Fourth of July golf tournamentBy Terry Nelson

Once again, a large contingent of players will descend on the Whitefish Lake Golf Course for the very popular Fourth of July Tournament. Play will start Thursday, July 2, and conclude on Saturday, July 4. Derbies will be held after both Thursday and Friday's rounds.

This year, more than 41 players will participate in the championship flight. There are 80 players with a handicap of four or less.

The full field of 220 players will play both courses, with lower-handicap men playing the South-North-South rotation this year. The longer-hitting players will find the new black tees on the North Course somewhat of a challenge, given more than 6,800 yards of length.

The field has several Division I college players attending and lots of local talent to challenge for this prestigious championship. The event dates back to the first Fourth of July tournament in 1934, which included professional players.

Sam Krause, former Bulldog standout, could certainly figure into the mix for the overall championship, along with Carroll Lilly, who owns four Whitefish Lake Golf Association club championships.

Larry Iverson, out of Kalispell, who will soon be a Washington Husky, is also considered a favorite, along with former-Husky Rob Begeson, of Billings, and defending champion Marcus Williams, from Missoula.

On the ladies side, Whitefish native and Bobcat player Chelsea Ray, who is recovering from knee surgery, could battle for the women's crown. Jennifer Orcutt should challenge, along with Darah Newell, of Helena.

Junior Tour

The Flathead Valley Junior Tour will come to Whitefish Lake Golf Course on Wednesday, July 8, with tee times starting at 2 p.m. Age groups from 17 'still in high school) to 11-and-under are invited to register for the tournament.

To participate, junior players should have some experience, understand the etiquette of the game and be able to maintain pace of play. Age groups of 12-13 may choose to play either 18-hole or 9-hole rounds, while 11-and-under players will be assigned 9-hole rounds. All other players will play 18 holes on the South Course.

For more information and to register, call the Golf Shop at 862-5960 or coach Nelson at 862-4375. Whitefish High School golfers are urged to participate.

Dowaliby Cup

The match play championship for Whitefish Lake Golf Club, also known as the Dowaliby Cup, will again be contested for all interested players. Registration forms are available in the Golf Shop. All matches will be played on Saturday, July 11.

This is a handicapped-based tournament with everyone welcome to participate and will feature both men's and ladies divisions.