YEAR 2009
June 29 Mr. Bean: The Green Jacket Fits!
Alex "Mr. Bean" Volpatti shot a brilliant net 62 on Saturday at Meadow Gardens to capture the coveted green jacket in his rookie season and help his team win the annual Calcutta. Mr. Bean edged out "Docme" Dick Burns who, for the second time in his PGA career, shot a 1 under 71 (gross). Docme finished 3 shots back in the green jacket race. Tied for third were former champ Knuckles Garries and our other rookie, JMac McKenzie. Please click on "scores" for further details. (scores and pics are pending)
Team Nicklaus Wins Big Cash
Team Nicklaus captained by Dave "Bake" Backie who turned in a splendid 78 (gross) and along with Killer Killeen, El Cid Murdoch and our '09 green jacket winner, Mr. Bean turned in an amazing round of 27 under to beat out Team Woods (Burns - Sherk - Wardroper - Clay) who shot 24 under and Team Player (McKenzie - Schwartz - Goulding - Alexander) who finished at 21 under. The Nicklaus team picked up 600.00 for the day's play.
Docme's incredible round on 71 secured his winning the year long Tuna Challenge Award. The award was presented by Tuna's widow, Jan Lloyd. Docme won a collector's edition of a Whistler Golf Club hat the club had made up with "Tuna" embroidered on the side. Special mention to BeerHead Player for acquiring the prize. We also like to thank Jan for coming down from down from Whistler to present the award and allow us to say goodbye to the Tuna as a group.
Killer Party!!
Ironically the only rain we encountered the whole season was for the first two hours at Killer's house but the rain did little to dampen anyone spirits and an excellent time was had by all. Super thank you to Killer and Judy (Rainbow) for once again hosting such a disreputable crew.
Year in Review
Our 17th season may have been our best. From the courses to the weather to the new rookies everything fell nicely into place. On the trip, Vernon earned its way onto our regular rotation, thanks in part to Doc Bergstrom's effort at The Rise and partly because of how well we were treated at the Vernon Golf Club and the Tiki Village.
The season highlight was establishing a Charity Fund. This year with 19th hole overpayments and the 25.00 contributions for the tax refund draw (won by El Cid Murdoch) we collected 795.00 which will be donated to the BC Cancer Society in his name. As most of us have been effected by cancer in some way it made sense to donate to the Cancer Society and we believe everyone feels good about our future charitable contributions.
2010 = Heart & Stroke - Sherk & Garries to Match Funds
Our 2010 charity will be the Heart & Stroke Foundation. All 19th hole overpayments and 25.00 tax fund draw moneys will be collected and donated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Here is the kicker: Knuckles Garries & Lefty Sherk have committed to, between them, matching the total raised by the tour. An extremely generous gesture by these two PGA veterans who have suffered heart (Lefty) and stroke (Knuckles) issues in the past. Well done Chaps!!
2010 The "Olympic" Year
2010 will be our 18th season and should bring us more of the same. Golf, fun, competition, sportsmanship and a little booze. The 2010 schedule has not been set but we are targeting a Saturday April 17th opener at University and play the Calcutta on Saturday June 26th. We do have one event already scheduled and confirmed. We will play the Whistler Golf Club (Tuna's old home course) on June 12th.
last six inches down......Burns' 1 under 71 was his 2nd on tour as he turned the trick a few years ago at The Kings Links...thanks to BeerHead for setting up our Whistler date in June 2010......after such a successful season the executive is expecting all 23 regulars to return next season.....the only other PGA member to shoot 71??....you guessed it, it was Tuna at Northlands during the 2006 Calcutta.....thanks for a great season and we will all look forward to next spring!!
June 25 Calcutta Rules Clarification
A number of crafty veterans have asked when scores are recorded during the Calcutta: Answer - the two net scores must be chosen and circled on your score card prior to teeing off the next hole. Since we have had some rain during the past few days a decision on playing summer or winter rules (or a hybrid) will be made at the course in the morning based on conditions as per the pro staff.
Tuna Challenge
The Tuna Challenge holes for the Calcutta at Meadow Gardens will be:
# 6 - par 4 384 yards
#12 - par 4 390 yards
#18 - par 5 466 yards
The year long Tuna Challenge competition featured 3 designate holes each event. The winner will be the member with the lowest aggregate score for 18 holes (six rounds). As usual the Calcutta round is a must count. Currently Docme leads at 6 under followed by Stretch, the Commissioner and AngryDad at 5 under. Others with a chance to capture the Tuna Challenge are Mr. Bean & BeerHead at 4 under, Hoss at 3 under along with Ace and JMac who currently sit at 2 under.
Jan Lloyd, the Tuna's widow, will be on hand to award at the bbq to award the Tuna Challenge prize.
Lucky # 13
We will have a KP on the 150 yard par 3 number 13.
Killer Directions to BBQ
For those of you who have not been to Killer's house he lives at 2816 Trillium Place in the Blueridge area of North Van (on the way to Northlands & Seymour). Driviing directions: east on Mt. Seymour Parkway - left on Emerson - second right on Trillium Place. Killer's house is on the left near the end of the cul de sac. Remember to bring your designated food.
Good Luck to all the Teams at the Calcutta!!
June 22 Calcutta @ Meadow Gardens - Sat. June 27th
The season finale, the PGA's 17th annual Calcutta will be played at Meadow Gardens with tee times staring at 11:28 am this coming Saturday June 27th. Please arrive no later than 11 am so we can organize. Each of the six teams will purchase themselves for 200.00 (50.00 each). The money is payable to your team's Captain at the start of the round and then should be given to Dave Backie at the 19th hole. Last year the Flames team consisting of Killeen - Tibble - Wardroper & Slade won the Calcutta and earned 150.00 each. This year's payouts will be as follows:
1st: 600.00 - 2nd: 400.00 - 3rd: 200.00 - 4th: 0.00 - 5th: diddly - 6th: squat
The Calcutta is a four man team game. We will keep the same rules as we have had every year:
1. Each team counts their best TWO net scores on each hole.
2. Each team member MUST have their score counted at least SIX times.
3. We play the lateral hazard rule: if you hit the ball out of bounds, into a pond or somewhere bad - drop within two club lengths no closer to the hole from where the ball entered and add ONE shot.
4. No gimme putts.
5. Summer Rules. Play the ball down.
Killer Party!!
Here is each player's food responsibility to bring for our annual awards bbq hosted by Killer on Saturday. Please arrive anytime after 6:30 pm. Please note what is listed next to your name and bring it with you to the party. We expect about 50 people including members, spares and wives. Failure to bring your designated item(s) will result in a serious sanction which will be added to your 2010 membership fee. BYOB and mixer if required.
Salads: Garries - Goulding - McKenzie - Odendaal - Volpatti (please bring enough for 10)
Pre dinner snacks: Carter - Tibble (chips & dip etc.)
Baked potato: Alexander - Backie - Leigh (please bring 10/12 potatoes wrapped in tin foil ready to cook on the bbq)
Butter & Sour Cream: Clay (enough for 36)
Desserts: Schwartz - Taylor - Murdoch - Player (please bring enough for 10)
Appies - Brown - Burns - Wardroper - Grundy - Sidonio - Sherk - Walters (please bring enough for 8)
Steaks/Chicken/bbq sauces: Commissioner
Plates etc: Commissioner
BC Cancer Reverse Draw
We have collected about 400.00 for the BC Cancer Society. The charitable receipt will be given to the winner of a reverse draw on Saturday evening. If you have not already donated 25.00 (to Shoe, Knuckles or the Commissioner) please do so before the start of the reverse draw on Saturday evening if you wish to be included in the draw. Lets see if we can get the donation to 1.000.00!!!
Calcutta Predictions
Contenders: Teams Nicklaus & Snead
Half a hope: Teams Woods & Palmer
No hope: Teams Player & Watson
Green Jacket Race: Knuckles, JMac & Bean in the Lead
The Calcutta round counts for everyone in the race for the coveted Green Jacket. Currently former champ Knuckles Garries is leading at 269 with JMac and Mr. Bean tied at 273 followed by Docme (275) and 08 champ Shoe (280). BeerHead and Hoss at 281 and fast charging Digger (285) likely have a bit too much work to do but could easily get into the top three with a good round at Meadow Gardens.
Individual prizes will be awarded during the awards dinner based on seasonal net scores. The low net (green jacket) winner selects first and so on.
on the dance floor.....lets hope Saturday's weather forecast changes, not looking great at the moment....kudos again to Paul and Judy for hosting the bbq.....Team Watson is hoping that either Natalie Gulbis or Paula Creamer are available to spare on Saturday......
June 16 ClansMen Clobber Stars in Tuna Cup Matches
For the 4th consecutive year the North Van Clan led by Captain Docme Dick Burns bested the WorldStars in the annual Tuna Cup Matches. The Clan used a strong opening day team effort to jump to a 25 to 11 lead and hung on during the singles for a resounding 41.5 to 30.5 win. Aside from the lack of drama of the competition many tour vets felt that this was our best trip ever. We received excellent service and treatment at both Vernon Golf Club and The Rise plus The Tiki Village motel was perfect for our needs. For individual scoring please click "scores" (Pending).
Thanks Doc!
Once again a giant thank you to Doc Bergstrom for getting us out at The Rise. The day was perfect (except for most of the scores) and everyone really enjoyed the course. The staff at The Rise was excellent and it was great they donated a couple of prizes even if Dawgballs Taylor won the KP (again).
Season Finale - Calcutta @ Meadow Gardens
Our season finale, the annual Calcutta will be played on Saturday June 27th at Meadow Gardens in Maple Ridge. Our first tee time is 11:28 am so please arrive no later than 11 am. The Calcutta teams were drawn on Sunday June 14 in Princeton at the Ponderosa Motel with Ace Brown, BeerHead Player, Dawgballs Taylor and the Commissioner as witnesses. The Calcutta fee this year will once again be 200.00 per team (50.00 per player). This year we have chosen to name the groups after famous golfers:
11:28: Team Woods: BURNS - Clay - Wardroper - Sherk
11:34: Team Nicklaus: BACKIE - Killeen - Murdoch - Volpatti
11:42: Team Palmer: GARRIES - Tibble - Player - Odendaal
11:50: Team Snead: WALTERS - Brown - Sidonio - Leigh
11:58: Team Player: McKENZIE - Schwartz - Goulding - Alexander
12:06: Team Watson: CARTER - Taylor - Grundy - # 24 (TBA)
Team Captains are in CAPITALS.
Annual BBQ Shindig
As reported earlier, Killer Killeen and Rainbow are once again hosting the annual awards bbq after the Calcutta at their home in Blueridge/North Van. The tour will provide the meat and utensils but each member will be requested to bring either an appy or salad or dessert etc. What each member is asked to bring will be posted on the web-site next week. All players, wives, and spares are invited to the bbq.
Uneven lies......kudos again to Doc for helping make it a great trip....the consensus is that the tour will return to Vernon for the trip in the next year or two......special thanks again to Paul and Judy for hosting the bbq for likely the 8th time.....
June 10 Tuna Cup Matches: North Van Defends Crown in Vernon
This weekend's Tuna Cup Matches pitting the champion North Van Clan captained by Docme Dick Burns against The World Stars lead by Commissioner Tom Carter promises to once again be a hard fought affair. The Clan have won the past 3 annual matches and look to be the favorite again this year. Lets look at the day one team matches that start on Saturday with tee times beginning at 1 pm at the Vernon Golf Club.
Clan: Burns & Volpatti vs Stars: Garries & Bergstrom - This match could set the tone for the rest of the day. Rookie Mr. Bean has had an outstanding season so far but can he survive Docme's habitual "coaching" without being overwhelmed by the occasion? Their opponents look to be a solid team with Knuckles in the hunt again for the green jacket despite having his 'cap cut severely and Doc's long driving and solid overall play. Low 'capper Burns usually comes to play and has been very solid this year. Advantage: Even.
