Ocean City Amateur Golf Association

Centerton was not the Cow Pasture described in disdain by Bob Westcott when he refused the invitation to play. The air was a little heavy, but actually quite pleasant at tee time. There was some wind, but not enough to overly complicate club selection. The Greens were on the slow side compared to the other venues on the schedule, but clearly players adjusted fairly quickly. Indeed, over half the field would finish in the 70s or 80s and only 2 players reached above the low 90s.

In the Polish American Tavern they were very comfortable drinking Żywiec, the popular Polish pale lager, imported to honor The Doctor making the final four. Known for its crisp, light-bodied profile with floral/herbal hop notes and a balanced malt character, the beer follows the traditional Reinheitsgebot purity law, using natural ingredients like finest malted barley, choicest hops, and mountain spring water, resulting in a dry, refreshing finish. Art Czachorowski’s Picture is prominently displayed on the center wall over the bar. He won Five OCAGA Championships. Michael Lazarchick won a third in 2020 and Marc Bohan took his third in 2022. Art was the oldest to ever win the title until Mike O’Brien finally broke that record in 2023. Art first Shot his Age, actually 2 strokes under, winning Avelon in 2021. It is an understatement to say he is Legendary in the OCAGA annals.

In the Irish Pub OB was still out awaiting the result of a Cardioversion to shock his heart into a regular rhythm. Black & Tan (Harp & Guinness) was on Tap honoring him. The promo included Rookie of the Year candidate, Jim Cummings. The Pub was jam packed. There was considerable excitement as Jim opened with three pars taking the lead in a tight battle with Michael and Andy. All three focused in, as the other two continued to send great drives down the fairways. With no women playing and Richie Antczak back on the Arizona Tour, the girl scouts were following Andy Swanson, constantly swooning. He was hitting greens in regulation. His only double early was on the long par three from the white tees. His par putt was short, followed by a 360 not dropping in the cup. He was tied with Larson and Bohan after nine, spiking Swanson’s Health Food Stock. Jim was a stroke better on a much shorter course and LZ had the low gross after nine with a 37! Playing a much longer course, nearly 200 yards more on ten and eleven, Andy started the back six over par, while Jim and Michael played the holes one over. Otherwise they all were magnificent. Their collective energy sent chills through the air. Viewers were captivated, feeling the intensity, witnessing a competitive masterpiece of excellence. They played the fairways, executed the short game and sunk putts. Cummings finished with 12 pars. Lazarchick had 11 pars and a birdie. Jim carded a 79 for a second place finish. Michael shot two strokes below his age, 76 to win the tournament. Andy took fourth.

Pierre in Le Petite Cafe was complaining about Marc Bohan’s Handicap, again. He asked accounting student Nicolette to check indexes and average scores during the season. He was not happy that at the turn Marc was tied with Andy Swanson and John Larson, and behind Cummings and Lazarchick in Gross score. He thought 6 strokes was too much to give John, Jim and Michael and everybody else was getting even more. He told Nicolette he did not think anyone should play forward tees, especially “The Doctor.” She shook her head with a slightly confused gaze and responded with “Isn’t he like really, really old, half way through his 79th year? Marc just turned 60!” Before he answered she brought up the USGA Tee it Forward. Basically the object is to give the player a chance to score par and Lazarchick has proven he is no longer competitive from the “White” tees. She showed Pierre his lowest score, 82 in the 2022 Centerton Tournament. A week later when Marc needed a make up round, they played together from the white tees. Lazarchick added a dozen strokes to his game. Pierre huffed away. Meanwhile, the Cafe had Kronenbourg 1664 on special sent from Brasseries Kronenbourg Brewery to honor Marc as the most accomplished French Canadian Athlete. Chloé prepared mini tourtière using venison. The crowd became increasingly boisterous as the back unfolded. Marc dropped five straight pars. As always, his gallery was substantial. It was bedlam in the end when Nicolette announced, before the USGA even posted speculative results, Marc made the Final Four, cruising to a low gross 38 on the back, two over par! Once again he delivered a late season low score.

