It’s time to pursue our second straight edition highlighted by the world of golf.
I guess you could say we’re on the back nine.
No word yet from corporate headquarters in regard to The Chief accepting my challenge for an 18-hole shootout at Thunder Valley. I’d think the brass at the waterfall course on Apperson Drive would roll out the red carpet for a match play event of this nature that would surely draw a gallery. If nothing else, my Loudmouth pants and The Chief’s resemblance to Robert Redford should bring the autograph seekers from far and wide.
On the more collected side of the links, congratulations go out to Ballyhack Golf Club and its staff for hosting last week’s Delta Dental State Open of Virginia. The tough Ballyhack Scottish Highlands-style layout drew great raves from the players and media.
My take on the top moment of the tournament took place during Saturday’s final round when runner-up Mikey Moyers lagged his putt on the par-5 15th hole to within 18 inches for a tap-in par. So what’s the big deal about that? His first putt was from over 135 away and was stroked initially from the 13th green. Figure that one out.
Also, last weekend, Rory McIlroy captured The British Open with a 4-round 271 total, good for a two-stroke win and over $1.6 million. With that, today’s “Know your 2014 British Open” trivia question is, “Who is Rhein Gibson”? The answer will appear later.
On the local scene, the Roanoke Valley Women’s Golf Association concludes its 3-round City-County Championship Thursday afternoon at Blue Hills Golf Club. At press time, Cave Spring’s Meagan Board was atop the leader board after the first round.
Moving to baseball, the Salem Red Sox return home this Friday, July 25th, for a six game home stand. Myrtle Beach comes to town Friday through Sunday, followed by a three-game set with Carolina Tuesday through Thursday.Great action at Salem Memorial Ballpark as the Sox chase a second-half title.
Good luck to American Legion Roanoke Post 3 as they head to Leesburg for the opener of the 8-team, double elimination state tournament starting Tuesday night. Post 3 brought home the District 9 title last Sunday, their fourth in as many years.
We’re just over one month away from opening night of local high school football. Time flies as high school practices can begin July 31st and season-openers can kickoff August 29th. The dog days of summer will shift to the snows of December before the VHSL championship games take place on December 13th.
Here’s high school football by the numbers. In figures released by the VHSL recently, 25,476 boys and 21 girls participated in high school football in 2011 at 306 VHSL schools. The VHSL has conducted state championships in football since 1920, when Newport News defeated Jefferson Senior High of Roanoke 14-7. See, you always learn something when you read this column.
Who’s Rhein Gibson? The player that finished dead last in The British Open and one of only three players that Tiger Woods bested among those who made the 36-hole cut. Woods won $512 more than Gibson and over $1.6 million less than McIlroy.
Finally, new Franklin County Speedway operator Tim Wheat has given the thumbs up to The Wild Bill Race Girls appearing at an August race. The Race Girls will be flagging the races, handling trophy presentations and riding laps in the Mustang convertible pace car. More details to follow, including the introduction of my beauties. Drivers, start your engines.
Until next time, send your golf’s slicing questions to: [email protected]
Wonder what purse The Chief is putting up at Thunder Valley? Maybe we can get Rhein and Tiger to make it a foursome.
– Bill Turner