Clan: Backie & Alexander vs Stars: Player & Schwartz - Bakes has had an unusually quiet year and is due to break out while Hoss is once again playing well and racing for the green jacket. BeerHead is a solid steady driver of the ball which sets him up well but he needs to finish better to help out AngryDad who hits it a tonne but is sometimes errant but has surprisingly soft hands around the green. Advantage: Even.
Clan: Walters & Murdoch vs Stars: Carter & Creed - Flintstone's unorthodox swing is as consistent as anyone on tour and El Cid's ability to somehow always play well in the matches (and always beat the commissioner) does not bode well for the World Stars in this match. Spare Creed as a decent all around game but the Commissioner will need to buy El Cid lots of beer if the Stars hope to get more that a couple of points from this match. Advantage: North Van Clan
Clan: Leigh & TBA vs Stars: Tibble & Odendaal - At present we are still looking for a spare for Digger's team mate. We have tried Natalie Gulbis but she declined after seeing our web site. Digger the long ball hitter, has played lots of sports and will team well with whoever he is teamed with but will have a hard match against two World Star veterans. If Tiki finds consistency and Warthogg can play up to his potential (hit lots of 5 irons!!) this could be one of the closer matches. Advantage: Even
Clan: Brown & Grundy vs Stars: Taylor & Goulding - This match will likely go right to the wire as both teams are stocked with seasoned vets. Dawgballs needs to stay away from the big number to be effective and Tex No Balls, with his lucky hat, has shown signs he is ready to start shooting some low rounds. His is deceptively long but needs to be better around the greens. Collectively easily the matches tallest and best looking team for day one, Stretch and Ace will need keep the ball in play and play well around the greens. Advantage: Even
Clan: McKenzie & Killeen vs Stars: Wardroper & Maynard - Another extremely close match on paper. Shoe has been consistent all season with no glaring weaknesses. His partner, former regular Hamburgler says he has reduced the pause at the top of his swing and in the past has been a good performer in the annual matches. Killer has had an up and down season but is capable of going low while JMac, a green jacket contender, has had a great season so far winning 3 events. Unless Hamburgler's swing upsets the Clan members the Stars are in touch in this match. Advantage: Clan
Director of Stats and Caps Dave Backie has set the caps for the Tuna Cup. See the handicaps page for your index which will be used to set your course Handicap at Vernon G & CC and the Rise.
Travel Tip
As per Doc Bergstrom's email sent to everyone earlier this week please be aware there is lots of roadwork around the Kelowna area. The Doc recommends that if you are leaving on Saturday that you might want to travel through Kamloops and take hwy 97 south into Vernon. Those of you going on Friday to play in the Kelowna are might want to give themselves an extra 30 minutes or so to make Friday tee times.
Accommodations: Tiki Village
If you haven't already made reservations please go to: http://www.tikivillagevernon.com/
Meals
After the round on Saturday we will stay and have dinner at the golf club. Doc reports The Rise has a good breakfast deal on Sunday morning starting at 8 am which he highly recommends.
June 8 JMac Wins Again @ The Falls to Lead Green Jacket Race
John "JMac" McKenzie turned in another solid round posting a net 67 to win the PGA's 5th event of the season at The Falls on Saturday. Alex "Mr. Bean" Volpatti also turned in a 67 but the tie was broken with the nod given to JMac (lower 'cap). His three wins this season put JMac firmly in the lead in the race for the coveted green jacket. Volpatti, Wardroper, Alexander and Garries are all still in the hunt with 3 events to go. Knuckles Garries refuses to go away in spite of having his 'cap lowered to 10. For anyone who doesn't know or is confused each member's best four rounds plus the Calcutta round (the Calcutta round count for everyone) counts for the green jacket race.
Tuna Cup Trip
Our annual trip renamed the Tuna Cup this year in memory of Charlie "Tuna" Phipps will be played next weekend in Vernon BC. Our first round is at Vernon Golf Club. Our first time is at 1 pm. Please arrive at the course no later than 12:30 pm. North Van Clan will look for its 4th win on the trot over the World Stars. Day One of the matches features the 2 man net team event. Here are the matches as drawn at the 19th hole at The Falls
North Van Clan WorldStars
1 Burns/Volpatti vs Garries/Berstrom
2 Backie/Alexander vs Player/Schwartz
3 Walters/Murdoch vs Carter/Clay
4 Leigh/TBA vs Tibble/Odendaal
5 Brown/Grundy vs Taylor/Goulding
6 McKenzie/Killeen vs Wardroper/Maynard
First day scoring: 2 points for front nine - 2 points for back nine - 2 points for overall match winner. 36 points in total are in play for the day one matches. Day two features net singles matches. The singles draw will be held during dinner at the Vernon Golf Club on Saturday evening. The singles matches will be played at The Rise with times starting at 9 am. There will also be 36 points available for the day two singles matches. The first team to 36.5 points wins the Tuna Cup. Travelling Tips Accoring to the BC Gov't web site (http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/distances/calculator.asp) the travel time to Vernon from North Van is about 4.5 hours. For those of you going up early and playing in the Kelowna area the estimated drive time is 4 hours. Please give yourselves enough time to drive up safely. straight down the pipe.........all the day one team matches look interesting but match one pitting Burns/Volpatti against Garries/Bergstrom could set the tone......thanks again to Doc B for arranging The Rise for us on Sunday - everyone is looking forward to having Doc join us this weekend (playing as our #24) especially The World Stars who need his over all good play to help them wrestle the cup away from the North Van Clan who have dominated the matches the past three years.....Peter Sidonio (Scotland trip) and Lefty Sherk (business) will miss the matches...Al "Hamburgler" Maynard will take Pete's spot and we are still looking for a spare for Lefty..... Killer to Host Annual Shindig.....Again Paul "Killer" Killeen and his lovely wife "Rainbow" have stepped forward once again host our annual bbq awards shindig after the June 27th Calcutta finale (at Meadow Gardens). The tour will provide the bbq meat and each player will be assigned something to bring for the bbq (dessert, buns, salad etc). This is the 4th (at least) PGA bbq Paul and Judy have hosted and we thank and appreciate their generosity. May 26 JMac & Bean: Super @ Swanny Rookie Alex "Mr. Bean" Volpatti and JMac McKenzie both fired net 69's to split the honors at Swan-e-set under sunny skies and excellent conditions. The firm of Player, Brown, McKenzie and Alexander won the well received Vienna team game waltzing in with a 20 under score. Dawgballs Taylor continued his domination of the KP contests by winning his 5th of the season with a 8 iron to about 5 feet on the par 3 16th. Please see "scores" for details. Green Jacket Race Ramping Up As we past the 1/2 point of the season the race for the coveted Green Jacket is starting to take shape. Veterans in the hunt include last year's champ Shoe Wardroper along with Knuckles Garries and Hoss Alexander. But there are a pair of rookies pushing the old guard in the likes of Mr. Bean and JMac. 2nd year man Peter "Spic" Sidonio who missed at Swanny is also lurking close by and is putting together a strong season. With 4 events left the picture is still murky but getting clearer after each event. Next UP: Faggot @ The Falls Our 5th event of the season will be played Saturday June 6th at The Falls in Chilliwack. Gamesmeister El Cid Murdoch has chosen the ever popular Faggot pink ball game. Our tee times begin at 10:30 am. Please arrive no later than 10 am so we can get organized. Teams/Foursomes will be posted next week. broken down carts.......the commish would like to thank Stretch Grundy for buying him a beer on the back 9 at Swanny......the Tuna Cup first round draw will be held at the 19th hole at The Falls as the World Stars beaten like a drum by theNorth Van Clan will try for some revenge......Stretch Grundy will not be sanctioned for "attempting to curry favor with the Commissioner" as requested by his team mates (Burns - Walters - Briggs) at Swanny, instead Burns & Walterswill be sanctioned for squealing and NOT buying the commissioner beer.....spare Rodney Briggs will escape unharmed.....for now.....thanks again to Rod Briggs and PineApple Nahanee for sparing at Swanny...... May 20 Swanny Set for Saturday The PGA's fourth event of the season will be played in Pitt Meadow's at the Lee Trevino designed resort course at Swan-e-set this coming Saturday May 23rd. Our tee times begin at 9 am so please arrive no later than 8:30. The only regular missing will be Peter "Spic" Sidonio whose place will be taken by a new spare, Rodney Briggs. The Tuna Challenge holes as selected by Docme Dick Burns are the third (145 yard par 3), the ninth (380 yard par 4) and the 14th (510 yard par 5). Finally, the current forecast has the weatherman smiling on us with sunny skies and a high of 21!! Team Game The team game this week will be Vienna, another 4 man team game. Vienna is a simple enough side game. It makes a round of golf as easy as a waltz in the park. 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and so it goes.
First hole count the best one score of the foursome and circle it for Backie's ultimate benefit.
Second hole count the best two scores and circle them.
Third hole count the best three scores and circle them.
Repeat as necessary until the entire 18 hole dance is completed.
As always, record gross scores only (you can figure out what the nets are but dont record them).Aaaaaand 1-2-3, 1-2-3
Payouts - Perfect Lies Coupons
The winning team for Vienna will collect 80.00 (20.00 each). First place in net singles will earn 60.00 while 2nd place will win 40.00, 3rd and 4th place will pick up 20.00 each. KP will be on the 140 yard par 3 16th hole with 20.00 going to the winner. The specially arranged Investors Group Hole in One (arranged by Killer) will be held on the 154 yard par 3 8th (scroll down for the amazing prize)
Times & Team Foursomes
9 am - Backie - Sherk - Wardroper - Goulding
9:08 - Grundy - Walters - Burns - Briggs
9:16 - Schwartz - Garries - Tibble - Taylor
9:24 - Carter - Odendaal - Murdoch - Clay
9:32 - Killeen - Volpatti - Leigh - TBA
9:40 - Player - Brown - Alexander - McKenzie
The captains in bold are responsible for collecting 10.00 each from their team mates and remitting to the commissioner at the 19th hole.
Handicaps
Thanks very much to Vic for his diligent work on helping us to reach true Stroke Equity.
All those with an established index will use that number (Backie, Brown, Burns, Carter, Killeen, Schwartz, Taylor and Tibble.) Anyone else with an index please let me know.
Here are the numbers for everyone else
Alexander 22.5, Clay 14.6 Garries 10.4 Goulding 18.6 Grundy 16.0 Leigh 19.2 McKenzie 15.1 Murdoch 17.4 Odendaal 31.5 Player 16.1 Sherk 20.2 Sidonio 17.1 Volpatti 28.2 Walters 12.4 Wardroper 17.2.
See you on Saturday, Bake
Deep woods......new spare Rodney Briggs is a pal of Flintstone Walters.....thanks again to Killer Killeen for organizing the IG hole in one contest......Ace Brown was the last PGA member to card a one during a PGA event, he turned the trick at the par 3 14th at North Bellinham about 7 years ago.....El Cid Murdoch returns to the tour after playing in Ireland....
May 14 Killer Hole in One Contest by IG In addition to the usual PGA activities the round at Swan-e-Set will feature a Hole-in-One Contest sponsored by Investors Group. The contest will be set up on the 153 yard par 3 8th hole. If anyone scores a hole-in-one that person will receive an all expense paid trip for 2 to the 2010 British Open. To qualify each person will be required to complete a ballot before teeing off on the 8th. The ballot will be entered into a draw in October for a second trip for 2 to the 2010 British Open.
Contest rules · The hole’s minimum length must be at least 150 yards for men and 140 yards for women.
· An official participant must make golf shots in the regular round of play (no practice shots permitted). It must be the participants first shot (no “mulligans”).
