little room in the landing area with the creek right and the bunkers if you go through the fairway (except of course if you bail out left. In which case, you have all the room in the world). I suppose the argument can be made that it's a risk-reward tee shot, but it just seems out of place with the rest of the course where you have plenty of room off the tee.
I'm not sure I can vision the hole as a short(er) par 4, but I'll try to think about it during my next time out there. It sort of baffles me how the hole could be improved without major renovation, which is not currently planned.
Anyway, back to sleep...
-
Jason,
Thanks for your note. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself during your trip to MSP and that you enjoyed itinerary of courses we set up.
I'm glad you liked T&C. As I said before it's not necessarily the best golf course in the state or in town, but it certainly has features and holes you're simply not going to see anywhere else...which hopefully makes it made for a fun and interesting round.
We're certainly still "fighting the good fight" regarding the course at T&C. Hopefully in 10 or 15 years we might be able to host another Mashie and show off a completely restored golf course! :)
Regarding the 18th hole at Windsong, I don't mind it all that much. I think it gets knocked a lot because it's a "risk-reward" tee shot that is uphill and has water on the right side. It makes for an intimidating tee shot but in reality I don't think it's that hard of a fairway to hit (if you're ok with bailing out left). Perhaps I'm just not long enough off the tee to really take advantage of the risk/reward options on the hole, but I think if you play the hole smart the best way to make a birdie or easy par for most players is to play it as a three shot hole. In the past times I've played the hole, I've tried to leave myself with a 100-120 yard wedge from the left side of the fairway on my third shot.
I enjoyed our round at Windsong (well, the whole day really was great). I think the new course changes and bunker renovation are going to improve the course. The course grows on me each time I play it. It is just a big, tough, golf course that really makes me grind. After hitting more long iron approach shots in a day at Windsong than I do in a month at T&C I felt pretty good with a score in the 70's.
The entire Windsong experience is really a treat. Their clubhouse, locker room, pro shop, and patio set up might be the best in the Twin Cities.
-
Its a week later and I wish I was still in the Twin Cities checking out the plethora of really good to great golf options the area has to offer. Coming from Chicago where the bench is deep but perhaps lacking in a superstar or two, it was really interesting to see what the Twin Cities has to offer. Clearly the rolling land is ideal for golf. My random thoughts are: Rick Shefchik's book is great and everyone should order a copy, Midland Hills has the most potential of all the courses we played if they could figure out how to enhance the Raynor that's left and incorporate more of a Raynor touch to those holes that are no longer original Raynor especially 9 and 18, Keller was really good and made great use of the entire property, I really enjoyed the expansiveness of Windsong and thought the 18th hole would be fine sans waterfalls, and Town and Country was really fun even if I thought it would flow better and finish stronger if the nines were reversed-the 3,5,5,5,3 finish was a bit awkward even if 18 was the really good hole and I don't mind a course that finishes with a par 3. And the best part of the trip was meeting a bunch of new folks. Special thanks to our all of our Twin Cities hosts and Captains Fry and Craig for keeping it fun. Cheers.
-
I am really enjoying the discussion of the courses and appreciate all of the kind notes. I really appreciate my club's willingness to host 6 groups during prime weekend tee times on one of the nicest days of the year.
Because this site is about open and unbiased discussion of architecture and because one of the impediments to such discussion is being ungracious to your hosts, I thought it might be helpful to share my views of Windsong. Ultimately, of course, I love the place. I spent a lot of money to join. However I have many opinions on the design. My opinions evolve constantly and it is interesting to watch the changes and to try and guess how they will play. At this time, here are my thoughts:
Strengths - Width - you have 50 yards of corridor on every hole
- Green surrounds (love all of the short grass options)
- Terrific greens designed for fast modern speeds (This viewpoint is probably inconsistent with many of your impressions. However you saw them at relatively slow speeds and very soft surfaces. Add 2 feet of speed and firm them up so that you cannot make ballmarks and the greens are a treat to play and extraordinarily challenging).
- Very good par 3's
- The best club culture (for me) I have ever experienced - passionate golfers who compete hard, gamble for relatively low stakes and are informal with facilities focused on golf rather than the extras at a country club
- Creativity - I love the 2nd green wrapping around a hillside sloping from front to back, the 3rd green with the lower back tier and the wacky challenges presented by the 14th green.
- Bunkers are hazards - the fairway bunkers serve as true hazards that make reaching the green impossible in some cases and require a terrific shot in most others.
- Back nine - I believe is a terrific collection of holes.
