NGAWire

Kruckeberg Reproduction Effort Completed

NGA® Wire Service, February 4, 2005

The Nagyhills Golf Association® is pleased to announce the arrival of Ryan William Kruckeberg into the NGA family. Ryan was born on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at 3:58pm. He weighed in at 7 lbs 10 oz and measured a massive 20” long. Proud parents Bruce and Tammy Kruckeberg, along with Ryan and family doggie Elroy, are all doing fine.

A local golf professional stated that by age 4, he predicts that Ryan’s putting stoke will be on par or better than his father Bruce. Congratulations Bruce and Tammy!

2004 Bank of Ann Arbor FUTURES Golf Classic

Lake Forest Golf Course, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Louis Song (NGA® Far East Division Writer) June 7, 2004

The 2004 Bank of Ann Arbor Futures Tour Golf Classic event has come to past with Lindsey Wright winning the tournament by one stroke with an even par round Sunday. That, however, was not the highlight of the weekend. More memorable was the opportunity for I to experience my first professional golf volunteer assignment. It all began with an idea of being around great players of the most passionate game known to humanity- with all its grandeur and agony entwined within our soul.

Having failed to attend the scheduled volunteers meeting, I called the volunteer chairperson, Dianne Loy, and met her at Lake Forest Golf Club the Wednesday before the tournament. As I ascended to the clubhouse, I sensed quite a different feeling than I would typically experience at a golf course. Blood was rushing into the farthest reaches of my being and my beady eyes widened with excitement as visions of young, athletic women darted in and out of my sight, whiplash was imminent. As the tingling sensation continued, I pondered at how wonderful it is to see so many aspiring players committed to being the best of the best. Speaking of the best, I had the privilege of meeting some of the most talented players the LPGA will surely enjoy.

The first star is Allison Hanna, a Futures Tour rookie, who has exceptional grace on and off the course. How do I know, as Andy will attest, this young lady can stripe it off the tee with a full, fluid, rhythmic swing. More importantly, she is pleasant, cordial, and eloquent- an obvious result of good upbringing and intelligence. Andy and I didn’t see her again until the 10th tee where she let us play through since she was waiting for a couple of ‘ringers’ to complete her foursome. Yes, these gals can hit it but not as far as my driver or Andy’s 4-wood- well.... on this particular hole. Anyways, his ball landed in the fairway some 15 yards ahead of Allison’s (we were hitting from the same tees as her all day) prompting him to write a note and leaving it near her ball. While on the green, echoes of laughter filled the air as we turned to see Allison and her playing partner reading Andy’s words.

I met up with Allison on Friday after driving the cart for another three-some that morning (two made the cut while one still needs much work). She thought that I was a friend who flew in from Oregon, her home state, since she couldn’t really tell from my hat and sunglasses disguise. At an instant, I wanted to say ‘yes’ only for a big hug and smooch (Kurnczism Theory, p. 84). Nevertheless, I was respectful and explained that we met Wednesday. Asking about her round, she responded gracefully that she played all right but had issues on the greens- “17 greens and 38 putts will not win a tournament,” she claims. Sticking to the positive, I told her that hitting 17 greens was awesome and told her that her putting will come around. Then I asked her to autograph a golf ball while explaining that the autographed ball would be pasted in http://www.nagyhillsgolfassociation.com. I told her that we are just a bunch of fun-loving guys who like to play and that we would follow her career on the site. I also gave her my e-mail address and she will send me her business card when ready. With only two tournaments under her belt, she is proving that she has the talent and ability to play and play damn good – coming in 3rd and tied for 12th, respectively. My not so bold prediction is Allison will win a LPGA major within four years from today.

On Saturday, my oldest, Erica who will be 9 in August, and I walked with the second to last group assigned as stander bearer and scorer. The players were Katie Connelly, Kristy McPherson and Naree Song. Of course, Naree was coming off a high having won the previous event in Indiana. Again, I am amazed how effortlessly these pros strike the ball. They don’t hit it far but they do hit it straight time and time again except for Kristy. There is no doubt that this Southern girl believes in physical fitness since Kristy’s arms have well-defined biceps and triceps. When she got a hold of it, she pumped it about 270 down the fairway. Actually, all three were ‘sneaky long’. I would give my left eye to Karl to hit it like them. All three started the round at three under but only Naree could hold on and finish even par for the round. But, she could have done better or worse, no one will ever know.

