Wet fairways don’t deter golfers eager to play

LW MEN'S GOLF LEAGUE

After a 10-day layoff due to weather and flooded golf courses, the Leisure World Men’s Golf League played the David L. Baker Executive Golf Course on Feb. 12. Seven brave golfers confronted a soggy course and a 43-degree morning. The golfers teed off into a windless, sunny day and skies with little warmth. It was nearly halfway through the round before temperatures started to rise. Layers were shed by the 10th hole and by round’s end, it was barely into the 60s but a clear, pleasant late morning.

Baker is a 4,000-yard, par 62 course that has abundant water hazards and this week there were some sand traps that were a foot deep with water from the previous week’s rainstorms. Greens were in excellent condition, but fairways were soggy with numerous ground-underrepair areas still recovering from the flooding. Add wet fairways plus tees that were set way back, and playing conditions were tough for everyone.

With only seven players, the prize pool was only for fewest putts and closest to the pins on the third and 15th holes. Fujio Norihiro won all three pools and was aptly compensated.

The Monday and Friday golf leagues play at four local courses, all within 15-20 minutes of Leisure World. These courses are always quite full, so advance league reservations are required with a sign-up sheet available at each round.

There is a prize pool for each round that players are not obligated to enter. Rewards are given for low net in each flight, birdies, closest to the pin on two par threes, and for the lowest number of putts in each flight. Holes-in-one and eagles (two under par), although infrequent, are generously rewarded.

Those interested in playing can contact Gary Stivers at 714313-3697 or Dave LaCascia at 801-674-5975.

—Dave LaCascia