Weaknesses- It is essentially a penal golf course - you pretty much want to aim down the center stripe on every hole. With the exception of 3, 6 and 18 there is not much reward for aggression in terms of the line you choose off the tee. I would love to see the bunkering scheme provide more temptation to the player. The new fairway bunkers will help on this issue.
- Routing of the front nine - you play 5 north-south holes (2, 4, 5, 6, 8) and 4 east-west holes.
- Par 4's are the same length - from the blue tees nearly every par 4 is between 400-425 yards (other than 3 and 13). There is more variety than one would first think because wind is such a big factor at the course (I have had wedge and 3wood into every one of those par 4's depending on the weather). In addition the staff does a great job mixing up the tees to create variety.
- I am still getting used to the look with all of the new bunkers being built. I think they will be an improvement but it is an intimidating look off the tee.
- The course seems to accentuate the advantages a longer player enjoys. My drives tend to hit into the face of a hill and stop. Longer hitters carry the hill and have it bound forward. Someone who hits it 25 yards past me on a flat course seems to have a big additional advantage on this one. On 17 for example - I believe I had a wedge in from the red tees in the morning and a hybrid or 3 wood in the afternoon from the blue tees - probably an 80 yard advantage despite tees that are 30 yards apart. That difference in the past was accentuated by an advantage in width but the new bunkers neuter that advantage significantly.
- Par 3's are very similar in length.
Neutral observations- The native areas have been a challenge for the club to create something that is beautiful but still provides the interesting recovery shots possible on a links course.
- I go back and forth on the 18th - it is different from the rest of the course but reflects the land on which it is built. It is one of the few holes on the course where people can gamble. I think it is a little rough on the shorter player who has to bail out left off the tee and then faces a tight pinch point on the 2nd. For the longer hitter the tee shot is a challenge but a great shot yields an opportunity to reach the green in two and an average shot leaves a real easy layup.
- The greens pretty much require an aerial approach. The greens, however are huge and might represent a nice modern approach to a links style course where one needs to fly it to the green but then control it afterwards so the ground game consists of roll on the green rather than in fairway short of the green.
- The par 4 greens generally open to the outside of the dogleg (11, 14, 15, 17) and I am intrigued as to why they are designed that way. I think it takes strategic decision making away from the longer player but it does create some interesting decisions for me.
I tend to not think too much about aesthetics of a course. I think in terms of how it plays. I love the look of the natural areas but hate how they play. I am not a huge fan of the blinding white sand but love the way the new bunkers are playing. For me the bunkers will be a big plus and the native a negative at least until it becomes more playable.
FYI - It is my understanding that the waterfall on 18 at Windsong is indeed coming out as a part of the current project.
Thanks to everyone who attended. I hope to see you again soon.
Jason
-
Jason,
Thanks for posting your thoughts on Windsong. The club was indeed very generous for having us and the culture/set up of the club is second to none.
As I had said before, I liked really enjoyed our round at Windsong last week and I am enjoying the course more with more plays. I agree with most of your observations above. However, I would say my biggest negative to the course are the forced carries required to hit many of the greens. I'm not the longest hitter, nor the shortest, however there are quite a few shots (at least from the blue tees) on par-4's where you have to hit a long iron over a false front esque slope in front of the green. For example I was playing #14 (I believe) when I hit what I thought was a perfectly hooked 3-iron toward the pin....however it hit a few feet short of the green and stopped when I thought it might of had a chance of bouncing forward and running toward the back pin.
As you said, most of the greens open up to the outside of the dogleg, where I am guessing most shorter hitters leave their tee shots. Perhaps the architect was trying to make the shot from that angle more difficult by having to carry the false front, as punishment for "bailing out?"
I think there are a lot of interesting green complexes at Windsong, but I suppose my opinion is that they built them up too high. If given the opportunity to start over, I wonder if the course would be more interesting for a wider variety of golfers if the greens were more low profile?
Also, this might come off as 180* from most posters' views on here, but I actually like the white sand at Windsong. For one, it is very playable sand, and secondly, I think it works well visually.
Is there anyplace online where the new master plan is posted? I know there is a copy in the clubhouse, but after a few Surly's and a lot of hard up and downs I was zoned out a bit when the opportunity to study the plan arose. :)
-
I guess I will "Mucci" you post Pat
Jason,
As I had said before, I liked really enjoyed our round at Windsong last week and I am enjoying the course more with more plays. I agree with most of your observations above. However, I would say my biggest negative to the course are the forced carries required to hit many of the greens. I'm not the longest hitter, nor the shortest, however there are quite a few shots (at least from the blue tees) on par-4's where you have to hit a long iron over a false front esque slope in front of the green. For example I was playing #14 (I believe) when I hit what I thought was a perfectly hooked 3-iron toward the pin....however it hit a few feet short of the green and stopped when I thought it might of had a chance of bouncing forward and running toward the back pin.