Here is what happened – on the 10th tee, a par 4 slight dogleg right with a blind tee shot, Miss Song (no relation) push-faded her drive into the hazard. Unfortunately, the volunteering spotter had no clue where her ball landed (they should have a tougher requirement for spotters because these guys stunk; they couldn’t see jack unless the ball landed on their head). Everyone was looking in the hazard some 20 yards closer to the green to no avail. I, having the undistinguished experience of hitting countless balls right knew that they were looking in the wrong area. I went back to another clump of wet jungle and found a Titleist 3 with small black dots surrounding the “3.” I motioned to the group and Naree’s caddie confirmed it was her ball. Sadly, the lie in the hazard was unplayable and she dropped outside the hazard finishing the hole with bogey.

The issue is this – if she would have taken a drop from where everyone was originally looking would she have carded a better score. Perhaps she could have holed it from the drop for birdie or hit it closer than 30 feet and made par. It may have launched her on a big run and she could have won two in a row. Or, she could have shanked it into the gunk and walked away with triple eventually missing the cut by one. Was I wrong to look in a more likely area? Should I have not said anything and picked up the ball as a souvenir after the group left the fairway so she would have a shorter shot to the green? No one will ever know. All I know is that there is a fine line to what may appear to be equitable for spectators. As for me, I would have preferred to find my ball, be disheartened that I couldn’t make a reasonable swing, taken the drop and stroke, and eventually finish the hole; this would be the right call- to take my medicine and go on. Since none shot laser beams from their eyes at me, I knew that it was the right call, quite unlike Tiger getting relief from a one-ton boulder. It would have been nice to pocket the ball, though, and sell it on eBay when she makes it big (Kurnczism Theory, p. 37).

Naree did finish alone in 5th while Kristy placed T30 and Katie T48. These kids were great. They autographed Erica’s hat and Naree even signed a ball for Erica from one Song to another. My hat goes off to these skilled players and hope they have instilled the embodiment of etiquette to my daughter for someday she may be out there grinding over five foot par putts. It is good that the ladies have a precursor to the LPGA, some place where they can hone their skills as professional athletes and professional people. Sure, there were some distant individuals with some appearing cocky and aloof. Yet, better than their male counterparts, many are sincere and seem honored just in having the opportunity to compete at this level. No, the purses are not lucrative and the courses are not all pristine but they have made the commitment and dedication to this game and have the heart and desire to win. Most being young are away from family and friends but still have the ability to smile and be gracious.

My only contention is that the Futures Tour committee understands this devotion and improves their position in this sport’s market. The prizes are low, sponsorships are mostly local, and the venues could be better. In fact, many national sporting news agencies like the Golf Channel, CBS, ESPN, CNN, etc... do not regularly recognize this tour. The goal will be for groups like the NGA® to promote higher spectator and sponsorship participation to drive revenues and purses up. Let all who peruse these pages leave with a newfound obligation to spread the word. I had a super experience and anticipate supporting the future of this tour with grand excitement.

The Greatest Ball Striker Ever – Ben Hogan Versus Karl Nagy

NGA.com (NGA® Wire Service) Writer, June 11, 2004

It has always been said it is hard to compare different eras of golfing excellence with one another. Most historians will agree that either Jack Nickalus or Tiger Woods is the greatest golfer of all-time, but it is far from a unanimous choice. The same case can be said for golf’s Greatest Ball Striker. Many names come to mind: Sam Snead, Ralph Guldahl, Lee Trevino, Mac O’Grady. Nevertheless, the two names that pop to the top of most lists are Ben Hogan and Karl Nagy.

Hogan was born in Texas in 1913. At 12, he turned to caddying, receiving 65 cents a round at the Glen Garden Country Club. In his spare time, he began to play. After his caddying was through for the day, Hogan spent hours upon hours on the driving range. Despite having an uncontrollable hook, he turned pro when he was 17 and joined the PGA Tour at age 19. Hogan was the PGA Tour’s leading money winner from 1940–1942 before joining the military. A horrific 1949 car accident almost ended his career/life, but Hogan’s strength and work ethic paid off with his dramatic 1950 US Open victory.