· “Participant” means an individual (other than a Golf-Club Pro or a professional golfer) entered and playing in the tournament.
· One tournament official (who is of legal age) or a Consultant must be stationed and monitoring play at the selected hole for the entire tournament.
· The tournament must be played in groups of three or four. No twosomes allowed.
· Investors Group Consultants, Associates, and employees are not eligible.
Paul Killeen
Investors Group
Dawgballs seen practicing for hole in one
The Prize
Swing Away to Scotland
2010 British Open St. Andrews
July 13-19, 2010
Six Nights Hotel Accommodation
Three nights Lochgreen House, Troon
Voted by AA as Scotland’s Hotel of the Year in 2004 the hotel is situated on
the outskirts of Troon, Ayrshire. It nestles amidst 30 acres of woodland and most visitors are surprised and delighted when they drive towards Lochgreen House by the absolute precision of the manicured lawns and borders – a testament to the hard work of the maintenance team. The house has been completely restored and renovated and offers a touch of luxury whilst retaining the ‘homely’ feel.
Three nights Bonham Hotel, Edinburgh
Located close to the West End and Princes Street and a previous winner of
Scotland’s Hotel of the Year Award, this imaginative conversion of a former university residence combines many of the original Victorian features with a more contemporary style. Comfortable and practical bedrooms offer up-to-the minute technology and splendid bathrooms. A striking modern restaurant, in the brasserie style, features interesting light cuisine. Service is professional and friendly.
Three Rounds Golf
Western Gailes
Western Gailes, founded in 1897, is unquestionably one of the finest courses in Scotland. The course has played host to the Curtis Cup, PGA Championship, Seniors and prestigious Scottish Amateur Championship. It is also one of the final qualifying courses when The Open is played at Turnberry or Royal Troon.
Prestwick
The course serves as an interesting historical example of the type of golfing terrain on which the first Open champions had to play. The challenging, long 3rd hole, known as The Cardinal, may be the most famous part of Prestwick.
North Berwick
One of the finest true links courses in Scotland, North Berwick West sits along the shore of the Firth of Forth with fine views of the Bass Rock and the distant green hills of Fife. The course is most famous for the 15th hole, as well as the bunkers, beach and rough. Sea winds constantly play a factor.
Attendance Third and Final round of the British Open at St. Andrews
Daily Breakfast
Airport Meet and Greet
Mid-Size Automatic Car Rental with unlimited mileage and GPS (Pick up and Drop off at Airport
Roundtrip Airfare from Canadian Gateway up to $1300.00 CAD per person
On-site Assistance of a Premier Golf Representative
Document Wallet, Luggage Tags and Information Guide
All Taxes
Not Included-
Items of a personal nature
Meals not specified
Parking at the British Open
Caddy fees
Gratuities
May 13 Teams Burns Wins St. Alice @ Redwoods Led by Capt. "Docme" Dick Burns' sparkling 66 on a beautiful spring day the Burns squad comprised of Burns, Lefty Sherk, Hoss Alexander and spare Doug Sarkisian posted a net 3 under to win the St. Alice two ball team game. Yabba Dabba Doo!! Docme wasn't the only one to shoot 66 as Fred "Flintstone" Walters also turned the trick with a rock solid round. KP winners were Ace Brown (#12) and Knuckles Garries (#17). Despite having his 'cap reduced to 13 Garries still managed his way around the tight Redwoods track to post a 67. Please click "scores" for all the details. Party Volunteer?? Our annual year end awards bbq is scheduled for Sat. June 27th after the year ending Calcutta (Meadow Gardens) and we are looking for a volunteer to host the shin dig. In the past Killer Killeen has hosted a few times as well as members Garries, Burns and Alexander. If you wish to host please let the commissioner know. Tuna Cup Trip Plans Please remember to find a room mate and book your hotel room for our June trip (June 13/14) at the Tiki Village. The hotel has "blocked" the rooms for us but only until this Tuesday, May 12th. The information is included on this site (please just scroll down). Currently we have full field of 24 players for the annual North Van Clan vs Team World matches to be played at Vernon Golf Club (Sat. 1 pm start) and The Rise (Sun. 9 am start). Peter "Spic" Sidonio is vacationing in Scotland but former PGA regular Al "Hamburgler" Maynard will take his place. Craig "Doc" Bergstrom who graciously made the arrangements for us at The Rise will play as our # 24. Thanks again to Doc for getting us out on a first class track, one we'll remember for a long time. Next Up - Swan-e-set - Sat. May 23rd Our fourth event of the season which sees us hit the mid way point will be held on Sat. May 23rd at the resort course at Swan-e-set in Pitt Meadows. We have earlier than usual tee times starting at 9 am so please arrive no later than 8:30. The team game and foursomes will be posted next week. power fades.......thanks and kudos to Stretch Grundy for jumping into the handicapping controversy with his free 'capping website and humour.....thanks again to Doug Sarkisian for sparing and most excellent to see former regular Al "NovoCop" Novotny take a day away from his Harley......El Cid Murdoch missed the Redwoods event choosing instead to play some famous links courses in Ireland....the first day draw for the Tuna Cup Matches will be done at the 19th hole at Swanny....... May 6, PGA Tour Event #3 set at Redwoods The PGA tour's third event is set for this Saturday, May 9th at Redwoods Golf Club in Langley. Tee times starting at 11 am so please arrive at or before 10:30. The current forecast for Langley is sunny and a high of 16 on Saturday. St. Alice Game Just because El Cid Murdoch is on a golf vacation in Ireland doesn't mean he neglected his PGA responsibilities as he has chosen the popular St. Alice foursome game for this week's entertainment. Overview: This is a two ball "team" game where two balls count. Net scores will be counted. You will be required, as always, to post gross scores on your scorecards. We will sort it out after.
Rules: 1. Establish your playing order from your foursome and write it down.
2. On hole #1, the first player listed is the teams "captain". Based on the captain's assessment of all the tee shots, and prior to a second shot by anyone, he chooses one member as his partner on the hole. The captain writes the identity of his partner down on the scorecard (initial on line 5?). The foursome is now stuck with the scores of that chosen member plus the captain for this hole.
The captain for hole #1 is also the captain for holes 5, 9, 13.
On hole #2, the second player listed on the scorecard is now the "captain". As in point 2. above, he chooses one member of the foursome as his partner for this hole and records the identity on the scorecard. Again, the foursome score is based on the performance of the captain and the chosen golfer. Remember, the captain chooses the golfer after the drives but before any other shots are taken.
As in point 3. above, this captain is the captain for holes 6, 10, 14
Hole number 3, player listed #3 is the captain. Repeat as before with that golfer captaining holes 7, 11, 15
Hole number 4, player listed #4 is the captain. Repeat as before with that golfer captaining holes 8, 12, 16
Hole #17, count Captain 1 and Captain 2's scores.
Hole #18, count Captain 3 and Captain 4's scores.
The winning team will receive 40.00 each of Perfect Lies coupons.
KP is on #12 (130 yard par 3) - winner gets 20.00 PL coupons
The Tuna Challenge holes as selected by AngryDad Schwartz are # 4 (520 yards par 5) - # 10 (320 yards par 4) and #17 (170 par 3)
Net singles payouts: 40.00 PL coupons for first place and 20.00 for second.
Tee Times / Foursomes
11 am - GARRIES - Player - Grundy - Odendaal
11:08 - BROWN - Schwartz - Wardroper - Volpatti
11:16 - BURNS - Alexander - Sarkinson(16) - Sherk
11:24 - CLAY - McKenzie - B. Carter - Tibble
11:32 - TAYLOR - Sidonio - Walters - Leigh
11:40 - T. CARTER - Killeen - Goulding - Novotny (25)
Captains are in CAPITALS and are responsible for collecting the 10.00 team game fee from each player. Please remit to the commissioner at the 19th hole.
HANDICAP CONTROVERSY
While the intentions of the members "blogging" about our handicap system are good, the commissioner (as well as everyone else) knows establishing handicaps for such a diverse group is a ugly chore and one that Dave Backie has handled with class & humor for many years. The first two events are the most difficult to 'cap so before we have more discussion on any changes Dave will make his usual adjustments and lets see how things stack up. So if you keep an index (other than My scorecard) please let Hugh know what it is by the Wednesday prior to the event. If you don't have an index Dave will assign you one like always. These index's will then be used to set your "course handicap" the day of the event. The index's for this week have been set. Please look at them and if you keep an index and it is contrary to the one listed please inform Hugh.
Balky putting.......teams/foursomes are encouraged to come up with interesting names for the 19th hole awards.....looking forward to seeing Al "NovoCop" Novotny a former regular who is sparing (El Cid) at Redwoods.....Sarkinson is back subbing for Bakes Backie (Seattle cruise)....."Docme" Dick Burns returns after skipping the Furry Creek event to attend a wedding......
Tom Carter
ANNUAL HANDICAP RANT
Rhetorical question: Why is it that only bad golfers complain about handicaps?
I have been doing members’ handicaps for the PGA since day 1. I would like nothing better than to have my job being declared redundant due to the fact that every member had a current registered handicap index. I agree fully with Killer and Tiki. This was discussed at our “executive” meeting in March (and briefly at our Calcutta/Wind Up dinner last season.) We end up playing for a lot of money and it is only fair that the playing field be even. I try very hard to keep everyone in the running through appropriate handicapping but it is not easy with a group as inconsistent as ours.
I have always played according to my index – and don’t ever have a hope in hell of winning a green jacket since you only play to your handicap once in every four games on average. That gives me two possible good scores of the eight rounds we play! Not enough.
FYI –for the Furry Creek round I compiled an index for members. I took every score recorded for each member and did the following:
Bake
May 5, I think everyone should pick their own handicap. I'm a 50
Novo Cop
No Vic that's not a typo. Ha Ha. I agree with killer. The handicap is a measure of potential and it doesn't change because you've had a layoff. If you stink when you start playing again your cap will eventually go up but not as fast as it will go down after a great round. If you don't want to stink, practice. All that aside Mr. Backie has my full support for what ever method he uses to set the caps
DB
Handicap controversy on the PGA? For members who might be “fiscally challenged” by the $9.95 My Scorecard registration, attached is a site that I use for handicap calculations that is priced a little more correctly (i.e. free). FYI after factoring in all of my scores, by the end of September last year, my handicap rating was 16.5. Based on my first scores this season Bakes showing me at a 21 is probably more accurate (beginning of the season is quite different from the end of the season for me).
Personally, I like the handicap bitching and moaning approach purely for the entertainment value, although, handing out the Green Jacket at the beginning of the season might also be worthy of debate. Of course, if we did that we would all have to get participation ribbons.
Curiously, I note on the website that after my sterling round of 103 at Furry Creek my handicap dropped from 21 to 13? Is this a typo and should it not be 23? You see I really do like the bitching whining program. An insight into why some of my work associates refer to me as a Jewish Gentile (Oi Vai!).........
Vic
I made my feelings made known on Sunday. Let’s start a club on My Scorecard, enter the last 20 scores, presto a handicap. Individuals can then add scores if they play elsewhere and the PGA can add scores after each PGA event.
Ace
Re; Handicaps!!!! I support the PGA Members Speaks out in the opening
remarks to the PGA in the latest release on the PGA Website. It is time we put all PGA members in to a proper handicap situation. I am not being critical of Bakes. He has done a remarkable job over the years for the PGA. I play to a handicap system to which some members belong, My Scorecard, an on-line system, gives my Handicap Index as 15.7. On every course I play I put in my scores, which are adjusted, I take my index and look at what handicap the course gives me re: white tees or blue tees. Check my scores and my handicap and it makes the playing field fair particularly with $240 at stake.
