The 2015 Midwest Mashie - Minnesota - FINAL RECAP AND OBSERVATIONS

[Jeff Shelman]

For those of you playing at Midland on Friday morning, you will see a little bit of bunker work on three holes (Nos. 4, 6 and 7). This is more of a clean up than a rebuild.


There are currently four bunkers out of play (as of last night). It's possible that number will grow to five by Friday morning.


Info on work can be found here:


http://www.mhccturf.com/?p=398

[PCCraig]

Thanks for the updates Jason and Jeff.


As is the case with T&C, our website photos of the course are super old. I did a photo tour last fall which if anyone wants to scout out the course can easily find here.


It is certainly fall project season here in Minnesota. The only project at T&C right now that everyone would notice is that they are currently restoring the back portion of the putting surface on #3 all the way to the edge of the greenpad (it'll increase the size of the green by at least a third). It shouldn't impact play other than you'll get a free drop if you land in the new area long of the current putting surface.   

[BHoover]

The project work on area golf courses is insignificant compared to the nightmare that currently is local road construction in the Twin Cities.

Please see the link in Dan Kelly's post below for information on highway road closures this weekend. It potentially could impact getting to and from both Windsong and T&C.

[Dan Kelly]

The project work on area golf courses is insignificant compared to the nightmare that currently is local road construction in the Twin Cities.

Please see the link for information on highway road closures this weekend. It potentially could impact getting to and from both Windsong and T&C.

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/

Brian -- That story is from April.


Here is the current information: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/


Dan

[BHoover]

The project work on area golf courses is insignificant compared to the nightmare that currently is local road construction in the Twin Cities.

Please see the link for information on highway road closures this weekend. It potentially could impact getting to and from both Windsong and T&C.

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/

Brian -- That story is from April.


Here is the current information: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/

Dan

I can't be bothered to look at details!    See, road construction has been bad since April...that's what I meant!

I fixed my original post by cross-referencing your post. Regardless, traffic is a nightmare.

[Jason Topp]

The project work on area golf courses is insignificant compared to the nightmare that currently is local road construction in the Twin Cities.

Please see the link for information on highway road closures this weekend. It potentially could impact getting to and from both Windsong and T&C.

http://www.kare11.com/story/news/2015/04/10/big-closures-on-94--494-this-weekend/25569031/

Brian -- That story is from April.


Here is the current information: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/weekendtrafficimpacts/


Dan

I don't see any of these projects significantly impacting routes from one course to another.

[BHoover]

It affects how I get from my house to most places. I'm essentially just thinking about myself!   

But hopefully it doesn't impact anyone else.

[Dan Kelly]

I'm essentially just thinking about myself!   

Brian --


That's sort of ... well, for lack of a better description ... an Eastern attitude, isn't it?


In the West, we're all about TEAM!


Dan


PS: God, I hope no one needs an emoticon here!

[BHoover]

I'm essentially just thinking about myself!   

Brian --


That's sort of ... well, for lack of a better description ... an Eastern attitude, isn't it?


In the West, we're all about TEAM!


Dan


PS: God, I hope no one needs an emoticon here!

Yeah, that's right, I'm looking out for Number 1! This will actually be my first time on Team East. In the past, you West boys have been unable to field a full team, so I've been forced to swallow my pride and play for Team West. Now that I'm on Team East, I feel like I've been re-born!

I have no idea what I'm talking about...is it time to go home yet?

[Dan Kelly]

is it time to go home yet?

Probably, if you intend to get there anytime today.

[BHoover]

is it time to go home yet?

Probably, if you intend to get there anytime today.

That's actually a fair point.

[Rick Shefchik]

In addition to the links Jason provided on the Twin Cities golf courses of the 2015 Midwest Mashie, here's a link to a fairly brief history piece I wrote about Keller on the occasion of the course's re-opening last year:


http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_26168260/keller-golf-course-top-notch-city-course-then

[Dan Kelly]

In addition to the links Jason provided on the Twin Cities golf courses of the 2015 Midwest Mashie, here's a link to a fairly brief history piece I wrote about Keller on the occasion of the course's re-opening last year:


http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_26168260/keller-golf-course-top-notch-city-course-then

Rick --


Of course, the out-of-towners can read ALL about the history of all of the courses (except Windsong Farm) in a little volume called "From Fields to Fairways." I hope you'll have a supply in your car.


