UPDATES, UPDATES...

Coach Garrette Mantle, who has led
Elk City to one State Championship,
will have another chance this year.
--- Elk City High School charges to a great comeback from 3rd to 1st in their second tournament, only to be denied the victory... it turns out that two slow groups with players not in contention both in the individual or team standings did not finish because of darkness, and second round was completely is cancelled! Let's consider this a victory! ("officially" the school finished 3rd: 311-298/609, however, only the 311 counted. Duncan High School officially won the tournament with a 307). Congratulations to Coach Garrette Mantle!

High School Golf is a good way for
our kids to learn the value of good,
honest competition.
--- Joby Gray charged to 3rd place after a so-so start, and, as explained above, his second score was cancelled! Joby shot 75-71/146 and would have finished 3rd instead of "officially" 6th. Joby, who carries a "+1" USGA Handicap,  is planning to add 4 USGA qualifiers to his schedule: the U.S. Juniors, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur Publinx... wouldn't we all like to see him play in one or more of these? SURE WE WOULD!

--- Other team scores: Keegan Hall 77-74/151; Berek Dyson 80-76/156; Logan Gore 79-77/156 and Cameron Marcum 88-78/166. Sounds like better planning by the host team in Lawton, OK was necessary regarding the rules and starting times.

Joby Gray during one of his rigorous,
self imposed,  practice sessions.
--- Tiger wins for the 7th time at the Arnold Palmer's Invitational and for the 72nd time on Tour. By all accounts, he will now be the favorite at Augusta National where he will be trying to win his 5th Masters and 15th major tournament. We have a couple of polls on the top right. Give us your opinion (Polls results are published in a link under Elk City Favorites).


Anya Alvarez prior to her last round
of the Symetra Tour event in Florida.
--- Anya Alvarez placed T23rd in her first Symetra Tour tournament, the Florida's Natural Charity Classic in Winter Haven, FL. Her scores were 70-73-75 (218). As a caddy, I had a front row seat to all what went on, including a distracted finish of three over par in the last 5 holes of the event, nevertheless, I am encouraged. Her next start will be in 2 weeks in Florida at the Sara Bay Classic (April 20-22) in Sarasota, FL, and then unto Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the Riviera Nayarit Classic (April 27-29). As a caddy, I had a front row seat to everything that went on, and I am truly encouraged by the future.

--- Coming up is "Masters Week"! The majors are my favorite tournaments, but none like the Masters or the U.S. Open. For some reason, the mystique of The Masters and the history of the U.S. Open fascinate me. Last year, there were no Americans winning the majors (I can't remember another year where this has happened). Look for an American to win it this year... Phil? Bubba? John Rollins?

--- On the way back from Florida, I met "Heath" (didn't catch his last name). He is John Rollins' caddy who placed 20th in the Arnold Palmer's Invitational. We shared a few things, both as caddies and parents. John Rollins is now officially my second PGA Tour favorite (yes, Phil is and will remain first). I hope John wins and gets in The Masters, for which he has not qualified yet.

LET THE SEASON BEGIN...

FIRST OF ALL....
DON'T FORGET!! "DEMO DAY" has been set for April 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Titleist, Ping, Cleveland, Callway, Adams & Tour Edge have agreed to be here. Taylor Made has declined due to a scheduling conflict. In addition, Ping, Titleist and Cleveland, will be doing club fittings (contact the pro-shop for details and a fitting reservation). We will keep you updated. We will serve snacks and soft drinks. DON'T MISS IT!

MOVING RIGHT ALONG...
I waited, and I waited, and I waited for a winter... it came for about a week, and that is it. So, for all practical purposes, let the golf season begin!!! What should we expect?

--- As we get more and more familiar with faces, groups and local habits, we should continue improving on the directive of the Board of Directors to account for every round of golf, and with that, an effective tee time reservation service in order to better control traffic and pace of play during busy days.

Counting is no problem and with every one's cooperation has been working nicely. We counted a little over 15,000 rounds last year, 1/3 of which were visitors; however, though there has been some progress in tee time department, we have some ways to go. All we can say is that we encourage all of you to reserve tee times on the weekends, especially if you know the weather is going to be nice.

--- As it has been our policy, if we are busy and you did not reserve a tee time, we will try to accommodate you as soon as possible, but realize that knowing that you are coming gives us a better chance of serving you better, sooner and more effectively.

--- The board approved the lease of a couple of additional carts for rental for this season and is open to a few more if necessary. Considering that most members have their own cart, and a good percentage of visitors come to play with a member, records show that our limited number of carts, now up to 17, will be more than enough for most days along with a few carts that some members allow us to use during busy times....

--- We are listening! The pro-shop will continue "keep our ears" open to customers' requests on certain type or brands of merchandise. We are truly trying to stock as big a variety as it is possible for the size of the shop as well as for the size of our community and membership. See our variety and prices in all brands, you will be pleased. But, if we don't have it, we can order it ASAP. In the ball department, we are a "Titleist Only" pro-shop, but we offer access to all other brands through special orders (see our policy at the pro-shop).