Kissinger was in the Final Four. Lazarchick would need to finish last while either John or Bill finished first and get 3 extra points for closest to pin. Clearly, the battle was for fourth place among John, Bill and Marc Bohan, who was only 2 points behind in 5th place. John and Marc were tied for gross score after 9. Bill, only 6 points higher in gross, had a significant lead with his handicap. They were all hypervigilant. Playing in the first foursome both John and Bill knew they had a better chance of beating the other, than beating Marc. Marc in the second foursome was exceptionally methodical. He took four strokes from John in the first four holes on the back, but the next five holes were a net tie. John carded a sweet 82, taking 3rd place. Unfortunately Bill, played the last four, nine over par. For the second consecutive year he missed the final four by a mere two strokes. Marc finished with a very impressive 78 and a trip to the Finals!

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

Final POINTS

173 Lazarchick, Michael
167 Kissinger, Dave
152 Larson, John
144 Bohan, Marc

142 Finger, Bill
136 Swanson, Andy
131 Champion, Joe
107 Cummings, Jim
101 Borillo, Ed
91 Hannan, Eddie
89 Cummings, Sue
83 Fleming, Wayne
70 Middleman, Fran
45 Finger, Ruthann
44 Stocker, Phil

Championship Final Four

Pinelands October 17th FRIDAY

11:21

All others will play for Prize Money in a 2 Person Team Scramble, Paired by Handicaps

Final Four Handicaps & Teams

The greens were fast and in beautiful condition among the best the Tour has played this season. The fairways were decent. The rough was filled with crabgrass. Fortunately it was cut low. The air was heavy, damp with occasional light misty rain, and chilly. The course was long, even from the most forward Gold Tees. Only the powerful big hitters were able to hit for distances. Indeed, the “Old Guy,” as a threesome, all playing together for the first time, used 306 strokes to transverse the course. Getting on in regulation was rare. Focus and concentration was difficult. Going up two or three clubs was common. Half the field would hit 100 or more, six finished between 97 and 99, and only one player was able to get close to breaking 90. It was a very difficulty day. No one said “I can’t wait to play this course again.”

Larson and Lazarchick, Fleming and Ruthann Finger, Jim and Sue Cummings entered a battle to not finish last among regular players. The Girl Scouts were protesting the absence of forward Red Tees. They waved makeshift signs claiming unfair for Ruthann and Sue. Sue had not posted scores in the low nineties since August. Her 97 yielded a tie for 8th place with her husband. With the same net score score Ruthann would claim 10th place reaching her highest score of the season. Wayne Flemming totally melted down, exuding frustration, missing normally easy shots. They all beat Larson and Lazarchick, sporting handicaps among the lowest. Wayne 11th, John 12th and Lazarchick 13th only finished ahead of newcomer Joe Bradley totally overwhelmed in his first encounter with the OCAGA Tour.

Peroni Brewery, founded by Francesco Peroni in Vigevano, Italy, in 1846, sent the Italian Bistro kegs of their delicate pale lager. Brewed with Italian maize and noble hops, it has a subtle hint of citrus zest and a floral aroma. Young Mirabella, a fresh graduate of the Italian Culinary Institute, prepared an incredible artistic Aperitif of savory snacks: olives, nuts, cheese boards, pastured charcuterie, crudités with hummus dips, bruschetta, avocado tartines, mini pizzas and marinated vegetables. When Dave Kissinger turned the corner with the gross lead, the Godfather told Bruno to buy a round for the house. To honor Ed Borillo, leading against LZ and Wayne and challenging the big guns again, all Mirabella “snacks” became compliments of the house.

