From the Bunkers – Week of May 20, 2019

5 years ago

NEW LIMERICK, Maine — A reminder that this Saturday, May 25, we will have a volunteer day to do some minor cleanup in the plantation pine areas. We will start at 8:30 and go until we get done. Of course, many hands make for quicker work, We will have burgers and drinks at lunch. You do not have to commit to the whole time. If you could set aside a few hours that day it will be appreciated.  If you have a weed whacker or rake please bring them along.

Old man winter let us know this week that he has not gone into hibernation mode yet. Hopefully that was his last gasp for this year. We seem to be in a spring showers cycle now, but the temperatures are starting to rise. The good thing about the dry days we have had is our experienced crew has been able to catch up. Greens and fairways are mowed, as are most of the roughs and Brian has done a great job on the tee surrounds and hillsides. The plan is to work on the driving range this week if we can get a couple drier days. Once done it will be officially open for the season.

The HCGC Memorial Tournament is on Saturday, June 1. It will be an 18-hole scramble with a noon shotgun start. The tournament is held to honor those past members that have passed over the years. The cost is $20 per person with proceeds going for flowers and other improvements to the course. Sign up now on the sheet on the events wall in the bar.

June 1 is the deadline to sign up for the Men’s League on Monday afternoons. Currently there are openings for five more teams. Matches will begin on June 10. The signup sheets is on the wall in the great room. You can also call the proshop at 532-2662 to put your name on any of these events.

The Ladies Association will tentatively start on May 28, weather permitting.

Junior golf clinics will start in late June with Dave Grant and Bruce Nason instructing. This is for 8-year-olds up to high school age students. The cost is $45. Call the proshop for more info and to sign up.

The Lakeside Restaurant was very busy this weekend. Looks like we have a destination eatery, even with shaky weather. Nancy and Bill have an excellent crew for your dining pleasure. They are open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for early dinner. Call Nancy at 694-9494 to book your table.

This week’s new rules change concerns some groundskeeping. On the greens, you are now able to tamp down any spike marks that were left by prior players that you used to grumble over. And when you get done you might check to see if you have left any marks. Also, when in bunkers, you can now remove loose impediments around your ball as long as you don’t move the ball. And when you get out, please remember to rake the trap for the next person.

We will be experiencing much better weather soon, but in the meantime, I’ll just put up and shut up and get in a few rounds in the rain. When it gets here, it won’t be long before we forget about this cool start.

And I’ll see you on the course.

Houlton Community Golf Course is located on 6 Country Club Drive in New Limerick. For more information on the course call 532-2662 or email houltongolf@gmail.com