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The 40th annual Hagstrom-Osberg Golf Open Tournament, “The H2O”, at the newly remodeled Little Falls Golf Course was a hit.

My mother’s sister, Leone, Auntie to me, married Duane Hagstrom, co-owner of Hagstrom Chevrolet in Upsala, Minnesota. Between the two families there were 10 cousins. Auntie’s youngest, Kevin, is a very good golfer and for many years he and I won this best ball event every year. For that reason, we named our team ‘Ming’. After all, we were a dynasty.

Because of my bad back, all I can do is putt.  When I was 12 years old, we lived at 1620 Colorado Avenue in St. Louis Park. There was a Putt-Putt close by, and I spent a lot of time there every summer.

This year Ming consisted of Cousin Kevin, his brother Cousin John, and his wife Carla, plus cousin-in-law Rusty and Betty.  On the second hole my 20-foot putt rimmed the cup.  Later in the round I did sink a shorter putt.  We got into trouble on the par 5 seventh hole.  Both Kevin and John were sure that one of them would be able to drive our second shot through the trees to get onto the green.  Carla strongly suggested that we take her shot which was on the fairway and lay up.  The men prevailed and neither of them made their attempts.  We bogeyed the hole, and so we finished the round with a score of 2 under.

My sister’s husband Duaine was laid to rest in early June.  Once again grandson Adam along with sons-in-law Josh and Kelly were able to field Duaine Team 1 and Duaine Team 2.  Just like last year, Duaine Team 1 brought home the trophy with what I think was a record score of 5 under par.  

After golf we gather at brother Bill’s house near the golf course for a picnic and the award ceremony. We are fortunate to have more than a few traditions in our family.  I trust that your summer will be filled with many family events as well.

“It’s good sportsmanship to not pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.”  Mark Twain