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BOYNE HIGHLANDS, MI AUGUST 13-16, 2009 
Boyne HighlandsHarbor Springs, MI 
Bay Harbor GC Bay Harbor, MI rumple4life.com |
2009 may go down in Rumple history as Michigan's last gasp. we spent three straight years in the mitten without finding a permanent home for the greatest golf tournament of all time, the rumple Invitational. After Garland (2007) and Treetops (2008), we were lured to the home of Big Break X, Boyne Highlands Resort. We fulfilled a Michigander's dream by incorporating a round at Bay Harbor and had another outstanding turnout with 21 Rumplers. The NoDakers came correct with the Rumple Limo and our NYC contingent dropped in on the local grass field airport in a biplane to complete our cast of motley fools. We had condos and grills, a full foursome of old timers, Don the Magic Juan as our sales agent and all the components for the potential best Rumple of all time. And, while it was once again one for the ages, it left room for improvement and reinvigorated the wanderlust that is at the heart of this tournament. 2009 gave us a glimpse at what sould 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. Year 7 up, year 7 down. If you missed 2009, you missed a good one. The Rumple Invitational never ceases to amaze. I am not sure I could go on without it. |
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. Saturday afternoon made for another magic scramble where Thunder rained out "Boooyahshakka" to commemorate each of the 9 birdies that propelled them to victory. Sunday's Championship saw the Bank put his name on the trophy and JL cost in as the 3rd dual title holder.
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The Story: Once again, packin' and crackin', we lit up Boyne like no other group has before or will since. It was the virgin voyage for the Rumple limo. We threw our sales agent in the smoove limo and ponied up to the local watering hole to "reward" him for all the great work. We grilled en masse, we golfed from dawn till dusk, the weather was great and the ladies, well, they didn't really exist. Like Green Mountain Sr. says "Who's the skirt?" A couple of unlikely heroes emerged. D'ohogne's 138 and unintelligble rants earned him the revered Rumple Knuckleskin. Billy Tibert ended the Smooveskin drought by doing what else, bringing a frickin' limo , replete with motorcade flags and a giant PING logo across the back. That said, overall, a pretty tame year. No one passed out on the lawn, no one "missing" for hours on end, ACE kept his shirt on, the Sr. division were cool as cucumbers. Something to strive for next year. More mayhem please... 2009 Leaderboard 2009 Photos Archive Home |
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ACEBOOOK