By Rick Colvin
In the first Bouchillon-Ambrose cup of 2021, the Palmetto team crushed defending 2020 champs Oakridge 8.5 to 3.75. Deer Creek won a closer victory over Marshwood, 8 to 6.
The day's format was a modified alternate shot, match play. Both members of the team tee off and then choose the best drive. The player whose drive is not chosen then hits the second shot, alternating until the ball is in the hole.
The alternate-shot format is considered by many to be a tough game to go low on, challenging players’ ability to focus. But it can result in some good scores when both players are on their games.
For example, Deer Creek’s Larry Batanian and George Yost were three down at the turn but battled back to win the match on the 18th hole. The team shot an amazing even par on the back nine. “We both played well at the same time!” Batanian said.
The monthly B-A cup matches usually draw more players than LMGA’s regular weekly contests, and Jan. 21, on the Marshwood course, was no exception, with 102 players competing for their squads.
Afterwards, players enjoyed a lunch in the former Marshwood cart barn, thanks to The Landings catering staff; thanks, too, to the Marshwood golf staff for hosting the event.
Membership Notes
New members Paul Patrick and Tim McDermott played with the LMGA for the first time. Welcome back to Gus Urzua, who played for the first time in four years.
New LMGA member Paul Alper and his wife, Linda, are moving this month to The Landings from Charleston, S.C. Paul has worked in the healthcare technology field for 35 years and Linda is a retired personal trainer. Paul’s favorite club in his bag is the putter. “While I love watching the ball in flight, there is something magical about the suspense of watching the ball roll across the green and it's thrilling to watch it dive into the hole!” Well said.
Jim and Catherine Rogan bought a house at The Landings in May 2018 and spend half the year here and the other half in Holmdel, N.J. Jim retired in 2009 from a Wall Street position. Jim says he likes his 7-iron for its versatility. “It comes in handy for those 165-yard shots as well as punch shots when you need to keep the ball low.”
The Feb. 4 event is a Pick Six scramble on Oakridge. Forty-five guys have signed up so far.