Pine to Palm
Spotlight vol. 64 no. 4
detroit lakes, minnesota Sunday, august 15, 2010
VS.
tom hoge
travis ross
VS.
wade walters
todd hillier
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Sunday, August 15th, 2010
Only four remain in Pine to Palm title field
Age not an issue with Hillier; Hoge back to defend BY BRIAN WIERIMA
brianw@dlnewspapers.com
Don’t worry, Todd Hillier already knows about his age. The Hoople, N.D., farmer knows he is the only golfer over the age of 30 left standing in the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament at the Detroit Country Club in Detroit Lakes. He also knows he can become the oldest Pine to Palm champion at 51-years of age, eclipsing George Lee, who won it in 1968 at 48. But, the fact is, Hillier doesn’t care about his age,
he’s just is worried about his next opponent in the Pine to Palm semifinals, which will be played Sunday morning at 8 a.m. “To me age is just a number, it doesn’t mean much,” Hillier said, after advancing with a 3 and 2 victory over tournament fan favorite and hometown golfer Tanner Lane. “The course is conducive to my game and I don’t get into the age thing. “I’m going into my match focusing on hitting the fairways and greens.” In his quarterfinal match,
Tom Hoge watches his approach shot to the par four 11th hole. Hoge won his quarterfinal match against Ben Welle 5 and 3 Saturday afternoon.
Hillier had the 18-year-old Lane by 33 years in age, but it was his putter which made the difference — not years. Hillier had seven one-putt greens in his first seven holes, thus building a 5-up lead by the turn. “I was putting extremely well,” Hillier said. “I was making all my eight to 10 foot putts and didn’t have any trouble hitting my fairways.” Lane, who beat Luke Davison 2 and 1 in his Sweet 16 morning match, didn’t go away quietly by winning three holes by 15, to chisel the deficit down to 1-up in favor of Hillier. Lane was able to drain a couple of birdies on 12 and 13, the latter a long 15-footer to push the hole. But Hillier won a crucial hole on 15 with a par and took 16 after Lane had an errant drive to end the match 3 and 2. “I give Tanner a lot of credit, he kept coming and coming,” Hillier said of Lane’s late-match comeback. “A lot of good things have happened to me this week to make it back to the final four and the putter has helped me so much.” Hillier made his first Pine to Palm final four in 2006, as well. “I’m not taking this for granted, at all,” Hillier said. “It’s very hard to get to this point, very hard.” Hillier downed Logan Palmer 1-up in 20 holes, something which his next opponent is familiar with. Co-medalist Wade Walters had to survive a 19-hole affair to advance to semifinal play by outlasting Kenny Rucker. The 27-year-old from St. Paul and Rucker were literally nose-to-nose throughout the match, halving 12 holes in the process. Rucker broke a five-hole even string between the two by taking par on 15, but Walters pushed the match back to even with a par on 17. After the two halved 18, Walters drilled his tee shot 164 yards from the green in midfairway. “That was my best drive of the week,” Walters said. He laid a nice nine iron approach near the hole, while Rucker remained out from Walters’ shot. Walters eventually won the hole with a two-putt birdie and punched his ticket to the final four. “There were a lot of pars between us and there are a lot of birdies on this course, but there are also bogeys out there,” Walters said. “I just tried to keep the ball below the hole and stayed aggressive.” But this wouldn’t have been a normal Pine to Palm Tour-
PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT
Travis Ross tries to lean his ball into the 12th hole during his Saturday match against Rick Kuhn. nament without a rain delay, which happened around hole 12 for the duo. “The rain made it tough, again,” Walters included. Walters made it to the quarterfinals with a 5 and 3 win over Sean Barrett earlier in the day. Now that Walters is in the semifinals and already will have his name up on the board as the co-medalist, putting his name up on the clubhouse wall would double the pleasure. “That would be a dream come true,” Walters said. “Getting my name up there next to the medalist, that would be very exciting.” But there is still a very large obstacle looming for anyone to be putting a claim in for the Pine to Palm championship. Defending champion Tom Hoge once again finished earlier than most in his two matches Saturday, but he was pushed for the first time this week. After a 4 and 2 win over Thomas Strandemo in the
round of 16, Hoge fell behind in a match for the first time this week. The 16-year-old from Moorhead, Ben Welle, won the first hole of the match to go 1-up. The score stayed the same up to the fourth hole, where Hoge made birdie to even the match. “I started off struggling,” Hoge said. “I made some mistakes.”
