Submitted by Fran Fowler--All summer long virtually no rain. So what happens August 21, even though the forecast is for 30-oercent showers? It rains, quite hard and quite long! But even with almost 40 golfers participating in the Willows Open you never heard a complaint. With more rain over night, the course had completely changed from lightning fast on Thursday to fall speeds by Sunday. The fairways sucked up the moisture and the roll was gone! Compliments were wide-spread on the course conditions and of course our general summer weather! Unexpectedly we were serenaded by neighbouring chainsaws and burn pile smoke but when that eventually cleared the atmosphere was great!
This year there were 5 flights, including a new novice category which brought out beginning golfers or those who felt they weren't up to 36 holes. Some will definitely be playing full time next year.
Some highlights from the play: Donna Dorrington caddied for 2 days, the first with her both her sons. The second day had two very exciting moments when Chuck Dorrington had his tee shot spin around the 13th flagstick and pop out for loss of a hole in one and Lon Sharp rolled his shot over the hole on 17. Kathy Goalder hit her #5 long drive shot almost 200 yards! Garner Moody shot the low 9 of the tournament with a 35. Way up from normal there were 8 deuces. Scores were great with several rounds in the 70's. The final round was exciting with Buck Yeomans holding a 3 stroke overnight lead when he started out with Chris Russ and Joel Pearson. By the end of Sunday's regular play there was a tie demanding a playoff between Chris and Buck. They remained tied for 3 holes until Chris did manage the win.
Final results had Chris Russ of Dixon Entrance and Fran Fowler of Willows named as the overall low gross champions, with Buck Yeomans and Roberta Wagenstein as the overall low net winners.
Chris and Fran also claimed the Rutherford/Scully Challenge, awarded to the top 2 golfers who play in both the Dixon Entrance Open and the Willows Open. This year there were 8 eligible players.
Once again, so important are all the players who attended, the many generous sponsors, the helpers, the organizers and of course the Mathers family, thanks, you are all very appreciated.