Minnesota Golf Architects
As Golf continues the Covid driven growth curve, investors are again looking at golf courses as an investment. This story is a look at the men who designed golf courses in Minnesota.
No Perfect Swing
Looking ahead to the golf season, the focus becomes the 3M Open. How many fans will be admitted? Who will be in the field? Will the drams of the past Championship continue. A look at a Psychic story about golf swings.
Prize Money Gone Wild
With the $40 Million Dollar bonus money for top PGA Tour Players, I had to re-run this Psychic story.
Tornados On The Golf Course
Believe it or not, tornado season is just around the corner. Operating a golf course for many years, I realized how foolish people can be. Respect for Mother Nature is essential!
Pit-Shih Tzu Tournament
Fun story about dogs on the golf course. What kind of puppies would they make?
Masters Dream Come True
For a few days, Sammy Schmitz, amateur golfer, belonged at the Masters. Those memories will be shared with his family for life.
Hole In One Sends Sammy To The Masters
Sammy’s Schmitz’s Hole-In-One on the par-4 15th hole (33rd hole in the 36 hole final) in the final match of the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship at
Is 82 Wins Tiger’s Total Number?
As the Masters approaches, we will share Masters related stories. Tiger has the highest winning percentage of any professional golfer.
Non-Golfers, Golfers
Human critters are invading our golf courses. The question is: “Are human beings animals (or critters)?”
Leopard Frog
This story brings me back to my college days. I truly hope that my farmer friends are still enjoying life playing golf.
The Links At Northfork – Scotland, MN
Wind, sandy soil and fast playing conditions make a links golf course. When golfers stand on the 1st tee, they seem to taste the salt in the sea air.
COVID – Will Change Golf Forever
For the next twenty years the golf industry will still be analyzing the changes that occurred during during COVID. The Psychic takes a look into the crystal ball.
Tall Jim The Cash Machine
There are those who win when they play golf. And there are those who always lose. Tall Jim was always on the losing end.
White Squirrel
Critters on a golf course are a constant source of pleasure. No animal is more beautiful than the rare white squirrel.
Big Clyde’s Big Shot
Double eagles are rare. But when a double eagle is scored in a huge tournament it is even bigger. Big Clyde’s albatross was worth a $960 team Skin.
The Birdie That No One Got
Pheasants seem to be everywhere. But when shows up during a Pro Golf event is becomes a big deal.
Recollections Of The St. Paul Open Played At Keller Golf Course
At one time the St Paul Open was a big PGA Tour event. Bill Burns recalls his days as a young caddie when Casper fired his caddie and picked a kid from the gallery to loop for him..
Killdeer Entertain Little Annie
Mother Nature provides entertainment for little golfers.
Ranger Richard
Most golf course rangers are wonderful “player assistants.” But a few believe they are cops. The kids turned the tables on Ranger Richard.
Trout Fishing At The Broadmoor
Sometimes there is more going on at a golf course than golf. Fishing!!
Big “D”
Big “D”, the Dave Pelz short game instructor, knocked it on in regulation; and then proceeded to score an 11 on the hole.
Mississippi Dunes Golf Links – Was Almost A Golf Masterpiece
Among the best golf courses in the world – almost. After years of hard work and millions of dollars this golf course became a housing development.
The Pizza Master
Two Aces on the same hole in the same day. Big money for a golf gambler!
Woody Saved The Day
The boys were worrying about the seen at the scorers table when the qualifying round ended. Big Bill, the country cluber, had cheated. Woody Woodpecker saved the day
Bruce’s Baby – Golden Eagle
Bruce McIntosh may not own Golden Eagle any longer, but his fingerprints are everywhere.
Sergio – Great Golf Ambassador
Sergio, the emerging “Golf Rock Star”. Kids love him as he grows the game.
Lawyer Bill and His Leafy REDMAN
For three or four years I played a lot of golf at a private club where there was a lot of action. The place was full of characters. Lawyer Bill was one of the best.
Grandpa And The Chipmunk, Alvin
Sometimes a golf course is also a place to relax and enjoy Mother Nature. Peanuts always help.
Twins
When caddies have a stake in the game they pay more attention. Fun story about twin brothers.
Worm Poop?
Did you ever wonder where black dirt comes from? Read this story and you will learn the answer.
Big Ralph – Played Golf On One Leg
WW II took his leg, but not his ability to compete and play golf.
Golf On Saba
The island of Saba is the most unique place that I have ever visited. There is not golf course….. but we can dream!
