CB Open '08

It is my reluctant duty to report on the second annual CB Open, held this Wednesday past at the revered old course at Dunnville, Ontario, along the banks of the rolling Grand River. The tournament - named for a feisty banty rooster who roamed this area last year - is fast becoming the most prestigious 9-hole event in the golfing world.

The course - designed by Tom Dodgson in 1922 - was in reasonably good shape, in spite of the torrential rains which have plagued the area all summer long. As it turned out, the rains also contributed to the outcome of the tournament. The reigning champs - Liz "Tigeress" MacDonald and your humble blogger - both possess golf games that are every bit as detailed and precision-ed as the work of a diamond cutter. The overly wet conditions played havoc with this precision and allowed Sue "The Next One" Vail and Mark "Burrowing Owl" Plug to usurp the champs and steal away the title. It was an unpopular victory, as was evident by the hisses and boos from the grandstands surrounding the old course. Ms. Vail carried the day for the winning squad, playing perhaps her best game of the year. Mr. Plug shot his age over 9 holes, a result that would have made him extremely happy...had it happened in 1992.

All the golfers retired to a private estate on Lake Erie, accompanied by Lori Plug, the tournament's convener. Refreshments were served and many of the world's problems solved. Ms. MacDonald and Mr. Smith were amazingly gracious in defeat - both growing more witty and charming with each libation.

And they both agree - Susie and Marky are going down next year.