Across the country, the big story this summer has been the heat wave and its record highs.

Sunday, August 08, 1999

Across the country, the big story this summer has been the heat wave and its record highs. In Albert Lea, Chris Baas has experienced some record lows.

Baas, considered one of the top two golfers in Albert Lea, recently had a record-setting – or at least record-tying – week on local golf courses.

On one day, he shot 63 to tie the course record at Green Lea Golf Course. The next day, his 64 tied the course record at Albert Lea Golf Club.

&uot;I’m kind of in a rhythm right now,&uot; said Baas, 23. &uot;It’s kind of fun.&uot;

Baas’ assault on the record books began inconspicuously enough. He started his round at Green Lea on hole No. 6 and, after finishing nine holes in 32 strokes, he decided to complete the 18.

After firing six birdies on the back nine – including five in a row – Baas seemingly had the course record in hand, but a bogey 5 on his final hole of the day left him at 63.

&uot;I hit a good drive and was about 60 yards out,&uot; said Baas. &uot;I had 62, I had the course record wrapped up, but I wanted 61. I wanted another birdie. I just got a little too aggressive and didn’t get up and down.&uot;

The 63 was one stroke better than Baas’ previous best at Green Lea and tied the course record held by Phil Schmidt.

In addition to the final hole, Baas said he had other chances to score even better.

&uot;I lipped out a lot, but that’s the way it goes,&uot; said Baas. &uot;It could have been a lot better.&uot;

Baas’ round began with Brian Knudson as his playing partner and ended in a foursome with Bob Dickerman, Terry Adams and Stan Westland.

Baas said Dickerman, Adams and Westland seemed to enjoy it as much as he.

&uot;It was fun,&uot; said Baas. &uot;I got on a roll. It’s just fun watching birdies, I guess.&uot;