Member Notes
What a strange year we’ve had!! The weather has been very indifferent to say the least. The drought through July and August was particularly harsh, especially combined with the extreme heat. At times like this we can appreciate the value of an excellent irrigation system that has allowed the maintenance staff to keep the course looking so green.
A lot goes on behind the scenes at the golf course that you may not be aware of. In the last couple of years the golf course has invested in some new golf course equipment that helps with the maintenance of the course. Many of you see the new mowers in action, but you may not be aware of a new piece of equipment that we feel has been invaluable to maintaining the greens as well as we have through this difficult period. A greens aerator was purchased two years ago which allows the maintenance staff the opportunity to punch small holes into the greens that help the roots get air, break up compaction and assist with drainage. All these factors affect the quality of the greens and we are very fortunate to have such equipment. It has been possible to aerify the greens this way every 4-5 weeks with minimal disruption to golf play.
Women's KY State Am. Championship - Report
The last week of June will be remembered for two things. Firstly, it was the last significant rainfall before the 8 week drought, but more importantly, it was the week Miller Memorial GC hosted the Women’s Kentucky State Amateur Championship.
We were particularly proud of the way the golf course pulled together as a team to make the event such a tremendous success. Most of the golf courses that host an event of this stature have greater staff numbers to assist with the operations of the tournament. The grounds staff and pro shop staff worked really hard to run the event, but the many member volunteers we had truly made the difference. Our thanks go out to each and every one who devoted time that week!
The event was won by Jessica Widman Grace, a former MSU Lady Racer golfer, and MSU Athletics Hall of Famer. This contributed to a great story line for the media who covered the event all over the state. After the tournament was complete, we received several cards of thanks from players. I would like to share some of those comments with you.
“It was by far the best one I’ve participated in.” -- Jessica Grace, Champion, Henderson
“It was a wonderful week for Miller Golf Course and I am very proud and gracious to be associated with such a wonderful facility………the 2007 Women’s Am was an event that everyone will set as the standard for upcoming years” -- Velvet Milkman, MSU Women’s Golf Coach
“This year’s event was the best in every aspect.” -- Pam Knight, Somerset
These comments show what a truly great week this was.
Men's Invitational - Report
This year’s event, the last weekend in July, had a great field comprising of 126 golfers from all across the area. Obviously this tournament is open to golfers of all abilities, but as was the case last year there was a very strong group of players.
Ben Glover from Paris, TN was the overall winner with a terrific score of 131 (65 + 66), yes, that’s 11 under par for 2 rounds of golf!! He beat Nick Newcomb an incoming Racer golfer from Marshall County in a sudden death playoff. Ben plays college golf at Austin Peay State University.
Special thanks to Judy Lyle and Barbara Morgan who helped with registration on Saturday, and Joe Carlisle who did a great job as starter on both Saturday and Sunday. This was another example of our members generously devoting their time to ensure the success of these open events.
Calendar of Events
For the past several months, for your convenience we have been posting a calendar of events and activities on the bulletin board in the Pro Shop. In the coming weeks we have several events that you should be aware of and you might want to plan your golf accordingly.
| Sept. 14 | MSU Golf Team Fundraiser (Course closed from 1-5:30 pm) |
| Sept. 21 | Chamber of Commerce Golf Scramble (Course closed from 1-5:30 pm) |
| Sept. 22 | Murray Elementary PTO & Calloway Co. Football (Call for tee times) |
| Sept. 29 | Briggs & Stratton Golf Tournament (Course closed from 7 am-1 pm) |
May we recommend that you call for tee times on these dates?
|
|
Homecoming Golf Tournament
In past years MSU Athletics has sponsored the Homecoming Golf Scramble. This year they have elected not to participate, however, Miller Memorial is going to continue this tradition.
The tournament will be held on Friday, October 12th, and will be a 4 person scramble. This event is open to everyone, regardless of an association with MSU. Lunch will be provided with the entry fee. The cost for members will be $35/player; non members will be charged $45/player. If you are interested please contact the pro shop for more details.
Couples Golf
A successful new addition to the list of activities at Miller Memorial has been couple’s golf. Every other Friday during the summer couples have been playing a 9 hole golf scramble. Each couple has been bringing an appetizer for after golf festivities at the pavilion. It’s been a great time for members to get together and socialize. The season will conclude on Saturday Sept. 15 with an 18 hole scramble and steak dinner!!
Next season, Andy & Karen Balzer will assume a leadership role for this group to really help promote and establish this activity as one of the most enjoyable events to be part of. We certainly would like to thank them for their commitment.
On the subject of couple’s golf, we have had many requests to host a couple’s golf tournament. There is the possibility of this next year given the success of our Men’s Invitational. As we continue to add exciting events such as these your support is invaluable. To get this event off the ground, we need lots of support, including names and addresses of couples you think might be interested in playing. Please give us your feedback!!
Enjoy the rest of the golf season.
Contact Information
• Will Snodgrass; Clubhouse/Pro Shop Mgr.
• Carolyn Parker; Assistant Pro Shop Mgr.
• Billy Wagoner; Golf Course Mgr.
Other Web Sites of Interest
www.goracers.com
www.murraystate.edu
2814 Pottertown Rd. • Murray, KY 42071 • Phone: 270-809-2238 • Toll Free: 888-313-9862 • Fax: 270-809-6046• Email: millergolf@murraystate.edu