I completely understand where you are coming from. An important aspect of the course (rightly or wrongly) is that it was designed for a low handicap membership. The elevated greens work great for that group.
The course seems to play much longer for me than other courses of comparable length. Giant's Ridge Quarry is an example of a course that has tees almost the identical length but is much more comfortable for me to play. That course has a few 450 yard par 4's that I am rarely going to hit but more holes in the 350-375 range that are more comfortable for a short hitter. Apparently the math (and the extra par 5) make for a course that seems much more reasonable for me to play.
Next time let's play from the reds because it is a completely different experience. The greens are pretty much designed so they can be approached with a wedge or a 3 wood because the wind is a factor all of the time. Nonetheless, as you suggest, with a 3 wood you are not going to hit many greens. The wind we played in makes the course play much longer - 2, 6, 9, 14, 15 and the 2nd shot on 18 are all relatively long difficult holes that play much more difficultly when fighting a southeast wind.
Your experience on 14 is why the hole is my favorite on the course. On 14, I generally hit approach shots to the right edge of the green. On that side there is opportunity for the ball to run up and the slopes cradle the ball so you have a very good chance at par. If you stay short as your shot did, it is pretty straightforward to make par. You are always tempted, however, to go at the pin. If you go towards the middle of the green or left you have about 5 yards of landing area between having it funnel back or run over the green. In either case, if you miss saving par is very difficult. It is a very natural greensite that persons all types of interesting decisions and temptations whether you have a wedge in your hand or a 3 wood. The shorter your approach the easier the aggressive shot becomes but it is not easy unless the pin is on the right.
As you said, most of the greens open up to the outside of the dogleg, where I am guessing most shorter hitters leave their tee shots. Perhaps the architect was trying to make the shot from that angle more difficult by having to carry the false front, as punishment for "bailing out?"
I do not know. I do know it punishes me. I hope to ask John Fought when I get the chance. He is at the course frequently.
I think there are a lot of interesting green complexes at Windsong, but I suppose my opinion is that they built them up too high. If given the opportunity to start over, I wonder if the course would be more interesting for a wider variety of golfers if the greens were more low profile?
See above for my thoughts.
Also, this might come off as 180* from most posters' views on here, but I actually like the white sand at Windsong. For one, it is very playable sand, and secondly, I think it works well visually.
We will see. I like how it plays and that is far more important than appearance in my opinion.
Is there anyplace online where the new master plan is posted? I know there is a copy in the clubhouse, but after a few Surly's and a lot of hard up and downs I was zoned out a bit when the opportunity to study the plan arose. :)
Tell me about it. I was still recovering from the night before. I have not seen plans online.
-
After reflecting for the week, I feel like I gave Windsong too harsh a judgement primarily based on my below-average handicap/playing ability. It’s a ball-buster, don’t get me wrong. Its 139 slope from the 6300 tees will attest that. However, there is plenty of width out there, and plenty of areas to be safe on. I was lucky to save my worst two blocks of the day for hole 6, where the massive combined fairway saved me both times; though forcing me to lay up and play it like a par 5.
What I’m probably trying to say is: I never felt like there was a hole I couldn’t finish by the rules of golf. 15 and 18 were difficult, yes. 6 didn’t have to be as hard of a hole as I made it.
It might be basic of me for saying this, but I really liked 16. It’s a brute of par 3, but there’s plenty of room to play it safe for an up/down par. Or, you can take on the flag and deal with the water in front, or the sloping green in back. It may have also helped I saved one of my shots of the weekend for that hole in the Mashie round, sending a 5 iron to about 20 feet, and just missing out on a birdie putt.
I think Jason’s analysis is plenty fair, and matches what I think about the course/club overall, plus/minus/neutral. Initially, I rated it last in the 2015 Mashie rota, but I’m changing my mind. I do prefer older courses with quirk, so a modern brute was never going to be my favorite. Then again, I’m not the target audience for this type of design. But for what it is, I think the course is good.
The culture though is fantastic. I, too, was surprised to see the amount of kids playing out on a weekend. Sure, most of them were wearing Puma, but if the little Rickie Fowlers are enjoying the game, that makes me happy. The number of families having dinner at the club on Saturday also surprised me. I fully expected a bro-vironment, but that wasn’t the case at all. I’m with Rich; the Murphy House was a Doak 10 all the way. I was looking for a retreat-style, laid back environment, and it was all that and then some.
