DUBLIN — So, you think you’re a pretty good golfer?

Obviously, I write that in jest because we all know there are certainly different levels of good. You might be the best golfer in your weekend group or the best golfer on your team or even the best golfer in one of the many area tournaments.

However, the level of golf I spent a sultry afternoon watching at Muirfield Village was basically on another planet. The annual Memorial Tournament wraps up this evening when Jack Nicklaus will shake the hand of the winner on the 18th green.

Since the Memorial coincided weekends with the OHSAA State Track and Field Championship, I thought to myself, ‘this is simply too good to be true.’ I can go to Muirfield for the day and then cover the meet.

I had been to Muirfield twice prior, but both times were for practice rounds. Obviously, anytime you’re able to watch professional athletes go about their business, it’s a treat, but seeing them actually compete on one of the nation’s most pristine and challenging courses when it counted was extremely impressive.

I arrived before 8 a.m., which meant a 5:30ish departure from the Ohio Valley. And then the walking began. If you ever feel like you’re not getting enough of a workout in and want to pound some miles, make plans to attend a professional golf tournament. The steps are there to be had.

During the course of the day, I spent most of my time around the clubhouse. I’ve never been a fan of following a group because walking outside of the ropes, you simply can’t keep up, regardless of how quickly you walk.

At the clubhouse, I was able to watch the groups go off of Nos. 1 and 10 and then come back in on the 9 and 18 green. So, you got to see every player in the field. Obviously the group of Tiger Woods, Jason Dufner and Justin Rose drew the biggest gallery. It proved to me that regardless of when the last time he won a major title way, Woods is still the biggest draw in golf and it’s not close.

But, the Memorial draws all of the heavy hitters. You name them … and they’re in the event. I always believed the tournament draws such an impressive field for two reasons. First and foremost, all golfers are students of the sport and have such respect for those who laid the groundwork. Obviously, with the Memorial being ‘Jack’s Tournament,’ the players want to pay homage to him.

Secondly, the tournament is two weeks from the U.S. Open, so it allows the highly ranked players to get their work in and then take a week off before tackling arguably golf’s toughest challenge.

Speaking of challenges. As I made my way around the course during the course of the day, I started thinking what would an average golfer shoot on this course from the tees that the pros were playing from? I know I wouldn’t hit the ball to the actual fairway. So, I posed the question on my Twitter account and received some interesting replies.

Most believed there’s no way an average golfer could break 90 on the course as it’s set up for the pros. I sincerely believe that, too. Those guys are that good and the course is that hard.

It’s always nice to run into area sport fans at different events. Had the opportunity to hang out with Martins Ferry baseball coach Anthony Reasbeck and his wife, Brittany, during part of the day. They spent most of the morning as part of Tiger’s aforementioned gallery.

I also bumped into Martins Ferry graduates Mike Mamone and his wife, Karen.

Volunteering for the week — in a concession stand near the third hole — was St. Clairsville alumnus Drew Turner, who now resides in the Columbus area.

The Memorial is a must-see event if you’re into golf.

WHEELING PARK GOLF CLUB

The Paree Insurance-sponsored event was held on May 23. Roger Kupfer prevailed with a round of 33. Chris Bommer was second with 36. Rod Eikey (38), George Melnik (38) and Joe Wurtzbacher (40) rounded out the top five.

The handicap portion of the scoring was captured by Mark Maguire with a round of 33. Terry Younkins was second with a 33. Robbie Evans (33), Steve Usenick (36) and Mike Mazure (37).

GOLF SCRAMBLES

Bellaire Sons of Italy Scramble Slated

The 19th annual Sons of Italy Bellaire Lodge #754 will hold its annual golf scramble to benefit Alzheimers & Cooley’s Anemia Charities on Monday, June 4 at Oglebay Park’s Crispin Golf Course. The entry fee is $200 per team, which includes golf, cart, refreshments on the course and dinner following the round. The top three teams will receive a prize and the tournament is limited to the first 36 teams to register. For more information, or to register, please contact Phil Pata at 740-695-0691.

Doughty Pelotonia Scramble

The second annual Megan Doughty Pelotonia Golf Scramble will be held on Saturday, July 14 at Oglebay Park’s Crispin Course with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. The cost is $100 per player. For more information, please contact Kassy Doughty at kpiergallini@yahoo.com or 740-317-3293.

Bellaire Touchdown Club Scramble

The Bellaire Touchdown Club will be sponsoring their 12th. annual golf outing on June 30 at the Fairway River Links. The entry fee is $60.00 per person or $240.00 per team. The cost includes cart, lunch, beverages and a dinner after the scramble. Entry forms can be picked up at the following locations: Gulla’s Lunch, Frizzi’s Market, Fairway River Links and the Quick Stop in Neffs. For more information contact Norm at 740-699-0313.

Valley Hospice Scramble

The 11th annual Valley Hospice golf scramble is slated for Monday, June 11 at the Steubenville Country Club.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; followed by a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Lunch and dinner will be provided, as well as drinks throughout the day.

The top three teams will win cash prizes; first place, $500; second place, $300; third place, $200. Prizes will also be awarded for longest putt and longest drive.

Teams will have the opportunity to participate in a putting contest, win raffle prizes, and try their luck at a hole-in-one contest for a brand-new car.

Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Valley Hospice Whispered Wishes Program, a program that grants end-of-life wishes to Valley Hospice patients.

Team packages and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. To participate or become a sponsor, contact Kim Parker at Valley Hospice by calling (740) 859-5650 or by e-mail at kparker@valleyhospice.org.