“That would be a dream come true.” Wade Walters Hoge still shot a threeunder par on the front nine, eventually taking a 1-up lead at the turn. Welle hung with the strong play of Hoge, but couldn’t maintain by losing holes 12 through 14 to fall 5 and 3. With Hoge two wins away from defending his crown, he Championship to page 3 ➤
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
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➤ Championship from page 2 knows it won’t be a cakewalk. “I know I need to keep playing more great golf to win,” Hoge said. His opponent, 22-year-old Travis Ross — who plays for the University of New Mexico — will be more than a challenge for Hoge. Ross downed Caleb Ketterling 2 and 1 in the morning round and beat two-time Pine to Palm champion Rick Kuhn 2 and 1 in the quarterfinals. “I definitely feel like I can beat him, I just going to keep doing what I am doing,” Ross said of his match against Hoge. “It really comes down to a matter of who’s playing better.” Ross was able to capitalize on some rare mistakes by Kuhn and created some separation by winning holes 14 and 15 to go 2-up. “I felt after I went 2-up that late in the match, if I could just make pars the rest of the way out, I would win,” Ross added. “I’ve been hitting a lot of greens this week and have been putting well.” The semifinal tee times for Championship is at 8 a.m. and 8:10 a.m., while the championship match will start at 2:45 p.m.
BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT
Wade Walters stares down his tee shot on the par four 13th hole Saturday. He beat Kenny Rucker 1-up in 19 holes.
BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT
Clockwise: Todd Hillier watches his approach to the 11th green Saturday. He defeated Tanner Lane 3 and 2 to advance to Sunday morning’s semifinals. A gallery of about 50 spectators followed the lead championship group of Tom Hoge, Ben Welle, Tanner Lane and Todd Hillier during Saturday’s match play. Kenny Rucker and Wade Walters share a laugh during a pause in their championship match Saturday afternoon.
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Sunday, August 15th, 2010
PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT
Chad Niles, above, watches his drive on the ninth hole during Saturday’s Mid-Am match against Michael Seelye. Jay Olafson, right, chips up to the par three eighth green during his Mid-Am match against Wade King.
Olafson back for another shot; Niles in championship BY BRIAN WIERIMA
brianw@dlnewspapers.com
Ever since Fargo’s Jay Olafson won the inaugural Pine to Palm Mid-Am championship last year, he’s thought much about doing it again. That time has arrived and he is potentially 18 holes away from doing just that. Olafson downed Georgia’s Wade King in the Mid-Am semifinals Saturday 4 and 3 to advance to his second straight title match, which will tee off Sunday at 12:40 p.m. “I’ve been there once and it was fun,” Olafson said. “I know what to expect now and I’ve thought about repeating. I’d love to win backto-back championships, because this year’s field is much better. “I’m happy with where I’m at.” Olafson will meet Fargo’s Chad Niles in the title match, after Niles beat Detroit Lakes Mike Seelye 4 and 3 in the other semifinal match. Niles jumped out to a quick start, winning the first four holes and upping that lead to 6-up with two more front nine victories. Seelye made birdie on 12 and 13 to take two holes, but Niles ended the match on 15. “I played quite well and I’m ready for the championship match,” Niles said. “Mike was off his game, especially around the greens, where he is usually tough.” Olafson also was able to take a 1-up lead with a par on six, but unfortunately for King, his back starting to act up, which hindered his play for the rest of the round. “That’s too bad Wade’s back went out, he’s a good player and you could tell it was affecting him,” Olafson said. But Olafson also did his part to win the match by making a couple of 20-plus foot putts. “My putter saved my butt today,” Olafson added. Now, it will be down to one golfer searching for his first Pine to Palm title and the other trying to add to his trophy case.
2010 Pine to Palm Mid-Am Championship #1 Jay Olafson Jay Olafson, 6 & 5 #16 Brad Solheim Jay Olafson, 3 & 2 #8 George Strand
AJ Greff, 2-Up
#9 AJ Greff
Jay Olafson, 4 & 3
#4 Bob Cavanagh Craig Stein, 1-up #13 Craig Stein #5 Scott Linnerooth
Wade King, 2 & 1 Wade King, 3-up
#12 Wade King
2010 Mid-Am Champion
#2 Duane Siverson Duane Siverson, 2-up #15 Miles Schacher
Chad Niles, 2-Up
#7 Chad Niles Chad Niles, 2-up #10 Kent Fronk Chad Niles, 4 & 3
#3 Mike Seelye Mike Seelye, 3-up #14 Otis Hesteness Mike Seelye, 1-up
#6 Perry Piatz Perry Piatz, 1-up #11 Keith Aasen
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM/SPOTLIGHT
Tim Rubis, above, watches a drive during his Saturday senior championship match against Larry Olin. Clint Nelson, right, rolls a putt Saturday during his senior championship match against Conrad Lopes.