I had Midland at #2, and I think that stays the same even if I could play it with the greens in normal shape. The Punchbowl hole was fantastic. However, there’s just something about the unique design at T&C that was always going to make it my favorite.
Which leaves Keller. Originally, I had it above Windsong, but I think I swap the order now. I think I skewed that course higher because it was my best round of the weekend. I also wonder if the price point is affecting my judgement. It’s got to be one of the best bang-for-your-buck in U.S. golf. The best muni played before Keller was Sleepy Hollow in Cleveland. While I liked Sleepy Hollow, Keller is head and shoulders above it. I think good, uphill par 3's are under-appreciated, and I thought the 13th was one of the best par 3s I played all weekend. I still don't know about that tree on 4 though. :)
I will get around to posting some pics of White Bear... eventually. :) I have zero doubts that was my favorite of my trip, and that was never really in question.
-
The culture though is fantastic. I, too, was surprised to see the amount of kids playing out on a weekend. Sure, most of them were wearing Puma, but if the little Rickie Fowlers are enjoying the game, that makes me happy.
I love that aspect as well. We have at least three members playing Division 1 golf; Lexi Bollant (GRU Augusta), Grady Meyer (Minnesota) and Alex Greenagle (Creighton) and a number of others playing Division II or III.
There are also gang of others in the pipeline. Ben Sigel is probably the most highly touted. He is ranked on the AJGA listings in the 200 range with very few starts. One policy that I believe helps a lot is that Juniors are allowed to bring guests at a $20 rate (at least the last time I looked). Thus we have groups of the top junior players in town on our course. Throw in the college golfers and the old guys and there are a lot of good swings on the range.
-
I thought Windsong was fantastic -- the best decision our group made was playing at 6,300 yards which for this 12 was plenty but never felt over-whelming. It was the only course of the 4 I hadn't played before and I think it is an almost perfect golf club. It is a nice mix of holes with a very strong set of Par 4's. Definitely too nice of a place for our rag-tag group but the staff and everyone else I came into contact treated us like Head's of State -- the short rib bruschetta may be the best appetizer I've ever had. If you get a chance to talk with John Crowley about the history and development of the club you should definitely do it as he was very involved -- when I grow up I want to be like John or at least play the same courses he does. The Bluestem native would be my only complaint as it was essentially a hazard, it would be nice to see it turned into a more diverse and playable Minnesota prairie in my opinion though I'm guessing that thinning native is not the easiest process to manage.
One of the coolest things about Windsong was playing golf on a 'live' construction site --it was almost like a video game on some holes though I'm sure it made it difficult to 'rate' the course. Doug Siebert's ball was almost knocked out of the air by the arm of a greenside excavator but he just cleared it for a tap-in birdie (Bill Steele hit the dump truck). There was a centerline bunker on the next hole (15?) that was dug out but not filled and was basically a half pipe ---Bill ran his ball through the bunker and it was like a ramp towards the green. Made me wonder if you could take a more mundane course and add interest with mad made features --but that is another thread.
One other shot of note was Scott Skorupa banking his 'pitch' off a Silo 40 yards behind this green to about 30 ft -- he just missed the putt or it would have been the most extraordinary up and down I've seen.
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Windsong%204_zpsvqt8tmfn.jpg)
The weekend confirmed my infatuation with Midland Hills and that I am perplexed by T@C. I could play the Biarritz, Cape and Punchbowl at Midland all day and I really like #1 as a starter. T@C reminds me of Owatonna CC where I play most off my golf-- there are many awkward tee shots, preferred angles and interesting greens that need multiple plays to understand how to tack around it though my opponent Evil Bill Steele seemed to take to it immediately (-1 gross after 3 holes for a 16!). Both are outstanding 'City' clubs.
The hospitality showed by the hosts is standard practice up here and to a man the MNGCA group is a generous and welcoming crew. Thanks again to everybody who put in the time and effort to make this happen --especially Pat and Jason.
Finally congrats to Captain Biggie and the rest of Team East Coast -- the West will win next years Mashie on the 20th anniversary of Tupac's murder.
-
One other shot of note was Scott Skorupa banking his 'pitch' off a Silo 40 yards behind this green to about 30 ft -- he just missed the putt or it would have been the most extraordinary up and down I've seen.
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Windsong%204_zpsvqt8tmfn.jpg)
I have been told that the silo comes into play but have never seen someone come close. Glad to hear someone put it to good use!
-
The weekend confirmed my infatuation with Midland Hills ...
Come around more often, Buck, and you will find your infatuation becoming true love.
That is what I found, at any rate. The more I play it, the more I love it, and by no means just the holes you cite. Even after three full years, I am still seeing new hole locations all over the course, revealing new charms of Raynor's design.