Nagy, born in Ontario in 1969, moved to Michigan in 1970. He did not play golf until he turned 15 years old. In his spare time he worked at a local donut shop and Parks and Recreation facility. Nagy joined his college golf team in 1991, however a less than serious team attitude did not prove a benefit. Despite a solid game, he did not practice too often and did not turn professional. In 1999, Nagy won The Players Championship (TPC) and elevated himself to the top of the NGA® rankings.

The below photos are of Ben Hogan during his 1951 Masters triumph and of Karl Nagy during his sensational 1999 TPC victory.

As you can see, it is very difficult to distinguish the differences in the golf swings of Hogan and Nagy; many experts have claimed them to be identical. It has even been the case that when Nagy dons his tam during a round, whispering of ‘Wee-Ice Mon’ and ‘The Hawk’ can be heard throughout the golf course.

Name (Full Name)	Ben Hogan (William Benjamin Hogan)	Karl Nagy (Karl Nagy)
Birthdate	8/13/1913	10/4/1969
Birthplace	Dublin, TX, USA	Windsor, ONT, CAN
Residence	Fort Worth, TX, USA	Plymouth, MI, USA
Death	7/25/1997
Wife (Maiden Name)	Valerie (Fox)	Courtney (Thomas)
Wedding	April 1935	June 1999
Children	NONE	Evan
Height	5’ 8”	6’ 2”
Weight	140 lbs	220 lbs
Joined PGA Tour	1933	N/A
Joined NGA®	N/A	1995
PGA Tour Victories	62	0
Major Championship Victories	9	0
NGA.com Tour Victories	0	2
TPC Victories	0	1
MPGA Team Championships	0	3
Ryder Cup Record (overall)	2-0-0 (3-0-0)	0-0-0 (0-0-0)
Guldahl Cup Record (overall)	0-0-0 (0-0-0)	5-3-0 (24-32-7)
Predominant Rule Change Aspiration	Increase the size of the golf cup to put more emphasis on ball striking and less on putting	Increase maximum amount of clubs from 14 to 15 to allow for an extra wedge

We may never all agree on who is the greatest ball striker of all time, but nonetheless both Ben Hogan and Karl Nagy would be in everyone’s top two list, that is for sure!

NGA Players Enter 2004 Michigan Amateur Championship

NGA® Wire Service, May 29, 2004

Three elite members of the Nagyhills Golf Association® have filed their applications and fees in hope of participation in the 2004 Michigan Amateur Championship at Grosse Ile G&CC beginning 6/22/2004.

Unfortunately for the NGA’s big three, none of them had enough cahonus to qualify them 2004 Michigan Amateur Championship.

Steve Lawler’s 79 at Radrick Farm GC (Ann Arbor, MI) on Monday, 5/17/04 was three shots above the qualifying score of 76.

Karl Nagy’s 77 and Kurt Goetzke’s 78 at Dearborn CC (Dearborn, MI) on Friday, 5/21/04 were one and two shots above the qualifying score of 76.

The NGA’s own Andy Kurncz acted as caddie for Lawler and Nagy. Goetzke was without a caddie.

Radrick Farm GC Qualifying Results (5/17/2004)

Dearborn CC Qualifying Results (5/21/2004)

In My Own Words – Goetzke Chokes At Michigan Amateur Qualifier

The story of how Kurt Goetzke crushed his hopes of qualifying for the 1987 Michigan Amateur Championship (as recapped in an e-mail message)

LOCATION: Radrick Farms Golf Course (Ann Arbor, MI, USA)

DATE: Summer 1987

FROM: Kurt Goetzke

SENT: Wednesday, February 04, 2004 9:29 AM

TO: Dan J McKay; Steve Lawler

CC: Karl Nagy

SUBJECT: RE: Michigan Amateur

DEFINITELY RADRICK FARMS...that is the sight of my best and worst achievement (Nagy was a great Caddy...thanks for not making me hit driver on the last hole buddy!!!)...I was one hole away from qualifying comfortably for the Amateur...I would have been top 10, in fact and better than DEAN KOBANE (78)...Par for 77...I finished on Number 9...a short par 4...I feared out of bounds left, so I hit 3 Wood...unfortunately, I popped it up...hit 5 iron into the left front bunker...the bunkers were not as good as they are now...thinned it over the green...hit great flop to 12 feet or so...knocked putt by 3 feet...made that for double and 79...10 man playoff for 1 spot...Birdied the first hole to move on...hit huge drive on next hole...sand wedge to 20 feet below the hole...IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT!!! Three putted...other guys both got up and down...bye, bye Goetzke...Lost to other guy for 1st alternate spot...took like 3 more holes...1st and 2nd alternate did not get in...