Divorce Papers On The First Tee
Cruelty on the tee! I was on the tee with my friend Terry, when he was served divorce papers at the qualifying for the USGA Amateur Championship.
Golf In The Wine Country
Northern California is a world of its own. Seeing the sights, eating wonderful food and playing unique golf courses, made this a trip to remember.
The BUG That Saved The Golf Industry.. Continued
COVID is still here!! The (COVID) Bug that saved the golf industry continues to help golf grow in two major ways. Read to learn how.
Zander Hughes Shot 55
Proof that records are made to be broken. This is a recent story about a golfer who shot a 55 on a regulation golf course.
Larry “The Ax” Hennig
We all have brushes with death during our lifetimes. This is a true story about one such “near death” events in my life.
Dangers In The Deserts
As his bright blue eyes sparkled, the little starter said, “everything in the desert bites, stings or scratches. Just lease those new ProV1’s in the desert! I will find them later.”
Punchy’s Favorite Club
Punchy said with a grin that resembled Alfred E. Newman from Mad Magazine: “That is one club that I have mastered.”
Mustang Stampede, A Golf Course Disaster
Twenty-eight sharp horses’ hoof carved massive divots with each frantic leap as seven horses raced across the beautifully manicured green.
Tom Lehman’s First Prize Money
Read this story about the first money Tom Lehman ever won playing golf.
Long Putter
The question: Who in the USGA will check to see if a woman is anchoring a long putter?
What Is The Blue General
This is an Arnold Palmer that you have never heard. Some of us are old enough to remember when The King and Pennzoil had an advertising gig. This story is part one on an interesting GolfTale!
Fat Golfer Escapes Mud
Like a scene from a Roadrunner cartoon, the Fat Man, impersonating Wile E. Coyote, clawed with his hands and peddled with his feet only to slide back into the irrigation pond.
Smokey And The Three Bears
A fun little story about the unseen people who keep the courses we play in perfect condition.
Wee Willie
This story about a caddie at the Old Course is one of my all time favorites. Read and enjoy.
Do Canada Geese Eat Golf Balls?
If a goose ate a golf ball, would it pass through his system? That is the question in story for today.
51 Eagles in 54 Holes
Now there are three golfers that I know of who have eagled 17 holes on their golf course.
Albino Deer
This group of muni golfers had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They witnessed a pair of albino deer at Fiddlestix Golf Course on the south shore of Mille Lacs lake.
BoBo’s Wedding Day
My teammate cancelled his wedding. I got us into the golf tournament on. very short notice. It was a great story among the gallery.
Dean Martin’s Famous Quote
Dean Martin, one of the coolest entertainers of all time, loved to play golf. Read the quote Dean made to a young golf hustler who had just beaten him out of big money on the golf course.
Skunk’s Head In Can
Barry’s wife informed us, “Berry is busy the weekend of your annual golf trip.”
Max McGee
After the Vikings win over Green Bay, I had to insert the story about Max McGee and a young caddie at his golf club. Enjoy this special story!
German Sausage
Southwest Desert stories continue. Javelinas interrupted the German golfers patio party.
Bobcat Dinner
Nature’s critters thrive on Arizona desert golf courses. On this particular evening the bobcat ruined dinner for a group of our Canadian neighbors.
Alice, The Potty Mouth Golf Champion
Minnesotans golfers are on the road for warmer golf friendly climates. Over the next few days I will share stories about people and places where golf is played in winter months.
Invasion Of The Army Worms
This past summer I noticed a few Army Worms. But it was nothing like the invasion of the leaf eaters a few years ago.
Rabbits At Trilogy
As the snow flies, we think of golf in warmer climates. Trilogy at Powder Ranch is a great place to play and watch the many many rabbits.
Traditions Club In Aggie Land
With gopher football on Saturday, this golf and football story will get you ready.
Golf Towel For TP
On the third hole at the beautiful Ocean Course at the Omni Resort on famous Hilton Head Island, Kelly whispers to his long time golf
Bill “IZZY” Isrealson
Playing tournament golf for 65 years I have met some fine people and great golfers. My friend Bill Isrealson ranks at the top in both categories. Read his story.
A Smile Every Time I Looked At The Clock
Gene got what he deserved. He heckled me for 4 holes, before I holed an impossible shot to beat him.
Ralph Terry – Baseball and Golf
With the World Series just around the corner I wanted to share a story about who proved he could compete ON THE BIG STAGE!
Snapping Turtles Fighting For Breading Rights – NO VIAGRA NEEDED!