As for number 1, that is of course not a Raynor hole at all. And its green looks nothing like a Raynor green. Nor does the greenside bunker. And the green is the one green on the course that is consistently lousy. It is not just number one on the course; it is number one on the renovation agenda, albeit currently out of reach of the budget.
In the meantime, we will continue to remove un-useful , unhealthy and unattractive trees, rebuild the steep faced bunkers, firm up the approaches, and look for a couple dozen new members.
-
As for number 1, that is of course not a Raynor hole at all. And its green looks nothing like a Raynor green. Nor does the greenside bunker. And the green is the one green on the course that is consistently lousy. It is not just number one on the course; it is number one on the renovation agenda, albeit currently out of reach of the
Dan,
Ignore the budgetary constraints. All you need is a Sunday afternoon in November, a few spades and shovels, a case of beer, and a gaggle of well-meaning architecture hobbyists. Do you know of any, by chance?
-
As for number 1, that is of course not a Raynor hole at all. And its green looks nothing like a Raynor green. Nor does the greenside bunker. And the green is the one green on the course that is consistently lousy. It is not just number one on the course; it is number one on the renovation agenda, albeit currently out of reach of the
Dan,
Ignore the budgetary constraints. All you need is a Sunday afternoon in November, a few spades and shovels, a case of beer, and a gaggle of well-meaning architecture hobbyists. Do you know of any, by chance?
Matt --
I'd be perfectly willing to invest some sweat equity into the project ... but according to the testimony of our longtime head pro, still serving on the Green Committee, that is how we got the current green, bunker, and surrounding mounding.
I don't think "well-meaning" cuts it!
Dan
-
Dan - has there ever been any thought of going back to the original green on 9? It confuses me why the new one is considered an improvement.
-
Dan - has there ever been any thought of going back to the original green on 9? It confuses me why the new one is considered an improvement.
Jason --
I don't think so.
And I don't see how either of us could know which was the better green, since that practice green that remains is *not* the original green, but just part of the original green (and lacking the original's bunkers). All we know is that it is located where the original green was.
I also don't know why they decided, way back when, that they needed a new green. I'll try to find out. I can only speculate, at this point, that they thought players on the 1st tee would be safer with the green farther away. (Did someone on the original 6, the Short, get beaned? And was he on the Green Committee?)
The "new" 9 green was, I've been told, designed to emulate the original. See the 1937 aerial at http://www.mhccturf.com/?p=398 (http://www.mhccturf.com/?p=398) (our superintendent Mike Manthey's blog), and you will see that the original green (which was then hole 5) had bunkers at more or less the same spots as the current bunkers, and the green has a similar shape -- though, perhaps significantly, the deeper back of the old green was on the right side (downhill), and the deeper back of the current green is on the left (uphill). I'm guessing, just from the shape and the topography, that that original green had a bit of a reverse Redan quality, feeding balls to the right.
Of course, the current green does exactly the same thing. It feeds *everything* to the right.
Personally, I think the current green complex is a really good one, rewarding aggressive shots well-played and leaving *really* difficult putts for both cautious plays (big sweeping uphill putts) and over-aggressive approaches (screaming sweeping downhill putts and chips).
Plus, I love the reverse-cant optical illusion. Even those of us who have played the course many, many times tend to miss our putts on the low side.
What don't you like about it?
Dan
-
What don't you like about it?
Dan
Having it feed like a reverse redan makes sense to me although the advantage of having it angled the way it is now is that it opens up with a more aggressive line off the tee.
Now, as you state, the angle is in the other direction and feels to me like a Nicklaus green perched on a sidehill. It has a very modern feeling to it that is very different from the other greens on the course. I find it awkward.
-
I find it awkward.
Jason --
I think everyone finds it awkward. I'm not sure that's an indictment.
Surely there are plenty of great holes about which you'd say the same thing. Hasn't everyone always said that about the Road Hole? (I'm not comparing No. 9 to the Road Hole!)
How it looks: Nicklaus-like? I don't know; I haven't played enough Nicklaus courses to comment. Unlike the rest of the greens on the course? Not to my eye; it actually has a pretty strong resemblance to No. 2, don't you think. (No. 9 is a more tilted version of No. 2.) If you told me that No. 9 is *too much* like No. 2, from tee through green, I'd see your point.
How it plays: I think it plays well.
As you said earlier in this thread, about your own home course, that's what matters to me most.
Dan
-
One other shot of note was Scott Skorupa banking his 'pitch' off a Silo 40 yards behind this green to about 30 ft -- he just missed the putt or it would have been the most extraordinary up and down I've seen.
