The success of Hazeltine National Golf Club in attracting championship tournaments is something that wouldn’t have happened without the ambition of Minnesotan Totton P. Heffelfinger who saw the opportunity about 50 years ago to push for such a course. Heffelfinger, who once was president of the United States Golf Association, wanted the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis to relocate but when that didn’t happen Hazeltine was developed in Chaska and opened in 1962.
Hazeltine, site of this week’s PGA Championship, has been host to a surprising number of national tournaments considering its relatively young age. Hazeltine, which will host the prestigious Ryder Cup in 2016, has been the site for one previous PGA and two U.S. Opens. It has also been home to two U.S. Women’s Opens and the U.S. Senior Open.
Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, after being asked on Monday at what point he decides on a starting quarterback: “We haven’t decided. That’s not my job to come in here and tell you who the starting quarterback is. Coach (Brad Childress) will tell you. We are in the process of talking about it, getting the exact reps in with each and every guy and have it exactly how we want it to play out. I am sure coach will tell you pretty soon.”
Nick Tow-Arnett came to the Gophers as a walk-on and he’s never been a full season starter but coach Tim Brewster thinks his senior tight end could be the best at his position in the Big Ten this season. Brewster said it’s “amazing” how hard Tow-Arnett has worked to prepare for this season.
Minnesotans Zac Budish, Jake Gardiner, Danny Kristo, Nick Leddy, Mike Lee, Aaron Ness, Jordan Schroeder and Derek Stepan are among 29 of the remaining original 42 invitees to the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp. The players are auditioning for a roster position on the U.S. National Junior Team that will participate in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2009-Jan. 5, 2010, in Saskatoon and Regina, Sask.
After last night’s 14-6 loss to Kansas City, the Twins are 2-8 in their last 10 games and winless four consecutive home games. They are 9-14 since the All-Star break. Last night was the fourth consecutive home game in which the Twins allowed 10-plus runs. The pitching staff has an ERA of 6.23 in 23 games since the All-Star break and has allowed 260 hits (11.3 hits-per-game).
Joe Mauer is batting .348 since the All-Star break and had his 13th three-hit game last night. Orlando Cabrera (1-for-4) extended his hit-streak to a career-high 20 games. He is batting .364 (32-for-88) during that period.
An announced crowd of 15,128 attended Canterbury Park’s “Extreme Race Day” last Sunday, the largest gathering of the year at the Shakopee race track. The day included camel and ostrich racing (non-wagering events).