Rubis and Nelson to contend for Seniors BY BRIAN WIERIMA
brianw@dlnewspapers.com
Fargo’s Tim Rubis lived every golfers’ dream Saturday during his Pine to Palm Senior’s semifinal match at the Detroit Country Club. The dream came in the form of a 20-foot putt on the 18th green to win his match and the right to move onto the Senior’s championship. The reality hit when the ball rattled the bottom of the cup, thus sending Rubis into the finals against Fargo’s Clint Nelson. The long birdie putt eliminated Florida’s Larry Olin, whose 30-foot birdie putt came up just short. “I was just praying my heart out that it was going to fall into the cup,” Rubis said of his spectacular putt. The match was as close as the final putts on 18, as the two dueled back and forth, even halving hole 12 with each making birdie. Rubis pulled the match back to even with a birdie on 13, which set up the first of his two amazing match-saving shots. On 16, after hitting into the trees off the tee, Rubis didn’t have a shot at the green, so he used a sand wedge and shot it flat off the ground to knock the ball straight up and over the tree. The ball lofted over the obstacle, sliced right and landed
within 10 feet of the pin. “That was my best shot of my life,” Rubis proclaimed. It saved par and the two halved the hole and eventually set up one of his best putts of his life on 18. Rubis is a longtime Pine to Palmer and has played in plenty of match play events. So he knows what’s in store for him Sunday in the title match against Nelson. “You need to tee it up and avoid unforced errors and follow your fundamentals,” Rubis said. “I know Clint is a very good player and a good ball striker.” Nelson, who has some bigtime wins in his past — including the 2006 Minnesota State Seniors Championship and the Senior Best Ball along with James “Lank” Larson — has proven to be tough in Senior play. He downed California’s Conrad Lopes 3 and 2. Nelson won holes 10 and 11 with pars to go 1-up, while taking par on 13 and 15 for the 3-up advantage and eventual win. “The round was just ugly, neither of us hit the ball well,” Nelson said. “(In the championship) I need to hit the ball much better. “It’s wonderful to make it this far, now I am just going to go for my pars.” The Senior championship will start Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
2010 Pine to Palm Senior Championship #1 TL Solien ron burnside, 1-Up #16 ron burnside larry olin, 5 & 4 #8 larry olin
larry olin, 1-up
#9 john hagge
Tim rubis, 1-up
#4 john schwankl Tim rubis, 5 & 4 #13 Tim rubis #5 mike stirling
Tim rubis, 5 & 4 mike stirling, 2-up
#12 dan w elton
2010 Senior Champion
#2 john stromstad burke kiger, 1-up #15 burke kiger
conrad lopes, 4 & 3
#7 conrad lopes conrad lopes, 6 & 5 #10 ron galuska CLINT NELSON, 3 & 2
#3 clinT nelson clinT nelson, 3-up #14 rick crawford clinT nelson, 1-up
#6 spencer clark rob harris, 6 & 5 #11 rob harris
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Sunday, August 15th, 2010
Chuck Renner watches a drive during his Saturday match against Ted Hatlen. PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM SPOTLIGHT
Renner and Krueger to play for 1st Super Senior title BY BRIAN WIERIMA
brianw@dlnewspapers.com
Chuck Renner’s luggage might be a bit heavier when he heads back to Phoenix, Ariz., after his week playing in the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament. Playing in the newly-created Super Seniors division, Renner has the potential to win both big awards with one more win in the championship match Sunday, starting at 11:20 a.m. at the Detroit Country Club. Already toting the medalist laurels with his two-over par
73, Renner won his semifinal match 5 and 4 over Detroit Lakes’ Ted Hatlen to ensure an opportunity for the Super Senior sweep. But DL’s Paul Krueger also has a shot of breaking up that sweep and bringing home the grand prize of the week — the Super Senior championship. Krueger defeated James “Lank” Larson in his semifinal match 1-up, in a closely contested duel. And it was closer than one can describe, in fact. Larson’s chip shot on the final hole of the match on nine,
came just six inches of falling in. That would have won the hole for him and pushed the match into extra holes. “It was that close,” Krueger said. But Krueger was able to build a 3-up lead early, while Larson kept chipping away at it throughout the round. Now Krueger has the opportunity to haul in a championship. “It’s going to be fun playing in the first Super Senior finals,” Krueger replied. Renner is hoping his game
improves, after what he described as a “sloppy” win against Hatlen. “We both had a number of mistakes, but none of mine really hurt me,” Renner said. “I caught Ted on a bad day, I know he can play better than he did.” Renner won holes two and seven by par and birdie, then took nine after Hatlen shortsided his tee shot for a 3-up advantage. Another Hatlen miscue on 10 put Renner 4-up and another win on 11 put him firmly in control 5-up.
“I wasn’t driving the ball well, I hit only five fairways,” Renner said. “I just wasn’t crisp.” But playing in a championship-type of atmosphere won’t bother Renner, who was a golf pro for 13 years and played college golf. “Well, I would love to birdie my first five holes (in the championship match),” Renner laughed. “That isn’t asking too much, is it? “I thought I had it figured out today, but I didn’t. All I can do is prepare the best I can.”
2010 Pine to Palm Super Senior Championship #1 chuck renner chuck renner, 2-up #8 john lieser chuck renner, 5&4
#4 ted hatlen ted hatlen, 5-up #6 william ericksen
2010 Super Senior Champion
#2 james “lank” larson james “lank” larson, 5-up #7 owen germundson
paul krueger, 1-up #3 paul krueger paul krueger, 8 & 6 #5 ron smedshammer
Paul Krueger leans to make his ball turn left a bit on the 17th green during his match against James “Lank” Larson Saturday.
