The name Hennigar in The Annapolis Valley is synonymous with Farm Markets and double scoop ice creams…but one thing it can’t be known for anymore is cherries. The KWGA’s “Marathon Man”, Barry Bannister-Hennigar, busted his 2 year cherry on tour at Saturday’s Barclays Championship with an impressive -3 score (75 gross) en route to his first career win. All that was missing was the screaming and soiled sheets on a day fit for kings on a sun-plashed and steamy day. Although not as memorable as a busted cherry, Bannister-Hennigar managed to gather his berries after a slow start that featured a bogey at #2 and a double bogey at #3 that had his playing partners hushed in silence. His epiphany came at #6 where he birdied the Par 5 followed by bolts of lightning at #9 and #13 to put him smack dab in contention. “It just came together all at once. Things happen in bunches sometimes.” said an elated Bannister-Hennigar. “I was so hot I made those greens look I had gored a 2,000 pound bull…blood everywhere. Finally I had some clarity as to why I come out here on Saturdays and grind away against some 16 handicaps. Usually it’s MY blood that is being spilled…it was nice to spill someone else’s for a change.”

Hennigar’s win came on a day that saw several of the KWGA’s best out with various injuries and a looming birthday party for his best buddy Fogg. “I don’t want to hear it. So what if Grampy and The Hunchback weren’t playing this week? Who cares if The Witch Doctor Woodworth wasn’t there. I haven’t seen them at -3 in a while. Today was my day. If they want to have a sword fight to settle any arguments or beefs, then tell them to meet me in the showers.” said a dismissive Bannister-Hennigar. “There will always be detractors no matter. I can’t focus on that right now. Today was my last event on tour in 2015 and this gives me some momentum heading into 2016. I feel like the morning after Prom Night right now. Nothing can bring me down!”

“A Look Back”…Bannister-Hennigar, The Shark and Mr. Wildcat on that special day…when you are in university…and still find time to check out the High School talent. (Circa 1986).

Don’t look now, but another golfer who attended a Horton High Prom (even though he went to KCA), The Man formerly known as KKK has stepped to the forefront late in the season. Mr. Wildcat Poirier, buoyed by a solid 4th place finish just two weeks ago, again found his groove Saturday morning, grinding out a 2nd place finish with a score of -1. Only a +4 finish over the final three holes could hold the 2015 Canadian Open Champion back from his second win of the year and the disappointment was written all over his face following the round. “Sometimes you wake up in the morning and everything goes right..and sometimes you wake up and the milk is sour and you burn your toast. I had a tough finish today but I think my game is in a good place for the playoffs. Dressing like The Commissioner I think helped me today. Having the same outfit on as him rattled him a bit and maybe gave me a small edge. My cherry popping days are over but my hats go off to Bannister-Hennigar today. He played great when it counted the most, and I didn’t. I am ready for the playoffs next week and plan to prepare in solitude this week. I took my beatings early in the season, now it’s time for me to deliver one. Just like I did to those Horton boys back in 1986.”

“There is no question it has helped me finally concentrate 100% on my golf.” ~Mr. October

Saturday was also another solid yet “just short” day for the future mayor of Aylesford Lake. Mr. October-Fisher’s birdie at #15 closed him to within two shots of the lead, but vomited bogeys at #16 and #17 preceded a devastating double bogey at #18, and the popular vote came up short for Fisher to sit in the Mayor’s Leather Chair. October-Fisher commented on his failed request earlier in the week to receive permanent cart/ride along status on tour. “Ok, so I miss when my buddy Wasczuk-Carey doesn’t play. I always can depend on him to take a buggy. Today would have been great to have one. It was hot and humid out there and I didn’t have enough fluid out there maybe. On the upside, I had plenty of smokes to last 18 holes walking by myself without Waldo around. I guess The Commissioner figured, if HE can get around 18 holes sans buggy, I should be able to too. I am happy with my game right now and I think I am ready for a run at the FEDEX title next week. I think not having to be as focused on my Tinder email alerts has kept me focused. Let’s just see what happens.”

“Every town has one…there was a void…so why not me?” ~The Donald

Rounding out the Top 3 finishers was Wolfville’s “Town Drifter” and mascot, The Donald. Taking time to finally get off the steps of the MT&T building on Main Street, Bryson came back strong after 102 swings in his last event just two weeks ago with birdies at #4 and #6 that had cell service temporarily crashing across The Valley. Blessed with an innate ability to commentate his round both while swinging the club and putting, The Donald made sure that another calamitous round was not in the offing on this day. “I think it’s important to have a positive approach on the golf course, even if things are swirling down the toilet.” said a relieved Donald. “I know I was cut off for rangs on both of my birdies. I had that money spent on adding another acre on to my 17 lot house so it’s devastating. My dog needs all the space he can get.”

Top 5 Reasons to Keep Grinding

…Two More Weeks!

Gentlemen, I know the long 20 week season has been a grind with some bumps and bruises along the way. You have been asked to come out, week after week and put your jangled nerves to the test under the harshest of pressure….but it is THAT time of year. The time when bragging rights for a whole year are on the line. The time of year when legends are born. The time of year that helps suave the sting of six months of looming golf inactivity, boredom and for some like me, insanity. So I came up with 5 reasons you NEED to play the playoffs the next two weeks..

1.*Your ankles, knees, kidneys or liver can’t get any worse right?

2. *Someone in Kazakhstan may trip across our website and think you are famous for winning the FEDEX Cup!

3. *Grampy won’t be able to swing like he does forever…so come see today’s modern age Dodo Bird.

4. *You may even get invited back on tour next season.

and finally….

5. *Golf in The Valley will soon look like this…

“Yes, that’s me…LAST APRIL!”

News, Notes & Quotes

-There will be a social gathering on Saturday October 3 in Medford Beach at Kevin Newcombe’s cottage following the Tour Championship. Cards, darts, music, campfire and some eats will be available. Burkie may even do his “Monkey Dance” for us! It is also an overnight event so bring a sleeping bag if you want. I think it will be an awesome way to put a cap on our 2015 FEDEX Playoffs…hope to see you all there!

-“I wonder what Grampy would say about that bounce Mr. Commissioner?”~Mr. Wildcat.

-Next week we will start the FEDEX Cup and Intercontinental Championship playoffs (Deutsche Bank). ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO PLAY…so sign-up! You can check the progress of the playoffs under TOUR SCHEDULE-2015 FEDEX CUP PLAYOFFS on the website.

Things to remember…

The Top 2 and ties in the Deutsche Bank Championship will advance to the FEDEX Cup Finals. The Intercontinental Championship is a two (2) round, cumulative points tournament with the golfer having the most points over the last two events being crowned the winner. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PLAY BOTH WEEKS TO HAVE A CHANCE AT WINNING THIS TITLE!

-“Happy 50th Birthday Mike!”…~The boys of the KWGA. (Sorry I couldn’t be there Mike, but I saw some of the aftermath on the internet!)

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK FELLAS….FIRED UP!

~The Commissioner