5th Annual Par 3 Challenge
by Chelbi Park
August 6, 2023
There is nothing quite as sweet as waking up to clouds and a slight summer breeze after a streak of uncomfortably warm days. It was without a doubt a welcomed reprieve and a great treat to all who participated in Village Greens' 5th Annual Par 3 Challenge. The rain tried to come out on us a few times throughout the tournament, but not enough to get wet... Oh, that sweet summer rain. Well, drizzle.
When I arrived at 9 AM, the Par 3 Challenge was well into full swing with our starting group finishing up on the 9th hole. The course was bustling with laughter and high spirits.
I spoke with nearly every group that participated. Most were eager to chat and probably would have even let me tag along in their fun all day if I hadn't other things to do. Everyone was cracking jokes and or poking fun at each other, all within fun and love of the game of course.
This year was filled with many first timers and others that have played several. But the general consensus that has everyone coming back to participate, is that the Par 3 Challenge is an awesome excuse to get outside and spend time with great friends...with the added bonus of potentially winning some prizes. And let's be honest, what about any of that isn't just superb?
During my time running around taking pictures, I did try to talk with those who seemed willing to share stories and found a few that really capture the heart of Village Greens.
Village Greens and its Par 3 Challenge has provided an outlet for many of our locals. It's given one gentleman the ability to finally get back into the game after a severe injury 9 years ago. For another, it is a distraction from his battle with Stage 4 Cancer. It is a social event that gives him the ability to not only be outside, but with all of his buddies. He did not tell me this... his friends did, as they are just so incredibly thankful for his presence. The ability and the time to do things, are both something many of us are guilty of taking for granted.
The Par 3 Challenge has also provided a way for our community to give back, and that is through sponsorships. I found a group hangout in folding chairs out on 17, and thought, "Who's having a party? And why wasn't I invited?" And walked on over. Turns out the last four years the King Family has sponsored Hole 17, in memory of Dave King. His wife very modestly agreed to let me take their photo and share her story. They were wed just days after she turned 16 and were married nearly 60 years before he passed. This, is how she gives back to a place that was so important to him and the community they built their life in. They sponsor Hole 17 because it has a story that brings laughter when reminisced. The story goes: Dave was lined up for the shot in the tee box. Hits the ball and away it went... completely askew and straight underneath the infamous rock between the tee box and the pin. Right now, you're totally thinking what I was thinking as they told me, what Dave and those present for it were thinking when it happened...there's no way! But, that ball didn't make a noise. It didn't bounce back. It was just gone. They searched for it obviously and even tried again later that day to no avail. Just gone. How do you play a ball that goes under a rock? That's one for the books for sure. How can you not laugh? I think I would have literally fell onto the ground laughing had I seen that with my own eyes. I also asked about the amount that they donate, and Mrs. King said that 4 is her son's favorite number. There's yet to be a Hole-in-one on 17 (we just had our 1st Par 3 Hole-in-One on 12 this year) but man, that's going to be a sight to see when it happens.
When asked about what people really loved about their favorite Hole to play, it was usually answered with a, "Because, I got a Hole-in-one on it." Or an Eagle. Either of which, are pretty good reasons to like that Hole.
After completing 6 miles of walking to and fro among all 18 Holes, the only negative comment I received about the tournament wasn't even really about the tournament itself, but more so on golf etiquette. With the foursomes it does take longer to play, which many anticipated. However, like any day on the course, if you're playing slow, it's best to let the group or even a couple of groups behind you play through.
All in all, it was a beautiful day on the Greens with nearly perfect weather. The Winner of this year's Par 3 Challenge was Ryan Hinrichsen, for the 3rd straight year who even shaved 3 strokes off of his last year's score. When I exchanged emails with him a few weeks ago, one of the questions I asked him was what he hoped for in this year's tournament. He told me that a 3peat and a score of 54 (Par for the Challenge) would just make his day. Ryan shot just 1-over with 55! He beat the field by 4 strokes. You can read my excerpt on him by clicking here. Our very own TJ Swan, who works in the Pro Shop, led the Senior division with a 62. And Chris Mueller took the women's title. Our 1st ever Par 3 Challenge Hole-in-One was made this year on Hole 12 by Gordon "Buck" Simmons, which is both exciting and something to be extremely proud of!