Suggest Lets all join My Scorecard...the following players are members... Tom Carter, Doug Player, Dick Burns, Larry Brown, Hugh Taylor, Joe Tibble.....Ken Clay is part of Capilano Handicap System. There are other players who belong to a handicap system. I believe for those who were members last year and have no handicap system, by using last years scores and your two scores to date, it would take two days on-line to establish an official handicap for you individually. This would leave Bakes an easier task of giving those new PGA members players this year an adjusted handicap for each. It takes 10 games to establish a handicap.
So to all of you join My Scorecard Handicap System if you don’t have an official handicap! Hugh Taylor and Tom Carter would provide details on how to register with My Scorecard!
Fore!
Not an opinion! I stand by my position of fairness and not on Sourgrapes!!!
Joe Tibble
OPEN LETTER TO PGA PARTICIPANTS
For some years the issue of individual handicaps as used on the PGA has been the subject of discussion. I presume those who met in the winter to review the PGA operations discussed the matter but no changes were forthcoming. As those meeting were unwilling to change the meeting date to accommodate my presence, I did not attend.
An individual’s handicap, by definition, is a representation of what a person is capable of scoring. This is often confused with “what I usually shoot” or “what is my average score.” Using the recognized standard of what a person is capable of scoring, a net score as low as 69 should be remarkable if not highly unlikely. Accordingly, net scores in the low 60’s border on the impossible.
Scores recorded in the last 2 years reveal that individuals regularly achieve net scores in the low 60’s. This, as a reflection of handicap calculation, should be impossible. I recognize that most PGA members do not keep a handicap therefore it is necessary to do something to equalize scoring. Further, setting handicaps must not be a burdensome task for the person assigned the task as we all have better things to do.
When we play for fun what we score should not be a big deal. However, participants are assessed $240.00 (24 x $10.00) for each tournament and $1,800.00 (24 x $75.00) for the Calcutta. Once individuals play for money the method of scoring should be understandable and fair.
So, what can be done?
1. Continue pissing and whining
2. No longer play for money
1. Award the Green Jacket at the beginning of the season
2. Feed the Commissioner more bacon
3. Change the handicapping system
a. Insist that everyone keep a handicap – not realistic
b. Create a new handicap system
One thought I had was to assign a handicap by choosing the lowest score an individual shoots based on the 5 previous PGA rounds. This has some flaws but it is relatively easy to calculate and is somewhat representative of an individual’s current game. Using a method such as this would require re-establishing handicaps for each tournament which I believe is a good thing.
I would be interested in hearing others comments and suggestions. No need to suggest I be sanctioned as I believe this occurs automatically when anyone challenges the ancient Non Shankus – Non Skamus traditions of the PGA.
Anyone wishing to challenge me on the above should contact my lawyers, Dewey Cheetham & Howe, directly.
Killer
April 28
Near Record Performances at Furry Creek Peter "Spic" Sodonio & Bob "Knuckles" Garries both shot near record net 61's to lead the way at the PGA's second event at Furry Creek Golf Club situated on both sides of the "Olympic" highway. Their 61's were just a shot shy of the PGA record held by El Cid Murdoch who posted a net 60 at Kelowna Springs during the Tripper Cup matches a few years ago. It is the second time Knuckles has shot net 61 at a PGA event. Please click on "scores" for details.
Returning Backie: Hot & Cold Stats Director Dave "Bakes Backie returned to the fold at Furry and recorded what we believe to be another PGA record by making 5 birdies during his round to go along with a few triples. Having surpassed the 4 tweeters needed for a hoover we can only wait to hear from Bake what 5 birdies earned him.
John "JMac" McKenzie was the only player to hit the signature 14th par three in one shot to win the kp on that hole and Bob "Blob" Carter's tee shot to 3 ft won the kp at the short 5th hole.
June Trip News - Book your Hotel As you know our annual trip (Tuna Cup Matches) this year is to Vernon to play the Vernon Golf Club and The Rise (thanks to Doc. Bergy) on June 13 and 14th respectively. We have made arrangements with the Tiki Village Hotel in Vernon who currently have blocked off 12 rooms for us at a cost of 112.00 (including taxes) per night for two sharing (queen beds). I have told them some of us will stay two nights (or more in some cases) and some will only book for one night. If you want to stay at the Tiki Village you must book your room before May 12th (they will only hold the rooms until then). Chat among yourselves to find room mates or book as a single if you prefer.
For those interested please contact: [email protected]to book your room.
For further info their web-site is: http://www.tikivillagevernon.com/
Tuna Challenge:
Due to technical difficulties the format of the Tuna challenge will be adjusted slightly. The best 6 rounds of each pretender will be used to decide the winner. Three holes will still be designated but a net total for each round will be used instead of 18 individual holes.
Next Up: Redwoods May 9th Our third event of the season will take place Saturday May 9th at Redwoods in Langley. Our tee times start at 11am. Groups and sidegames etc will be posted next week.
In the bushes.......thanks again to all the spares who helped us out at Furry, 3 cheers for Blob Carter, Phatee Watt, Dio Creed, Pineapple Nahanee, Piggy Odendaal and Doug "the Slug" Abercrombie....we expect Docme Dick Burns, Shithead Clay, Lefty Sherk and Digger Leigh to return to the tour at Redwoods....Bakes and El Cid will miss at Redwoods and return on May 23 at Swan-e-set.....
Event #2 set at Furry Creek this Saturday The PGA's second event of the season will be played this Saturday, April 25th at the Robert Muir Graves designed course with spectacular views, blind shots and tricky greens. We are part of an 11 am shotgun start so please arrive at the course no later than 10:30 am as we need to organize carts and get out to our designated holes. The weather forecast is for mostly sunny but a little cool at only 12 c. Olympic Putting Game @ Furry Creek PGA gamesmeister Blair "El Cid" Murdoch has chosen the popular Olympic 2 man team putting game as the side game at Furry Creek. The rules are simple: when all four players have reached the green each putt is worth points. 4 pts for the putt furthest from the hole, 3 pts for the next farthest etc. Should a player chip in or hole out they earn 5 pts. In the case of a chip in or hole out the remaining three putts are worth only 3 - 2 - 1. Partners will be decided by a blind draw at the 19th hole. The winning team will share 80.00 in Perfect Lies vouchers and the runners up will earn 40.00. KP's - Tuna Challenge Holes Killer Killeen was asked to choose the Tuna Challenge holes at Furry and has chosen two par 5 and the now world famous 211 yards par 3 14th hole that plays over the pacific ocean as the Tuna Challenge Holes. The two par 5's are the 575 yard monster # 4 and the 485 yard 11th. The KP's will be contested on #14 and the short and aggravating 100 yard #5 that has no place to miss left....don't pull it!!. Winners of the KP's will receive 20.00 Perfect Lies vouchers. Also due to technical difficulties the Tuna holes from UBC were not recorded individually. Please try and remember what your scores were for each hole and let Hugh know. The holes were #2,8 and 17. the net sum of your score has been recorded if that will help you remember
Bakes Returns Statsman Dave Backie returns with new 'caps so we can play the usual low net singles game. The low net winner will earn 40.00 in PL vouchers with the runner up and 3rd place finisher receiving 20.00 each Furry Creek Foursomes - Cart Mates Tibble/McKenzie - Goulding/Sidonio Brown/Killeen - Nahanee/White T. Carter/Watt - Schwartz/Grundy Walters/Wardroper - B. Carter/Garries Odendaal/Odendaal - Volpatti/Alexander Murdoch/Player - Backie/Taylor Players in bold are responsible for collecting 10.00 each from their playing partners to remit to Bakes at the 19th hole for the side game payouts. ocean views.....our third event of the season will be played on Sat. May 9th at Redwoods in Langley, our first tee time is 11 am......spares and debuts - Louie "Warthogg" Odendaal will make his season debut and share a cart with son Mike aka: Piggy.....we are also hoping to see Murray White debut as a spare for the vacationing in Palm Spring bastardo Ken Clay this week but his status was unclear at the time of writing.....Jeff Nahanee will spare for Lefty Sherk, Hamish Watt is taking Digger Leigh's place and Bob Carter is again playing as # 24......finally, condolences to Wilson Rutherford's family, as Wilson a PGA spare, passed away last Sunday losing his 3.5 year battle to cancer.... Opening Day a Great Success!
Playing under cloudy skies that threatened but never produced any wet stuff the PGA kicked off it season at University with better than expected course conditions. The firmer than expected conditions played into the hands of the two Dicks as "Docme" Dick Burns and Dick "Shoe" Wardroper tied with Tiki Tibble and spare Bob Carter to win the 2 Man Jerk event with both teams posting 8 under team scores. Rookie John "JMac" McKenzie opened his PGA ledger by firing a net 69 to take the early lead in the race for the coveted green jacket which will no doubt draw the attention of statsman Bakes Backie. '08 Champ Shoe Wardropercontinued his hot play of last year posting a net 70 along with Hugh "Dawgballs" Taylor whose round including winning all four KP holes. Hard luck Knuckles Garries got off to a good start by shooting a net 71 serving notice that his game and hand are up to the task. Finally, our other rookie Alex "Mr. Bean" Volpatti making his PGA debut & heeding advise from his mentor Stretch Grundy, turned in a net 80 to ensure a friendly 'cap adjustment and Peter "Spic" Sodonio started quick but faded on the back nine and posted 75. For all the results click on "scores". Next Up - Furry Creek - April 25th - 11 am The second event of the season will be played on Saturday April 25th at the mountainside/seaside frustration known affectionately as Fuzzy Creek. We are playing within a larger group with a SHOTGUN start at 11 am. GamesmeisterBlair "El Cid" Murdoch fittingly has chosen the putting game known as Olympic as the team event to be played on the Olympic highway course. Foursomes, cartmates and the Olympic rules will be posted next week. 19th Hole.......many thanks to spares Mike Odendaal, Bob Carter and Greg Burr for coming out at University....the prize pool at Furry Creek will be 240.00 worth of Perfect Lies golf vouchers instead of cash.....Bakes Backie's no show caught everyone by surprise at UBC..."I just got back from vacationing in Mexico and had to make sure all my local girlfriends got serviced and I was just too exhausted to play" reported the Statsman.....Mike Odendaal will return to play at Furry Creek sparing for Docme Dick Burns (wedding) and Hamish "Phatee" Watt will make his PGA debut subbing for Digger Leigh.... Bob Carter looks likely to fill the #24 spot again....Killer (aka: Penguino) Killeen will be choosing the Tuna Challenge holes at Furry which was Tuna's least favorite course of all time...... PGA members Knuckles Garries and Dawgballs Taylor seen at the PGA practice facility.
Click pic to enlarge
Brown Back In Ace Brown's plans have changed and he will be joining the tour and his 2 Man Jerk partner Peter "Spic" Sidonio at University on Saturday. Tuna Challenge Holes As was communicated earlier in the year we are honoring the life of Charlie "Tuna" Phipps this year with the Tuna Challenge. There will be 3 designated or "Tuna" holes at each course we play and we will record everyone's NET score on each hole. With 8 events there will be 24 Tuna holes but only the best 18 holes will count toward the prestigious Tuna Award which will be awarded at the year end bbq. The Tuna holes at University will be: # 2 - par 4 395 yards (lake on the left slightly uphill with a large green) # 8 - par 4 334 yards (short dogleg left well bunkered) #17 - par 5 501 yards (medium par 5...prettiest hole on the course) Back in the saddle shoes......Vic "Stretch" Grundy has pointed out that rookie John "JMac" McKenzie might be the same John McKenzie that played for the Boston Bruins in the late 60's and 70's...his nickname was PIE....the commissioner is considering a tour name change for Mr. Mac.....glad to have Ace Brown able to make the season opener....we expect to see both missing regulars, Louie "Warthogg" Odendaal and Jeff "AngryDad" Schwartz make their debuts at Furry Creek on April 25....