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
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Pine flight golfers Ben Braaten and Brandon Hallquist are content under a pine tree near the 11th green during a downpour Saturday afternoon.
Rain, rain go away...at the Pine to Palm they want to play
A Detroit Country Club ground crew member and pro Mark Holm look at standing water and a washout in a bunker behind the 18th green after Saturday afternoon’s rains.
A spectator holding an umbrella walks past a welcome sign at the Detroit Country Club during a rain delay Saturday.
Photos by Brian Basham Golfers gather under the protection of the patio overhang at Detroit Country Club during a rain delay on Saturday afternoon.
Rain drops hanging on Detroit Country Club pine trees glisten in the sunshine after a downpour during Saturday afternoon’s play.
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Sunday, August 15th, 2010
PHOTOS BY mark larson/SPOTLIGHT
Golfer who have played for 25 years Paul Krueger, Jeff Tweeton and Rob Harris. (Right) The Rutledge Award was presented to Jim Sinclair Thursday evening. Celebrating the award were Jim’s wife Sharon, Jim Sinclair, Gerri Rutledge and Rutledge Award Committee chairman Greg Potvin.
Sinclair a valuable contributor for 30 years BY MARK LARSON Spotlight
For three decades, Jim Sinclair has been a mainstay at the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament. During that time, Sinclair has experienced almost every aspect of the long-standing tournament, from playing to answering telephones to making important decisions on the rules committee. Sinclair’s influence and contributions to the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament didn’t go unnoticed, since he was named the 27th Rutledge Award recipient Thursday, during the Dr. John B. Rutledge Memorial Award banquet. “It was a thrill to receive the Rutledge Award, I got tears in my eyes when it was announced,” Sinclair said of his honor.
Sinclair retired at the end of last year’s tournament, ending a great 30year run in the Pine to Palm. “Jim is a library of knowledge of rules and just knowledge of the entire tournament,” said Pine to Palm Committee chairman Bob Gorden. Sinclair’s introduction to the tournament came as a player in 1976. “I took two weeks off before the tournament to prepare for it and I developed a shank,” Sinclair said. His run ended at the qualifying cut, but his good friend, Ron Smet, offered a Ranger job to him. That’s when Sinclair’s real contribution started in the tournament. For 15 years, Sinclair and his wife, Sharon, answered telephones during the week of the Pine to Palm. “The phone was more critical back then for information because there
were no computers,” Sinclair said. His time as a Ranger was from 197679, while being elevated to Chief Ranger from 1980-1997. “I really enjoyed being the Chief Ranger, because I was able to see more of the golfers and their shots,” Sinclair added. Sinclair, who earned his law degree from William Mitchell Law College in Minneapolis, joined the Rules Committee. He also selected all the trophies players won, from 1980-2009. Sinclair took his job on the Rules Committee seriously, quickly becoming an encyclopedia of golf ruling knowledge. “I did a lot of studying and took MGA Rules classes with Greg Potvin,” Sinclair added. His most unique decision came in 2001, when defending champion Chad
Dvorak dominates long drive contest
18 YEAR HISTORY OF LONG DRIVE CONTEST WINNERS
BY Mark Larson Spotlight
Kavin Dvorak of Bismarck, N.D., won the 18th Annual Pine to Palm Long Drive Contest Wednesday night with a drive of 320 yards using a R-7 Taylor Made driver. Dvorak also earned third place honors with a drive of 313 yards. The contest was postponed from Tuesday night because of the heavy rain that hit D.C.C. around 5:30. Jeff Olson of Fargo finished second with a drive of 316 yards. Dean Goodwin of Rosemount finished fourth with a poke of 312 yards and Collin Schifferman of Seattle, Wash., rounded out the top five with a drive of 310 yards. Each golfer was allowed to hit up to six balls in the event. A total of 26 golfers competed
Skarperud’s shot was imbedded in the tee-marker, which happened to be a flowerpot on the sixth tee box. The ruling given by Sinclair was a drop. The next day, the flowerpots were gone. “We never, as a Rules Committee, made an decision without much thought and planning,” Sinclair said. Potvin, who is the head of the Rutledge Award Committee, and Sinclair have been best of friends throughout their time as Pine to Palm Committee members, and it was an easy decision of the committee to pick Sinclair as the Rutledge Award winner. “Jim was a very valuable member to the committee,” Potvin said. “He knows all the aspects of the game and was very dedicated to the tournament.”
PHOTOS BY MARK LARSON/SPOTLIGHT
Kavin Dvorak with his R7 Taylor made driver. in the long drive contest. Pine to Palm committee members included Bruce Woodland and Mark Larson, long drive coor-
dinator. Jenna Schulte who works in the D.C.C. Pro Shop measured the drives.