This breading rights battle was something to witness.
Cowboy Became A Golfer
My relative, Jim, is the cowboy in this story. He told me the story about his problem with his new golf clubs. A few weeks later he and his wife were in Golf Galaxy and he picked up a copy of TeeTimes. He was leafing through the magazine when he came across this cowboy story – about him. He was halfway through reading it before he realized that it was about him!
Greg Swanson – “Swaney” to all his many friends!
Greg Swanson was a good player but a bigger character. This is only one of the Swaney stories.
Gila Monster Battle
Gila monster causes big fight between two good friends on the desert golf course.
Beau Jacque, The Mighty Little White Poodle
Golf courses creates strange love affaires. This story is one of the best!
Shocker Beer Can Putting
Shocker, the putting green conman, proved that putting with one hand worked to perfection. He never had to set his, always present, Bud can down while he took your money.
Tadpoles In My Stomach
As a kid I loved Orange Crush Soda. But I learned, the hard way, that Orange Crush and tadpoles don’t mix.
Westy & #44 Chuck Forman
As the Vikings start their season, thoughts of Westy and his buddy Chuck Forman come to mind.
Tommy Bolt Left A Lasting Impression!
As the re-scheduled US open draws near, my thoughts return to my two rounds with ’58 US Open Champion Tommy Bolt. Bolt proved to be a perfect gentleman.
Howard’s Golf Cap
When I see that the forecast calls for rain I plan my golf outfit thinking of Howard’s hat and raincoat. Read and enjoy his story about my friend Howard.
Cottontail Rabbit Chasing Bull Snake
Mother Nature provides golfers with a variety of entertainment. The bull snake and the cottontail rabbit are among the most unique.
Buddy T’s Scorecard
As the golf season draws to a close the annual season ending tournaments draw near. The story of my friend Buddy T and his scorecard will make you smile.
Deer At Starr Pass
As the days shorten and the leaves turn yellow gold, we golfers begin dreaming of winter getaways. Starr Pass in Tucson is among the finest.
Porcupine Hazard
When playing golf up-north on Minnesota’s resort courses animal sightings are not unusual. But having a round of golf halted by a porcupine is rare.
Angry Ducks In Melbourne
Read the amusing story and watch a video of the Angry Ducks at Huntingdale Golf Club In Melbourne Australia.
In And Out
During the 3-hour drive up north to our annual men’s golf getaway the volume on the bragging rights had increased continually. Over cocktails on the deck of the on-course condo, we hashed and re-hashed handicaps as the number of strokes were finally established. By 11 PM, an hour after our regular bedtime, we dreaming of great golf shots.
Bracket’s Crossing – Owner Tom Smith
Brackett’s Crossings is back in the news. The golf course has been totally re-grassed. It is now in the best shape ever. This story was written in 2009 but tells the story of Tom Smith and his golf course. Tom Smith continues to show that he is committed to giving members and guests the best possible turf conditions.
Bud Chapman’s Mt. Rushmore Painting Featuring Johnny Snyder
We will finish off our tribute to Bud Chapman with a painting of his good friend, Johnny Snyder. Snyder was one of the best to
Eagle And Carp – Nature’s Rule!
Located along the Cannon River, members of Cannon Country Club are entertained by many of Mother Nature’s critters.
Great Horned Owl Had Mites
Even a golfer who wears over-alls has a hard time with mites. Those gol-dang tings really make you itch.
Paula Creamer – More Than A USGA Women’s Open Champion!!
In the summer of 2008 historic Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Mn hosted the USGA Women’s Open Championship. Most Minnesota golf fans were pulling for two players, Paula Creamer and Hillary Lunke. Paula Creamer, AKA “The Pink Panther,” was seeking her first win at the US Open. The other fan favorite was Hillary Lunke, the 2008 US Open winner at Pumpkin Ridge, playing golf in her home town. Hillary Lunke did not make the cut. Paula came up a little short down the stretch at Interlachen – BUT SHE FINISHED (the event) WITH STYLE.
Red-Tailed Hawk Dive-bombed Graduation Party
The COVID19 bug cancelled most seniors students high school graduation. Future reunions will be even more important as the years go by.
Dressed In A Mink Coat, He Had Three Birdies!!
Did you know mink are carnivores? This true story will give you an idea how quickly a mink can clean out a nest.
Elk On The Course – Evergreen, CO
Ever seen a heard of elk while playing golf? Put this unique golf experience on your bucket list and travel to Evergreen, Colorado for a first hand look.
