Archive June 2004 - October 2004
SOMD Touch
Football Going Strong After 6 Games
16-10-2004
With only two games until the SOMD Grey
Cup on November 6th, the SOMD is going very strong. With the addition of
rookies Billy Morris and more recently, Kevin Goyetche, the league has
grown to 24 regular players. One of the highlights this year has been
the food. With a different theme every week, the players are treated to
some culinary delights prepared by the players and ex-players. This year
has featured the traditional opening game sandwiches (Mark Larose),
the fantastic Momesso's sub copies (Les Brault), a Mexican treat this
week (Fernando) and the usual always ready in case of emergency hot dogs
by Earl Macdonald. Next week promises to be a treat with a combination
Chef Surprise (Gary Nixon) and the famous chili by Chilian Jamie Gibson.
The final regular season treat will a carnivore's dream Jambalaya
whipped up by Tom Griffin. This will be the highlight of the Grey Cup
picking party along with the new tradition of bottle ends. I will have a
full update and pictures after next week's game.
Gender Barrier Broken at Skins Game
11-10-2004
An historical event happened on
Monday Thanksgiving day. Patty Humpheys and Lynn Macdonald became the
women to compete in a golf tournament that was posted at the Tartan Pub.
On what was supped to be a sunny day, the two women teed off with Earl
Macdonald and Jean Demers to break the 57 year 'ban' on women competing
in an all men's tournament.
Does this mean that the end of the male dominance in Tartan Golf. (Un)fortunately
not because
this event
was not on the official Tartan tour as it is an independent event.
The eventual winning team of the event consisted of Paul Goyetche, Brian
Kane and Clary Potter. Although the turnout was smaller than usual,
everyone had a good time despite the cold and lack of sun. Click on the
Thanksgiving on the right for more pictures and all the results.
Only 20 Golfers For Thanksgiving Game
10-10-2004
Family, injury and fed up with golf syndrome has taken a toll on this
year's version of the Thanksgiving day tournament. There will only be 5
foursomes teeing off on what is supposed to be a great sunny day. This
low key tournament has hit the end of it's life. This will be last time
that it is played. Appropriately, it will be played on holes that will
never played again as we make our way through a revised Deux-Montagnes
layout that somehow next is supposed to produce a 'quality' 18 holf golf
course (instead of 2 somewhat low quality ones). We'll see if next
year's prices reflect this 'improvement'. To the players for tomorrow,
please be there before 9:00 as the foursomes will be made up on the tee.
Scott Martin Update
02-10-2004
As many of my usual readers know, Two mo native, Scott Martin has
been living a dream for the past few years as a caddy on the PGA tour.
This year has been pretty good to him as his golfers have had 3 top-ten
finishes. This was done by 3 different golfers as Scott has had many
different bags this year. He has caddied for Jay Williamson, Craig
Perks, Geoff Ogilvy, Notah Begay, Tim Wilkinson, Joel Edwards and this
week, Steve Allan as Notah Begay has decided to call it quits for the
rest of the year. This year's highlights include a number of rounds with
Tiger but caddying at the Masters (for Craig Perks) was the one
highlight that stands out.
Scott sent me a few pictures this week and I had a good laugh over one
of them. One of his caddy buddies, Scott Gneiser (David Toms' caddy) is
married to the daughter of a legend of the Chicago Black Hawks. Scott
went to Scott's house during the Western Open in Chicago and this
picture was taken. In case you didn't know, before his unbridled love
for the Philadelphia Flyers began, Scott was a big Black Hawk's fan.
Click here for pictures.
October 11th Annual Team Skins Game is ON
03-10-2004
The 7th almost annual skins game is a go. I booked Golf Deux-Montagnes
in an attempt to play the Patriote's Number 8 hole one last time. The
eight hole is where we payed our respects to Sean Magill who passed away
there last year. Unfortunately, tomorrow will be the last day that the
8th hole will be played as Monday the course will be reconfigured as an
18 hole course. The bulldozers will be coming for the expansion of the
industrial park and the Odessa Car Auction. This year's 18 hole layout
is only temporary as the layout for next year is supposed to make the
Golf Deux-Montagnes a credidle 18 hole course. The snack shack will no
longer be needed as you will be coming back to the clubhouse after 9.