When I arrived at 9 AM, the Par 3 Challenge was well into full swing with our starting group finishing up on the 9th hole. The course was bustling with laughter and high spirits.
I spoke with nearly every group that participated. Most were eager to chat and probably would have even let me tag along in their fun all day if I hadn't other things to do. Everyone was cracking jokes and or poking fun at each other, all within fun and love of the game of course.
This year was filled with many first timers and others that have played several. But the general consensus that has everyone coming back to participate, is that the Par 3 Challenge is an awesome excuse to get outside and spend time with great friends...with the added bonus of potentially winning some prizes. And let's be honest, what about any of that isn't just superb?
During my time running around taking pictures, I did try to talk with those who seemed willing to share stories and found a few that really capture the heart of Village Greens.
Village Greens and its Par 3 Challenge has provided an outlet for many of our locals. It's given one gentleman the ability to finally get back into the game after a severe injury 9 years ago. For another, it is a distraction from his battle with Stage 4 Cancer. It is a social event that gives him the ability to not only be outside, but with all of his buddies. He did not tell me this... his friends did, as they are just so incredibly thankful for his presence. The ability and the time to do things, are both something many of us are guilty of taking for granted.
The Par 3 Challenge has also provided a way for our community to give back, and that is through sponsorships. I found a group hangout in folding chairs out on 17, and thought, "Who's having a party? And why wasn't I invited?" And walked on over. Turns out the last four years the King Family has sponsored Hole 17, in memory of Dave King. His wife very modestly agreed to let me take their photo and share her story. They were wed just days after she turned 16 and were married nearly 60 years before he passed. This, is how she gives back to a place that was so important to him and the community they built their life in. They sponsor Hole 17 because it has a story that brings laughter when reminisced. The story goes: Dave was lined up for the shot in the tee box. Hits the ball and away it went... completely askew and straight underneath the infamous rock between the tee box and the pin. Right now, you're totally thinking what I was thinking as they told me, what Dave and those present for it were thinking when it happened...there's no way! But, that ball didn't make a noise. It didn't bounce back. It was just gone. They searched for it obviously and even tried again later that day to no avail. Just gone. How do you play a ball that goes under a rock? That's one for the books for sure. How can you not laugh? I think I would have literally fell onto the ground laughing had I seen that with my own eyes. I also asked about the amount that they donate, and Mrs. King said that 4 is her son's favorite number. There's yet to be a Hole-in-one on 17 (we just had our 1st Par 3 Hole-in-One on 12 this year) but man, that's going to be a sight to see when it happens.
When asked about what people really loved about their favorite Hole to play, it was usually answered with a, "Because, I got a Hole-in-one on it." Or an Eagle. Either of which, are pretty good reasons to like that Hole.
After completing 6 miles of walking to and fro among all 18 Holes, the only negative comment I received about the tournament wasn't even really about the tournament itself, but more so on golf etiquette. With the foursomes it does take longer to play, which many anticipated. However, like any day on the course, if you're playing slow, it's best to let the group or even a couple of groups behind you play through.
All in all, it was a beautiful day on the Greens with nearly perfect weather. The Winner of this year's Par 3 Challenge was Ryan Hinrichsen, for the 3rd straight year who even shaved 3 strokes off of his last year's score. When I exchanged emails with him a few weeks ago, one of the questions I asked him was what he hoped for in this year's tournament. He told me that a 3peat and a score of 54 (Par for the Challenge) would just make his day. Ryan shot just 1-over with 55! He beat the field by 4 strokes. You can read my excerpt on him by clicking here. Our very own TJ Swan, who works in the Pro Shop, led the Senior division with a 62. And Chris Mueller took the women's title. Our 1st ever Par 3 Challenge Hole-in-One was made this year on Hole 12 by Gordon "Buck" Simmons, which is both exciting and something to be extremely proud of!
Below you can find all of our Closest-to-the-Pin Winners as well. We had fifteen local sponsors this year, which allowed for fifteen prizes to be handed out. Our hope for next year and the years to follow, as this event grows, is to have every hole sponsored. Prizes will be available for pickup at the Pro Shop on Monday August 7th in the afternoon.
Thank you again to everyone for such a fun filled day. I enjoyed talking with you, laughing with you, receiving golfing tips, and getting to you know all on a deeper level. Keep doing what you do and golf on.
