Kitchen Creek Classic set to play tough

Although a few days still remain before the first club is swung in the 27th-annual Kitchen Creek Classic men’s tournament, the course is ready for all comers.
The greens are fast and firm, but not dry. The fairways are just short enough while the rough is maybe a bit on the long side for most—although that’s why they call it rough.
In all, perfect conditions to test the golfer and allow the best to rise to the top in the tournament, which is set to tee-off this Saturday and Sunday.
“The course is playing firm, but not playing hard,” said Brian Johnstone, assistant pro at Kitchen Creek Golf Course. “It’s playing as challenging as it can right now.
“It will make people play the golf course.”
All that said, it isn’t meant to scare away people. The course is in beautiful shape and should complement—as much as challenge—the golfer.
“It should be a good event,” noted Johnstone, adding jokingly, “Unfortunately, I don’t get to play.”
Of course, he was referring to his professional status and not being allowed to play in the amateur tournament. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t.
Johnstone acknowledged the past few years have seen a downturn in the number of golfers.
“In previous years, we were up to 240 [golfers],” he said. “Lately it’s been 100-110.
“We’re waiting on final numbers [for this year’s tourney],” he added. “Right now it’s 81, we’re hoping we’ll increase.”
He suggested most of the club’s membership hasn’t signed up yet and that they typically do so at the last minute.
For those who wish to get involved, the deadline to enter is Friday morning. Register by calling the pro shop.
Entry fee is $100, which includes two days of golf, a meal on the Saturday night, and a free practice round for out-of-towners and local non-members on Friday afternoon.
Johnstone said all golfers will be put into flights by handicap so that everyone is competing on an even keel. Prizes will be awarded by flight.
On the Sunday, things get tougher—and more interesting.
“Usually, we lengthen it [the course] up Sunday to make it tougher,” Johnstone said. “[But] there’s a hole-in-one contest on Sunday.”
The contest will be held on the par-three 11th, and will feature a prize of $10,000 in audio/video equipment sponsored by Sight & Sound here in Fort Frances.