Alex "Mr. Bean" Volpatti shot a brilliant net 62 on Saturday at Meadow Gardens to capture the coveted green jacket in his rookie season and help his team win the annual Calcutta. Mr. Bean edged out "Docme" Dick Burns who, for the second time in his PGA career, shot a 1 under 71 (gross). Docme finished 3 shots back in the green jacket race. Tied for third were former champ Knuckles Garries and our other rookie, JMac McKenzie. Please click on "scores" for further details. (scores and pics are pending)
Team Nicklaus Wins Big Cash
Team Nicklaus captained by Dave "Bake" Backie who turned in a splendid 78 (gross) and along with Killer Killeen, El Cid Murdoch and our '09 green jacket winner, Mr. Bean turned in an amazing round of 27 under to beat out Team Woods (Burns - Sherk - Wardroper - Clay) who shot 24 under and Team Player (McKenzie - Schwartz - Goulding - Alexander) who finished at 21 under. The Nicklaus team picked up 600.00 for the day's play.
Docme's incredible round on 71 secured his winning the year long Tuna Challenge Award. The award was presented by Tuna's widow, Jan Lloyd. Docme won a collector's edition of a Whistler Golf Club hat the club had made up with "Tuna" embroidered on the side. Special mention to BeerHead Player for acquiring the prize. We also like to thank Jan for coming down from down from Whistler to present the award and allow us to say goodbye to the Tuna as a group.
Killer Party!!
Ironically the only rain we encountered the whole season was for the first two hours at Killer's house but the rain did little to dampen anyone spirits and an excellent time was had by all. Super thank you to Killer and Judy (Rainbow) for once again hosting such a disreputable crew.
Year in Review
Our 17th season may have been our best. From the courses to the weather to the new rookies everything fell nicely into place. On the trip, Vernon earned its way onto our regular rotation, thanks in part to Doc Bergstrom's effort at The Rise and partly because of how well we were treated at the Vernon Golf Club and the Tiki Village.
The season highlight was establishing a Charity Fund. This year with 19th hole overpayments and the 25.00 contributions for the tax refund draw (won by El Cid Murdoch) we collected 795.00 which will be donated to the BC Cancer Society in his name. As most of us have been effected by cancer in some way it made sense to donate to the Cancer Society and we believe everyone feels good about our future charitable contributions.
2010 = Heart & Stroke - Sherk & Garries to Match Funds
Our 2010 charity will be the Heart & Stroke Foundation. All 19th hole overpayments and 25.00 tax fund draw moneys will be collected and donated to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Here is the kicker: Knuckles Garries & Lefty Sherk have committed to, between them, matching the total raised by the tour. An extremely generous gesture by these two PGA veterans who have suffered heart (Lefty) and stroke (Knuckles) issues in the past. Well done Chaps!!
2010 The "Olympic" Year
2010 will be our 18th season and should bring us more of the same. Golf, fun, competition, sportsmanship and a little booze. The 2010 schedule has not been set but we are targeting a Saturday April 17th opener at University and play the Calcutta on Saturday June 26th. We do have one event already scheduled and confirmed. We will play the Whistler Golf Club (Tuna's old home course) on June 12th.
last six inches down......Burns' 1 under 71 was his 2nd on tour as he turned the trick a few years ago at The Kings Links...thanks to BeerHead for setting up our Whistler date in June 2010......after such a successful season the executive is expecting all 23 regulars to return next season.....the only other PGA member to shoot 71??....you guessed it, it was Tuna at Northlands during the 2006 Calcutta.....thanks for a great season and we will all look forward to next spring!!
June 25 Calcutta Rules Clarification
A number of crafty veterans have asked when scores are recorded during the Calcutta: Answer - the two net scores must be chosen and circled on your score card prior to teeing off the next hole. Since we have had some rain during the past few days a decision on playing summer or winter rules (or a hybrid) will be made at the course in the morning based on conditions as per the pro staff.
Tuna Challenge
The Tuna Challenge holes for the Calcutta at Meadow Gardens will be:
# 6 - par 4 384 yards
#12 - par 4 390 yards
#18 - par 5 466 yards
The year long Tuna Challenge competition featured 3 designate holes each event. The winner will be the member with the lowest aggregate score for 18 holes (six rounds). As usual the Calcutta round is a must count. Currently Docme leads at 6 under followed by Stretch, the Commissioner and AngryDad at 5 under. Others with a chance to capture the Tuna Challenge are Mr. Bean & BeerHead at 4 under, Hoss at 3 under along with Ace and JMac who currently sit at 2 under.
Jan Lloyd, the Tuna's widow, will be on hand to award at the bbq to award the Tuna Challenge prize.
Lucky # 13
We will have a KP on the 150 yard par 3 number 13.
Killer Directions to BBQ
For those of you who have not been to Killer's house he lives at 2816 Trillium Place in the Blueridge area of North Van (on the way to Northlands & Seymour). Driviing directions: east on Mt. Seymour Parkway - left on Emerson - second right on Trillium Place. Killer's house is on the left near the end of the cul de sac. Remember to bring your designated food.
Good Luck to all the Teams at the Calcutta!!
June 22 Calcutta @ Meadow Gardens - Sat. June 27th
The season finale, the PGA's 17th annual Calcutta will be played at Meadow Gardens with tee times staring at 11:28 am this coming Saturday June 27th. Please arrive no later than 11 am so we can organize. Each of the six teams will purchase themselves for 200.00 (50.00 each). The money is payable to your team's Captain at the start of the round and then should be given to Dave Backie at the 19th hole. Last year the Flames team consisting of Killeen - Tibble - Wardroper & Slade won the Calcutta and earned 150.00 each. This year's payouts will be as follows:
1st: 600.00 - 2nd: 400.00 - 3rd: 200.00 - 4th: 0.00 - 5th: diddly - 6th: squat
The Calcutta is a four man team game. We will keep the same rules as we have had every year:
1. Each team counts their best TWO net scores on each hole.
2. Each team member MUST have their score counted at least SIX times.
3. We play the lateral hazard rule: if you hit the ball out of bounds, into a pond or somewhere bad - drop within two club lengths no closer to the hole from where the ball entered and add ONE shot.
4. No gimme putts.
5. Summer Rules. Play the ball down.
Killer Party!!
Here is each player's food responsibility to bring for our annual awards bbq hosted by Killer on Saturday. Please arrive anytime after 6:30 pm. Please note what is listed next to your name and bring it with you to the party. We expect about 50 people including members, spares and wives. Failure to bring your designated item(s) will result in a serious sanction which will be added to your 2010 membership fee. BYOB and mixer if required.
Salads: Garries - Goulding - McKenzie - Odendaal - Volpatti (please bring enough for 10)
Pre dinner snacks: Carter - Tibble (chips & dip etc.)
Baked potato: Alexander - Backie - Leigh (please bring 10/12 potatoes wrapped in tin foil ready to cook on the bbq)
Butter & Sour Cream: Clay (enough for 36)
Desserts: Schwartz - Taylor - Murdoch - Player (please bring enough for 10)
Appies - Brown - Burns - Wardroper - Grundy - Sidonio - Sherk - Walters (please bring enough for 8)
Steaks/Chicken/bbq sauces: Commissioner
Plates etc: Commissioner
BC Cancer Reverse Draw
We have collected about 400.00 for the BC Cancer Society. The charitable receipt will be given to the winner of a reverse draw on Saturday evening. If you have not already donated 25.00 (to Shoe, Knuckles or the Commissioner) please do so before the start of the reverse draw on Saturday evening if you wish to be included in the draw. Lets see if we can get the donation to 1.000.00!!!
Calcutta Predictions
Contenders: Teams Nicklaus & Snead
Half a hope: Teams Woods & Palmer
No hope: Teams Player & Watson
Green Jacket Race: Knuckles, JMac & Bean in the Lead
The Calcutta round counts for everyone in the race for the coveted Green Jacket. Currently former champ Knuckles Garries is leading at 269 with JMac and Mr. Bean tied at 273 followed by Docme (275) and 08 champ Shoe (280). BeerHead and Hoss at 281 and fast charging Digger (285) likely have a bit too much work to do but could easily get into the top three with a good round at Meadow Gardens.
Individual prizes will be awarded during the awards dinner based on seasonal net scores. The low net (green jacket) winner selects first and so on.
on the dance floor.....lets hope Saturday's weather forecast changes, not looking great at the moment....kudos again to Paul and Judy for hosting the bbq.....Team Watson is hoping that either Natalie Gulbis or Paula Creamer are available to spare on Saturday......
June 16 ClansMen Clobber Stars in Tuna Cup Matches
For the 4th consecutive year the North Van Clan led by Captain Docme Dick Burns bested the WorldStars in the annual Tuna Cup Matches. The Clan used a strong opening day team effort to jump to a 25 to 11 lead and hung on during the singles for a resounding 41.5 to 30.5 win. Aside from the lack of drama of the competition many tour vets felt that this was our best trip ever. We received excellent service and treatment at both Vernon Golf Club and The Rise plus The Tiki Village motel was perfect for our needs. For individual scoring please click "scores" (Pending).
Thanks Doc!
Once again a giant thank you to Doc Bergstrom for getting us out at The Rise. The day was perfect (except for most of the scores) and everyone really enjoyed the course. The staff at The Rise was excellent and it was great they donated a couple of prizes even if Dawgballs Taylor won the KP (again).
Season Finale - Calcutta @ Meadow Gardens
Our season finale, the annual Calcutta will be played on Saturday June 27th at Meadow Gardens in Maple Ridge. Our first tee time is 11:28 am so please arrive no later than 11 am. The Calcutta teams were drawn on Sunday June 14 in Princeton at the Ponderosa Motel with Ace Brown, BeerHead Player, Dawgballs Taylor and the Commissioner as witnesses. The Calcutta fee this year will once again be 200.00 per team (50.00 per player). This year we have chosen to name the groups after famous golfers:
11:28: Team Woods: BURNS - Clay - Wardroper - Sherk
11:34: Team Nicklaus: BACKIE - Killeen - Murdoch - Volpatti
11:42: Team Palmer: GARRIES - Tibble - Player - Odendaal
11:50: Team Snead: WALTERS - Brown - Sidonio - Leigh
11:58: Team Player: McKENZIE - Schwartz - Goulding - Alexander
12:06: Team Watson: CARTER - Taylor - Grundy - # 24 (TBA)
Team Captains are in CAPITALS.
Annual BBQ Shindig
As reported earlier, Killer Killeen and Rainbow are once again hosting the annual awards bbq after the Calcutta at their home in Blueridge/North Van. The tour will provide the meat and utensils but each member will be requested to bring either an appy or salad or dessert etc. What each member is asked to bring will be posted on the web-site next week. All players, wives, and spares are invited to the bbq.
Uneven lies......kudos again to Doc for helping make it a great trip....the consensus is that the tour will return to Vernon for the trip in the next year or two......special thanks again to Paul and Judy for hosting the bbq for likely the 8th time.....
June 10 Tuna Cup Matches: North Van Defends Crown in Vernon
This weekend's Tuna Cup Matches pitting the champion North Van Clan captained by Docme Dick Burns against The World Stars lead by Commissioner Tom Carter promises to once again be a hard fought affair. The Clan have won the past 3 annual matches and look to be the favorite again this year. Lets look at the day one team matches that start on Saturday with tee times beginning at 1 pm at the Vernon Golf Club.
Clan: Burns & Volpatti vs Stars: Garries & Bergstrom - This match could set the tone for the rest of the day. Rookie Mr. Bean has had an outstanding season so far but can he survive Docme's habitual "coaching" without being overwhelmed by the occasion? Their opponents look to be a solid team with Knuckles in the hunt again for the green jacket despite having his 'cap cut severely and Doc's long driving and solid overall play. Low 'capper Burns usually comes to play and has been very solid this year. Advantage: Even.
