Chris Mucha
On Feb. 19 and 20, the PebbleCreek Men’s Niners Golf Association (PCM9GA) Golfing Niners held their annual Club Championship. Approximately 100 members played their golfing hearts out in this two-day event at Tuscany Falls East. PCMGA’s Club Championship is named for the late Merle Oatman, who was the originating spirit of this organization during its early days. Fred Schmidt was crowned the Overall Club Champion. He is not only the first member to have won this distinction three times, but also has mastered the event three years in a row! Ray Bender took home the honor of being the Low Net Champion.
Over $600 of prize money was awarded to the winners, which included golfers in four handicapped flights. Players overcame the pressure of posting scores on the first day and coming back, to either defend their position or look towards moving up on their respective leader boards. While Fred Schmidt dominated with his low gross score over the two days, the low net leaderboard ended in a tie between Ray Bender and Gil Butson, requiring a sudden death playoff. Both golfers played the first sudden death hole brilliantly, but Bender won out with his winning putt.
Overall winners and their awards were as follows:
Merle Oatman Club Champion: Fred Schmidt $150
Low Net Champion: Ray Bender $100
Flight A Net Finishers: Steve Rottger $50, Greg Ray $40, Jim Mitchell $30
Flight B Net Finishers: Gil Butson $50, Pat Sherlock $40, Greg McKenzie $30
Flight C Net Finishers: Fred Schwartz $50, Jim Belina $40,Louis Beaulieu $30
Flight D Net Finishers: Jerry Briner $50, Steve Smith $40, Nick Isenhart $30
Additionally, prizes were awarded both days to the following:
Closest Pin Awards: John Heinz, Bob Mantucca, Dave Kennedy, Allen Mattes, John Alerink, Joe Oliver, and Allen Brunner
Longest Putt Awards: Joe Belonax, Monte Page, and Mickey Osterneck.
After each day’s play, golfers reviewed their results and planned on necessary adjustments over refreshments provided by the club.
If you’re not part of the golfing action here at PebbleCreek and want to get involved with a group that offers both competitive golf and camaraderie, come join the PCM9GA. You can get information from any of the board members, or contact Membership Chairman Bruce Hulbert at [email protected].