So, here are my choices...not necessarily in this order except for RADRICK BEING FIRST:

RADRICK (Monday)

FIELDSTONE (Wednesday)

PHEASANT RUN (Tuesday)

DUNHAM HILLS (Friday, Period End)

DEARBORN CC (Friday)

Tragedy Strikes Kurncz Family

Kurt Goetzke (NGA.com Staff Writer) April 11, 2002

April 5, 2002 started off like any other day for NGA member Andy Kurncz, but it soon it would take a tragic twist. The previous night, the family cat Carmel, age 12, had mysteriously slipped outside unbenounced to the family members that were present. Being an indoor cat, Carmel must have been very scared and confused.

The family finally discovered that Carmel was missing when Andy's daughter, Lauren, age 8, approached her daddy with a tear in her eye and proclaimed, "Daddy, where's my precious kitty, Carmel? I have not seen her in hours." Being the concerned dad that Andy is, he soothed his terrified daughter's concerns by suggesting that Carmel was just hiding or sleeping and he would surely come out in the morning. Unfortunately, that did not occur.

As a cold chill took over the crisp spring night, Andy and his wife Cori snuggled under layers of warm, comfortable blankets, while outside, another drama was occurring.

Morning came and still there was no sign of Carmel. As Andy sipped his morning coffee, his thoughts drifted to other concerns...the long day ahead, bills to pay, The Masters, Landing Strip lounge, cigars, food. His mind was so full, that it did not have any room for what seemed so insignificant, the still undetermined whereabouts of Carmel. As he went into the garage and to his car, suddenly, something strange coursed through his body and it stopped him in his tracks. He spontaneously cried out, "Carmel, are you here?" The strange sensation remained, but after a moment it dissipated and he got into his car and pulled down the driveway, onto the road. After a moment, he heard a strange scratching sound, and then, a thud. He quickly stopped his vehicle and got out to find a horrific site in front of him... the pan caked remains of what once was Carmel, the loyal family cat. He must have been hiding in the wheel well to keep warm overnight. Horrified, Andy did not know what to do, but he somehow managed the moxie to scoop Carmel to the side of the road and proceed on with his day.

Upon arriving at home, Andy was faced with the task of informing his daughter what had happened. "Daddy, we still haven't found Carmel yet", wept little Lauren. Andy then got down on his haunches so he could be face to face with his innocent child. Suddenly, a horrific tearing sound occurred as his tight pants split from his sack to his crack. Trying to maintain his fatherly composure under such dire conditions, Andy looked little Lauren in the eyes and said gently, "Sweetheart, Carmel was very old and it was time for him to go to Kitty Heaven. He's there now playing with the biggest ball of yarn ever." Content with her fathers loving concern and compassionate answer, Lauren hugged her dad and tearfully exclaimed, "Bye, Bye Carmel! Have fun in Kitty Heaven. I love you!"

After changing his pants, Andy went about the task of disposing of the evidence. He went back to the scene of the crime and put what was left of Carmel in the trunk of his car. He then proceeded to a dumpster up the street and gave Carmel his last rights and burial.

To this day, Andy still wonders what that feeling was in the garage before he ran the poor creature over. Was it a sign??? He will probably never know for sure, but he must face the fact that he will have to live with this the rest of his life. "Maybe I could have done something different", mulled Kurncz, "maybe I could have saved Carmel from such a woeful demise. I guess we'll never know."

Crazy For Mazie

Nagyhills Golf Association® (NGA Wire Service) April 10, 2002

The Nagyhills Golf Association® would like to announce the arrival of Mazie Lee Lawler to the NGA family. Mazie Lee was born on Thursday, April 4, 2002. She weighed 7 lbs 4 oz and measured 19 3/4” long. Proud parents Steve and Holly Lawler, along with baby Mazie, are doing fine.

