From the bunkers: ‘The County Open’

Twenty-one years ago, several civic-minded individuals met and gave birth to what is known as “The County Open” Golf Tournament.
Bob Anderson, Jerry Ellis and Frank Dunn were the idea men and soon had some avid golfers and area supporters, including Aubrey Grant, Warren Walker, Jerry York, Richard Hammond, Lois McCarthy, Rick Goodwin, Everett Curry, Rellon Powers, Clem Thorne, Eleanor McLaughlin and Vicki  Hagerman, whose tireless dedication to the “Open” has been a very valuable asset to its success.
With Bob Anderson, as chairman, The County Open realized a great opportunity to raise money for the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation, as well as an enjoyable event for ladies and men golfers, not only to golf, but as a social event that has become a huge success.
Potential sponsors were contacted and the response was a credit to the generosity of area businesses and individuals, as gold sponsors, $1,000; silver, $500 and bronze, $100. To say “The County Open” was and is a great asset to the area is an understatement. In the 20 years, $465,000 has been raised for the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation. The Houlton community golf course and VaJoWa of Island Falls have benefited for course improvements for all of us to enjoy.
There have been so many people who have contributed to the success of “The County Open” there is not enough space to list them all except to say “thank you” for all of us who benefit from the Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation.
As far as golf is concerned, this year’s date is August 13-14 with action at both courses depending on handicap classification for both men and women, with a scramble scheduled at VaJoWa on August 15. Entries are limited, so call either the Houlton Community Country Club or VaJoWa for your chance ot have a great time for golf and social activities.
In the Ladies’ Twilight League play, team winners on July 27 were the Tigers, with 53 points. Team members are Jen Wallace, Lois Fenlason, Martha Fasulo and Ashley Wallace. Second place went to the Bogey Babes with 52 points. Individual winners was a tie with Carla McPartland and Mary Hatfield, each earning 20 points.
In the Men’s Twilight League play, Jerry Tweedie/ Todd Willard lead the Mickelson Division with 37 points. Brent McGuire and partner (Dewey DeWitt) lead the Furyk Division with 33.5 points, while Bill Weber/Gary Hannigan lead the Watson Division with 32.5 points.
After the way all of us from Houlton played in the Spudland last week there is little left for humor except to laugh at ourselves and thank Presque Isle Country Club manager Barry Madore for his fine hospitality.
This week’s tip: Last week, I mentioned how to get out of wet sand, this week: What to do in hard sand.
Hard sands requires two things, a wedge with minimal bounce, and the clubface must be wide open when it hits the sand. Less bounce and an open face should allow your club to slide under the ball. When the sand is so shallow that even these adjustments won’t work, chip the shot cleanly (contact the ball first). Clean contact requires practice, but it is a good shot to have.