KEEP THE FIREWORKS on the shelf for the Fourth of July holiday and head out to a North Olympic Peninsula golf course instead.
It’s no fun calling the fire department for a fireworks-related mishap.
Trust me, I learned that lesson at age 11. No person or property were damaged, and we were able to put out the fire with a garden hose, but the mood went from celebratory to panic in moments.
Kinda like final seconds of the Super Bowl, to be honest.
Two area courses are hosting Independence Day tournaments.
Port Townsend Golf Club will offer a three-person Fourth of July Scramble with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start Saturday.
Cost is $25 per player, with $10 green fees for nonmembers.
Phone the course at 360-385-4547 for more information.
SkyRidge Golf Course in Sequim will celebrate with its annual Stars and Stripes tournament Saturday.
The two-person, 27-hole event has a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start.
Golfers will play better ball from the green tees on the front nine, scramble format from the green tees on the second nine, and alternate shot from the silver tees on the final trip around the course.
The event is $90 per team, and includes green fees, range balls and food.
A honey pot is $20 per person, and carts are $15 per seat.
SkyRidge also will host its 10th annual Lavender Golf Tournament on Saturday, July 18.
The two-person scramble tees off with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start.
A barbecue burger lunch follows play.
Cost is $40 per player, cart seats are $15, and a $10 honey pot is available.
Phone SkyRidge at 360-683-3673 to sign up.
Port Ludlow specials
Port Ludlow Golf Club is offering an Independence Day special throughout the month of July. Players can enjoy 18 holes of golf and cart rental for $45 before 9 a.m. and after 11 a.m. each day this month.
Military members also are eligible for a deal. Show a military ID and golfers will receive 18 holes of golf and use of a cart for $40 before 9 a.m. and after 11 a.m. every day in July.
Port Ludlow’s first golf professional, Ted Wurtz, is offering a series of three-day golf school packages from July 19-21, Aug. 23-25 and Sept. 20-22.
Golf school packages include accommodations at The Resort at Port Ludlow for two nights, 10 hours of golf instruction, unlimited golf, cart and range balls, 20 percent off all merchandise purchased during the stay and a $50 gift card to Niblicks Cafe.
The golf school features a ratio of six students to one instructor to provide individualized instruction and personal attention.
For more information, phone Port Ludlow at 360-437-0272.
Aces abound
Sequim’s Marine Hirschfeld may want to bronze her 7-wood after the club helped her record her second career hole-in-one in little more than a month.
In May, Hirschfeld recorded a single on the par-3 17th hole at Cedars at Dungeness.
During last week’s Washington State Golf Association Senior Amateur tournament at Cedars, Hirschfeld’s 7-wood came through once again.
Hirschfeld aced the 127-yard par-3 fourth hole with a Volvik ball on Wednesday, June 24.
The shot was witnessed by Sequim’s Judy Reno and Carol Taylor.
Cedars assistant pro Chad Wagner came through with a Father’s Day hole-in-one Sunday, June 21.
Wagner used his pitching wedge and a Srixon Z Star XV ball to hole out on the 137-yard par-3 17th hole.
It was his second career ace.
The shot was witnessed by Craig Wagner, Mike Payton and Garrett Payton, all of Sequim, and Rick Smith and Rick Smith Jr. of Port Angeles.
Probably a good time to mention Wagner offers golf lessons at Cedars.
Wagner said a single lesson is $35, while a series of five lessons is $140.
To contact Wagner, phone 360-683-6344, email cwagner@7cedarsresort.com, or visit the pro shop.
Tourney a smash
SunLand Golf & Country Club member Henry Meyer checked in with great news from the third annual Court Appointed Special Advocates Golf Tournament.
SunLand hosted the event’s 108 golfers under sunny skies Saturday, June 6.
The players challenged each other and the course while raising more than $8,500 for foster children in Clallam County.
“This was a lot of fun and a great success,” Valerie Brooks, Court Appointed Special Advocates program coordinator for Clallam County, said.
“We can’t thank everybody enough. These funds will make a difference in the lives of foster children in our community.
“The generosity of the players and sponsors makes me proud to live in this area.
“I would also like to acknowledge the generosity of the members of Sunland Golf & Country Club who have been a great part of our success.”
Meyer said the fourth annual edition of the tournament will return to SunLand on Saturday, June 4, 2016.
________
Golf columnist Michael Carman can be reached at 360-417-3525, ext. 5152, or pdngolf@gmail.com.
