SPORTS WRAP
Golfers gather this week for the Owatonna City Open.
The private Owatonna Country Club, public Brooktree Golf Course, and par-three Havana Hills join forces to create this unique format for those who live or work in Steele County plus OHS graduates.
Adults play their first round at Brooktree on Saturday, Aug. 1. Recreation Supervisor Seth Allen says Brooktree offers multiple experiences. “Our [front and back] nines are essentially two different nine holes. On top, for our upper nine, it’s a little bit longer and it’s open. You can kind of ‘miss’ shots.
“Whereas, on the bottom you have the creek running through seven of the nine holes and it’s a little more tight. So, you have to be more precise with your shots.”
The scene shifts to OCC on Sunday, Aug. 2. Club professional Dayne Hahn says, “The key to a good round out here is always going to be the short game. As long as they are chipping and putting really well. The course isn’t overly long.
“There’s a little bit more strategy involved, rather than the hit it far and see what happens strategy… Hidden water on some holes, some blind tee shots.”
Participation has ebbed and flowed over time. Allen says some may be intimidated by competitive golf. “I would just encourage people to not think of it as super competitive, but more of a way to meet people.”
Hahn adds, “We’re hoping we can get a lot more participation this year and drum up a little more in the future so that Owatonna City Open can be what it used to be numbers wise.”
The Junior Open is Thursday and Friday, July 30 and 31. Ages 13 to 18 play the two 18-hole courses while ages 4-12 hit Havana Hills. Owner Mark Langlois has a longtime involvement in the Open. “We’ve got a lot of juniors signed up… We get big crowds. We get a lot of grandparents and parents following them along, neighbors and friends.”
He helped start the Owatonna Golf Boosters to promote the game to the youth. “I started when I was four. I had so many memories with my dad and my brother. Met so many great people through the game of golf. Really just want to get kids introduced to the game early.
“I (heard) so often when I was coaching, I wish I would have started earlier. So, I think that really fueled the flame where I was like, ‘You know what, I want to be a part of getting kids started early on and hopefully they’ll get hooked.’”
Langlois was reminiscing recently with a golfer. “It’s a big deal here in Owatonna. It gets the community together. We have a lot of talented and great golfers here in the town.”
Summer updates
It’s been a busy summer at Brooktree. “Having some more tournaments this year than we did last year. It’s fun to see groups come out. If it’s their business or if it’s just some friends to pick Brooktree as their place to go,” states Allen.
Hahn says the Country Club is in great shape. “The course has bounced back nicely (from a harsh winter). It’s in really good condition right now. Greens are rolling really true.”
Leading into this season Langlois told Owatonna Live’s Business Talk that improving the grass on the tee boxes and driving range was an emphasis at Havana Hills. Also, they added a snack bar with several menu and drink options. “We want people to be out here and spend time not only on the course but spend some more time here talking about their round and all the great shots that they hit,” he said.
Cue it up
Owatonna’s 12-year-old Grady Seykora was a double winner at the VNEA National Youth Pool Tournament over the weekend in Nebraska. He earned first place in team and scotch doubles while taking second in singles. His goal was to have fun, learn from the pros, and win, “Seeing all the good competition, try to win. Because I’m very competitive,” he said.
He appreciated the chance to be around the pros in person in his second national tournament. He has also watched them on YouTube to learn the nuances of the sport. “It’s very cool how other people see the game. How they play the game. Very cool to hang out around all-stars and other superstars that played on professional TV,” said Seykora.
He also received a scholarship and sportsmanship award.
The incoming seventh grader got his start around a pool table at age six at the urging of his grandpa and parents even though he could barely reach over the top of a table. “I just fell in love with the game, so I just kept practicing and trying to get better each time.”
Seykora plays league through Wagner’s Lunch – Pool Hall in Owatonna from October through February and practiced several times a week to prepare for nationals. “Playing against other really good people, you get more competitive each time… It makes you better,” he said.
The Cup’s in town
Get your picture with the Stanley Cup on Friday, July 31. The legendary trophy for the winner of the NHL playoffs will be at the Steele Saloon on the county fairgrounds from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. Eric Fink of Owatonna is a scout for the champion Carolina Hurricanes.
The Fink family rode in the title parade last month in Raleigh, North Carolina after Carolina won the Cup over the Vegas Golden Knights. Players and team personnel of the winning club each get the Stanley Cup for a day.
Fink has coached in the Owatonna hockey program at many levels including youth, high school, and juniors.