A herd of 80 or so goofers made it out to Mullenhurst Golf Course just north of the Kalamazoo county line on the morning of August 22nd. The Hokey Open went off that day without a hitch. Friday activities to draw the teams began around 6PM as those coming in from around the globe began to show up for this annual event. Not sure, but it is probably somewhere around the 16-18th year of this happening. Neale "Hop Sing" Mansberger was at the grill doin up some bratwurst and the picking of teams was under way. This year Dave " the Metalist" Lamons and Jimmy "Chitown"Claflin were a big help in getting the word out and bringing in the list of players to founding fathers, Marty "Bad Axe" Lacasse and Steve "Solo" Symons". As always Marv "Cookie" Cook and Barry "the Bear" Haas' help in picking teams and figuring out winners after was appreciated. After much of the usual high fiving, moaning and groaning about the pairings, eating and beer swilling the teams were up on the board. Complimentary CD's were also passed out to those in attendance for the Friday night draw. Some partying went on Friday evening and there are those who are still learning the hard way to go to bed and rest up or the early call to arms.
Saturday morning was quickly here and all that was left was the mad dash to find your partners, fill up your bloody mary cup, the big squeal of the Saturday morning horn and we were teeing off. The weather was a tad cool but no measurable rain came down and some sun did shine so we were pleased.
You know I couldn't tell you for sure who won but I know after the great lunch put on by Spanky's gang, and the perennial putting contest the guys went away content. The winners got their winnings and there were no losers. I do believe 57 was the winning score, some 14 under par. Some of these guys can play and others they love it just the same. Their once a year chance to hit the links. This has become an annual event in memorial of those other founding fathers of the Hokey Band and the Hokey Open; "Capt." Rob Hren and "Mickey" Billy CLaflin and "Uncle" Harry Maas. Bill and Rob's picture graced the CD this year and I am sure some thoughts and intoxicants were flowing their way at the site of their plaques on the 4th hole at Mullenhurst.
It is always talked about whether there be another next year and I do not believe "the players" will let it go away, at least not for quite a while.
It would not be right if I did not mention a couple other regular Hokey Happenings related to the Open. One is the return this year of 9 "Juan Juan" to the event. Shall I say I was lucky enough to be chosen to play and ride with him. He did not disappoint as he gave his usual colorful "feel" to the day. The other is my friend, "Jayman" Barr, who lives nearby me but we somehow only really hang out on this day. I pick him up at 6:55AM and drop him off after the after party is over late into the evening. It 's always blast as we do it up Hokey style. Til next year Jayman. Oh yeah, Dave Lamons guess who you're playing with next year;) see photo of flower watering.
Saturday morning was quickly here and all that was left was the mad dash to find your partners, fill up your bloody mary cup, the big squeal of the Saturday morning horn and we were teeing off. The weather was a tad cool but no measurable rain came down and some sun did shine so we were pleased.
You know I couldn't tell you for sure who won but I know after the great lunch put on by Spanky's gang, and the perennial putting contest the guys went away content. The winners got their winnings and there were no losers. I do believe 57 was the winning score, some 14 under par. Some of these guys can play and others they love it just the same. Their once a year chance to hit the links. This has become an annual event in memorial of those other founding fathers of the Hokey Band and the Hokey Open; "Capt." Rob Hren and "Mickey" Billy CLaflin and "Uncle" Harry Maas. Bill and Rob's picture graced the CD this year and I am sure some thoughts and intoxicants were flowing their way at the site of their plaques on the 4th hole at Mullenhurst.
It is always talked about whether there be another next year and I do not believe "the players" will let it go away, at least not for quite a while.
It would not be right if I did not mention a couple other regular Hokey Happenings related to the Open. One is the return this year of 9 "Juan Juan" to the event. Shall I say I was lucky enough to be chosen to play and ride with him. He did not disappoint as he gave his usual colorful "feel" to the day. The other is my friend, "Jayman" Barr, who lives nearby me but we somehow only really hang out on this day. I pick him up at 6:55AM and drop him off after the after party is over late into the evening. It 's always blast as we do it up Hokey style. Til next year Jayman. Oh yeah, Dave Lamons guess who you're playing with next year;) see photo of flower watering.
3 comments:
Why wouldn't ya? Thanks for the mention, Steveman. Hokey Open is one of my favorite days of each year. I feel like Steve Martin in "The Jerk" when he receives the phonebook and is estatic because now he's somebody! Except my last name is spelled Barr, as opposed to Bahr. So, with the misspelling, unlike the Jerk, I still can't get it right. Thanks Steveman. Maybe if we spent more than one day a year together... I bet people misspell Simons all the time too. LOL, Symons. Have fun next year, Daveman. You might have to use a previous year's slogan, "That's Bullshit!". Hey, why don't you post the other golf pics? I'm just sayin... Keep lovin one another. Regards, Jayman
JBARR, pubic apology to ya, misstep and oversight, I should have known bettah with a studman like you. thanks for the shout out!!
check out the correction JB:)
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