The Big Guns, Champion, Finger, Swanson and Middleman were all driving with authority. In the Irish Pub OB was sharing wisdom. Especially as Eddie Hannan was challenging for a top five finish and taking Closest to the Pin on number four, he felt it was appropriate to talk about the source of his surname Ó hAnnáin. There was a long line of patrons in line to buy OB a Smithwick Red Ale on special this tournament. Eddie’s 7th place finish was encouraging. Jim and Sue Cummings were a formidable pair, boding well for the future. The Champions Club was packed with optimistic believers with Joe less than twenty points from the Final Four. They remember last season’s dramatic finish, making the finals by virtue of the Closest to the Pin 3 Points. They adored his clutch performance ability. He finished just one stroke out of fourth place in a very respectable 6th place.

The Hofbräuhaus was fully enjoying their belief of being the most powerful on the Promenade. John Larson is the reigning champion and elicited roaring cheers taking Closest to the Pin on eight and then again on twelve. While it was otherwise his worst finish of the season, they knew the next tournament would be Centerton where he posted a 75 last season. Bill Finger on the other hand was blasting drives in play, in a titanic battle with Andy Swanson and Fran Middleman. He would tie Andy who took 4th to his 5th by virtue of lower handicap. Bill soared up to catch the falling John Larson, now tied in the race for the final four, a few stroke above Marc Bohan with one tournament left before the finals. Swanson health foods did spike up and the Girl Scouts were clearly overwhelmed with the display of power. Fran middleman elicited reverberant echoes of continual chants, “Rookie of the Year,” throughout the Haus, as he displayed an exquisite second place finish.

The Bistro was was in a symphonic orgy of musical cheers, food, and drink. Ed Borillo split the middle of the young bombers, finishing one stroke more than Fran to capture 3rd. When Ed does well the Chant “Small Glimmer of Hope” cascades out the doors and mugs of Peroni Nastro Azzurro are raised high into the air. On this day, the Godfather was drinking a Campari Negroni Cocktail, completely relishing the play of Dave Kissinger. Dave electrified the fan base with a Birdie on the second hole and low gross of 45 at the turn. His drives with authority and a draw were nicely cutting the fairways. While he did struggle on the back nine par fives letting a few players have some hope, otherwise he was solid. When he dropped his second Birdie on sixteen the door was slammed shut. He cruised to a four stroke win. Fiorella, the Bistro bookkeeper, calculated quickly, and informed everyone the Dave had taken over first place for the season. The Godfather smiled. Kissinger was in the Final Four.

Points Player
150 Kissinger, Dave
148 Lazarchick, Michael
131 Finger, Bill
131 Larson, John
129 Bohan, Marc
118 Champion, Joe
117 Swanson, Andy
101 Borillo, Ed
89 Cummings, Sue
81 Cummings, Jim
71 Flemming,Wayne
56 Middleman, Fran
45 Finger, Ruthann
44 Stocker, Phil*
29 Hannan, Eddie
7 Bradley, Joe

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

NEXT CENTERTON

WEDNESDAY

September 24th 9:58 First T Time

It was raining on the way to the golf course. The evening before, President Larson told the Secretary to message everyone with the T Time and ask for them to arrive at least one half hour earlier. Decision to play would be at the course. He wanted to avoid paying for no shows. Bill Finger had negotiated a reasonable rate $78 for seniors over 60.

The tour players were impressed with RiverWinds. It looked beautiful and in excellent condition, albeit on this day, wet with heavy moisture in the air. Those without Nordic Blood felt a chill. The tournament started on the back 9 with a formidable par five hole. Only Marc Bohan had the distance and accuracy to card a par. Indeed the other fourteen players played 28 over par, the average at double bogey. The next three holes only Sue Cummings and Bob Wescott were able to each drop one par, both on # 13. Drives did not roll with any distance in the fairways. Putts too often did not reach holes or turned away when they slowed down quickly on moist greens.

