By Bruce Meadows
AUGUST 2021
John states his case . . .
John Lienhart likes to play golf, but then a lot of us do.
But John is not your typical golfer, who tees it from time to time at his favorite course, sometimes venturing outside the area to try a new layout or maybe get in a few rounds on vacation.
As of Aug. 3, John is able to say that he has played golf on courses in all 50 of the United States.
His very first round was at Bennett Valley on April 3, 1975 . . . if you know John, you know is keeps very specific records.
The round on Aug. 3 was at Springdale GC in Princeton, N.J. The round at Springdale was the 648th golf course on which John has teed it up.
See, John does a lot more than play golf. . . he collects items that have to do with the game . . . lots of items.
“I have logo balls from all the courses I’ve played, with the exception of No. 83, Sierra Golf Course in Placerville, which no longer exists,” notes John, adding that he would be willing to trade up to 100 Pro Vs to get one of those balls.
So, if by some remote chance you have an old Sierra GC logo ball, John would love to talk with you!
As far as details, as of June 30 of this year, John had collected a total of 10,550 golf course logo balls, from all over the world . . . that’s 7,365 courses . . . and he says he has added a few more since then.
As far as scorecards, he has 7,494 of them from 4,702 different courses.
John says he seems to be running out of room for his unique collection, and his wife doesn’t seem to too excited about him claiming another room . . . or moving to a bigger house.
B’nai Israel Jewish Center Tournament . . .
It doesn’t seem like it’s been 13 years since Tom Isaak asked for some publicity for his golf tournament, but so be it.
Tom and his friends will indeed host their 13th annual golf tournament and dinner Sunday, Oct. 10, at Foxtail GC in Rohnert Park.
“I acknowledge that this cause – helping fund the education and service programs of the B’nai Israel Jewish Community Center in Petaluma – may not top your list of charitable giving priorities, and as such your contribution may be primarily a favor to me,” notes Tom. “If that’s the case, I am more than humbled and grateful.”
The event is open to men and women of all ages and skill levels, offering “golf, contests, prizes, awards, food and fun.” Contests include putting, longest drive and closest-to-the-hole.
Entry fee for the scramble format event is $135 per person, or $500 for a foursome. The fee includes golf (with cart), driving range coupon, gift bag and dinner.
You can register and pay by credit card online at https://www.bnaiisrael.net or you can call one of the co-chairmen, Irv Piotrkowski (707-778-1551) or Jeff Kraus (707-326-3070) for details. You can also call Cathy at 707-981-4994.
Registration Oct. 10 is 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at noon . . . a “gathering, beverages and dinner” is set for 5 p.m. Walk-up golfers are welcome Oct. 10.
Molly’s Angels Tournament…
The 2021 Molly’s Angels Golf Tournament is scheduled Friday, Sept. 10, at Eagle Vines Golf Club, located at 580 South Kelly Road in American Canyon.
Cost is $165 per player, $660 per foursome. Molly’s Angels is a local non-profit serving seniors in the Napa County area, with volunteers providing transportation and free rides to and from medical appointments and a number of other services for seniors.
Last year’s event had to be canceled due to the pandemic. But “despite setbacks in 2020, Molly’s Angels network of more than 100 volunteers provided more than 3,000 free rides to medical appointments, made almost 12,000 safety check-in calls to isolated seniors as well as close to 300 critical grocery and prescription deliveries,” according to a spokesperson.
100 % of proceeds from this event benefit Molly’s Angels and the seniors who are served.
In addition to a four-player scramble format and individual and team prizes, there will be a luncheon and silent auction. Numerous sponsor opportunities exist, including naming rights, platinum sponsor, luncheon sponsor, Gold sponsor, “watering hole” sponsor, “donut hole” sponsor, Silver sponsor and Bronze sponsor.
For sponsor information or to sign up, contact 707-224-8885 or email mollysangels@mollysangels.com
The web site is www.mollysangels.com
Next Level Golf and Fitness. . .
“We really appreciate you spreading the good word about our services,” notes Greg Anderson, who operates Next Level Golf and Fitness. “We want to give back to those who help us so here are some of the things we are offering.”
- If you refer someone who signs up for a package of three lessons, Greg will give you an hour of simulator time ($39 value).
- If you refer someone for a six-lesson package you get two hours of simulator time ($65 value).
- If you refer someone who signs up for a package of 10 lessons, Greg will give you a 1-hour less ($119 value).
Next Level is offering Anytime Fitness Members, military, veterans, law enforcement and all first responders a golf lesson and simulator usage discount.
Next Level Golf and Fitness is located at 620 Larkfield Center in Santa Rosa, next to Molsberry’s Market.
“With the use of Windsor Golf Club, we can now offer on-course training in our lesson package,” says Greg, who can be reached at Nextlevelgolfandfitness.com or by calling 707-978-0987.
Let’s hear from you . . .
Thanks for your comments, questions, suggestions. I appreciate them and would like to get as many as possible. If you have information about anything golf-related, including upcoming clinics, activities, tournaments or sales, let me know. And if you have questions, complaints or compliments about golf in our area, let me know. 
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If you have a golfer – pro or amateur — you know who you think would make an interesting story, tell me about it and I will take it from there. Having trouble with your game? Let me know what it is and I’ll try to get an answer for you from a local pro.
We would be proud to include you as one of our sponsors – thanks to Bill Carson at Wine Country Golf for his continued support – so if you care to get some details about being a sponsor of GOLF 707, email me at bmeadows4sports@aol.com