Barry Vermillion

It seems as though it is one step forward and two steps back for the staff at Texas Woman’s University Pioneer Golf Course in their quest to improve the facility.

The specific cause of the fire that destroyed the maintenance barn and all of the contents at the course last week has been determined as inconclusive. Julie Halliburton, Coordinator of Golf Course Services, said that the Denton Fire Department investigators have also determined that arson was not the cause.

The trailer in the parking lot at the course that serves as the temporary staff offices and clubhouse where golfers check in was not damaged though power was temporarily lost.

Denton Record-Chronicle staff writer Donna Fielder’s story and a slide show of photos taken the morning after the fire can be seen on our Web site at www. Dentonrc.com/sports/golf. Select the “More Golf Stories” link then scrolling down to 4/15/08.

University officials and golf course staff are discussing plans to replace the equipment, supplies and 40 golf carts that were destroyed.

Halliburton said that personal motorized carts, pull carts and walking the course by golfers is allowed and encouraged in the interim.

On a side note, the old clubhouse at the course was torn down last week to make room for the construction of the new one that will be built on the same site.

For operating hours and tee times call the Pioneer Golf Course at 940-898-3163.

Denton Area Golf Association results

Here are the winners of the April 12 individual stroke play tournament played at Turtle Hill Golf Course in Muenster: Champion flight, gross score — 1. Don Byrd, 78 (scorecard playoff winner); 2. Randy Brittain, 78. Net score — 1. Shannon Woodson, 71; 2. Randy Carter, 72. First flight, gross score — 1. Bert Hayslip, 84; 2. Bob Cantrell, 87. Net score — 1. Gayle West, 70; 2. Neil Warren, 71.

A flighted individual stroke play tournament will begin with tee times at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Runaway Bay Golf Course in Bridgeport.

Entry fee is $50 per player and includes green and cart fee, range balls and the opportunity to win gross or net prize money.

Deadline to enter the tournament is Thursday, May 15.

Entries can be emailed to Randy Brittain at rbrittain@charter.net, or call him at 940-381-2700. Entry forms can also be picked up at North Lakes Golf and Practice Center, 2009 W. Windsor in Denton.

Lake ParkMen’s Golf Association tournament winners

Here are the results of the April 12 Lake Park Men’s Golf Association tournament: gross score — 1. Steve Hancock, 71; 2. Jon Albrecht, 73; 3. Scott Higginbotham, 74. Net score —- 1. Mike Miner, 70; 2. Mark Edgren (scorecard playoff winner), 71; 3. Max Luce, 71.

Currently, Jon Albrecht and Steve Hancock are tied at the top of the LPMGA Player of the Year competition with 12 points each with Alan Magill in the second spot with 11 points.

For more information and to become a member call Scott Higginbotham, LMPGA President, at 972-221-3966 or 214-952-9745.

May 2008 is PGA Free Lesson Month

The PGA of America, in partnership with Golf Digest, Golf World, Golf For Women, the Golf Channel and Nike invite all golfers to participate in PGA Free Lesson Month. During the month of May, PGA Professionals nationwide will offer free 10-minute golf lessons. Take advantage of the opportunity to receive expert instruction and have the chance to win a trip to the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and win Nike Golf equipment. In addition, Nike will donate $1 to the Tiger Woods Foundation and will send golfers a Golf Digest Publications gift for every completed sweepstakes card received, up to 15,000 cards.

To locate a PGA or LPGA Professional near you and get a sweepstakes card, visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com .

Indian Creek Golf Club tournaments

Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton has announced their Spring Fling 36 Hole Tournament on Wednesday, April 30, will begin with an 8 a.m. shotgun start on the Lakes Course and a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start on the Creeks Course.

Entry fee is $100 per player and includes green and cart fees, range balls, breakfast, lunch and dinner following tournament completion.

There will be flag events, a prize fund, flight payout and an optional skins game.

Format for play will be two-person best ball on the Lakes front nine, two-person scramble on the back nine, two-person shamble on the Creeks front nine and two-person alternate shot on the back nine.

There will be a Couples League tournament beginning with a 5:20 p.m. shotgun start Friday, April 25.

Entry fee is $60 per couple and includes green and cart fee, GPS, range balls, dinner and prizes.

Indian Creek Golf Club is located at 1650 W. Frankford Rd., Carrollton 75007.

For more information and to sign up for the tournaments call the golf shop at 972-466-9850.

WinStar to host official 2008 Adams Golf Pro Tour event

WinStar Golf Course in Thackerville, Okla., has announced it will host an Adams Golf Pro Tour Series tournament, the Red River Open, starting July 31.

The 54-hole event features a $90,000 purse. The champion will receive $15,000.

The addition of the Red River Open adds to the goal of the Series management’s commitment to developing the best Tour for players pursuing a life in professional golf.  The Adams Golf Pro Tour Series will be comprised of 18 events in seven states.

For more information visit the golf course Web site at www.winstargolfcourse.com or call 580-276-1240 for tee times.

For more information about the Red River Open tournament contact Russell Bullock at russell.bullock@chickasaw.net  or call him at the clubhouse.

DRC Golfer Survey 2008

If you haven’t done it already remember to fill out our DRC Golfer Survey 2008. Log on to our Web site at www.dentonrc.com/sports/golf and look for the golf ball. Click on it to be taken to the survey. The amount of time required to complete the survey is about 5-8 minutes.

As a thank you for completing the survey you will automatically be entered into a drawing. We are giving away six free boxes of Nike golf balls sponsored by www.WeatherToGolf.com  .

BARRY VERMILLION can be reached at 940-566-6890. His email address is bvermillion@dentonrc.com  . For more area golf news log on to www.dentonrc.com/sports/golf  . If you have any area golf news or events call or email the details to golf@dentonrc.com .