My Favorite Golf Tournament

I love The Open Championship. Each year I get to watch this 4 day Major Tournament in which I was lucky enough to play a few of the courses back in 1995. I also love staying up late to watch the tournament live from 2 am on. It brings back great memories of high school golf and my trip to Scotland with my two best friends. I enjoy watching the transformation in technology from 1995 to today. Everything is so clear on the TV these days. Watching this made my mind up to go play golf the other day. 4 over on 9 holes was ok for me. I haven't played in a while, so I am grateful for that score. Here's to a fun weekend for all and rest day for me, so that I can catch up on my golf.

Valley Times Invitational 2011

What a time to get together and leave all your
daily worry behind, while you hang out with your
best buds; since you were throwing papers off your
Diamondback bike at 6 in the morning.

The same guys that were there with you while you
while you were struggling to hold on to life in the ER
after that fateful day on Vermont Place 20 years ago.

The same guys that were with you watch you graduate
from high school and soon thereafter jet off to Scotland
to play an amazing, memorable two weeks at the Home of Golf.

The same 3 guys that are known for joking
eating, and making memories (whether
thoughtful, or insane) they always stick with
me to guide me through the year.

How could we not have a VTI tournament without
including lots of food?

This tournament brought along some downfalls
and some pain to my game. I've never experienced
blisters before, until this week. Not a good thing
when its on your thumb... so painful.

We met Gene.
An awesome Christian that was paired up with us at
Roddy Ranch. It was refreshing to finally be paired
with a golfer that was humble, yet very talkative.

As you could tell, by the third round even two gloves,
as ridiculous as it looks couldn't help my blistery game.

Ricky Pierce was on his game.
Even escaping from the nasty stuff off
of the side hill while pushed up against a tree.

Ricky even found a buddy with escaping from
his lie. I hate snakes, but Rick picked that Bull Snake
like he was a Pro. Long enough for us to take a quick pic.

This annual tournament brings us boys

enjoyment, refreshment, fellowship
and a much needed time to get back to square one in
all of our lives.

I laugh at some of the shots we took because
in essence, it describes us.

My Best Friends...

It was so good to have that chance to see
them again. Compete, laugh, converse, and
enjoy the time with these fruitshacks.

Until next year when we get to hang out again.
It's been fun boys.
Always memorable.
Always a good time.

FINAL SCORES

Ricky Pierce-361
Rafsanjani-362
Minnesota Fats-405

Wisdom.

Through the Eyes of Minnesota Fats.



The last few days marked a fun and enjoyable time with my two best friends - Jon Ruff and Rick Burke. Though we are separated by a few states, our bond is strong and we relish our times together. What started as a simple friendship back in Elementary school has blossomed into years of memories, growth and hilarity as we trudge through life. It has been interesting to see what has happened to each of us in respect to school, Jobs, family and opportunities the last few decades. I am thrilled that we made a commitment to each other to all get together every 2 years so we can keep in touch and spend time together. What a great time to just play golf, go out to eat and laugh. Some of our favorite pastimes.

We are fortunate to have each other to rely on... I am reminded of the Bible's urgings in Proverbs 17:17 - A friend Loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity. What I love about our friendship is that even though we fight and disagree, our love for each other is strong enough to overshadow our differences and we forgive each other and move on stronger and closer. We all should treasure this gift of close friendship we have.. Many modern psychologists say that most adult men will only have 1-2 close friends in a lifetime. We have truly been blessed boys in having each other. Thanks for being there for me now matter what. I love the loyalty we have amongst each other. That faithfulness is a gift from God. I am looking forward to playing golf next go around and writing something similar in the decades to come.

JT :)

1 day until......................

I get to reunite with my fellow Valley Times Paperboys

I get to watch this amazing swing with my own eyes

I get to hang out with my boys

I get to watch Minnesota Fats eat a large pizza and two meatballs

I Golf with two of my Closest Friends

I laugh with partners

I get to see my Friends

My life long Companions

1 day until............ is what I've been waiting for.