(http://i624.photobucket.com/albums/tt325/PatCCraig/Windsong%204_zpsvqt8tmfn.jpg)
I have been told that the silo comes into play but have never seen someone come close. Glad to hear someone put it to good use!
What really cracked me up when Scott hit it was that in the morning round I'd mentioned I would love to take a bucket of balls out there and try to bank one off the silo. When I got to the green and saw it was further behind than it looked I realized how difficult that would be - you'd probably have a 5 foot wide area where it would rebound onto the green, which is a pretty accurate shot considering it would need to carry about 220 or so.
Imagine my surprise when Scott hit it! I was laughing so hard I literally fell down on the hillside. I was rooting for him to make it, even though he was one of my opponents, just because it would have made the story even better!
-
I wanted to also thank Pat and Jason for setting this up, and the staff at Windsong for taking such good care of those of us at the Murphy House!
Also a shout out to my opponent in Sunday's match, Dan Kelly, for helping me out on where things were on some of the quirkier holes at T&C. Especially #6, the longish par 4 with the blind second over the steep hill. If he hadn't had us walk well left off the teebox to see how things lined up, I wouldn't have seen there was a faint cart track up the hill that almost lined up with the left edge pin position from my ball. Using that, I was to hit what was probably my best shot of the day, a 6 iron perfectly on line to 15 feet short of the hole from 190. If I hadn't had that line I wouldn't have had a hope of even hitting the green, much less getting close enough for good run at birdie / tap in par.
I have to think that hole was originally designed as a par 5, I can't see that being a par 4 originally unless the back tee we were playing from was added later. I didn't really pay attention to that teebox, but there were a few holes where it was clear the teebox had been added later (kind of a giveaway on an older course when you have to walk back ~60 yards to the tee of a 550 yard par 5 even if it hadn't been obvious from the way the tee was built into a hillside...)
Dan ended up winning 4&2 even with all the free advice I received, but it was a fun match, with me taking 12-14 to hold him at bay for a bit after he'd won the previous 4 before that to put my back against the wall. Not a lot of halves in our match - unfortunately because both of us were struggling with the short game and failing to get up and down to match the others' pars, rather than lighting up the board with a bunch of birdies.
I liked Windsong the best of the three courses, despite the active construction requiring shots over fully extended excavator arms to a tight pin! ;D Seeing the course in the Friday twilight Richard Choi and I were thinking might eat a lot of balls, but there is actually plenty of room. I suppose it played a bit easier because of the construction, since you don't fear a bunker you can drop out of, so I guess that balanced out added difficulty of shots over excavators and worries about hitting the construction guys (who acted like they felt wearing a hardhat would somehow protect the rest of their body) I think without a breeze the course would be a bit of a pushover if you're playing at all well, but we had a decent breeze so no worries about that!
-
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your note. I'm glad you had a good time and I hope you enjoyed your round at T&C.
In fact, #6 at T&C was originally a par-5, with the current tee box being essentially where the hole has been played from for 100 years. You're also correct that there are a few back tees (and forward tees) that have been added in the somewhat recent years (last 5-6 I would say). New back tees have been added to #5, #7, #11, #13, #15, #17 and #18. The walk back you are referring to is likely the walk on #15, which was added in the name of length about 6 years ago. In it's current shape it's not my favorite tee box and I think the hole is more interesting from the old tee, this is now used as a ladies tee.
It's interesting that you would assume a course that is "only" 6,480 yards would be searching for new ways to add length, but the back tees are typically too tough for most of the membership and I would guess >95% of the men's rounds are played from the middle, "white" tees.
-
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your note. I'm glad you had a good time and I hope you enjoyed your round at T&C.
In fact, #6 at T&C was originally a par-5, with the current tee box being essentially where the hole has been played from for 100 years. You're also correct that there are a few back tees (and forward tees) that have been added in the somewhat recent years (last 5-6 I would say). New back tees have been added to #5, #7, #11, #13, #15, #17 and #18. The walk back you are referring to is likely the walk on #15, which was added in the name of length about 6 years ago. In it's current shape it's not my favorite tee box and I think the hole is more interesting from the old tee, this is now used as a ladies tee.
It's interesting that you would assume a course that is "only" 6,480 yards would be searching for new ways to add length, but the back tees are typically too tough for most of the membership and I would guess >95% of the men's rounds are played from the middle, "white" tees.
Well, if it is 6480 now and there were new back tees on seven holes I guess it would have been closer to 6000 yards before? Interesting that such an overwhelming percentage of the rounds are played from the middle tees. Do you think that's because the lengthening was recent, so the members who were there pre-lengthening prefer playing the tees they've always played? I would assume the lengthening happened because they were worried about being able to draw in new members, who may have felt 6000 yards was too short?