Clan: Backie & Alexander vs Stars: Player & Schwartz - Bakes has had an unusually quiet year and is due to break out while Hoss is once again playing well and racing for the green jacket. BeerHead is a solid steady driver of the ball which sets him up well but he needs to finish better to help out AngryDad who hits it a tonne but is sometimes errant but has surprisingly soft hands around the green. Advantage: Even.
Clan: Walters & Murdoch vs Stars: Carter & Creed - Flintstone's unorthodox swing is as consistent as anyone on tour and El Cid's ability to somehow always play well in the matches (and always beat the commissioner) does not bode well for the World Stars in this match. Spare Creed as a decent all around game but the Commissioner will need to buy El Cid lots of beer if the Stars hope to get more that a couple of points from this match. Advantage: North Van Clan
Clan: Leigh & TBA vs Stars: Tibble & Odendaal - At present we are still looking for a spare for Digger's team mate. We have tried Natalie Gulbis but she declined after seeing our web site. Digger the long ball hitter, has played lots of sports and will team well with whoever he is teamed with but will have a hard match against two World Star veterans. If Tiki finds consistency and Warthogg can play up to his potential (hit lots of 5 irons!!) this could be one of the closer matches. Advantage: Even
Clan: Brown & Grundy vs Stars: Taylor & Goulding - This match will likely go right to the wire as both teams are stocked with seasoned vets. Dawgballs needs to stay away from the big number to be effective and Tex No Balls, with his lucky hat, has shown signs he is ready to start shooting some low rounds. His is deceptively long but needs to be better around the greens. Collectively easily the matches tallest and best looking team for day one, Stretch and Ace will need keep the ball in play and play well around the greens. Advantage: Even
Clan: McKenzie & Killeen vs Stars: Wardroper & Maynard - Another extremely close match on paper. Shoe has been consistent all season with no glaring weaknesses. His partner, former regular Hamburgler says he has reduced the pause at the top of his swing and in the past has been a good performer in the annual matches. Killer has had an up and down season but is capable of going low while JMac, a green jacket contender, has had a great season so far winning 3 events. Unless Hamburgler's swing upsets the Clan members the Stars are in touch in this match. Advantage: Clan
Director of Stats and Caps Dave Backie has set the caps for the Tuna Cup. See the handicaps page for your index which will be used to set your course Handicap at Vernon G & CC and the Rise.
Travel Tip
As per Doc Bergstrom's email sent to everyone earlier this week please be aware there is lots of roadwork around the Kelowna area. The Doc recommends that if you are leaving on Saturday that you might want to travel through Kamloops and take hwy 97 south into Vernon. Those of you going on Friday to play in the Kelowna are might want to give themselves an extra 30 minutes or so to make Friday tee times.
Accommodations: Tiki Village
If you haven't already made reservations please go to: http://www.tikivillagevernon.com/
Meals
After the round on Saturday we will stay and have dinner at the golf club. Doc reports The Rise has a good breakfast deal on Sunday morning starting at 8 am which he highly recommends.
June 8 JMac Wins Again @ The Falls to Lead Green Jacket Race
John "JMac" McKenzie turned in another solid round posting a net 67 to win the PGA's 5th event of the season at The Falls on Saturday. Alex "Mr. Bean" Volpatti also turned in a 67 but the tie was broken with the nod given to JMac (lower 'cap). His three wins this season put JMac firmly in the lead in the race for the coveted green jacket. Volpatti, Wardroper, Alexander and Garries are all still in the hunt with 3 events to go. Knuckles Garries refuses to go away in spite of having his 'cap lowered to 10. For anyone who doesn't know or is confused each member's best four rounds plus the Calcutta round (the Calcutta round count for everyone) counts for the green jacket race.
Tuna Cup Trip
Our annual trip renamed the Tuna Cup this year in memory of Charlie "Tuna" Phipps will be played next weekend in Vernon BC. Our first round is at Vernon Golf Club. Our first time is at 1 pm. Please arrive at the course no later than 12:30 pm. North Van Clan will look for its 4th win on the trot over the World Stars. Day One of the matches features the 2 man net team event. Here are the matches as drawn at the 19th hole at The Falls
North Van Clan WorldStars
1 Burns/Volpatti vs Garries/Berstrom
2 Backie/Alexander vs Player/Schwartz
3 Walters/Murdoch vs Carter/Clay
4 Leigh/TBA vs Tibble/Odendaal
5 Brown/Grundy vs Taylor/Goulding
6 McKenzie/Killeen vs Wardroper/Maynard
First day scoring: 2 points for front nine - 2 points for back nine - 2 points for overall match winner. 36 points in total are in play for the day one matches. Day two features net singles matches. The singles draw will be held during dinner at the Vernon Golf Club on Saturday evening. The singles matches will be played at The Rise with times starting at 9 am. There will also be 36 points available for the day two singles matches. The first team to 36.5 points wins the Tuna Cup. Travelling Tips Accoring to the BC Gov't web site (http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/distances/calculator.asp) the travel time to Vernon from North Van is about 4.5 hours. For those of you going up early and playing in the Kelowna area the estimated drive time is 4 hours. Please give yourselves enough time to drive up safely. straight down the pipe.........all the day one team matches look interesting but match one pitting Burns/Volpatti against Garries/Bergstrom could set the tone......thanks again to Doc B for arranging The Rise for us on Sunday - everyone is looking forward to having Doc join us this weekend (playing as our #24) especially The World Stars who need his over all good play to help them wrestle the cup away from the North Van Clan who have dominated the matches the past three years.....Peter Sidonio (Scotland trip) and Lefty Sherk (business) will miss the matches...Al "Hamburgler" Maynard will take Pete's spot and we are still looking for a spare for Lefty..... Killer to Host Annual Shindig.....Again Paul "Killer" Killeen and his lovely wife "Rainbow" have stepped forward once again host our annual bbq awards shindig after the June 27th Calcutta finale (at Meadow Gardens). The tour will provide the bbq meat and each player will be assigned something to bring for the bbq (dessert, buns, salad etc). This is the 4th (at least) PGA bbq Paul and Judy have hosted and we thank and appreciate their generosity. May 26 JMac & Bean: Super @ Swanny Rookie Alex "Mr. Bean" Volpatti and JMac McKenzie both fired net 69's to split the honors at Swan-e-set under sunny skies and excellent conditions. The firm of Player, Brown, McKenzie and Alexander won the well received Vienna team game waltzing in with a 20 under score. Dawgballs Taylor continued his domination of the KP contests by winning his 5th of the season with a 8 iron to about 5 feet on the par 3 16th. Please see "scores" for details. Green Jacket Race Ramping Up As we past the 1/2 point of the season the race for the coveted Green Jacket is starting to take shape. Veterans in the hunt include last year's champ Shoe Wardroper along with Knuckles Garries and Hoss Alexander. But there are a pair of rookies pushing the old guard in the likes of Mr. Bean and JMac. 2nd year man Peter "Spic" Sidonio who missed at Swanny is also lurking close by and is putting together a strong season. With 4 events left the picture is still murky but getting clearer after each event. Next UP: Faggot @ The Falls Our 5th event of the season will be played Saturday June 6th at The Falls in Chilliwack. Gamesmeister El Cid Murdoch has chosen the ever popular Faggot pink ball game. Our tee times begin at 10:30 am. Please arrive no later than 10 am so we can get organized. Teams/Foursomes will be posted next week. broken down carts.......the commish would like to thank Stretch Grundy for buying him a beer on the back 9 at Swanny......the Tuna Cup first round draw will be held at the 19th hole at The Falls as the World Stars beaten like a drum by theNorth Van Clan will try for some revenge......Stretch Grundy will not be sanctioned for "attempting to curry favor with the Commissioner" as requested by his team mates (Burns - Walters - Briggs) at Swanny, instead Burns & Walterswill be sanctioned for squealing and NOT buying the commissioner beer.....spare Rodney Briggs will escape unharmed.....for now.....thanks again to Rod Briggs and PineApple Nahanee for sparing at Swanny...... May 20 Swanny Set for Saturday The PGA's fourth event of the season will be played in Pitt Meadow's at the Lee Trevino designed resort course at Swan-e-set this coming Saturday May 23rd. Our tee times begin at 9 am so please arrive no later than 8:30. The only regular missing will be Peter "Spic" Sidonio whose place will be taken by a new spare, Rodney Briggs. The Tuna Challenge holes as selected by Docme Dick Burns are the third (145 yard par 3), the ninth (380 yard par 4) and the 14th (510 yard par 5). Finally, the current forecast has the weatherman smiling on us with sunny skies and a high of 21!! Team Game The team game this week will be Vienna, another 4 man team game. Vienna is a simple enough side game. It makes a round of golf as easy as a waltz in the park. 1-2-3, 1-2-3 and so it goes.
First hole count the best one score of the foursome and circle it for Backie's ultimate benefit.
Second hole count the best two scores and circle them.
Third hole count the best three scores and circle them.
Repeat as necessary until the entire 18 hole dance is completed.
As always, record gross scores only (you can figure out what the nets are but dont record them).Aaaaaand 1-2-3, 1-2-3
Payouts - Perfect Lies Coupons
The winning team for Vienna will collect 80.00 (20.00 each). First place in net singles will earn 60.00 while 2nd place will win 40.00, 3rd and 4th place will pick up 20.00 each. KP will be on the 140 yard par 3 16th hole with 20.00 going to the winner. The specially arranged Investors Group Hole in One (arranged by Killer) will be held on the 154 yard par 3 8th (scroll down for the amazing prize)
Times & Team Foursomes
9 am - Backie - Sherk - Wardroper - Goulding
9:08 - Grundy - Walters - Burns - Briggs
9:16 - Schwartz - Garries - Tibble - Taylor
9:24 - Carter - Odendaal - Murdoch - Clay
9:32 - Killeen - Volpatti - Leigh - TBA
9:40 - Player - Brown - Alexander - McKenzie
The captains in bold are responsible for collecting 10.00 each from their team mates and remitting to the commissioner at the 19th hole.
Handicaps
Thanks very much to Vic for his diligent work on helping us to reach true Stroke Equity.
All those with an established index will use that number (Backie, Brown, Burns, Carter, Killeen, Schwartz, Taylor and Tibble.) Anyone else with an index please let me know.
Here are the numbers for everyone else
Alexander 22.5, Clay 14.6 Garries 10.4 Goulding 18.6 Grundy 16.0 Leigh 19.2 McKenzie 15.1 Murdoch 17.4 Odendaal 31.5 Player 16.1 Sherk 20.2 Sidonio 17.1 Volpatti 28.2 Walters 12.4 Wardroper 17.2.
See you on Saturday, Bake
Deep woods......new spare Rodney Briggs is a pal of Flintstone Walters.....thanks again to Killer Killeen for organizing the IG hole in one contest......Ace Brown was the last PGA member to card a one during a PGA event, he turned the trick at the par 3 14th at North Bellinham about 7 years ago.....El Cid Murdoch returns to the tour after playing in Ireland....
May 14 Killer Hole in One Contest by IG In addition to the usual PGA activities the round at Swan-e-Set will feature a Hole-in-One Contest sponsored by Investors Group. The contest will be set up on the 153 yard par 3 8th hole. If anyone scores a hole-in-one that person will receive an all expense paid trip for 2 to the 2010 British Open. To qualify each person will be required to complete a ballot before teeing off on the 8th. The ballot will be entered into a draw in October for a second trip for 2 to the 2010 British Open.
Contest rules · The hole’s minimum length must be at least 150 yards for men and 140 yards for women.
· An official participant must make golf shots in the regular round of play (no practice shots permitted). It must be the participants first shot (no “mulligans”).
· “Participant” means an individual (other than a Golf-Club Pro or a professional golfer) entered and playing in the tournament.