The Girl Scouts were thrilled to be following Sue and Ruthann. They were proving to be quite competitive with the men on the Tour. Sue was battling Michael Lazarchick and John Larson for low gross. She played the last four holes one over. Her handicap is the same as John’s and lower than Michael’s! LZ Birdied sixteen, even par. John Birdied seventeen, also even par. Michael’s 43 was low gross by one at the turn, to the 44 of John and Sue. Marc was another stroke back. at 45. Bob Wescott, Dave Kissinger, Keith MacGregor, Joe Champion and Bill Finger broke 50. Everybody was adjusting to the conditions and the rising temperature was bringing off jackets. Bob made a Sandy on twelve after a beautiful sand shot landed less than four feet from the cup. Dave Kissinger was Closest to the Pin on fifteen. Mark Bohan beat Lazarchick by two inched to take Closest to the Pin on seventeen, the signature hole, from an elevated tee down to an island green. In Le Petite Café Pierre explained how important were the 3 points given for CTP on the shortest par three from the White Tees. At this part of the season, every point matters towards getting into the Final Four.

The Babbity Bowser Scottish Pub was experiencing an emotional roller coaster. Keith Macgregor open the last nine holes with a triple on a difficult par five, then Birdied two of the next three holes. The Macdonald betting group had a double parley, with substantial odds, that Keith would win at least two SCATS and make the Top Five. It would be a Big Payday. Sue, Ruthann, Phil Stocker and Ed Borillo were playing the forward tees without much advantage over the “Senior Tees” and Marc Bohan was out driving them consistently from the White Tees. However, they all got enough strokes to squeeze by Marc. While he did snag another Closest to the Pin on Seven for a profit in SCATS, Sue finished one stoke lower in 10th place. The Godfather was pleased that Dave Kissinger played well enough to stay in second place overall for the season, a step closer to making the final four. He finished 8th with a lower handicap than Phil Stocker. Phil was performing putting magic energizing the Stockertown crowd. Ruthann took 7th in a tie with Ed Borillo 6th, Keith Macgregor 5th and Bob Wescott 4th. Albie and Archie in the English Pub were loudly voicing their approval in a fairly euphoric atmosphere, with an occasional quip about Ruthann not getting tie points because she has the highest handicap. In the Polish American Tavern, Kazimierz told Stanislaw that the Doctor was getting tired. Indeed, LZ lost five stroke to John Larson in the last five holes, including missing a four foot par on the final hole, to finish 3rd. With Lazarchick leading the Tour this season, Agnieszka wanted a picture of his clubs for a shrine he was finally getting. Joe and Keith photo bombed their way into the picture with twin outfits!

The Hofbräuhaus was in sheer ecstasy. Yes, they loved watching John fly by Lazarchick to secure 2nd place and climb the ladder towards the Final Four. The Big Story however, was the continual chanting The Hammer William Tiberius Finger lead by Young Elke. She was jumping on the Bar splashing Weihenstephaner , imported to honor Bill’s recognition by the National Toy Hall of Fame. Bill is a world class Artistic Woodworker. The National Children’s Toy Museum now considers Bill’s handmade Rocking Horse for his Grandson to be the epitome of beauty, durability and classic design. They were serving Obazda, a Bavarian Cheese Spread, with newly introduced jumbo “Finger Pretzels.”

The Hammer was driving with authority. Confidence grew with each passing hole. He was sending out rockets, following with fairway shots that were reaching the greens in regulation. This was the Bill Finger that knocked off Lazarchick and the other high seeds to take the Pinelands Monday League Championship a couple of years back, before they instituted partners. The Bill Finger that is now breaking into the lower 40s on Monday and Tuesday in evening leagues. He was putting for Birdie and Par and did sink four for the latter. He had tap in bogeys. He finished the first nine with double pars and the last nine with a par and four bogeys. Young Elke, studying to be a statistician, proclaimed that her hero was knocking on Final Four Door. The excitement was electric. It was joyful madness, sheer opulent jubilation pumping out into the Promenade. He would win by three strokes.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

POINTS AFTER THE WINDS ***** It is highly unlikely that Lazarchick will not be in the Finals. Kissinger and Larson have significant number with the season drawing down to a close. Marc Bohan will not go down easily and could easily move up. Bill Finger is on the doorstep looking in. He will need a significant points, with those above faltering, to get through the door.

