The seventh hole at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club can be tough on players.
At this time of year, besides large trees, large bunkers and wind-whipped Lake Ontario, there’s a new wrinkle: dive-bombing by red-winged blackbirds.
For the past month or so the tiny birds have been aggressively defending their turf, protecting a nest from predators. And golfers.
While the first fledgling offspring have apparently left “home,” at least one adult bird has taken up residence in a larger tree between #7 green and #8 tee.
On Tuesday, women’s 18-hole league captain Yolanda Henry says almost all golf participants had some close encounters with the angry flier.
But that didn’t deter Henry and others from posting some good scores.
The captain’s 85 was best gross score, followed by Carroll Baker (91) and Cathy Murray (93).
Sharron Marlow and Henry tied for low net with 67, while Margot Richardson, Judy Mantle, Murray and Baker were net 72 and Maria Townley and Tracey Peters had 75.
Fewest putts: Ginny Green, Baker and Marlow (31), followed by Maria Townley and Lisa Allen (31). Trish Anthony birdied #12.
In the women’s nine-hole league on Tuesday, Peggy Larder captured the Captain’s Cup, a low-net competition.
Other winners: Maureen Dickson (longest drive #2), Patty Garriock (longest drive #8), Barb Werner (closest to pin #4) and Suzanne Watson birdied #6.
Heather Buchanan had the best gross score in Monday’s Business Ladies league. Other winners were: Bobbi Corcoran (longest drive #1), Susan Flight (closest to the 150 on #2), Ruth Dowsett (closest to pin #4), May Chang (longest putt #7), and Christine Merza (closest to pin in two on #9).
In the men’s Woofs league on Tuesday, Glenn Murray was the big winner, shooting a 1-over 37 and firing his tee shot closest to the pin on #4. Mike Mott was low net (30.5) and Ted Carmichael’s birdie won the hidden hole prize.
Last Thursday in men’s league play, Steve Millward’s even-par 36 scored best gross honours. Jim McMacken was one shot behind.
Bill Garriock had low net (29) and Millward was second with 31 net.
Other winners: Peter Falconer (longest putt #2), Patrick Craig (longest drive #3 and closest to the pin #4) and Bill Smethurst (closest to pin #9).
Birdies by Millward (#6) and McMacken (#8) earned $55 gross skins. Net skins, worth $60 went to Garriock (#1), Martin Vagners (#2) and Tony Sanfelice (#8).
In the weekly putting contest, Cal Cochrane, Jeff Jacques and Jared Mines all missed their chance at scooping $500, which bumps the prize money to $600 this week.
