The COVID-19 virus that has sequestered the masses may have divided people into two groups: Those who are spending their “free time” eating and drinking and those who are spending that time exercising, walking, jogging, biking and other recreational pursuits.
On that note, some members of the Key Royale Club are rising to join the latter group and there’s something else in Key Royale that’s contagious: Holes-in-one!
For the second straight week, we report the Key Royale Club membership — this week there’s two — are boasting of a hole-in-one while playing a round of golf at the club.
One report came from Joy Kaiser on the par 3, 115-yard eighth hole. No other details were provided as Kaiser retreated back north for the summer shortly after the achievement.
Next up was Ed Crenshaw. He aced the par 3, 141-yard third hole using an eight-iron. The hole-in-one was the fourth career ace for Crenshaw.
Congratulations to both golfers.
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Strongman contest deferred
Manatee County was set to host a return of the world’s strongest men in May, but the new coronavirus postponed their arrival.
The World’s Strongest Man competition was postponed from May 20-24 to Nov. 11-15, according to a news release posted at theworldsstrongestman.com.
“Due to global health concerns regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) and restrictions and advice from local, state and federal government authorities, this year’s World’s Strongest Man competition in Bradenton … has been postponed.”
The release stated the finals would be held Nov. 14-15 following qualifying rounds Nov. 11-12.
“The health and safety of our competitors, fans, partners, volunteers and staff remains our top priority. We thank you for your support and patience and hope that you will be able to join us in Bradenton this November,” the release stated.
The release erroneously said both events would be held “on Anna Maria Island in Bradenton, Florida.”
As of Islander press time, neither the organizers or the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which budgeted up to $200,000 to bring the contest to Manatee County, had responded to requests for clarification.
In January, the BACVB announced the May activities — to be televised on CBS Sports — would be held at Lakewood Ranch.
The championship also took place in Manatee County in 2019, with events on the Bradenton Riverwalk and Manatee and Coquina beaches on Anna Maria Island.
— Lisa Neff