Barry Vermillion

The National Golf Foundation reported in its Golf Industry Report 2005 4th Quarter that there were more than 27 million golfers in the U.S.

The recently released publication from GOLF 20/20,which is managed by the World Golf Foundation, reports that the golf industry generated $3.4 million in 2006 for the state of Texas.

According to the information from Jack Crowley of Crowley Marketing, Inc., Penn Valley, Calif., in 2006, there were at least 8,292 regular or avid golfers living within 30 miles of zip code 76201 (Denton). These are golfers that play at least one round each month, while more than one-third of them play eight or more rounds each month. Add the casual or occasional golfers and the number is much higher.

I want to know more about my fellow area golfers and the impact we have on our local economy, along with what you would like to see and read about concerning recreational golf. You can tell me, if you haven’t done it yet, by completing our DRC Golfer Survey 2008. When you submit a completed survey you will automatically be entered into our monthly drawing for a chance to win a box of Nike Golf balls sponsored by WeatherToGolf.com. We have five more free boxes of Nike Golf balls to give away. Our winner for the month of May will be profiled in my next column.

Robson Ranch Men’s Golf Association results

The Robson Ranch Men’s Golf Association Annual Member-Member Tournament was played on May 28-29 at the Robson Ranch Wildhorse Golf Club in Denton. The two-day event is held annually and is open to all RRMGA members.

The two-man teams must have handicaps within 10 of each other and the field is flighted based on total team handicaps. The mixed format is a scramble for the first nine holes on the first day and an alternate shot for the second nine. The second day format is low net for all 18 holes.

Forty-three teams participated in the tournament.

Here are the flight winners: First flight — 1. Howard Harrell/Bill Tichenor, 132; 2. Frank Ruggerio/Thomas Tapleshay, 133; 3. Pete Ahrens/Larry Hauser, 133*; 4. Tom Holland/Lee Singleton, 133. Second through fourth positions determined by scorecard playoff. Second flight — 1. Ronald Cote/Phil Fisher, 132; 2. Charles Bowen/Larry Spindler, 132; 3. Fred Arrington/James Hart, 133. First and second positions determined by scorecard playoff. Third flight — 1.Billy Belew/Ronald Lehrer, 135; 2. Donald Pooley/Robert Welton, 135; 3. Donald Funkhouser/G.L. Hinten, 138. First and second positions determined by scorecard playoff. Fourth flight — 1. Dick Reed/John Wolfe, 134; 2. David Delong/Dennis Wolf, 137; 3. Pat Claytor/Dwight Evans, 138. Fifth flight — 1. Donn Wilson/Mark Zeitlin, 137; 2. Jay Rippberger/Ronald Stephen, 141; 3. Richard Keehn/Jack Zastrow, 148.

Here are the closest to the pin contest winners held on the second day: First flight — Lee Singleton; Second flight — Wayne Ballard; Third flight — Billy Belew; Fourth flight — Larry Communale; Fifth flight — Rob Denzinger.

For information about future tournaments and membership call the Wildhorse Golf Club at 940-246-1001.

Gainesville Men’s Golf Association tournament

Just a reminder the Saturday, June 14, tournament is an individual stroke play format beginning at 1 p.m. at the Gainesville Municipal Golf Course.

Deadline to register is Friday, June 13.

Indian Creek Golf Club

Summer Couples League play begins Friday, June 6, with a 5:30 p.m. shotgun start. The format is a 4-player scramble.

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

The scramble is limited to the first 36 couples that register.

Deadline for registration is 12 p.m. June 6.

For more information and to register call 972-466-9850.

Lake Park Men’s Golf Association

Individual Stableford Points for the LPMGA as of May 25: 1. Alan Magill, 32; 2. Russell Smeed, 23 determined by scorecard playoff; 3. Scott Higginbotham, 23; 4. Ray Russo, 23.

For more information about LPGA membership and tournament schedule call President Scott Higginbotham at 972-221-3966 or 214-952-9745.

Turtle Hill Golf Course events

Turtle Hill Golf Course in Muenster has announced the following events: June 22 — Parent/Child tournament; June 28-29 — 2-Man Best Ball tournament; Junior Golf Clinics will be conducted June 23-26.

For more information and to register call the Turtle Hill Golf Course clubhouse toll free at 877-759-4896.

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, events, or want to submit your name for the Golfer Profile, call or email the details to golf@dentonrc.com  .