Early nicknames for baby Mazie include ‘The Taller Lawler’ and ‘Maser’. Congratulations Steve and Holly!

2002 Guldahl Cup Handicaps

Karl Nagy (NGA.com Staff Writer) April 4, 2002

The Nagyhills Golf Association® has released the official player handicaps for the 2002 Guldahl Cup Matches scheduled to take place at the Lakewood Shores Resort in Oscoda, Michigan, USA on April 19, 20 & 21, 2002. The handicaps were determined using the USGA's Handicapping System formula along with players scores from the 1999, 2000 and 2001 TPC and 2000, 2001A and 2001B Guldahl Cup Matches. The handicaps are as follows:

2002 Guldahl Cup Handicaps

Karl Nagy (Plymouth, MI) 5

Dan McKay (Madison Heights, MI) 7

Eric Fournier (Harper Woods, MI) 9

Andy Kurncz (Fenton, MI) 9

Kurt Goetzke (Ferndale, MI) 10

Ron Clifton (Plainwell, MI) 13

Coree Raden (Caledonia, MI) 13

Louis Song (Plymouth, MI) 14

This year's Guldahl Cup will be conducted as a five round event with a total of 30 points available. The combination of team and individual matches scheduled to be played are:

Fri 4/19/02 (AM Matches at The Serradella) Best Ball Team & Individual Match Play (6 points)

Fri 4/19/02 (PM Matches at The Wee Links) Scramble Team (2 points)

Sat 4/20/02 (AM Matches at The Serradella) Alternate Shot Match & Stroke Play (8 points)

Sat 4/20/02 (PM Matches at The Gailes) Total Score Team & Individual Match Play (6 points)

Sun 4/21/02 (AM Matches at The Gailes) Single Individual Match Play (8 points)

A number of past Guldahl Cup champions are in the field and should play a large part in determining this year’s champion. Two time Guldahl champion Karl Nagy is a golfing juggernaut and will definitely be expected to carry his team to victory. Dan McKay and Louis Song, the only players in the field never to taste Guldahl defeat, are back to reclaim the Cup they won last spring. Both players have recently struggled with their games, but have promised to be in fine shape come match time. Three time contestant Coree Raden and his west Michigan sidekick Ron Clifton, two time Guldahl loser, are expected play an integral role in their teams attack to victory. Andy Kurncz, another three time Guldahl Cup contestant and captain of the most recent Guldahl Cup victory, knows what it takes to win again. States Kurncz, "I know what it takes to win!" Also participating is one time loser Kurt Goetzke and rookie Eric Fournier. Goetzke, armed with a new belly putter, and Fournier, armed with two cases of Bud Light, are believed to be non entities this tournament.

Past Guldahl Cup Champions

2000 Ron Clifton (Captain), Coree Raden

2001A Dan McKay (Captain), Karl Nagy, Steve Lawler, Louis Song

2001B Andy Kurncz (Captain), Karl Nagy

Former Guldahl Cupper’s Steve Lawler and Matt Maser are not participating this year. Lawler’s wife Holly is scheduled to give birth to their first child on April 12, 2002. It was deemed best that Steve begin the process of fatherhood near his wife and child rather than on the links of Oscoda. Maser, who moved to Illinois last fall, has not been heard from and is believed to be fighting for his life on the streets of Chicago.

Spring Into 2002

Kurt Goetzke (NGA.com Staff Writer) April 1, 2002

As spring took hold in the quaint city of Marshall, Michigan, the first official round of golf for the year 2002 took place on Friday, March 30th at the Medalist Golf Course. The Medalist, measuring a tame 6,007 yards, requires accuracy off the tee, but once in play, the golfer is afforded many scoring opportunities. Yet, rust is always a factor this early in the season, and it showed on more than one occasion.

On a crisp, cloudy morning, 5 men descended on this fine test of golf. The teams selected for the day consisted of Karl Nagy and Ron Clifton on one team vs Kurt Goetzke, Andy Kurncz and Louis Song on the other in an 18 hole best ball competition. Side bets were also placed, with Nagy and Goetzke going even up, Goetzke giving Song 7 strokes and Kurncz 2 strokes, while Nagy gave Kurncz 6 strokes and Song 11. Ron participated only in the team bet, a wise choice as we will soon see.

