PCMGA President Jack Stipp (left) receives cup from Vice President Kurt Eleam
Howie Tiger
The PebbleCreek Men’s Golf Association (PCMGA) held its annual “Ryder Cup” style tourney pitting two 128-man teams against each other over three days of competition. The event was played on Jan. 11, 13, and 18, and used two PebbleCreek courses each day. Jack Stipp, PCMGA president, captained one team and Kurt Eleam, vice president, captained the other.
To create the 2-man teams for rounds one and two, the “form your own team” sign-up process allowed buddies to play together. Both players had to play from the same set of tees.
Each winning match was worth one point with a tie worth a half point. A total of 256 points were for the taking in the overall competition.
Day 1—The format for this round was “Fourball,” aka one best-ball of partners. Thirty-two 2-man team matches were played at Eagle’s Nest and another 32 at Tuscany Falls East. Team Stipp took the lead winning 30 matches while Team Eleam won 28. Six matches were tied. So, on day 1, Stipp earned 33 points versus Eleam’s 31 points. A super close match!
Day 2—The format for this round was “Foursomes” aka alternate shot. Before start of play, each 2-man team decided which partner tees off on the even-numbered holes and which on the odd-numbered holes. Then they alternate until the ball is holed. The teams that played Eagle’s Nest on day 1 played East on Day 2. The teams that played East on Day 1 played Eagle’s Nest. Team Stipp won 36 matches while Team Eleam won 20. Eight matches were tied. So, on day 2, Stipp added 40 points versus Eleam’s 24 points.
Day 3—Starting the final day, Team Stipp had an 18-point lead (73 to 55). A sizable but not an insurmountable one. The format for this round was “Singles” aka individual matches with 64 matches played on the Eagle’s Nest course and 64 on the East course. With 128 points at stake, it was still possible for Team Eleam to catch or to even win from behind. All individuals on both teams gave it their all. Team Stipp won 58 matches while Team Eleam won 54. They tied 16 matches. So, on the final day, Team Stipp extended their lead by 4 points (66-62).
Team Stipp beat Team Eleam 139 to 117. This was the largest winning margin in the three years playing this event. Again, the alternate shot format has been the difference.
The winning totals were announced in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom where beer was served.
Prizes were awarded to winners of each match as well as to members of the overall winning team.
Both captains want to thank Clint Hull, Mike Mason, and Kurt Fischer for all the work they did together on setting up the matches. Lots and lots of time involved for sure.
Congrats to the winners! Also, congrats to Lloyd Chilton for his hole-in-one on Day 2.