140 Lazarchick,Michael
125 Kissinger, Dave
122 Larson, John
119 Bohan, Marc

114 Finger, Bill
103 Champion, Joe
98 Swanson, Andy
97 Finger, Ruthann
89 MacGregor, Keith
80 Borillo, Ed
76 Cummings, Jim
64 Hannan, Eddie
61 Fleming, Wayne
51 Wescott, Bob
48 Swanson, Dan
45 Stocker, Phil
33 Middleman, Fran
31 Cummings, Sue

NEXT*****WEDGEWOOD*****Tentatively
SEPTEMBER 10th
T Time 10 am

It was warm, but overcast with a gentle breeze, actually a very pleasant day for golf. It was the first time OCAGA would play Pitman. We heard a “new” groundskeeper put down fertilizer. The normally pristine greens showed burn marks. For some the visual made putting more difficult and the speed of the ball did seem to change. In the Irish Pub OB was telling the young people that Jim Cummings was on the tract where he learned to play golf, describes it as a target course, clearly easier with local knowledge. OB continued, if you are ever with him on the 15th hole, he will show you exactly from where he hit his double eagle in 2005. Also known as an albatross or three under par, they are very rare, maybe a few hundred a year within all golf played. At that time he was competing in the men’s association league. A significant number surrounded OB. They saw Jim announce he was playing from the white tees because the course was so short. OB pointed out how the Secretary looked at President Larson who gave a slight affirmative nod of the head. Then LZ proceeded to tell everybody, all would play from the white tees. In the Hofbräuhaus Young Elke was praising John Larson’s innovative Presidency. When no one hit the 185 yard first par three however, OB chuckled and remarked they may be having second thoughts.

Andy Swanson always plays the white tees. He was comfortable and found the course very manageable. He immediately grabbed attention and significant swoons from the girl scouts. With mostly bogeys and three pars he placed a low gross 42 on the front nine. Swanson Wellness Products spiked continually on the stock market.

The “Haus,” now considered the strongest establishment on the Promenade, was jumping with delight. Young Elke describes John as gentle and sweet, William Tiberius as strong willed and powerful, Ruthann as Chic and Coquettish, and Fran Middleman as very kind and respectful. Both Fingers were in early contention keeping up with John Larson. Fran Middleman has quickly become a fan favorite, eliciting sincere joy from fans with good swings and an equal amount of empathetic frustration when he is not quite on target. Every time Bill sent out a rocket, in unison the crowd chanted, The Hammer! Ruthann was quick to siphon off a significant numbers of scouts from Andy.

The Leaderboard showed Dave Kissinger, Jim Cummings and Michael Lazarchick also on John Larson’s heals. The Broadcasters talked about John not being as dominant as he was in 2024. With the higher handicap, Dave had a slight lead moving towards the turn. Lazarchick’s birdie on five was sweet. With a beautiful swing Jim Cumming took closest to the pin on number eight.

Albie and Archie in the English Pub were disgruntled at the White Tee decision, Their discussion was about how competitive this season Bob Wescott has been from the Senior Tees. They were very loudly voicing complaints in a fairly somber atmosphere. The crowd was in agreement that he’s as old as Lazarchick, normally just as straight, but does not quite have the same distance off the tee. All but the last par five and all the long par fours were problematic. With considerably higher handicaps and less loss of muscle mass, Eddie Hannan, Dan Swanson and Fran Middleman all beat him in net score. They finished 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th. Barmaid Olivia interrupted the Al and Arch complaining, in a chastising misogyny suggesting tone. She said Ruthann who is playing great, has a maiden name Allchin with a family crest dating back to the Anglo Saxon village of Alchorne. They sheepishly apologized and bought the bar a round of Newcastle English Brown Ale.

