Joe Grande, president (left) and Greg O’Connor, vice president
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. 8, 10, and 15 and used two PebbleCreek courses each day. Joe Grande, PCMGA president, captained one team and Greg O’Connor, 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 ½ point. A total of 256 points were for the taking in the overall competition.
Day 1: The format for this round was one best-ball of partners. Thirty Two 2-man team matches were played at Tuscany Falls East and another 32 at Eagle’s Nest. Team Grande took the lead winning 29 matches while Team O’Connor won 28. Seven matches were tied. So, on day 1, Grande earned 32½ points versus O’Connor’s 31½ points. Incredibly close!
Day 2: The format for this round was modified alternate shot. On each team, both players hit a drive, then the best drive selected. Then they alternated until the ball was holed. There was a 9-drive max per player. The teams that played East on Day 1 played Eagle’s Nest on Day 2. The teams that played Eagle’s Nest on Day 1 played West on Day 2. Team O’Connor won 32 matches while Team Grande won 28. Four matches were tied. So, on day 2, O’Connor added 34 points versus Grande’s 30 points. Only a 3-point separation going into the final round!
Day 3: The format for the final round was “Singles” aka individual matches with 64 matches played on the East course and 64 on the West course. A total of 128 points was at stake. With only a 3-point separation, the 2026 Presidents Cup was up for grabs. All individuals on both teams gave it their all. Team O’Connor won 62 matches and Team Grande won 51 matches. Fifteen matches were tied. So on Day 3, O’Connor earned 69½ points to Grande’s 58½ points.
The final point tally was Team O’Connor with 135 points and Team Grande with 121 points.
Prior Presidents Cup Results
2022: Team Abercrombie 130½ vs Team Schumacher 109½
2023: Team Stipp 123 vs Team Abercrombie 113
2024: Team Stipp 139 vs Team Eleam 117
2025: Team Eleam 123 vs Team Grande 121 (closest match in history to date)
The winning totals were announced in the Tuscany Falls Ballroom where beer and snacks were served.
Prizes were awarded to winners of each match as well as to members of the overall winning team.
Both captains want to thank Joe Bannon and Clint Hull for all the work they did together on setting up the matches. Lots of time involved for sure.
Congrats to the winners!