This means crossing the road 4 times in a round. Eventually (when
someone gets killed) there will be a tunnel under the road (named in
memory of the victim). Click on my Thanksgiving Skins Game links on the
right for more info.
As the Tartan Spring Open is in many cases the first game of the year
for many casual players, this tournament marks the end of the season for
many people. Send me an e-mail ASAP if you want in.
Once Again I Apologize For My Lack of Updates
21-09-2004
I have been busy lately and anytime I have sat in front of my
computer, I have had something else to do. So here goes nothing. You
will find on my golf page that my team won the Vegas golf tournament
last weekend. It was a good one to win and it was a great day. Speaking
of golf tournaments my annual Thanksgiving Skins game is back this year
after a one year hiatus. It will be on Monday October 11. I am trying to
get golf Deux-Montagnes to host it since it will be our last chance to
play Sean's 8th hole as almost half of the course is been destroyed for
the expansion of the industrial park. Stay tuned for more info on this
tournament that usually marks the end of the season for most Two
Mountain golfers.
SOMD game 2 was a grand day as we 'lingered' at the park for quite some
time enjoying the weather. It looks like Grey Cup day has been
officially announced as November 6th. This would mean a 9 game season as
opposed to the 13 week schedule we used to have a few years ago. I am
not sure if the spousal units appreciate that fact.
It's the
'All Sports' Season Again 14-09-2004
It's that time of
the year again. First football game Saturday. First hockey game Monday.
Next golf game Friday. First Friday hockey after golf. This is where my
trunk get the most workout. This is also the only month of the year that
I would consider driving an SUV. Oh yah! In two weeks, I'll need room
for my darts. Every September, I get a little depressed as I see the sun
going down earlier and earlier. Gone are the after work rounds of golf.
Gone are summer hours with Friday afternoons off. Gone are the West Nile
carrying mosquitoes (sorry, that's good). Gone are the summer fashions.
Unfortunately,
in, are the shorts that Glen Morris wore to touch football. In are the
drives to and from work directly into the sun for us people that live
northwest of the city. In are the leaves that wait to fall until you
have just mowed or raked the lawn.
This also seems
to be the time of the year that I try to compensate the depresssion by
buying things. Most of my electronic equipment puchases have been in the
October-November time frame. No plans yet this year although the Bell
ExpressVu HDTV PVR is coming out soon. So maybe that will be just in
time for my winter hybernation that will start just after Mexico (mid
November).
SOMD Ready for 35th
Season 10-09-2004
The SOMD touch
football league will be kicking it off tomorrow (Sept 11) for its 35th
year. Since 1969, a motley crew of boys of all ages has taken to the
football field for a 'friendly' game of touch football. God (Ron
Fitzmorris) one of the original members along with Earl Macdonald (the
other original) will arrive at the field some time near 10:00am for game
that will start sometime around 10:30. What field? you ask. The annual
tradition of the first game is actually looking for a field to play at.
Our regular 15th avenue pitch is usually taken by soccer players this
weekend. As usual, there will be confusion and people driving everywhere
to find the game.
No matter,
eventually a game will break out followed by the usual beverages and the
new tradition of food.
This year look
for a 35th Anniversary tournament with all the ex-players getting
invited to play or at least attend. Stay tuned to the SOMD link on the
right side.
Great Day for the
Sean Magill Memorial Tournament.
07-09-2004
A great day all around for the Sean Magill Tournament. Unfortunately,
Labour Day was appropriately named as it was a Labour getting up. I
promise that I will have the some photos posted Tuesday evening.
The three-peat Champions were finally de-throned and a team of ringers
narrowly beat out two local teams by posting an early -9. The results
are posted at the Tartan link to the right. Click
here to see the pictures.
Sean Magill Memorial
Tournament All Set for Sunday September 5th
The First Annual Sean Magill Memorial
Golf tournament is almost here. It's hard to believe that it has been a
year since Sean has passed away while playing in this annual affair.
Many
people have expressed their
interest in forming their own teams to honour Sean. Sean Jr, has
reserved spots for over 30 people, some of them coming over from Ireland
to participate,
In the last ten years or so, the fall version of this golf classic has
been played in the "vegas" format. This allows for a different kind of
golf game and the resulting scores are evidence of some fine shot
making. The winning team usually comes in at around -8 or -9 in this
friendly competion. Hurrry because registration ends on Tuesday August
31 at the Tartan Pub. The price this year is $65 which included green
fees and a supper at the Tartan. Cheers Sean! Go to the Tartan Pub Activities link for
tee-times.
