RUMPLE 2009: BULLET PROOF
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RUMPLE 2009: BULLET PROOF |
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BOYNE HIGHLANDS, MI AUGUST 13-16, 2009 
Boyne Highlands 
Bay Harbor 
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After Garland (2007) and Treetops (2008), we were lured to the home of Big Break X, and Michigan's premier resort, Boyne Highlands. We fulfilled a Michigander's dream by incorporating a round at Bay Harbor and had another outstanding turnout with 21 Rumplers. The NoDak 5 came correct and our NYC contingent dropped in on the local grass field airport in a biplane, strapped to the wings, to complete the group. We once again had condos and grills, introduced our first foursome of old timers, had the best sales agent of them all, Don the Magic Juan. 2009 gave us a glimpse at what should be, it brought the lowest scores in Rumple history and perhaps the best set of courses in terms of challenge, fairness, and conditions we have ever played. And, as if that wasn't enough, the NoDak 5 rolled up in a slightly banged up limo, replete with diplomatic flags bearing the Rumple Crest and a vanity plate pictured above. Apparently, when your state has 200,000 residents, most any vanity plate is still up for grabs. You think your golf event is special and your regular foursome is whacky, trust me, you have no idea. Boyne Highlands will never be the same. Nor will we. |
The Golf:
While most of us rolled up on Boyne throughout the day Thursday, the NoDakers blew into northern Michigan to squeeze in a practice round at the Donald Ross course. The practice round is a tradition that is unlikely to die, though no evidenece suggests that it is helpful. It is, however, MORE golf and therefore officially approved and condoned. The Rumple Invitational 2009 officially kicked off on the Arthur Hills course at Boyne Highlands. It was a good start and the Rumplers took a good look, knowing they'd be back for Sunday's Championship round. The afternoon 18 put an exclaimation point on Rumple glory. Bay Harbor was ours and it lived up to expectations. Though forced carries, blind tees and a championship groomed course posed problems for quite a few players (D'oh has yet to explain his 138), the views of Lake Michigan and the joy of putting Bay Harbor on one's golf resume made for delight all around. Saturday brought some attacking scores at Boyne's Heather course and set up a final foursome that was without Dutch for the first time in Rumple history. We also continued the scramble tradition, now a permanent part of Rumple tradition. Sunday's Championship saw the Bank put his name on the trophy and JL coast in as the 3rd dual title holder.
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The Story: Once again,like clockwork, we lit up Boyne like no other group has before or will since. It was the maiden voyage for the Rumple limo, we grilled en masse, we golfed from dawn till dusk, the weather was great and the ladies, well, they didn't really exist. Sorry ladies, this event is open to you too, but trust me, you are better off at a safe distance. Light fuse, get away... A couple of unlikely heroes emerged. D'oh's (get another apostrophe) unexplained 138 earned him the revered Knuckleskin and Mr. Tibbs ended the Smooveskin drought by doing what else, bringing a limo , replete with motorcade flags and a giant PING logo across the back. That said, great golf, but a pretty tame year. No one passed out on the lawn, no one "missing" for hours on end, no comic acrobatics or broken bones. Even the Senior Division were cool as cucumbers. Something to strive for next year. More mayhem please. Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. |
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