1993......Conrad Ray, Austin 316 yds 1994......Brian Benson, Jamestown, N.D. 315 yds 1995......Lee Kinney, Red Wing 313 yds 1996......Adam Dooley, Albany 286 yds 1997......Ben Strauman, Wayzata 303 yds 1998......Mitch Buboltz, Detroit Lakes 320 yds 1999......Ryan Vincelli, Spirit Lake, IA. 324 yds 2000......Patrick Beste, Sauk Centre 298 yds 2001......Jim Davidson, Calabassas, CA. 324 yds 2002.....Carl Hunt, Crookston, RECORD 336 yds 2003......Todd Schaefer, Grand Forks,N.D. 326 yds 2004......Todd Schaefer, Grand Forks,N.D. 304 yds 2005......Adam McArthur, Detroit Lakes 323 yds 2006......Josh Persons, Fargo, N.D. 335 yds 2007......Jay Bartley, Oxbow, N.D. 331 yds 2008....... Aaron Clausen, Spirit Lake, Iowa 321 yds 2009....... Chad Cota, Moorhead 335 yds 2010....... Kavin Dvorak, Bismarck, N.D. 320 yds
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
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Chance meeting leads to lifelong friendship BY Bob Williams
Pine to Palm Spotlight
In his 25 years golfing the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament, Paul Krueger has had more than a handful of caddies. Krueger, the 2009 Seniors Maud Flight Consolation Champion, returned to this year’s tournament with more than just caddy memories. He brought along the the son of his first caddy, Sally Schornack-Peine. Sally Schornack was a 12-year-old Detroit Lakes native. The summer of 1982 found her on a mission to land a job as a caddy at the Pine to Palm Tournament, along with a neighbor friend. She arrived at the golf course intent on getting on the caddy list, but found the list rather full. She sought out other methods to get on the bag. “I came here to get on the caddie list, but instead, I hustled Paul in the lower parking lot. Just a girl breaking all the rules. I knew I was not supposed to go down there,” she said. “I’m pretty sure my neighbor never got a caddy job that year.” The slight and wily girl approached Krueger and his red Corvette, which he still drives to this day. There was something familiar about Paul. “I thought I knew him thinking he lived on our beach. As it turns out, I didn’t.” Must have just been a vibe. “I asked him if he needed a caddy and he rented me a pull cart which was the cutest thing. I probably weighed 75 pounds,” said SchornackPeine. “It was a pretty standard day,” Krueger said. “I went
on to win my match and my flight because I had this good caddie.” “We’ve just been friends ever since,” said SchornackPeine. “28 years and we bonded over a golf cart.” “Well, after nine holes, she was so tired she wanted to quit. I had to pay her double to keep her going,” laughed Krueger. Krueger is quick to note many of the positive changes Sally made in those 28 years, but there’s a wily, little, 12year old next to his mother who marks the most significant, Lukas Peine, Sally’s son, Paul’s new caddy. Not surprising, Lukas’ mother is still at it with the hustle. “Paul and I were at a party and I told him you’re going to have to step up because Lukas wants a new skateboard, a new lacrosse stick and a stand up jet ski,” Schornack-Peine laughed. According to Lukas, caddies in Chicago are pulling in $100 per round. His twenty-spot per round at the Pine to Palm may not make him enough to get everything he wants but it is his first golf gig and he came mentally prepared for the job. “The best thing I like about caddying is after the round when he gives me the money,” Lukas said with his mother’s smile. “I could use a little bit more,” he laughed. There’s a striking tangent between Lukas, his mom and Paul. All suffer a great sense of humor. “Paul’s super funny and and easy going guy and it was easy to offer up Lukas as a caddie because you couldn’t ask for a nicer guy,” Schornack-Peine said. “Paul is fun and doesn’t take golf too seriously. He’s
PHOTOS BY SOMEONE/SPOTLIGHT
Lukas Schornack-pein and his mother Sally Schornack-Pein (far right) have both caddied for Paul Krueger (middle) as 12-year-olds during the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament. also been really helpful, teaching Lukas some stuff and very complimentary.” “Lukas was a great caddie,” Krueger said. “I was wondering how did he know all those things, like when to take the flag out, when to ask and other things like pulling the pin. He
must have had training from his mother and Lukas has excelled in his duties as a generational caddie.” It’s a good thing Sally has Lukas or she might find herself pressured to get back on the bag herself “I tried to get her to caddy
for me last year but it just didn’t work,” said Krueger. Lukas is scheduled to be on the bag for Paul’s final round on Sunday and is already looking forward to the 79th Pine to Palm Tournament in 2011. “I hope to do it again next year,” he said.
