Governor's Cup draws more than 300

It's too bad that Montana Governor Judy Martz was basically relegated to spectator status during her final Governor's Cup golf tournament as the state's lead politician.

Martz, whose term as governor will soon be completed, couldn't participate during last weekend's 15th annual Governor's Cup at Eagle Bend and Big Mountain golf courses. Recent reconstructive surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome limited Martz to only some light putting.

But that doesn't mean Martz won't be packing her clubs for the Flathead Valley next year about this time.

"As long as they have my green jacket I'll feel welcomed to be here," Martz said jokingly in reference to the Master's Tourney custom. "This might be my favorite event."

Next year, Martz will possibly return as one of the former governors who annually play. Four of the past five governors since the event's inception in 1989 participated last weekend.

"I'm pleased to have all the past governors play," Martz said. "In most respects, the inclusion (of former governors) disappears. That's just the nature of the business."

Martz estimated she's played in the previous seven or eight Governor's Cup events. It seemed strange for her not to be among those driving golf balls at Eagle Bend and Big Mountain golf courses.

"I miss playing," Martz said.

Added Montana Chamber President Webb Brown: "(Martz) is very competitive. She usually takes home at least one prize."

As evidence of the competition level last weekend, the Governor's Cup isn't all about golf. The main emphasis is promoting Montana business.

More than 300 participants representing 23 states were on hand for the three-day event.

"This special Montana event is specifically organized to facilitate business leader contacts and to promote Montana's growing opportunities for business and investment," Martz said.

In the past few years, business deals have gone down right on the golf course, according to Brown. Other contacts and imperative discussions come about through the event.

"A lot of what takes place is what we call soft cell," Brown noted.

Northwest Energy representative Roger Schram felt the event provided good opportunities. Schram came from Sioux Falls, South Dakota to participate. It wasn't just for the golf.

"It was a good deal that it was a best ball scramble," Schram said of the event format and many balls heading out of bounds. "It's nice to be able to meet with some of the area's top businessmen and political leaders in a relaxed atmosphere. Normally, you don't get to do that on a daily basis."

There were also golf winners. Wells Fargo won the overall tournament with a two-day total of 109. The event consisted of two 18-hole rounds-one at Eagle Bend and another at Big Mountain-last Friday and Saturday.

Roberts & Schaeffer finished second with a two-day total of 112, followed by Swank Enterprises (115) in third and Allegra Prin/Imaging (117) in fourth.

The low net champion for teams using their handicaps was Power Townsend/Valspar with a 94.5. Western States Insurance was second in low net scoring with a 95.9, followed by Annaco Investment Management & Trust (96.5) and Conoco Phillips No. 2 (98.4).

The guest player gross champion was Chuck Hall, who finished with a 109. Ted White was second with a two-day total of 116, followed by Mark Carter (118) and Mike Foster (121).

Mark Burzynski finished with a 94.70 to win the guest player low net division. Dean Folkvord was second with a 96.10, followed by Phil Bussey (98.50), Patrick Zacweija (98.75), J.D. Sobol (99.60) and Bran Michelotti (100.00).

Closest to the pin winners included the following: Eagle Bend No. 4-Rick Liable (43"); Eagle Bend No. 6-Gary Hebner (14.5"); Eagle Bend No. 12-Doug Smith (43"); Eagle Bend No. 16-Joe Mazurek (33"); Big Mtn. No. 4-Fred Thomas (50"); Big Mtn. No. 6-Andy Baldonado (62"); Big Mtn. No. 13-Steve Turkeweiz (49"); Big Mtn. No. 16-Larry Tate (53").

Pot of Gold winners at Eagle Bend were Joe Fish, Mike Wolfington, Brian Bird, Culver Varnada, Derek Swank, Dave Schaenen, Phyllis Burns and Larry Jones.

"For the Pot of Gold, we made a circle around the pin on the 17th hole and whoever made it won," Eagle Bend employee Jim Fagan said. "It kind of surprised us that that many people landed in the circle."

The promotional and business opportunities that exist aren't the only benefits of the Governor's Cup. Proceeds will help fund the High School Business Challenge and other Montana Chamber Foundation programs.

Players and families gathered on Thursday evening at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish for the traditional "Sandbaggers" reception. The Governors' Awards event took place Saturday afternoon at Flathead Lake Lodge.