Canada Hangs on to the Wyder Cup
22-08-2004
Despite a last round surge by Team USA, Canada retains the cup with a
final score of 30 to 25. USA trailed by 7 points at the end of the third
round but rallied in the singles matches and at one point had cut the
Canadain lead to 1 point. Fortunately for the Canadians, the last four
pairings went to Canada making it look like an easy victory.
The scramble (aka Vegas) match play was a grueling affair that lasted
well over three hours for the 9 hole match. The final round was played
in considerably less time but the final foursome just made it in before
darkness. The party continued on into the night until the school bus
hired for Team USA decided that the evening was over. A few Team Canada
members lingered on to savour the victory and the success of the third
annual Wyder Cup. Hope to see you next year. Click the link on the right
as usual.
Canada Takes Early Lead In Wyder Cup 20-08-2004
Team Canada
Has taken the lead after the first day of Wyder Cup action. The first
nine was close. Only 6 to 5 for Canada but the Canada put on the after
burners in the second matches. The score after one day: 14 1/2 to 7 1/2.
There are still 33 points to go for tomorrow, so stay tuned.....
3 Americans Sent to Scout the Golf Course
19-08-2004
At 1:15 this afternoon, 3 Americans were spotted at le Victorien golf
course. It seems that they were sent ahead of the bus carrying the rest
of the Wyder Cup team in order to report on the golf course. They were
observed in the parking lot accompanied by what looked to be a Canadian
who seemed to hide his face in shame. The bus is expected to arrive
later.
Also more good news. Tommy Turnaround has arrived in Montreal despite
the slight rain shower that crossed his path on the South Shore. Again,
stay posted to this website for reports from the Team Canada meeting
this evening and the results of tomorrow's matches
.
To the right is an unidentified Canadian player, Randy Emerson, Fred
Wall and Bob Coll. As usual, click on the picture to enlarge it.
One Day Left to the Big Day
19-08-2004
Today marks the last day of practice for anyone involved in the Wyder
Cup. The early birds from Boston will be sneaking a game in at le
Victorien at 1:15. If anyone goes by there, make sure you spy on them
and report to me. There is an unofficial meeting of Team Canada at the
Tartan tomorrow night around 7:00pm. Rumour has it that some Americans
will be there. The Cup Might make an appearance too. Saturday's
breakfast has now been moved to Rosemere at the Cote St Luc BBQ (236
Labelle Blvd both teams will be there at 10:30 before heading off to the
Oka Golf Club.
Team Canada Caught Practicing at Night
16-08-2004
Team Canada has been caught trying to improve their game at night.
This picture shows some Team Canada members at the Victorien in the wee
hours long after sunset. The Americans (from Boston) will be protesting
this move as practice is only allowed during
the day. Click on the picture to
enlarge it.
Also, the final player to be named to the team was announced on Monday.
He is Ron Rose (see two articles
below). He will be replacing Stan Rose
in the Saturday competition at Oka. Welcome Ron, and see you at the
driving range this week, if your car cooperates.
Both Team Line-ups Announced in the Wyder Cup
15-08-2004
Both captains have announced their intended line-ups for this week's
Wyder Cup matches. Captain Paul and Stan shuffled names around during
the PGA championship and came up with what seems to be a well balanced
arrangement of players to match with Captain Wobbit's selection. The fun
all starts Friday morning at le Victorien golf course. More news will
follow soon as we announce the 23rd and final player to join team
Canada. Click the link on the right for full info.
Ron Back in the Ranks of
the Gainly Employed 09-08-2004
This morning
marked the return to the workforce of our friend Ron Rose. After an
almost 3 year hiatus from the daily grind, Ron cheerfully left his home
at 7:18 this morning for his first day on his new job at L-3 Com
(formerly Bombardier Defence or Canadair). On his way out of the door,
he was surprised by the applause of his supporters (myself, his cousins
Stan and Brian, vacationing Paddy, and Gary Mac and Bob Slovik who were
returning from working the night shift). We were all happy to see Mr.
Mom return to the 'normal' life as was Karen who happens to be on
vacation this week.
Click on the
picture to see the big smile on Ron's face as he heads out to the
rhythm of the Loverboy song 'Working for the Weekend'. In this case
everybody's was watching.