· One tournament official (who is of legal age) or a Consultant must be stationed and monitoring play at the selected hole for the entire tournament.
· The tournament must be played in groups of three or four. No twosomes allowed.
· Investors Group Consultants, Associates, and employees are not eligible.
Paul Killeen
Investors Group
Dawgballs seen practicing for hole in one
The Prize
Swing Away to Scotland
2010 British Open St. Andrews
July 13-19, 2010
Six Nights Hotel Accommodation
Three nights Lochgreen House, Troon
Voted by AA as Scotland’s Hotel of the Year in 2004 the hotel is situated on
the outskirts of Troon, Ayrshire. It nestles amidst 30 acres of woodland and most visitors are surprised and delighted when they drive towards Lochgreen House by the absolute precision of the manicured lawns and borders – a testament to the hard work of the maintenance team. The house has been completely restored and renovated and offers a touch of luxury whilst retaining the ‘homely’ feel.
Three nights Bonham Hotel, Edinburgh
Located close to the West End and Princes Street and a previous winner of
Scotland’s Hotel of the Year Award, this imaginative conversion of a former university residence combines many of the original Victorian features with a more contemporary style. Comfortable and practical bedrooms offer up-to-the minute technology and splendid bathrooms. A striking modern restaurant, in the brasserie style, features interesting light cuisine. Service is professional and friendly.
Three Rounds Golf
Western Gailes
Western Gailes, founded in 1897, is unquestionably one of the finest courses in Scotland. The course has played host to the Curtis Cup, PGA Championship, Seniors and prestigious Scottish Amateur Championship. It is also one of the final qualifying courses when The Open is played at Turnberry or Royal Troon.
Prestwick
The course serves as an interesting historical example of the type of golfing terrain on which the first Open champions had to play. The challenging, long 3rd hole, known as The Cardinal, may be the most famous part of Prestwick.
North Berwick
One of the finest true links courses in Scotland, North Berwick West sits along the shore of the Firth of Forth with fine views of the Bass Rock and the distant green hills of Fife. The course is most famous for the 15th hole, as well as the bunkers, beach and rough. Sea winds constantly play a factor.
Attendance Third and Final round of the British Open at St. Andrews
Daily Breakfast
Airport Meet and Greet
Mid-Size Automatic Car Rental with unlimited mileage and GPS (Pick up and Drop off at Airport
Roundtrip Airfare from Canadian Gateway up to $1300.00 CAD per person
On-site Assistance of a Premier Golf Representative
Document Wallet, Luggage Tags and Information Guide
All Taxes
Not Included-
Items of a personal nature
Meals not specified
Parking at the British Open
Caddy fees
Gratuities
May 13 Teams Burns Wins St. Alice @ Redwoods Led by Capt. "Docme" Dick Burns' sparkling 66 on a beautiful spring day the Burns squad comprised of Burns, Lefty Sherk, Hoss Alexander and spare Doug Sarkisian posted a net 3 under to win the St. Alice two ball team game. Yabba Dabba Doo!! Docme wasn't the only one to shoot 66 as Fred "Flintstone" Walters also turned the trick with a rock solid round. KP winners were Ace Brown (#12) and Knuckles Garries (#17). Despite having his 'cap reduced to 13 Garries still managed his way around the tight Redwoods track to post a 67. Please click "scores" for all the details. Party Volunteer?? Our annual year end awards bbq is scheduled for Sat. June 27th after the year ending Calcutta (Meadow Gardens) and we are looking for a volunteer to host the shin dig. In the past Killer Killeen has hosted a few times as well as members Garries, Burns and Alexander. If you wish to host please let the commissioner know. Tuna Cup Trip Plans Please remember to find a room mate and book your hotel room for our June trip (June 13/14) at the Tiki Village. The hotel has "blocked" the rooms for us but only until this Tuesday, May 12th. The information is included on this site (please just scroll down). Currently we have full field of 24 players for the annual North Van Clan vs Team World matches to be played at Vernon Golf Club (Sat. 1 pm start) and The Rise (Sun. 9 am start). Peter "Spic" Sidonio is vacationing in Scotland but former PGA regular Al "Hamburgler" Maynard will take his place. Craig "Doc" Bergstrom who graciously made the arrangements for us at The Rise will play as our # 24. Thanks again to Doc for getting us out on a first class track, one we'll remember for a long time. Next Up - Swan-e-set - Sat. May 23rd Our fourth event of the season which sees us hit the mid way point will be held on Sat. May 23rd at the resort course at Swan-e-set in Pitt Meadows. We have earlier than usual tee times starting at 9 am so please arrive no later than 8:30. The team game and foursomes will be posted next week. power fades.......thanks and kudos to Stretch Grundy for jumping into the handicapping controversy with his free 'capping website and humour.....thanks again to Doug Sarkisian for sparing and most excellent to see former regular Al "NovoCop" Novotny take a day away from his Harley......El Cid Murdoch missed the Redwoods event choosing instead to play some famous links courses in Ireland....the first day draw for the Tuna Cup Matches will be done at the 19th hole at Swanny....... May 6, PGA Tour Event #3 set at Redwoods The PGA tour's third event is set for this Saturday, May 9th at Redwoods Golf Club in Langley. Tee times starting at 11 am so please arrive at or before 10:30. The current forecast for Langley is sunny and a high of 16 on Saturday. St. Alice Game Just because El Cid Murdoch is on a golf vacation in Ireland doesn't mean he neglected his PGA responsibilities as he has chosen the popular St. Alice foursome game for this week's entertainment. Overview: This is a two ball "team" game where two balls count. Net scores will be counted. You will be required, as always, to post gross scores on your scorecards. We will sort it out after.
Rules: 1. Establish your playing order from your foursome and write it down.
2. On hole #1, the first player listed is the teams "captain". Based on the captain's assessment of all the tee shots, and prior to a second shot by anyone, he chooses one member as his partner on the hole. The captain writes the identity of his partner down on the scorecard (initial on line 5?). The foursome is now stuck with the scores of that chosen member plus the captain for this hole.
The captain for hole #1 is also the captain for holes 5, 9, 13.
On hole #2, the second player listed on the scorecard is now the "captain". As in point 2. above, he chooses one member of the foursome as his partner for this hole and records the identity on the scorecard. Again, the foursome score is based on the performance of the captain and the chosen golfer. Remember, the captain chooses the golfer after the drives but before any other shots are taken.
As in point 3. above, this captain is the captain for holes 6, 10, 14
Hole number 3, player listed #3 is the captain. Repeat as before with that golfer captaining holes 7, 11, 15
Hole number 4, player listed #4 is the captain. Repeat as before with that golfer captaining holes 8, 12, 16
Hole #17, count Captain 1 and Captain 2's scores.
Hole #18, count Captain 3 and Captain 4's scores.
The winning team will receive 40.00 each of Perfect Lies coupons.
KP is on #12 (130 yard par 3) - winner gets 20.00 PL coupons
The Tuna Challenge holes as selected by AngryDad Schwartz are # 4 (520 yards par 5) - # 10 (320 yards par 4) and #17 (170 par 3)
Net singles payouts: 40.00 PL coupons for first place and 20.00 for second.
Tee Times / Foursomes
11 am - GARRIES - Player - Grundy - Odendaal
11:08 - BROWN - Schwartz - Wardroper - Volpatti
11:16 - BURNS - Alexander - Sarkinson(16) - Sherk
11:24 - CLAY - McKenzie - B. Carter - Tibble
11:32 - TAYLOR - Sidonio - Walters - Leigh
11:40 - T. CARTER - Killeen - Goulding - Novotny (25)
Captains are in CAPITALS and are responsible for collecting the 10.00 team game fee from each player. Please remit to the commissioner at the 19th hole.
HANDICAP CONTROVERSY
While the intentions of the members "blogging" about our handicap system are good, the commissioner (as well as everyone else) knows establishing handicaps for such a diverse group is a ugly chore and one that Dave Backie has handled with class & humor for many years. The first two events are the most difficult to 'cap so before we have more discussion on any changes Dave will make his usual adjustments and lets see how things stack up. So if you keep an index (other than My scorecard) please let Hugh know what it is by the Wednesday prior to the event. If you don't have an index Dave will assign you one like always. These index's will then be used to set your "course handicap" the day of the event. The index's for this week have been set. Please look at them and if you keep an index and it is contrary to the one listed please inform Hugh.
Balky putting.......teams/foursomes are encouraged to come up with interesting names for the 19th hole awards.....looking forward to seeing Al "NovoCop" Novotny a former regular who is sparing (El Cid) at Redwoods.....Sarkinson is back subbing for Bakes Backie (Seattle cruise)....."Docme" Dick Burns returns after skipping the Furry Creek event to attend a wedding......
Tom Carter
ANNUAL HANDICAP RANT
Rhetorical question: Why is it that only bad golfers complain about handicaps?
I have been doing members’ handicaps for the PGA since day 1. I would like nothing better than to have my job being declared redundant due to the fact that every member had a current registered handicap index. I agree fully with Killer and Tiki. This was discussed at our “executive” meeting in March (and briefly at our Calcutta/Wind Up dinner last season.) We end up playing for a lot of money and it is only fair that the playing field be even. I try very hard to keep everyone in the running through appropriate handicapping but it is not easy with a group as inconsistent as ours.
I have always played according to my index – and don’t ever have a hope in hell of winning a green jacket since you only play to your handicap once in every four games on average. That gives me two possible good scores of the eight rounds we play! Not enough.
FYI –for the Furry Creek round I compiled an index for members. I took every score recorded for each member and did the following:
- Selected the best scores for half the number of rounds recorded (ie: 10 of 20, 5 of 10. 3 of 6 etc.)
- found the average score
- applied the following formula: score - 69.9 x 115 * 122 x .96
Bake
May 5, I think everyone should pick their own handicap. I'm a 50
Novo Cop
No Vic that's not a typo. Ha Ha. I agree with killer. The handicap is a measure of potential and it doesn't change because you've had a layoff. If you stink when you start playing again your cap will eventually go up but not as fast as it will go down after a great round. If you don't want to stink, practice. All that aside Mr. Backie has my full support for what ever method he uses to set the caps
DB
Handicap controversy on the PGA? For members who might be “fiscally challenged” by the $9.95 My Scorecard registration, attached is a site that I use for handicap calculations that is priced a little more correctly (i.e. free). FYI after factoring in all of my scores, by the end of September last year, my handicap rating was 16.5. Based on my first scores this season Bakes showing me at a 21 is probably more accurate (beginning of the season is quite different from the end of the season for me).
Personally, I like the handicap bitching and moaning approach purely for the entertainment value, although, handing out the Green Jacket at the beginning of the season might also be worthy of debate. Of course, if we did that we would all have to get participation ribbons.
Curiously, I note on the website that after my sterling round of 103 at Furry Creek my handicap dropped from 21 to 13? Is this a typo and should it not be 23? You see I really do like the bitching whining program. An insight into why some of my work associates refer to me as a Jewish Gentile (Oi Vai!).........
Vic
I made my feelings made known on Sunday. Let’s start a club on My Scorecard, enter the last 20 scores, presto a handicap. Individuals can then add scores if they play elsewhere and the PGA can add scores after each PGA event.
Ace
Re; Handicaps!!!! I support the PGA Members Speaks out in the opening
remarks to the PGA in the latest release on the PGA Website. It is time we put all PGA members in to a proper handicap situation. I am not being critical of Bakes. He has done a remarkable job over the years for the PGA. I play to a handicap system to which some members belong, My Scorecard, an on-line system, gives my Handicap Index as 15.7. On every course I play I put in my scores, which are adjusted, I take my index and look at what handicap the course gives me re: white tees or blue tees. Check my scores and my handicap and it makes the playing field fair particularly with $240 at stake.