Longevity rules on Pine to Palm Committee The Pine to Palm Committee consists of 23 dedicated volunteers to make sure this very large & successful tournament runs smoothly during the seven day event. Here is a list of these talented individuals in their varied responsibilities: n Andy Lia: Media (KDLM radio-1340 AM) – 38 yrs. nG reg Potvin: Rules, Rutledge Award and 25year dinner coordinator – 35 yrs. nS teve Sundby: Ball Spotters – 31 yrs. n Na ncy Grabow: Scoreboard – 31 yrs. nG ordy Grabow: General Chairman(10 yrs) & Scoreboard(20 yrs) – 31 yrs. nM ark Larson: Media (“Tradition” magazine & “Spotlight” newspaper) & Long Drive Contest – 29 yrs. nB ob Gorden: General Chairman & Rules – 21 yrs. nJ im Bruflodt: Asst. Chairman & Playoff Um-
Chip ShotS by
Mark Larson
pire – 21 yrs. n Mark Holm: Head Professional & Rules – 19 yrs n Dave Woodward: Timing, pairing & scoring – 18 yrs. n Bruce Woodland: Head Starter & Lakeview Tourney coordinator – 13 yrs. n Bob Bekkerus: Club President – 11 yrs. n Brian Wierima: Media (Detroit Lakes Newspapers Sports Editor, “Spotlight” newspaper and “Tradition” magazine -10 yrs. n Dave Johnston: Technology ManagerWebsite & Timing, pairing & scoring – 10 yrs.
n Diane Gorden: Registration – 8 yrs. n Taunia & Mike Suckert: Phone & information – 7 yrs. n Mike Metelak:Rules 4 yrs n Jeff Skogmo: Chief Ranger & Head Marshall 3 yrs n Darwin Lindsey: Grounds Superintendent – 3 yrs. n Karrin Hawkins: Timing, pairing & scoring – 3 yrs. n Becky DePree: Timing, pairing & scoring – 3 yrs. n Linda Moses: Rules – 2 yrs.
Terry Moores III n Terry Moores III of River Falls, WI, formerly of St. Paul is back playing in the championship flight after a 34 year absence. Moores encouraged by his brother Scot to head to Detroit Lakes and enter the 78th Pine to Palm. In 1973 he lost to Bill VonWald in the fourth round. He was runner-up here in 1974, losing to Bill VonWald for the second time in the finals 1 up and also
was medalist firing rounds of 72-67-139. In 1976, he captured medalist honors for the second time here with rounds of 69-70-139. Now, 34 years later, Moores returns to the Pine to Palm and qualifies for championship flight with rounds of 73-74-147 but lost his first match to Sean Barrett of Mahtomedi 3 & 2. This put him in consolation championship and has won his first three matches as of today and he is in the consolation championship semi-final today. Moores attended the University of Houston before transferring to the University of Minnesota. He was co-captain of the Gopher golf team with Joel Goldstrand and graduated in 1972. He is semi-retired and his business is in investment planning called Moore’s Asset Management. A medalist twice at the Resorters. I asked him his favorite resort course and said, “the Pine to Palm by far”. Being 56 years old, he could play in the Senior division but the way he is playing, says he plans to stick with the championship flight.
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Sunday, August 15th, 2010
Wally Solien – teacher, coach, gentleman BY Mark Larson Spotlight
Obiturary: Name: Wallace J. “Wally” Solien, 85 Birth: May 16,1924 Died: May 2, 2010 in Merit Care Hospital, Fargo N.D.
wallace j. Wally began solien teaching in the Moorhead School system in the late 60’s and concluded his teaching career in the mid 1980’s During this time he became the coach of the Moorhead Spuds High School boys’ golf team. It could be said that he found as much joy in this role as in any other. Wally was a thoughtful swing teacher, coach and strategist and did his best to impart this to his teams. His own golf-oriented children were given an attitude and approach to playing that would result in better scoring and more fun. His philosophy of playing within yourself, playing away from trouble, playing in the center of the green, practicing the finesse shots that result in par saves, and limiting the damages of a bad shot by accepting the results and moving on with a smile on your face, seems to be a metaphor for the larger experience of LIFE, and the overcoming of it’s inevitable obstacles, as much or more than it is a philosophy for success on the golf course. He would say to honor your opponent and don’t gloat when you win. Don’t dwell on your losses, learn from them and do your best to correct mistakes in mechanics or course management. He loved his players-George Strand, Craig and Fuzzy Stein, Mark Holm, Bob Cahill, David Richardson, Mark Doyle, Rick Johnson, Matt Cook, Tom Anderson, Wayne Hudson, Mark Johnson, Brian Torgerson and all the others. It was more important to him that they succeeded in life than if they