In some ways it reminded me of the local Elks Club course here in town. That's just a nine holer, and shorter - I think something like 2700 yards. It was built around the turn of the last century, and pretty much followed the existing land since they didn't have earthmoving equipment, and is even quirkier than T&C. For example, there's a 255 yard par 4 that's hardly ever driven (very small very tilted green with falloffs on left, right and front) and a 500 yard par 5 that apparently used to be quite driveable in the past (double dogleg with both doglegs to the right, so it was only about 250 from tee to green as the crow flies, until they added some trees next to the teebox that blocked that path)
Its par 5 second is sort of the mirror image of T&C's 6th. It is around 470 yards, with a very steep ~60 foot drop off about 100 yards from the green. There's an old ship's bell next to the green that is rung after the group ahead putts out, so you know when it is safe to blindly approach!
-
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your note. I'm glad you had a good time and I hope you enjoyed your round at T&C.
In fact, #6 at T&C was originally a par-5, with the current tee box being essentially where the hole has been played from for 100 years. You're also correct that there are a few back tees (and forward tees) that have been added in the somewhat recent years (last 5-6 I would say). New back tees have been added to #5, #7, #11, #13, #15, #17 and #18. The walk back you are referring to is likely the walk on #15, which was added in the name of length about 6 years ago. In it's current shape it's not my favorite tee box and I think the hole is more interesting from the old tee, this is now used as a ladies tee.
It's interesting that you would assume a course that is "only" 6,480 yards would be searching for new ways to add length, but the back tees are typically too tough for most of the membership and I would guess >95% of the men's rounds are played from the middle, "white" tees.
Well, if it is 6480 now and there were new back tees on seven holes I guess it would have been closer to 6000 yards before? Interesting that such an overwhelming percentage of the rounds are played from the middle tees. Do you think that's because the lengthening was recent, so the members who were there pre-lengthening prefer playing the tees they've always played? I would assume the lengthening happened because they were worried about being able to draw in new members, who may have felt 6000 yards was too short?
Without the new back tees the old "back" tees were about 6300 and the middle tees have always been about 6100 yards. On many holes it doesn't make much of a difference and there are many holes where the back and middle tees are played from the same spot (such as #8, #9, and #10). However the back tees make some of the holes much more difficult, such as on #5 and the par-3 11th and 14th. It's just much more difficult for a shorter hitting mid-handicap player from back there.
Each tee is different, but back tees are typically built because a) a few of the longer hitting members like/want the extra distance and b) because members typically take more pride in how long the course is on the scorecard, even if they never play the back tees themselves.
Just a side note, I went out and played a few holes at T&C last evening for the first time since the Mashie a few weeks ago. All I'll say is that I wish you guys had come up this week as the course is playing awesome right now. It is totally rock hard, the ball was bouncing and it's finally browning out a bit which is typical of fall.
-
Just a side note, I went out and played a few holes at T&C last evening for the first time since the Mashie a few weeks ago. All I'll say is that I wish you guys had come up this week as the course is playing awesome right now. It is totally rock hard, the ball was bouncing and it's finally browning out a bit which is typical of fall.
I played there Wednesday, Pat, and the greens were blisteringly fast. Lots of fun.
I hit number 17 in two, with a 230 yard Three wood. Had one of my few eagle putts of the year. Should've remembered where the river was. Ran it 5 feet by and missed on the right. Missed the screaming downhill right to left comebacker, too. Par.
Midland is playing much better now, too. Bounce and run, instead of Land and stick. Next Minnesota mashie should be in October.
-
Was there any informal banter regarding a potential 2016 venue? Obviously, until King George weighs in all discussions remain purely hypothetical.
-
Just a side note, I went out and played a few holes at T&C last evening for the first time since the Mashie a few weeks ago. All I'll say is that I wish you guys had come up this week as the course is playing awesome right now. It is totally rock hard, the ball was bouncing and it's finally browning out a bit which is typical of fall.
I played there Wednesday, Pat, and the greens were blisteringly fast. Lots of fun.
I hit number 17 in two, with a 230 yard Three wood. Had one of my few eagle putts of the year. Should've remembered where the river was. Ran it 5 feet by and missed on the right. Missed the screaming downhill right to left comebacker, too. Par.
Glad you got out to see the course again while it's in its current shape. You're right, the greens are super fast right now, even by T&C standards.
Hitting #17 in two (heck, or even three) is always an accomplishment as the green has so much back to front slope and is so shallow. Add in the false front and the fall off behind the green and hitting the green safely and leaving yourself an uphill putt becomes a bigger accomplishment than you might initially think when looking at the scorecard!