Suggest Lets all join My Scorecard...the following players are members... Tom Carter, Doug Player, Dick Burns, Larry Brown, Hugh Taylor, Joe Tibble.....Ken Clay is part of Capilano Handicap System. There are other players who belong to a handicap system. I believe for those who were members last year and have no handicap system, by using last years scores and your two scores to date, it would take two days on-line to establish an official handicap for you individually. This would leave Bakes an easier task of giving those new PGA members players this year an adjusted handicap for each. It takes 10 games to establish a handicap.
So to all of you join My Scorecard Handicap System if you don’t have an official handicap! Hugh Taylor and Tom Carter would provide details on how to register with My Scorecard!
Fore!
Not an opinion! I stand by my position of fairness and not on Sourgrapes!!!
Joe Tibble
OPEN LETTER TO PGA PARTICIPANTS
For some years the issue of individual handicaps as used on the PGA has been the subject of discussion. I presume those who met in the winter to review the PGA operations discussed the matter but no changes were forthcoming. As those meeting were unwilling to change the meeting date to accommodate my presence, I did not attend.
An individual’s handicap, by definition, is a representation of what a person is capable of scoring. This is often confused with “what I usually shoot” or “what is my average score.” Using the recognized standard of what a person is capable of scoring, a net score as low as 69 should be remarkable if not highly unlikely. Accordingly, net scores in the low 60’s border on the impossible.
Scores recorded in the last 2 years reveal that individuals regularly achieve net scores in the low 60’s. This, as a reflection of handicap calculation, should be impossible. I recognize that most PGA members do not keep a handicap therefore it is necessary to do something to equalize scoring. Further, setting handicaps must not be a burdensome task for the person assigned the task as we all have better things to do.
When we play for fun what we score should not be a big deal. However, participants are assessed $240.00 (24 x $10.00) for each tournament and $1,800.00 (24 x $75.00) for the Calcutta. Once individuals play for money the method of scoring should be understandable and fair.
So, what can be done?
1. Continue pissing and whining
2. No longer play for money
1. Award the Green Jacket at the beginning of the season
2. Feed the Commissioner more bacon
3. Change the handicapping system
a. Insist that everyone keep a handicap – not realistic
b. Create a new handicap system
One thought I had was to assign a handicap by choosing the lowest score an individual shoots based on the 5 previous PGA rounds. This has some flaws but it is relatively easy to calculate and is somewhat representative of an individual’s current game. Using a method such as this would require re-establishing handicaps for each tournament which I believe is a good thing.
I would be interested in hearing others comments and suggestions. No need to suggest I be sanctioned as I believe this occurs automatically when anyone challenges the ancient Non Shankus – Non Skamus traditions of the PGA.
Anyone wishing to challenge me on the above should contact my lawyers, Dewey Cheetham & Howe, directly.
Killer
April 28
Near Record Performances at Furry Creek Peter "Spic" Sodonio & Bob "Knuckles" Garries both shot near record net 61's to lead the way at the PGA's second event at Furry Creek Golf Club situated on both sides of the "Olympic" highway. Their 61's were just a shot shy of the PGA record held by El Cid Murdoch who posted a net 60 at Kelowna Springs during the Tripper Cup matches a few years ago. It is the second time Knuckles has shot net 61 at a PGA event. Please click on "scores" for details.
Returning Backie: Hot & Cold Stats Director Dave "Bakes Backie returned to the fold at Furry and recorded what we believe to be another PGA record by making 5 birdies during his round to go along with a few triples. Having surpassed the 4 tweeters needed for a hoover we can only wait to hear from Bake what 5 birdies earned him.
John "JMac" McKenzie was the only player to hit the signature 14th par three in one shot to win the kp on that hole and Bob "Blob" Carter's tee shot to 3 ft won the kp at the short 5th hole.
June Trip News - Book your Hotel As you know our annual trip (Tuna Cup Matches) this year is to Vernon to play the Vernon Golf Club and The Rise (thanks to Doc. Bergy) on June 13 and 14th respectively. We have made arrangements with the Tiki Village Hotel in Vernon who currently have blocked off 12 rooms for us at a cost of 112.00 (including taxes) per night for two sharing (queen beds). I have told them some of us will stay two nights (or more in some cases) and some will only book for one night. If you want to stay at the Tiki Village you must book your room before May 12th (they will only hold the rooms until then). Chat among yourselves to find room mates or book as a single if you prefer.
For those interested please contact: [email protected]to book your room.
For further info their web-site is: http://www.tikivillagevernon.com/
Tuna Challenge:
Due to technical difficulties the format of the Tuna challenge will be adjusted slightly. The best 6 rounds of each pretender will be used to decide the winner. Three holes will still be designated but a net total for each round will be used instead of 18 individual holes.
Next Up: Redwoods May 9th Our third event of the season will take place Saturday May 9th at Redwoods in Langley. Our tee times start at 11am. Groups and sidegames etc will be posted next week.
In the bushes.......thanks again to all the spares who helped us out at Furry, 3 cheers for Blob Carter, Phatee Watt, Dio Creed, Pineapple Nahanee, Piggy Odendaal and Doug "the Slug" Abercrombie....we expect Docme Dick Burns, Shithead Clay, Lefty Sherk and Digger Leigh to return to the tour at Redwoods....Bakes and El Cid will miss at Redwoods and return on May 23 at Swan-e-set.....
Event #2 set at Furry Creek this Saturday The PGA's second event of the season will be played this Saturday, April 25th at the Robert Muir Graves designed course with spectacular views, blind shots and tricky greens. We are part of an 11 am shotgun start so please arrive at the course no later than 10:30 am as we need to organize carts and get out to our designated holes. The weather forecast is for mostly sunny but a little cool at only 12 c. Olympic Putting Game @ Furry Creek PGA gamesmeister Blair "El Cid" Murdoch has chosen the popular Olympic 2 man team putting game as the side game at Furry Creek. The rules are simple: when all four players have reached the green each putt is worth points. 4 pts for the putt furthest from the hole, 3 pts for the next farthest etc. Should a player chip in or hole out they earn 5 pts. In the case of a chip in or hole out the remaining three putts are worth only 3 - 2 - 1. Partners will be decided by a blind draw at the 19th hole. The winning team will share 80.00 in Perfect Lies vouchers and the runners up will earn 40.00. KP's - Tuna Challenge Holes Killer Killeen was asked to choose the Tuna Challenge holes at Furry and has chosen two par 5 and the now world famous 211 yards par 3 14th hole that plays over the pacific ocean as the Tuna Challenge Holes. The two par 5's are the 575 yard monster # 4 and the 485 yard 11th. The KP's will be contested on #14 and the short and aggravating 100 yard #5 that has no place to miss left....don't pull it!!. Winners of the KP's will receive 20.00 Perfect Lies vouchers. Also due to technical difficulties the Tuna holes from UBC were not recorded individually. Please try and remember what your scores were for each hole and let Hugh know. The holes were #2,8 and 17. the net sum of your score has been recorded if that will help you remember
Bakes Returns Statsman Dave Backie returns with new 'caps so we can play the usual low net singles game. The low net winner will earn 40.00 in PL vouchers with the runner up and 3rd place finisher receiving 20.00 each Furry Creek Foursomes - Cart Mates Tibble/McKenzie - Goulding/Sidonio Brown/Killeen - Nahanee/White T. Carter/Watt - Schwartz/Grundy Walters/Wardroper - B. Carter/Garries Odendaal/Odendaal - Volpatti/Alexander Murdoch/Player - Backie/Taylor Players in bold are responsible for collecting 10.00 each from their playing partners to remit to Bakes at the 19th hole for the side game payouts. ocean views.....our third event of the season will be played on Sat. May 9th at Redwoods in Langley, our first tee time is 11 am......spares and debuts - Louie "Warthogg" Odendaal will make his season debut and share a cart with son Mike aka: Piggy.....we are also hoping to see Murray White debut as a spare for the vacationing in Palm Spring bastardo Ken Clay this week but his status was unclear at the time of writing.....Jeff Nahanee will spare for Lefty Sherk, Hamish Watt is taking Digger Leigh's place and Bob Carter is again playing as # 24......finally, condolences to Wilson Rutherford's family, as Wilson a PGA spare, passed away last Sunday losing his 3.5 year battle to cancer.... Opening Day a Great Success!
Playing under cloudy skies that threatened but never produced any wet stuff the PGA kicked off it season at University with better than expected course conditions. The firmer than expected conditions played into the hands of the two Dicks as "Docme" Dick Burns and Dick "Shoe" Wardroper tied with Tiki Tibble and spare Bob Carter to win the 2 Man Jerk event with both teams posting 8 under team scores. Rookie John "JMac" McKenzie opened his PGA ledger by firing a net 69 to take the early lead in the race for the coveted green jacket which will no doubt draw the attention of statsman Bakes Backie. '08 Champ Shoe Wardropercontinued his hot play of last year posting a net 70 along with Hugh "Dawgballs" Taylor whose round including winning all four KP holes. Hard luck Knuckles Garries got off to a good start by shooting a net 71 serving notice that his game and hand are up to the task. Finally, our other rookie Alex "Mr. Bean" Volpatti making his PGA debut & heeding advise from his mentor Stretch Grundy, turned in a net 80 to ensure a friendly 'cap adjustment and Peter "Spic" Sodonio started quick but faded on the back nine and posted 75. For all the results click on "scores". Next Up - Furry Creek - April 25th - 11 am The second event of the season will be played on Saturday April 25th at the mountainside/seaside frustration known affectionately as Fuzzy Creek. We are playing within a larger group with a SHOTGUN start at 11 am. GamesmeisterBlair "El Cid" Murdoch fittingly has chosen the putting game known as Olympic as the team event to be played on the Olympic highway course. Foursomes, cartmates and the Olympic rules will be posted next week. 19th Hole.......many thanks to spares Mike Odendaal, Bob Carter and Greg Burr for coming out at University....the prize pool at Furry Creek will be 240.00 worth of Perfect Lies golf vouchers instead of cash.....Bakes Backie's no show caught everyone by surprise at UBC..."I just got back from vacationing in Mexico and had to make sure all my local girlfriends got serviced and I was just too exhausted to play" reported the Statsman.....Mike Odendaal will return to play at Furry Creek sparing for Docme Dick Burns (wedding) and Hamish "Phatee" Watt will make his PGA debut subbing for Digger Leigh.... Bob Carter looks likely to fill the #24 spot again....Killer (aka: Penguino) Killeen will be choosing the Tuna Challenge holes at Furry which was Tuna's least favorite course of all time...... PGA members Knuckles Garries and Dawgballs Taylor seen at the PGA practice facility.
Click pic to enlarge
Brown Back In Ace Brown's plans have changed and he will be joining the tour and his 2 Man Jerk partner Peter "Spic" Sidonio at University on Saturday. Tuna Challenge Holes As was communicated earlier in the year we are honoring the life of Charlie "Tuna" Phipps this year with the Tuna Challenge. There will be 3 designated or "Tuna" holes at each course we play and we will record everyone's NET score on each hole. With 8 events there will be 24 Tuna holes but only the best 18 holes will count toward the prestigious Tuna Award which will be awarded at the year end bbq. The Tuna holes at University will be: # 2 - par 4 395 yards (lake on the left slightly uphill with a large green) # 8 - par 4 334 yards (short dogleg left well bunkered) #17 - par 5 501 yards (medium par 5...prettiest hole on the course) Back in the saddle shoes......Vic "Stretch" Grundy has pointed out that rookie John "JMac" McKenzie might be the same John McKenzie that played for the Boston Bruins in the late 60's and 70's...his nickname was PIE....the commissioner is considering a tour name change for Mr. Mac.....glad to have Ace Brown able to make the season opener....we expect to see both missing regulars, Louie "Warthogg" Odendaal and Jeff "AngryDad" Schwartz make their debuts at Furry Creek on April 25....