Day 1 play was at Oakridge where the wet conditions led to Preferred Lies Through the Green (to include all portions of the course except hazards) and no carts on the fairways. The game pitted 2-man teams against each other competing in a match play format. The front 9 format was best net ball while the back 9 format was alternate shot. In a huge upset, the 4th seed Deer Creek team upset the number 1 seed Plantation by a score of 10.5 to 9.5 while the number 2 seed Marshwood prevailed over 3rd seed Oakridge by a score of 11 to 9. So, the line-up for Day 2 was set for Deer Creek playing against Marshwood for the Championship while Plantation and Oakridge tried hard to avoid DFL.
Day 2 play was at Deer Creek where the course conditions were much improved over Day 1 (carts in the fairway – yeah!). The format was individual best net ball match play for 18 holes. In the Championship match, both Deer Creek and Marshwood earned 17 points for their match play but Deer Creek also earned 1.25 points for its Overflow players so at 18.25 points, Deer Creek won the Championship. Congratulations go out to their Captain Frank Schepis and his entire team which included one of the tournament sponsors – Eddie Ambrose! Most valuable players on the Deer Creek team were Tim Sampson and Allan Boyce who had 4-0 scores over both days. In the “avoid DFL” match, Plantation defeated Oakridge by a score of 11 to 9, enabling Oakridge to claim the DFL “prize”. This was the 2nd year in a row that Oakridge “won” DFL. While Captain Jeff DeHaven argued that he needs to be replaced by a better Captain, the consensus of the team was that he needs to remain Captain until he gets it right!
As usual, cookouts and beverages followed each day’s play. Day 1 had Burgers & Brats grilled on the outdoor patio at Oakridge while Day 2 had Grilled Chicken and Pulled Pork served in the Dining Room at Deer Creek. A big shout-out goes to the Club Staff at both locations for their ability to adjust to very unfavorable weather conditions. As usual, ice-cold beverages were available both days.
And once again shout-outs go to all our LMGA folks who made this 2-day tournament happen despite some very challenging weather conditions. Kudos to our current and past Presidents Bob Hainly and Mike Barber for their leadership and ability to “herd cats” along with John Bellucci, Steve Skipper, and Mike Munro who kept us organized despite many last-minute changes (and there were quite a few this week). Finally, many thanks go to Steve Bunn for making the food arrangements, Tom Seipel and Larry Brown for handling the beverages, and Jack Devine for being our LMGA photographer.
Finally, a big shout-out to our BA Cup Sponsors, Kelly Bouchillon and Eddie Ambrose. We all greatly appreciate your continued support over the years for the LMGA. Hopefully this will be a relationship that will endure for years to come.