Billy Horschel’s 60 in USGA Event
This week is the USGA Amateur Championship at Bandon Dunes in Oregon. Read the details of Billy Horschel’s amazing 60 at Chaska Town Course. Billy’s 60 is the lowest score ever for a USGA event.
His First Birdie – Was A Robin
With many kids playing golf during these days of the COVID19 virus, I thought back to my son’s first birdie.
Ageless Artist sets Another Record
Last week Minnesota lost a golf legend. Read a revealing story of his golf skills and artistic talents.
Monarch Of The Plains
For two years members of our golf team shared the time-lapse transformation from a raw block of yellow rock to a perfect replica of the American Bison, The Monarch Of The Plains. The process is indelibly etched into our brains as our friend, Fritz, magically converted the immense block of stone into an incredible work of art.
The Belligerent Bulldog
The beautiful late spring day was perfect for golf. It was also a perfect day for Mother Nature’s critters to enjoy gnawing on a bone or a chew toy in the shade of a tree.
Bumble Bee Gets A GoPro Look
In these days of skin-tight golf slacks, most readers of GolfTales will not remember those loose fitting double pleated golf slacks from yesteryear. Those slacks left room for a bumble bee fly up the leg.
The Most Beautiful Trophy
Performing under pressure – that is why most athletes compete. I learned that lesson as a caddie. This never before published story has lived in my heart since age ten.
The Golf Pro And The Bull Snake
What do you think of when you hear Bismarck, North Dakota? As your mind searches for an answer. any answer; let me give you one word that you had not thought of – GOLF.
Celebrate Golfers! We Are Healthier Than Non-Golfers
Sept 21, 2020 is the annual MGA Sr Tour Finals. Thanks MGA for the picture of 2019 champions. The Psychic got the inspiration for his story from the Global Action Plan For Physical Activity 2018 – 2030: GLOBAL CONSENSUS FOR GOLF IS IN THE RACE TO TACKLE PHYSICAL INACTIVITY.
DRILL, THE EMERGENCY ROOM NURSE
The name on his name tag said Duke, but I met Drill, the ER Nurse, on a recent visit to a large hospital’s emergency room on a very busy Saturday night.
“HONEY, JUST TAP IT”
It was the couples club championship at Whispering Pines Golf Club near Myrtle Beach. On the final day, Frank and Linda were leading by four strokes with only seven holes left to play.
ONLY 19 PUTTS
As August comes to a close my mind is planning my return to my winter home in Florida. Looking forward to playing golf with Joe Knight. On a blustery Saturday morning along the Joe, age 68, has won the Club Championship for the 8th time since turning 55.
THE GOLDEN THAT WOULD NOT FETCH
Eli loves golf! He was a good college player who is still competitive in state golf association tournaments. But with a new family and a good sales job that kept him of the road four days a week, it was hard for him to find time to play.
Minnesota Golfers Will Share Record For Ever
The US Amateur Championship at Bandon Dunes well into match play elimination rounds. Read the story of two great Minnesota golfers who waited all night to play one hole, the famed par-3 17th at Pebble Beach. The dream of winning the US Amateur Championship ended before 8 AM. Understand the hart ache of every player in the championship except the ultimate winner.
GOLFER, RICK AULIE, SETS SPEED RECORD
There are all kinds of records. Course records. Basketball rebound records. Track records for every race and jump. But Rick Aulie’s record for record time for an 18 hole round of golf may be one of the best records of all.
Yellow Tomcat Has Golf Etiquette
COVID 19 caused a cancellation of the annual Smiley week on the beach in late July each year. This cat poop story was a highlight of the story telling time each evening on the beach.
Trump Golf Courses
Psychic loves golf. He loves to play golf! He loves to watch golf on television. At one time he even enjoyed practicing golf. On one
Fuzzy Loves Bucket Mouth Bass
With the 3-M Open just around the corner, I thought that readers would like to look back to 2010 3-M Championship. Fuzzy Zoeller spent more time fishing and talking about catching bass than playing golf.
Mike Cleland
8 shots in 3 holes! 4 under par! But there is more! I have known Mike Cleland for over 40 year. He has always been a really good golfer. But Mike, like fine wine, just gets better with age.
Goats As Caddies
Change has been the only constant since Scottish shepherds started whacking round stones with their shepherd’s crooks. Clubs, balls, courses, rules and yes, even caddies continue to change over time.
Will Tiger Match Jack Nicklaus’ Record Of 18 Majors?