--- Greens were aerified and sanded Monday and Tuesday of this week (March 12-13). This time, Ed Hughes contracted someone who could use deep tines (taking a 10-12" core out) and as these heal, you will see a huge difference in the season. Expect fast, smooth surfaces.

UPDATES...

Logan Gore newest member
of Elk City HS Team
2011 Tournament: Brock Walker,
Cody Lake, Keegan Hall, Berek
Dyson and Joby Gray.
UPDATE (03/13/12; 04:25 A.M.)
Boys team took second. Low scores were Joby Gray 69-69/138 (won tournament by 4 shots) and Logan Gore 75-73/148

 --- Elk City High School Boys team will have their first tournament tomorrow (March 12) in Lawton, OK. Led by junior Joby Gray, who despite playing in the basketball team, continued playing almost every day during the off season, and Logan Gore, a talented freshman who scored two hole in ones last year, and also seemed to be a permanent fixture at the golf course, the rest of this talented team, Berek Dyson, Keegan Hall and Brock Walker, all juniors and seniors, should not have a problem picking up where they left off last year and contend statewide.

Terry Teague: It pays off to
carry an umbrella as part
of your equipment!
"I should have bought an
umbrella!" (Dave Rogers)
--- This Monday also, we will be servicing members' golf carts. If you are on our list, and do not house your cart at the golf course, don't forget to bring it this afternoon. We will be calling all members on the list as well. If you are not on the list, and would like to have it serviced, call the pro-shop at 580-225-3556.

--- Golfers are special breed. In a rainy day like yesterday, you would expect those whom you consider "the dyehards" to take on the rain and the cold. And that is exactly what happened: during a hard and constant drizzle Rod Little, Dave Rogers, Frank Mendez and Terry Teague went out to play a nine hole match. We all thought they would quit after a couple of holes, but to their credit, they stuck with the plan and finished. No word on who won the match. A little while later, Joby Gray (wouldn't you guess!) came in to play 18 holes!
This is how you prepare to play in
the rain!

--- Today is our "First Elk City Birthday!". One year ago today, on a Friday, we arrived to work at this wonderful place. Thank you all!

A FEW SHORT CHIPS...

--- Last Sunday, while Rori McIlroy was taking over #1 in the world by withstanding a charge from the former and longest reigning #1, 134 golfers were enjoying a great day at Elk City Golf & Country Club, many of them not caring whether they made a four or multiples thereof, they just wanted to enjoy the great weather.

--- Reminder to all Club Members: Reserve a Tee Time! It is your privilege which comes in handy on busy days.... and helps us help you better!
Freshman Logan Gore getting
"up n' down" from the fringe
on #17. TOUGH DAY!
Tough competitor: Berek
Dyson reading a birdie
putt on the last green.

--- Time for High School golf! You can see the range full of youngsters every afternoon. The school will host their yearly invitationals on April 4 (girls) and April 11 (boys). Expect a good season as the "top four" are very good players and already practicing hard: Berek Dyson, Logan Gore, Joby Gray and Keegan Hall. First tournament is in Lawton next week! For the record, in winds of 25 mph and gusts of 35-40, there was only one played who scored under 40 in the first qualifying round: Joby Gray had a 34.
Keegan Hall & Joby Gray
got on a cart to follow their
team after their own round.

--- Range memberships are available for purchase or renewal. For Club Members a single membership is only $150, $200 for a couple and $250 for family of 3. Non Club Members pay an up charge of $50 per membership. We have begun to replace 160 dozen of older range balls with newer balls.



--- We now have a website, the web address is http://elkcitygolf.com. Visit and give us your opinion, suggestions and corrections. It is the goal of the club's board, to promote golf and our golf course in as many ways as possible.

--- This year we will resume the "Demo Day" that our friend and former club pro, Cory Smith, used to host. So far we have five golf club companies who have accepted: Adams, Titleist, Ping, Tour Edge and Cleveland Golf. We will let you know of any additions or changes. The date is April 17 (the first Tuesday of Men's Scramble this season) and it starts at 2:00 p.m. In addition to hitting demo clubs, Titleist and Ping will offer 1/2 hour club fitting appointments. You need to call the pro-shop to reserve your slot.

--- Are you a serious golfer? Join the GHIN system to track your handicap! A USGA handicap lets you know not only how you compare to others, but how are you doing "against" yourself: are you improving or not? It is the right thing to do. 

--- Coming up this week: Don't forget to call Joyce Ellis on March 8 on her 81st birthday. Mrs. Ellis was James Ellis' right hand for all those years that he served you while paving the path for the likes of Cory and myself. I guarantee you, I can relate to Mr. Ellis: him without Joyce and me without Ramona, could not possibly operate to a full range of services. Happy birthday!!!! (and thank you for your time!)

--- Time for regrips! We have a large selection of grips in stock. If we do not have your favorite, we'll get it in a couple of days.

--- After "Demo Day" (April 17), we will designate two weeks in which we will help you sell old clubs. Details in April.

--- Last, but not least: we appreciate your business. Sincerely and truly. We are deeply grateful for the local support of the pro-shop and vow to continue to offer as many products at the best prices possible. If we don't have it in our small shop, we can get it soon!