Dale Wolfe putts to win.
Joan Fafoglia
The April 17 annual Italian American Putt ‘n’ Eat event was held on a very windy but beautiful, sunny Thursday afternoon on the West courses’ putting greens. Registration began at 3:30 p.m. Beginning at 1 p.m., Ken Hahn “designed” the course followed by volunteers Jeff Smidt, Joe Witherup, and Steve Fafoglia fighting the gusty winds to place décor around each of the 18 holes. The first nine holes represented nine renowned golf courses in the U.S. and the second nine holes did justice to the Italian cities.
Sixty golfer members showed off their style and skills on a relatively difficult course layout.
Prior to play, golf pro Kyle Metzler shared game rules. Teams finished at 5:40 p.m. and proceeded to the bar for well-earned libations (two specialty drinks were offered) followed by an open seated Italian buffet and American apple pie.
The tables were decorated by volunteer Sylvana Smidt and co-chairs Vicky Witherup and Barb Mussman, and they were a perfect blend of Italian and American golf themes.
Thank you and winners were announced by Joan Fafoglia, committee chairperson. Cash prizes were awarded: Third place for lowest team gross score (209) was a tie between Hole 2 Bandon Dunes team of Tom Buck (captain), Kathleen Doland, Larry Jamieson, and Debi Strada; and Hole 14 Lake Como Golf Club team of Sy Rosenthal (captain), Ellie Kovach, and Shelly Carnevale.
Second place for lowest team gross score (204) was Hole 1 Pebble Beach team of Bev Buck (captain), Jack Fink, JoEllen Grauerholz, and Michael Schwartz.
First place for lowest team gross score (202) was Hole 13 Sicily’s Golf Club team of Laurie Jamieson (captain), Allan Palamara, and Sharon Meyer.
Three putters scored two holes–in-one: Francey Swim, Laurie Biagini, and Lois Olson.
Closest to the pin on Hole 18 (a long 40+ foot putt) was Jack Fink (55 inches) and a very impressive 18 1⁄2 inches by Laurie Biagini. Each received a themed golf towel.
A very special thank you to committee chairperson Joan Fafoglia and co-chairs Vicky Witherup, Barb Mussman, and Pat Hacker. Thank you also to the member volunteers who assisted in making this a fun and memorable event.