On the short first, it appeared that the aforementioned rust may not be a factor, as 4 out of the 5 split the middle of the fairway, and three of the five hit the green. But no birdies were achieved and soon, a pattern would become painfully apparent. After halving the first two holes a breakthrough for Team GKS finally occurred on the short third. After a safe tee shot to the far right of the green, Song faced a lengthy birdie effort. 40 feet and a missed Clifton 15 footer later, Team GKS was 1 up. It was a lead they would never relinquish.

As the round continued, it was apparent that one player was hot with the flat stick. Kurt Goetzke, owner of a brand new split grip long putter, began to claw his way to a good round. With one putts on 5 holes on the front nine, an erratic ball striking day was being salvaged by the putter. All this would change on number 9.

Always the mark of consistency, Karl Nagy was in prime form from the start of his round. With Faldo-like precision, Nagy got out of the gate with 5 straight pars. It was apparent that he was going to be tough to beat on this day, and if not for a bulky putter, his eventual round of 1 over par 73 could have been much lower.

Yet, some of the field was struggling with their game. The par 5 5th was the first to bite the combatants. A triple bogey 8 for Louie Song slowed him down after his birdie on the previous hole, and a painful to watch 11 for Ron Clifton, derailed his fine 1 over after 3 start.

Much of the play for the next few holes was uneventful. Then came the short par 5 9th. At 452 Yards, the hole seems docile, but a small landing area and a lake on the left make accuracy a premium. Kurt Goetzke stepped on the tee at 2 over par. His team had halved the next 5 holes after winning the 3rd. A well struck drive began up the right side with a hard draw. Unfortunately the ball took a hard kick left and just stayed out of the water, but was in the confines of the hazard. With the ball well above his feet, Goetzke feared a hook into the water left of the green...and his worst fears came true when a poorly struck 5 iron left the clubface. Andy Kurncz followed Goetzke into the hazard left, but was able to escape with a bogey 6. Goetzke was not as fortunate. After a drop, a chunked 4th, a "Texas Wedge" just to the front fringe of the green, and three strokes of the putter later, Goetzke had carded an 8. Kurncz was later overheard consulting with Nagy as to whether a four putt should be placed on the scorecard. Fortunately for Goetzke, the rules of golf afforded only a 2 putt.

As the back 9 took shape, it was apparent that Ron was not going to be of much help to Karl. Two 8's and a 10 sent Ron crashing to a back nine 53 and final score of 100. The Best Ball match stayed as it was until the Par 5 13th, where Karl was not able to get it up and in from the fringe and therefore suffered an unsavory bogey. Goetzke and Kurncz both pared to put Team GKS up 2 with 5 to play. Nagy finally got off the schnide by birding the Par 5 15th, but that number was matched by an equally solid birdie from Louie Song. The death blow came on the Par 3 17th, when Andy knocked a 6 iron within 15 and sank the putt to complete a 3 and 1 trouncing for Team GKS.

Yet, there was still one subplot remaining. As the players stepped onto the 18th tee, Karl had locked up his other matches, but the ones between Kurt and Andy and Kurt and Louie were still much in doubt. As the players reached the putting surface, Kurt was faced with an 8 foot left to right putt in order to win his match with Andy and halve his match with Louie. Unfortunately, Kurt's putt slide painfully just below the hole for a final hole bogey. With that miss, his match was halved with Andy and he lost by one stroke to Mr. Song.

All in all it was a fine day of golf. Karl sandwiched 2 bogeys and a birdie between 15 pars, while Kurt holed 13 pars in his 79. Andy had a solid ball striking day, but could never really get the putter going, and he carded a respectable 81. Louie had the most birdies of anyone in the group (2), but a case of the hooks due to an ailing back sent him back to Livonia with an 85 in his pocket. As for Ron, it was great to see him.