Team Canada Now Complete
07-08-2004
Once again the hot dog tournament kicked of the Canadair/Bombardier/L3-com shutdown. This tradition started many years ago. On the first Tuesday of the Canadair shutdown, which usually coincides with the construction holiday, a friendly golf tournament is 'organized' to celebrate summer. Some 27 golfers participated this year and the sausages and hot dogs were flying off the BBQ. Teams of three were drawn at random after the game and their combined score determined the standings. The team of Mike O'Neil, Gary MacMillan and Mike Kane took first place. The low round of the day was a 78 by Mike McKeown who was +1 after 14 holes but finished in a blaze of bogeys (and a double).
The action then returned to the Tartan Pub where Garold cooked up the dogs for all to enjoy. Click here for a slide show and maybe a chuckle. First 'Real' French Canadian Makes the 2004 Wyder Team 19-07-2004
Finally
some Pepsi to go with our fries. Serge Larin, Monsieur e-Bay, has
accumulated enough points to be reinstated to the 2004 edition of the
Wyder Cup. The craftsman club maker will once again proudly wear the
Team Canada colours and will try to match his 3 for 4 record of last
year when he was paired up with Mike Goyetche (who has yet to be named
to the team). Bienvenue Serge and bonne chance!
Two More
Canadians Make the Wyder Cup Team 16-07-2004
With only 6 weeks
until the showdown at the Oka Corral, two more golfers have accumulated
enough points to be officially named to Team Canada 2004. The first is
the Captain of the LTHC Bernie Goyetche 
who got a critical point in
the final round of last year's edition. He brings with him an immaturity
beyond his years.
The second inductee
is a rookie to the Wyder Cup and has promised a strict regiment of
driving ranges for the next 6 weeks. He is Doug Dixon. He too will bring
an unprecented level of immaturity to the proceedings.
The Odd
Couple Captures Two Titles at Benefit Golf Tournament 10-07-2004
The weather almost
cooperated fully at the 4th Annual Kalina Mitchell Golf Tournament for
the benefit of the Lamplighters of the Montreal's Children Hospital. For the
3rd time in the 4 years, I shot the lowest round of the tournament. This
year was a 76 at the Bel-Air golf course in Mirabel to win by 1 stroke
over Mike O'Neil, last year's winner. On the other side of the coin, my
wife, Myrna captured the most honest female golfer award with a 162 in
her first time out this year.
Except for a
10-minute torrential rain shower, everyone had fun and raised a hefty
sum for a worthy cause. As you can see by the picture (11th hole at Bel-Air),
the umbrellas were out despite the blue skies.
Dave Mitchell
thanked everyone for another succesful year and is already planning the
2005 edition. Thanks to all volunteers, sponsors and golfers.
After 3
Months Our House Is Finally Painted
04-05-2004
On April 1st , I
signed a contract with a painter who said that he could paint our
aluminium siding that had faded from sun and acid rain over the 17 years
of living in our house. This painter specialized in wood but was said he
was ready to tackle our siding. A good wash, a coat of primer and two
coats of acrylic paint was the plan. He was to start 'as soon as the
weather would co-operate'. Well apparently it didn't often as he showed
up only three times and always blamed the weather. Finally he was not
returning his phone calls. I frantically looked for a painter to finish
the job but no one was ready to take on the task. Last week, I saw an ad
about guys who only do aluminium. They were a little pricey compared to
my original estimate but our house was 1/3 painted and it looked like Mr,
Denis Dupras of Beau Bois would never show his face again to finish.
In 3 days, the 2
young guys from with Dura-Tech restarted and finished the job. They
supposedly guarantee their work for 10 years, so if it lasts it will
have been a good investment. Click here
for before and after pictures.
Wyder Cup Fever Strikes Boston 30-06-2004 
The Wyder Cup is
heating up as the Boston Boys (and Girls) have rallied the troops and
will be setting a new record of participation. At least 20 men will come
north in August to try and recapture the cup that was strongarmed away
from them in 2003. The Lady Wyder will be even wider this year with a
dozen women making their way to the Great Green North to slap our balls
into submission. Our advantage this year; none of the American players
will be driving because they are all coming in by bus. If you can't
figure out the advantage, you don't know our friends from Boston.
Stay tuned to the
Wyder page for a profile of the Canadian team and the official
announcement of the Yankee team.