Dan

[Rick Shefchik]

I'll lug a few along for the benighted who don't already own a copy.

[Dan Kelly]

From your beloved St. Paul Pioneer Press, just this morning, for your gustatory consideration:


http://www.twincities.com/restaurants/ci_28863449/best-burgers-minneapolis-st-paul-twin-cities?source=hottopics

[Richard Choi]

Please excuse the interruption, but for the 1:10 match my money is on the beard-pullers, Thurman and Choi. Show that notorious anti-beard puller Rick S that error of his ways!!

There was one guy on the opponent's team that I did not want to face - Dan Moore...

It is really tiring to see your opponent hit one straight hit after another. He is a robot.

[PCCraig]

I'll lug a few along for the benighted who don't already own a copy.

For those participants coming in from out of town, I would wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of Rick's book as a souvenir from your Minnesota golf trip. It's a great read and well worth the space on your golf bookshelf.

[Howard Riefs]

There was one guy on the opponent's team that I did not want to face - Dan Moore...

It is really tiring to see your opponent hit one straight hit after another. He is a robot.

Is this match available on Golf Channel or ESPN2?  Should be a fun one.

[Dan Kelly]

There was one guy on the opponent's team that I did not want to face - Dan Moore...

It is really tiring to see your opponent hit one straight hit after another. He is a robot.

Dan was my partner at this year's 5th Major, and I can assure you it's a lot of fun to see your partner hit one straight shot after another.


But take heart. He did hit a few shots off-line.


Thankfully, I hit a few straight ones.


PS: There are MANY guys on the opponents' team that you don't want to face! This writer excepted, of course.

[BHoover]

I'll lug a few along for the benighted who don't already own a copy.

For those participants coming in from out of town, I would wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of Rick's book as a souvenir from your Minnesota golf trip. It's a great read and well worth the space on your golf bookshelf.

Winning signed dollars from Topp and Shelman also would make for great souvenirs of your trips to Minnesota.

[Dan Kelly]

I'll lug a few along for the benighted who don't already own a copy.

For those participants coming in from out of town, I would wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of Rick's book as a souvenir from your Minnesota golf trip. It's a great read and well worth the space on your golf bookshelf.

Winning signed dollars from Topp and Shelman also would make for great souvenirs of your trips to Minnesota.

Well noted, Mr. Hoover.


I hereby propose that the loser(s) of every match should present autographed dollar bill(s) to the winner(s) --
countersigned by Mr. Topp, if it's a Western dollar headed East.

[Dan Kelly]

A Bad News / Good News weather report:


We have had an uncommon amount of rain this September. It is drizzling again today, with more rain in the forecast for tonight and Wednesday and Thursday. That wondrous autumnal firm-and-fast we experience many (most?) years here in the Northland will not be achievable, I suspect, for the Midwest Mashie.


But now the Good News: The forecast for this weekend is EXCELLENT.


From Wunderground.com:




Friday 10 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Mostly sunny skies. High 76F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
Friday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low 57F. Winds light and variable.[/size]

Saturday09/2677 | 60 °F
Saturday 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Sunny, along with a few afternoon clouds. High 77F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.[/size]
Saturday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low around 60F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]

Sunday09/2779 | 60 °F
Sunday 10 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Sunny. High 79F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.[/size]

Unfortunately, the meteorologists have been right on the money this week. The courses we hoped to show you F&F will be closer to S&S (Sloppy and Slow).


But the weekend forecast remains primo:




Friday09/2577 | 56 °F
Friday 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 77F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
Friday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low 56F. Winds light and variable.[/size]

Saturday09/2676 | 56 °F
Saturday 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Mainly sunny. High 76F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]
Saturday Night 0 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Clear skies. Low 56F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.[/size]

Sunday09/2778 | 61 °F
Sunday 10 % Precip. / 0 in[size=0.875rem]Mainly sunny. High 78F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.[/size]

[Doug Siebert]

There was one guy on the opponent's team that I did not want to face - Dan Moore...