succeeded on the golf course. He was fortunate to have many who have succeeded at both. Wally started playing in the Pine to Palm in 1947. He even followed the Championship match in 1946 the day after his wedding. He played virtually every year from 1947-1969. He missed his quarterfinal championship match in 1952 due to car trouble caused by his three year old son, Tim who had put sand in the gas tank. A Detroit Country Club member from 1971-1999 and he served on the Pine to Palm as a scorer and match play rules official. A few of Wally’s players who have played for him at Moorhead High and long time players in the Pine to Palm shared a few comments on their coach: Craig Stein said, “Wally had an old blue station wagon to haul our golf team to meets out of town. The player with the worst score had to sit in the back with all the clubs. He called it the ‘Toilet Paper Award.’ “Wally would throw a roll of toilet paper to the back of his vehicle and said ‘Clean up your act before the next meet.’” George Strand shared his thoughts,“We were headed to a meet in Lisbon, N.D. and all of us were apprehensive about going to a course we had never seen. When we got out of the station wagon, Wally handed each of us a booklet with every hole and how to play them. He was very organized and had a great sense of humor.” Mark Holm, head professional at Detroit Country Club enjoyed Wally so much as his coach but also as a member of this golf course. Holm said: “I dealt with him as a member, of D.C.C and seeing how much fun his four groups had playing every Monday,Wednesday and Friday. D.C.C. was always his favorite course. He was a good coach, especially caring for some of us younger players and was easy going. He helped Craig Stein and myself to qualify for the state high school tournament in 1973. He did a great job as golf manager at Maple River Golf Course. He was a chain smoker and inside the car became very foggy. We gave a nickname
named Flight — Results — palm flight
MICHAEL MAY, BIG PINEY, Wyo. def. AARON CLAUSEN, STORM LAKE, Iowa 4 and 3 MARK GIORGI, RED WING, Minn. def. WILL HARRIS, ALEXANDRIA, Minn. 3 and 2
pine flight
KENT SPRIGGS, FARGO, N.D. def. PHILIP POESCHL, DELLWOOD, Minn. 5 and 3 BRANDON HALLQUIST, FARGO, N.D. def. NICK SCHAEFER, GRAND FORKS, N.D. 1 up
sallie flight
BEN BRAATEN, MAYVILLE, N.D. def. CONNOR HEDSTROM, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. 5 and 4 WARD PRINE, COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa def. SAMUEL P WORWA, FARGO, N.D. 4 and 2
melissa flight
CHARLIE RYAN, ECELSIOR, Minn. def. JOHN CLARK Jr, MAHNOMEN, Minn. 1 up MATT PARKER, FARGO, N.D. def. BRYCE BOHL, BISMARK, N.D. 2 and 1
eunice flight
STEVE BATES, FARGO, N.D. def. DR. BUZZ RAYMOND, GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. 3 and 1 PAT M CHRISTENSEN, MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. def. VERN STEINMETZ, RIVER FALLS, Wis. 1 up
lizzie flight
BOB THERIAULT, EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. def. WILLIAM
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The solien family have enjoyed the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament through the years. (Right) Gwen and Wally Solien are pictured here in 1947 at the Detroit Country Club.
to him, “WALLYGATOR.” Even though Wally wasn’t able to attend last years Pine to Palm as a spectator, he was there in mind and spirit to hear the great news that son T.L. (Tim) was the 2009 Senior Champion with his win over Bill Blake. T.L. also was the 2007 Senior Runner-Up and brother Tom has been Flight Medalist a few years back. I’m sure Wally was very proud of these two sons. Wally is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gwen; his children T.L. or Timothy (Deborah) of Madison, Wisc., Janie Olson of Fargo, N.D., Daniel(Kris) of Falmouth, MA, Thomas (Roberta) of Moorhead. Grandchildren, Madeline Solien, Carson Solien, Emily (Eric)
Hatch, Maggie Olson, Gracie Solien, Emmett Solien, August Solien, Katie Solien and Peter Solien and sister, Beverly Jean Solien Paulson.
2010 FLIGHT MEDALIST
G HAWKINS, BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. 2 up RONALD VINCELLI, SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa def. SCOTT PETERS, MAPLEWOOD, Minn. 1 up
pelican flight
RANDY BURNSIDE, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. def. DUANE HALVORSON, NEW HOPE, Minn. 2 and 1 LEROY SEIM, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. def. JEFF WALLIN, MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. 1-up (19 holes)
lida flight
WILLIAM BLAKE, DETROIT LAKES, Minn. def. RICK JOHNSON, MOORHEAD, Minn. 4 and 3 BRUCE CARLISLE, FARGO, N.D. def. RICHARD D MCCONN, MCLEAN, Va. 1 up
maud flight
JOHN RUNSVOLD, FARGO, N.D. def. BILL GRAHAM, INVER GROVE HTS, Minn. 7 and 6 MARK ERICKSEN JR, CINCINNATI, Ohio def. MARK J MANCELL, FAIRMONT, Minn. 3 and 2
CHAMPIONSHIP CONSOLATION
ANDREW STEINHOFER, MADISON, Wis. def. CAMERON WHITE, PLYMOUTH, Minn. 1 up JEFF LAMP, FARGO, N.D. def. BRYCE MATTSON, OXBOW, N.D. 19 holes TERRY III MOORES, RIVER FALLS, Wis. def. JON STECHER, ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. 4 and 3 MIKE HOLM, FARGO, N.D. def. CONNOR HOLLAND, WEST FARGO, N.D. 1 up
MARK LARSON/SPOTLIGHT
CORY KRUEGER, earned the 2010 Pine to Palm flight medalist honors with a score of 71.
