What a Labor Day weekend at Alpine Meadows.

Another successful High Country Rat Race tournament is history.

The annual Labor Day event’s success lies with those familiar faces that return year after year. Northeastern Oregon is well represented with couples from Stanfield/Hermiston area, Pendleton, La Grande and Wallowa County.

It’s a golf family reunion of sorts. Becci and Ken Kramer, retired Imbler teachers, have played the tournament for more than 20 years.

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Ken said. “It’s our chance to meet old friends, make new friends and play golf.

Chris and Carla Greenough, La Grande, feel the same. “We’ve been camping here on the three-day holiday for like 30 years,” Carla ruminated. “We love the friendly faces of Alpine Meadows.”

Considered newcomers, Pat Vaughn and Pam Thompson, La Grande, say this is their third year to play. “Kids are raised. We’re retired. We don’t camp anymore, so what a better way to spend the holiday,” said Vaughn.

The events began Friday.

Three flights of golfers –– the Cats, the Rats and the Cheese –– frolicked on the fairways Friday afternoon in a 9-hole mini tournament practice round, followed by a putting contest in the evening.

Mini Winners were Cats: Cal and Jenni Tyer. Rats: Scott and Carol Franks. Cheese: Terry Hughes and Kim Hulse.

Putting Contest winners were Men: Jason Speer and Bob Funkhouser, tie. Women: Dara Alverson.

On Saturday and Sunday, after frost lifted and sunny blue skies appeared, a field of 39 serious but fun-loving couples challenged the fairways and greens in an 18-hole contest under Chapman Rules –– he hits, she hits, he hits her drive, she hits his drive, choose best lie and play one ball to cup.

Saturday’s Fairway Game Winners:

Men’s Long Drive: Cats, Chris Greenough. Rats, Bill Ables. Cheese, Mike Harshfield.

Women’s Long Drive: Cats, Sherri Currie. Rats, Dara Alverson. Cheese, Emma Gabriel. Accuracy: Chris Greenough and Lauri Bauer.

Saturday’s Sole Survivor:

First, Lloyd and Nita Baker. Second, Emmitt and Shirley Cornford. Third, Brad Hagerman and Emma Gabriel.

Saturday/Sunday Low Gross/Net Scores weren’t available prior to publication deadline. Gary and Carol Marr and Terry and Cheri Lamb, Rat Race co-chairmen, will have final results of tournament, and a “thank you” list next week.

Rochelle Danielson writes a weekly golf column for the Chieftain.