It is really tiring to see your opponent hit one straight hit after another. He is a robot.

But think how boring the game is for him, never having the chance for an amazing recovery when everyone thinks you're dead on the hole.

[PCCraig]

Happy first day of the Midwest Mashie weekend! I thought I would "re" post the below message from a few days ago in case anyone who's coming in from out of town missed it.

FRIDAY

Please see the previous page for the posted tee times for our round at Keller. Tee times run from 12:48 to 1:35. Prior to your tee time please visit the pro shop and pay your green fee. The green fee is ~$43 to walk and carts are extra. After golf we are going to retire to the clubhouse where Richard Mandell will be joining us to answer any questions we might have about his recent renovation work on the course. There are no formal group dinner plans, but drinks and food will be available for order if you choose to partake.

Keller's address is 2168 Maplewood Drive, Maplewood, MN 55109 and the pro shop's phone # is 651-766-4170.

SATURDAY

On Saturday we are playing at Windsong Farm, courtesy of Jason Topp, with tee times starting at 1:00pm (going until 1:50). Eight of you are staying on site at the Murphy House and Jason Topp has been in touch with you via personal message with the details. For the rest of the participants coming in from elsewhere, please note that Windsong is a good 30 min drive from downtown Minneapolis...so please plan accordingly. Per previous Mashies, we will be playing best ball matches. We will leave it up to the individual matches as to which set of tees people want to play.

After golf, we will meet back at the Clubhouse for drinks and dinner.

When you arrive at Windsong Farm, please visit the pro shop to pay for your guest fees and dinner. The cost for the day will be $175 which will cover walking green fees, dinner (I have seen the menu and it looks fantastic), and a certain number of drink tickets (exact number TBD but likely 3-4). Carts are $32pp if you would prefer to ride.

Sunday

On Sunday, we are playing Town & Country Club in Saint Paul, with tee times starting at 9:00am.

Town & Country is centrally located at 300 North Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul, MN (Tel. 651-646-7121). If you are staying in downtown Minneapolis, it is a short 10-15 min drive. If you are coming from Windsong Farm, plan on 35-40 min.

When you arrive at T&C, please visit the pro shop and pay your guest fee for the day. The guest fee is $100+tax to walk, with cart fees being extra. The bag room guys will be there and can help direct you to either the locker room or to the first tee/warm up range area across the street. Given that many guys will be hitting the road after the round, please feel free to use the locker room to store your things and to get cleaned up after your round...there are guest lockers that the attendant on hand can direct you to.

We will be playing twelve singles matches, with the pairings being announced on Saturday evening at Windsong Farm.

There is no formal lunch after the conclusion of golf at T&C, however participants are welcome to order off the menu in either the halfway house (next to #18 green) or in the clubhouse both of which I believe accepts cash, interclub credit, and the clubhouse takes credit card. If there is enough interest, we could try to schedule a quick visit to a nearby burger spot (Blue Door Pub) for Juicy Lucy's.

If you are heading directly to the airport, T&C is a quick ~20 min drive to the terminals.

For both Windsong and T&C, please note the typical guest rules...no cargo shorts, jeans, sleeveless t-shirts, etc. and please limit cell phone use.

Otherwise, please let me know if I can help in any way or if you have any questions. I know some guys are coming in early for extra local rounds, so if I can make a recommendation for food/last second lodging/entertainment let me know and I'll do my best.

Looking forward to having everyone up this week for the 2015 Midwest Mashie!!

[PCCraig]

Well we had a perfect day for golf today at Keller Golf Course. A huge thank you to Richard Mandell who hosted us and was kind enough to lead a Q&A after the round.


Just a quick photo recap for those who are interested:





Welcome to Keller




Scott Skorupa on the 4th Tee




Jason, Patrick, and Rick on the 7th Fairway




The 12th Green Looking Back


The 13th


The Green at the excellent short par-4 14th


Richard Mandell addressing the Mashie participants