Last night we went to the 2009 edition of the Wild Select-A-Seat season ticket holder event and had a blast. I’ll write more on this over at Hockey in Minnesota soon, but I just wanted to link to the photos in the private section of the 7 Minute Miles photo gallery.

Even though most of my car friends hate it, I sort of like the new 2010 Porsche Panamera 4-door. Granted, I don’t like the looks as much as, say, an Aston Martin Rapide, but I think this would be a great Minnesota family car. The turbo version is four-wheel-drive with 500HP, a zero-60 time of 4.0 seconds flat and a top speed of 188MPH. But best of all, it comes in purple.

Now where did I leave that $135K laying around?

Remaining rounds for the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association turfgrass research fundraiser are now half off. $75 per player is a great deal – 18 holes of golf with cart at some of Minnesota’s finest private courses. Visit their registration page to view the remaining availability and contact MGCSA executive director Scott Turtinen at 952-473-2582 or via email at scott@mgcsa.org to reserve your spot.

This started about a week after I turned on the sprinkler system. Master Sprinkler Systems said I should call their plumber (Duda Plumbing in Hopkins, 952-933-5636) with the part number. It’s a Watts Regulator, model 800M4-FR, as far as I can tell.

Anybody out there know what would cause this to happen? Do I really need a plumber?

This morning we paid another visit to the Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan. The weather was not kind (a starting temp near 40 and winds gusting to 37MPH), but that did not stop the crowds from playing this popular south metro course. We had groups all around us, but everyone seemed to move along to get out of the wind.

We’ve written before about how we love this Joel Goldstrand design, but hated that they allow five-somes to play on weekend mornings. Pace of play has been decent the past few times we’ve visited and we hadn’t seen a five-some for a long time. Unfortunately, there were a few out today. Thankfully, though, they didn’t cause a problem.

The on-course ranger slash shuttle service was very friendly and helps smooth the ascent from the river valley for walkers (the weekend walking rate was $43).

The Ridges at Sand Creek will host the Minnesota State High School League Class AA State Tournament June 4-5. Watch for full coverage next month on Golfing in Minnesota.

7MM Ridges at Sand Creek Photo Gallery

Halla Greens PGA teaching professional Brad Pluth and TwinCitiesGolf.com founder Kevin Unterreiner are co-directors for the Minnesota edition of the U.S. Kids Golf Tour.

Events are designed for boys and girls 14 and under (minimum age five), using age and gender appropriate tees and single age brackets. Parents or other family members are encouraged to participate as caddies.

There is a $50 registration fee to join that covers the season of eight one-day tournaments, plus event fees of $35 for 9 holes and $45 for 18-hole players (some special events may cost more).

Tournaments will be held at the following Minnesota courses:

• Baker National
• Bluff Creek
• Emerald Greens
• Highland National
• Pioneer Creek
• Pebble Creek
• Ridges at Sand Creek
• Victory Links

To register and view the schedule, visit this page. Tee times for all Local Tour events will be posted on the U.S. Kids web site two days before each tournament.

For more information, email tournaments@uskidsgolf.com or call 1-888-387-5437, ext. 703.