Sunday, August 15th, 2010
11
Ironman Golf Course Parent Child Scramble 9 and under division 1st: Hunter & Aaron Burnside..................................... 54 2nd: Emily & Mark Larson................................................ 58 3rd: Logan & Brian Burnhans....................................... 62 4th: Abby & Lisa Larson..................................................... 68 5th: Anna & Lynn Cihak..................................................... 74
10 and over division 1st: Naomi & Brooks Larson*......................................... 52 2nd: Ben & Greg Unruh...................................................... 52 3rd: Adam & Ron Van Raden**........................................ 52 4th: Zane & Belinda Freeman........................................ 60 * won on the second hole of sudden death playoff ** lost on the first hole of sudden death playoff
Closest to the pin #7 for adults: — Greg Unruh — Aaron & Hunter Burnside
Closest to the pin #7 for children 10 and over: — Naomi Larson — Closest to the pin #8 for children 9 and under: — Hunter Burnside — Longest putt for adults on #9: — Brooks Larson — Longest putt for children on #9: — Hunter Burnside —
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Expires 8/15/10
Complimentary Glass of House Wine with Coupon and dinner purchase
Naomi & Brooks Larson
Great Day for a Scramble
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Fresh Seafood Nightly and Charcoal Grilled Steaks ReseRvations accepted: 218-334-3555 open nightly at at 5:00 p.m.
A Lakes Area Destination
Parent Child Golf Tournament at Ironman Golf Course Picture perfect weather and a new format made for an exciting day for Scramble golf at the Parent Child Golf Tournament at Ironman Golf Course. An improvement nine was added to shake up the format of the event, which made for an exciting finish in the 10 and over division. Three teams tied for first and went out in a sudden death playoff, with Naomi and Brooks Larson winning on the 2nd playoff hole against Ben & Greg Unruh. Adam and Ron Van Raden made bogey on the 1st playoff hole to
be eliminated and came in 3rd. All three teams finished at 52. In the 9 and under division, a sparkling even par round of 54 was shot by Hunter and Aaron Burnside. Four shots off the pace were Emily and Mark Larson with a 58. Logan and Brian Burnhans came in 3rd with a 62. The parent child scramble is a fun way to conclude our tournament week! We end our 40th annual golf tournament on a high note and look forward to continuing the Ironman Classic tradition next year.
On the Shore of Beautiful Rose Lake, between Frazee and Vergas on Hwy. 4 just 10 miles from Detroit Lakes — Valid through August 12-15, 2010 —
Open 24 Hours 7 days a week
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TOM HOGE 1-up WADE WALTERS 1-up (19)
KENNY RUCKER 3 & 2
WADE WALTERS 5 & 3
SEAN BARRETT 2 & 1
taylor hendrickson 2-up
Jared Butler 2 & 1
#63
#15
#34
#31
RICK KUHN 3 & 2
TRAVIS ROSS 2 & 1
TODD HILLIER 4-up
8:00 am
TODD HILLIER 1-up (20)
TANNER LANE 2 & 1
LUKE DAVISON 1-up
TANNER LANE 1-up
#44
#21
#53
#12
#37
#28
#60
#5
#45
greg melhus 4 & 3
spencer hilde 1-up (19)
adam gronaas 2 & 1
rick kuhn 4 & 3
SPENCER HILDE 2 & 1
RICK KUHN 6 & 5
FINAL • SUNDAY, AUGUST 15 • 2:45PM 2010 PINE TO PALM CHAMPION
LOGAN PALMER 3 & 1
TODD HILLIER 4 & 3
LOGAN PALMER 2 & 1
nick gillam 2 & 1
todd hillier 7 & 6
john young 1-up
luke davison 4 & 3
Max hosking 2-up
tanner lane 1-up
ben freeman 1-up (19)
mason kennedy 6 & 5
kenny rucker 2 & 1
jordan dickey 2-up
#58
#14
#35
#30
#62
#3
#42
#23
#55
#10
#39
#26
#43
#22
#54
#11
#38
#27
#59
#6
#46
#51
Mike balzer 1-up
TRAVIS ROSS 2 & 1
8:10 am
KENNY RUCKER 7 & 5
COREY BLENKUSH 3 & 2
#47 #7
#19
CALEB KETTERLING 1 -up (20 )
TRAVIS ROSS 4 & 3
ADAM MCARTHUR 3 & 2
BEN WELLE 1-up
corey blenkush 1-up
sean barrett 3 & 2
#20
Caleb ketterling 1-up
RYAN STEINERT 1-up
TRAVIS ROSS 2 & 1
JAMES FORD 1-up
adam mcarthur 2 & 1
ben welle 4 & 2
pat deitz 8 & 7
nate varty 3 & 2
#52
#13
#36
#29
#61
#4
#41
#24
#56
#9
#40
#25
#57
#8
#48
#18
BEN WELLE 6 & 5
TOM HOGE 5 & 3
WADE WALTERS 5 & 3
#2
#17
THOMAS STRANDEMO 3 & 2
TOM HOGE 3 & 2
WADE WALTERS 5 & 3
#50
THOMAS STRANDEMO 2 & 1
TROY KLONGERBO 2 & 1
Tom hoge 6 & 5
LOWER BRACKET
#49
#16
#33
#32
#64
#1
UPPER BRACKET
Championship Field
2010 Pine To Palm 12 Sunday, August 15th, 2010