With the US Open in the real view mirror, the Masters is the next major. The question about Tiger catching Jack’s major record. this story was written before Tiger won the Masters again.
Hedgehog On The Golf Course
What is this little pet? Answer: Hedgehog. Hedgehogs are still found on golf courses around the world. Science has reduced their need to eliminate pests.
Great Blue Heron Wins Battle With Cottonmouth Water Moccasin
This is a tale of a Great Blue Heron and a Cottonmouth Water Moccasin. We all know that the animal kingdom is a continuous eat or be eaten struggle.
Bud Chapman – One Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words!!
Bud Chapman passed last week. His friends all believe that he is now actually playing those famous hole. I posted this story last month, but it deserves another look. You will recognize his paintings.
Fast Eddie Manderville
Yesterday Minnesota and golfers everywhere lost a true ambassador. Manderville quote: “In all my years playing competitive golf, I have never had a race problem. When you have a strong game and a smile on your face, people forget about race.”
Eddie Manderville was living proof that the great game of golf is colorblind. Eddie was a great golfer. He was a true competitor. He was a wonderful gentleman!
For those of us who knew Fast Eddie and his long time golf partner Harvey Borseth, can you imagine the games they will have on that big golf course in the sky.
Meadow Mice On Golf Course
Over the years “Critters On the Course” has shared a variety of stories and tales of the variety of critters that make their home on
Question: Is Bryson DeChambeau “Golf’s Next Game Change?”
COVID-19 has changed the world. Sports fan have starved. Golf fans are the first to welcome back their heroes. During the Stay At Home quarantine, Bryson DeChambeau re-made himself physically. Built like a linebacker and hitting the ball even farther, look for Bryson to break through in a major in 2020.
Frog On The Ball
Imagine a golf ball hanging in the tall fescue – with a frog sitting on top. This story gives the details of what happened to the Mail-Carrier playing before the home town crowd. Comment if you like.
Shark Attack At Bodega Harbor
Playing golf for 65 years has produced many memories. But nothing will surpass the surreal experience of playing golf at Bodega Harbor. The cold wind off the Pacific Ocean and kaleidoscope of rain, fog and brilliant sunshine on a spectacular golf course were amazing. I did not see the Great White – But the waitress told us about it. Comment if you wish.
Ducklings Down The Drain
In the springtime duckings seem to be everywhere. Two things that don’t mix are baby ducks and floodwater drains. This story contains both buy has a nice ending. Enjoy! Make a comment after you have read the story.
Golf In The Wine Country
The TV set in my mind did a replay of our trip to wine country.
Salmon Fishing At Racine Country Club
This was my first trip around Racine Country Club. The terrified fish, using every ounce of its strength, did a tail-standing leap, spit the fly and disappeared into the foaming water. An elbow from my playing partner brought me back to the present and we proceeded toward the green.
Giants Ridge – Quality & Value!
Rated Most Valuable, Most Affordable Golf Courses and Overall Best Golf Experience in the Nation by Golf Digest, Giants Ridge golf courses represent North Woods perfect.
The “Buffalo Waller” – A Natural Hazard
Lee Trevino would have loved “The Waller.” Taking a page from the origin of golf on the seaside links land, “Natural Hazards” need no red or yellow stakes. On the western Kansas prairie Buffalo created “The Waller” a truly natural hazard. Your comments are appreciated.
Snake on the Daisy
On a road trip to see our new grand daughter, we traveled across western Nebraska. We witnessed a beautiful seen from Mother Nature. I also had a flashback to the Wild West days when cattle rustlers were hung on the spot.
Fox Pups & Cheap-O Camera
In the days before cell phones with cameras, cheap little cardboard box cameras served a need. This story illustrates proof that a camera is just a camera.
Roadrunner And The Snake
Golf in the desert has created hundreds of oasis where wildlife flourishes and “snow birds” enjoy perfect golf conditions. The variety of critters that make
Wile E Coyote
The manmade oasis where we play golf provide perfect habitat for Mother Nature’s critters. These animals provide an additional element of entertainment for golfers.
My Round With Tom Lehman
At the grand opening of The Links At Northfork Tom Lehman proved just how good he is. In a wind that would have made the Open Champion ship committee proud Tom made the game look easy. His only bogey – when I gave him bad advice. Lehman is a great player, but a better person.
Nationwide Golf Competition
Free SmartPin Test Drive Shots are available at a golf course near you. The Hole In One prize is $1,000 in gift certificates in pro shop. Check out Facebook/SmartPin for a list of golf courses.
