“In the fall of 1997, while enjoying a casual evening of golf, four friends started talking about forming a league. We wanted a way to test our limited skills in a game we loved against players of similar ability. Three of the four friends were also avid league bowlers. One of the four-hand been running bowling leagues for years and was encouraged to begin developing a format for a golf league. He agreed and enlisted the others as officers. Over the next six months, many conversations took place about bylaws, scheduling, perspective golf courses and potential players. It was determined early on, that the first year should be more of a “trial” year than anything else; a way to test the waters to see if we could create a successful league. We found a small golf course in Hancock County Indiana that was open to the idea of securing twelve consecutive Thursday night tee times for a small startup golf league with no experience. We agreed that the most significant element to us in creating a successful league would be the people involved, so we carefully pick players who were familiar with leagues and the rules within. We picked bowlers who loved golf! May 14, 1998, was the league’s first night of competition. It seemed we had done pretty well. The first night went off without a hitch. The only thing missing was a name for our new venture. I remember telling the guys “don’t push it, the league will name itself”, and it did! At 6:20 on the evening of June 11, 1998, on our fifth league night, an F-4 tornado ripped through the extreme eastern part of Marion County and into Hancock County. The violent storm passed directly over a little golf course in Hancock County Indiana occupied by twelve guys playing in a small nameless golf league.

Welcome to the league of the Thursday Nite Twisters

We remained at the same course with our new name through the 1999 season. Since then we have moved to four different courses and grown our membership from 12 to 18 to 20 and as of today 24. The growth of this league and its continued waitlist shows the love for this league that so many share.

The Thursday Nite Twisters golf league has had some people willing to donate their time and efforts as league officers and advisors. Without them, this league would surely not have lasted. A few names to be mentioned include first-year officers Jordan Merrill, President; Kerry McKinley, VP and Treasurer, and Jose Rodriguez, Secretary. We also have Steve Harker as our banker. Steve has been a valued member and advisor since year three. Original member Ed Luke has been running our ninth hole birdie pot for several years now. Before him, it was one of our original members, Dale Pitcock. Dale has played in every season since the league’s inception. It was Dale’s idea to have an optional birdie pot, and it has been a huge success. Ron Whitaker served as president for six seasons. Before that, he served as secretary and treasurer at different times. Kevin Hartzburg filled the spot as treasurer for a few years, and secretary for the past six years. He still fills in when needed. Julie Kaster is our league mom! She takes care of our on-course needs (alcohol) as well as being our Facebook guru. She also helps out with photos, cookouts, and counselling as needed. Of the original twelve members we are lucky enough to have four players still competing; Roger Reeder, Ed Luke, Dale Pitcock and Brad Klue. Finally, a word about substitutes. Throughout the years we have been blessed with many people willing to step in and sub when needed. These folks sometimes play on a moment’s notice, in the crappiest of weather, and without reward. Some have gone on to become full-time members, while others are unable to ever find a spot on the roster. They keep our league going strong when we need them most. On behalf of every member past and present, we offer our sincere gratitude to every one of them. “

• A story told by our founder Brad Klue

Now that you know our story, get to know the members that make this league so great.