In My Own Words – A Killer Blow

The story of how Kurt Goetzke played Autumn Ridge Golf Course’s 16th hole during the 1st round of the 2001 TPC

RECAPPED: Karl Nagy

COURSE: Autumn Ridge Golf Course (Fort Wayne, IN, USA)

DATE: September 24, 2001

Goetzke hits a towering tee ball (STROKE 1) toward the right side of the green. It hits near the pin and bounces over the back of the green (STROKE 2). Where did it go? His playing partners suggest that Kurt hit another ball, just in case the first one is unplayable, or worse, OB. Kurt agrees, still assuming that there is no chance his first ball is out. For God's sake, the ball hit the freaking green. A lackluster provisional shot (STROKE 3) is "Longeway'ed" by Goetzke into the right water hazard. A statement is made that Goat really hopes his first ball is OK. Upon reaching the back of the green, Kurt's ball is found. Unfortunately it has come to rest mere inches OUT of BOUNDS. Goetzke begins to spout profanity. Playing partners Steve Lawler and Karl Nagy recall a similar incident a few years back when a Goetzke approach shot struck a green, bounded over the back and rolled 50 yards OB. They share a laugh. With his head slumped, Kurt begins the journey 90 yards back down the fairway where his provisional sliced into the hazard. (STROKE 4) He drops and plays a masterful wedge shot (STROKE 5) to within 18 feet of the pin. Goetzke, of course, misses the putt (STROKE 6) and taps in (STROKE 7) for a quadruple bogey 7. Goetzke’s somewhat good round is screeched to a halt.

2001 United States Amateur Public Links Qualifier

June 16, 2001

Whiteford Valley GC

Ottawa Lake, Michigan, USA

2001 NGA.com Tour Members Karl Nagy, Steve Lawler, Kurt Goetzke, Andy Kurncz and Matt Maser participated in a sectional 36-hole qualifier for the 2001 USGA United States Amateur Public Links Championship (Pecan Valley GC, San Antonio, Texas, USA). Unfortunately, none of the NGA.com Tour members came close to qualifying. Better luck next year!

36-hole Qualifying Scores

Steve Lawler 81-77 158 (+14)

Karl Nagy 78-80 158 (+14)

Matt Maser 79-82 161 (+17)

Andy Kurncz 82-80 162 (+18)

Kurt Goetzke 81-82 163 (+19)

1999 Goldenrod Invitational

April 9 - 11, 1999

Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Kearney Hills GL and Players Club of Lexington (Old Course, New Course)

1T Kurt Goetzke (14) 77-70-65-70 282

1T Matt Maser (15) 73-71-69-69 282

3T Karl Nagy (11) 71-72-76-69 288

3T Steve Lawler (10) 76-70-68-74 288

5 Louis Song (20) 78-73-63-75 289

6 Craig Isham (20) 72-79-77-73 301

7 Mark St Andrew (13) 71-78-79-78 306

8 Ron Clifton (16) 77-79-79-77 312

DQ CJ Noll (16) 72-79-DQ-DQ DQ

DQ Jeff Earl (18) 84-72-DQ-DQ DQ

1998 MPGA State Match Play

July 27 - August 1, 1998

The Pines at Lake Isabella GC (Qualifying Round 1 & Match Play)

Eagle Glen GC (Qualifying Round 2)

Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA

Qualifying Scores

PLAYER	HOMETOWN	SCORES	POSITION
Kurt Goetzke	Canton, MI	89-78 167 (+23)	105T
Matt Maser	Plymouth, MI	82-85 167 (+23)	105T
Karl Nagy	Plymouth, MI	84-84 168 (+24)	111
Mark St Andrew	Dearborn Heights, MI	83-DNS	DQ
Steve Lawler	St Clair Shores, MI	86-DNS	DQ

Steve Lawler and Mark St Andrew were DQ’ed after missing their scheduled tee time for round 2. Unfortunately the pager alarm they set to wake them up in the morning went unheard. The story they made up about a flat tire also was not convincing enough to sway the tournament committee.

Match Play Results

Kurt Goetzke DEF Harold Tramski (Port Huron, MI) 5&4

Kurt Goetzke LOST to Jeff Obertyniuk (Chesterfield Twp, MI) WALKOVER

Matt Maser LOST to Steven McEwen (Royal Oak, MI) 6&5

Karl Nagy LOST to Dave Reese (Livonia, MI) 4&3