07/01/2026
**Announcements**
We are 10 days away from the Cooper's Lake Open (Saturday, July 11th). Winner gets $150. The start time will be determined a bit closer to the date, but right now we're looking at a 10 AM start. Here are a few special announcements:
First off, the course is now ready for play. If you'd like to play a practice round before the 11th, get in touch with Jeff.
The next few announcements are BIG...
Cooper's Lake Golf is flying into the future! This year, we have a drone. Jeff hasn't set it up yet (or learned how to fly it), but will try to test it out this weekend BEFORE the tournament.
Next on the docket, this year we are going to try a Live Leaderboard, meaning all scores are updated in real time. Now you can find out exactly where you stand on the leaderboard at all times. Bob makes a birdie on Hole 5. You'll see it. Tom double bogey's the 8th hole a minute later. You'll see that too. Vic, Ralph and Joe all make eagles on 10 and tie for the lead. You'll see it all. How does it work? Download the "Squabbit Golf" App on your smartphone and you'll be able to enter your scores and your group's scores (instructions will be given at the tournament). Anyone coming just to watch will be able to follow along on their phone too. We'll still have paper scorecards in case there are technical difficulties. But this will allow the people who want to know where they stand, find out exactly where they stand, and it will speed up scoring after the round, so Jeff doesn't have to do all the math in his head (while everyone is trying to talk to him). The app also keeps stats and has a course map so hopefully yinz can save a few shots this year by hitting to the correct flagstick.
Lastly, since this is the 15th playing of the Open, Jeff thought it would be a good idea to recognize our most accomplished golfers. So we'll be debuting a new prestigious award at this year's Open; "The Cooper's Lake Golf Veterans Award." To qualify for this award, golfers must play in at least 5 Opens, multiple Championships, and multiple Classics, totaling at least 10 tournaments. They must have at least 3 Top-3's or 5 Top-5's throughout their career. In addition to that, they must also have played in multiple Cider Cups. It awards golfers who have had both outstanding participation and performance over the long-term. There are 7 golfers who already qualify and will receive this award at this year's Open and hopefully there will be many more in the coming years.
Although it will be a week after 4th of July, a lot of us plan on wearing Red, White and Blue to celebrate 250 years of 'Merica, so tell your friends. And yes, there will be beer like always. See yinz on the 11th!