Interestingly enough, Jeff Mingay is at T&C the next couple of days and is reshaping a bunch of the area behind the 17th green. What exactly he's doing I'm not sure yet but we'll know by the end of the week.
-
Was there any informal banter regarding a potential 2016 venue? Obviously, until King George weighs in all discussions remain purely hypothetical.
It seemed like most people this year were thinking/recommending Forest Dunes next year in order to see Tom Doak's course there, and then Sand Valley the following year once the C&C course is fully open?
-
Was there any informal banter regarding a potential 2016 venue? Obviously, until King George weighs in all discussions remain purely hypothetical.
It seemed like most people this year were thinking/recommending Forest Dunes next year in order to see Tom Doak's course there, and then Sand Valley the following year once the C&C course is fully open?
This is probably true. And it's fine by me.
I still have it in my head that an Iowa Mashie would be a good one. I sent a formal letter to Wakonda Club to inquire about their interest in hosting the Saturday round, but they said their club rules would prohibit them from hosting such an event on a weekend. I'm fine with doing more leg work in arranging this in the future, but it sounds like Wakonda would have to be a weekday side round, at best.
-
I’ve heard the speculation about Forest Dunes for 2016, along with a few other courses. I haven’t talked to The Godfather (and new father) recently enough to have any real knowledge of where the 2016 event will be held but I expect it to be at one of two places, either of which would be absolutely stellar. And it’s possible I’ll be wrong, and he’ll line up another equally stellar location for us instead.
Forest Dunes and Sand Valley would both make great future options, and it goes without saying that the guys on this site will recommend visiting a new Doak and a new C&C. However, I also think most of us will find our way to those courses eventually, Mashie or not. If it weren’t for the Cleveland Mashie, I don’t know that I’d have ever found my way to Canterbury. Had it not been for the Minneapolis Mashie, I suspect it’s very unlikely I would ever have played the five courses I visited there. I’m incredibly thankful that the last two years have taken this event to courses that fly a little more under-the-radar. There’s just something special about the feeling of “discovering” a course you love and becoming a vocal supporter of it, as opposed to visiting a course that everyone loves and adding one more voice to the shouting.
In no way am I voting against either Forest Dunes or Sand Valley, both of which would be a blast. I just want to advocate that we avoid tunnel-vision about those destinations, because a brief perusal of this year’s location-selection thread along with a few conversations I’ve had with George in the past have illuminated that we have far more options available than most of us probably realize. If The Godfather sets up an unexpected location for 2016 or any other year, I’ll be excited at the possibility rather than disappointed at the unexpected.
That said, Forest Dunes could be an INCREDIBLE venue and would practically demand the first ever 54-hole Mashie, to say nothing of pre-competition rounds.
-
I like the idea of another Michigan Mashie. This is also selfish because of great courses and not to far of a drive!
I also like Criss's idea of an Iowa Mashie where I bet the majority of people have not played much golf. I personally would have no problem with a round on Thursday or Friday before the weekend. This year we had a great turn out on Friday and in years past many participants got in town early to play extra rounds.
My third suggestion would be going back to Indiana and having Jason host us at his club. Sounds like lots of golf balls would be needed and an acceptance for high scores, but we were told this before Windsong Farms and I am sure we would all gladly go back there.
Looking forward to the 2016 Midwest Mashie where ever it is. Go East!!!
chris
-
I played last Saturday at Windsong, and like Midland and T&C, the course was playing very firm and fast (with the exception of a few spots where the irrigation system has been needed to help the new sod around some of the bunkers to grow in).
It's also been interesting to see the progress of the bunker and course renovation project. The front nine was done except for a new bunker that had been dug on the 3rd in the bail out area for those of us who typically hit driver to avoid the water left.
The back nine work was also progressing nicely. The biggest disruption will be the re-routing of the 12th (which I still have a hard time understanding). On Saturday, there was a 25-foot mound of dirt in front of the green that suddenly appeared after sculpting a new route for the fairway. I thought it actually would have been great to simply leave the mound there and make the approach shot semi-blind. But it's only temporary. I think the hole will be shut down soon (there was a temporary hole cut in the fairway, so I think the 12th will soon be a temporary short par 4). But I'll be interested to see the hole once it's finished.
-
If I may humbly offer consideration for South Bend, Indiana. Good central location off a major roadway with an easy to use airport in town. South Bend CC and The Warren Course at ND as venues. Some strong neighbors nearby for additional rounds. If not next year, maybe soon.
Heck, The Mashie feels right at home here!!
Ken