The crowd at the Champions Club watched Joe putt quite well on the tattered greens and while he did get Closest to the Pin on 18, he did not get “his normal” big SCATS bundle. He finished 8th. While John and Jim were fairly consistent with no big numbers, Michael and Dave had more of a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde round. On fifteen Lazarchick pounded a Monster Drive and Jim walked him over to the Double Eagle Launch Site. Perhaps inspired, LZ hit his two wood just short of the Green. Next he landed six feet from the hole with a fifty foot pitch. Yup, he drained a center cup birdie sending an energy wave throughout the Polish American Tavern. He finished 7th a stroke behind Jim Cummings and two behind John Larson.

Ruthann, Bill and Dave were in a Battle Royale down the final stretch, But, fighting for second place. When Andy took Closest to the Pin and Birdied fourteen it seemed pretty unlikely he would be caught. On the 9th Hole, Bill Finger launched a rocket down the middle, with a draw, directly towards the Cummings identified Willow Tree Target. It was a Shot of the Day taking the little brook protecting the green, out of play. While others lost water strokes, Bill was easily on in two with a short iron. The Italian Bistro and close by Haus, were equally quiet, with patrons holding their breath, on pins and needles. Empathetically playing every stroke with the tour players, with an undercurrant of guarded excitement, nervousness prevailed. Dave picked up 3 strokes on Ruthann and two strokes on Bill on fifteen and sixteen. Tensions soared! On seventeen Bill got a stroke back to take the lead. Ruthann sunk a Nasty Par coming back into a tie with Dave, both one off the pace. Fans wiggled on the edge of their seats! Bill struggled to a double finish while Ruthann and Dave dropped Bogey. They tied. It was Dave 2nd, Ruthann 3rd and Bill 4th, based on handicap.

The Scandinavian Bar patrons, emboldened by a wide selection of imported Einstok Icelandic Beer , were ballistic with joy. Bjorn stood with Beer held high and recounted Richie Antczak’s description of Andy on his way to the 2019 Championship, “Like a Hurricane building strength as it heads towards the east coast, quite the golfing force!” Other than a double on the first hole and one on the eighteenth when it was over, he played bogey golf or better. He would win by 3 Strokes with the low gross 85.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

RACE TO FINAL FOUR

119 Lazarchick,Michael
112 Kissinger, Dave
106 Bohan, Marc
99 Larson, John
98 Swanson, Andy
94 Champion, Joe
89 Finger, Bill
83 Finger, Ruthann
72 MacGregor, Keith
70 Cummings, Jim
65 Borillo, Ed
56 Hannan, Eddie
54 Fleming, Wayne
48 Swanson, Dan
44 Antczak, Rich
33 Stocker, Phil
33 Middleman, Fran
20 Cummings, Sue

NEXT

WEDNESDAY *****AUGUST 20*****10:10 First T Time

ARRIVE 1/2 HOUR BEFORE T TIME

RIVERWINDS

270 Eagle Point Rd, West Deptford, NJ 08086

The sky was sunny with scattered white cumulis clouds, not too hot, not to cold, with a gentle breeze cooling the summer day. Twisted Dune would be a formidable challenge for the OCAGA Tour professonals in the 2025 Season. There was a big celebration at the Italian Bistro. The Borrillo Craft Brewery ( aka Birrificio Borrillo) in the Sannio Region of Italy, sent The Godfather a selection of craft beers, including Birrificio Artigianale Borrillo, Molinara Golden Ale. They were honoring, the now 82 year old, Ed Borillo’s 2002 Championship, at that time the only modern day “Italian” title. Nick Palermo in 1981 and Naz Costanza in 1985 had been the only others ever to make the Champions list. While Ed is revered and has a shrine at the Bistro main entrance, the big crowd of “younger” people came to see Dave Kissinger, who started the day in 5th Place for the season. Not since Little Tony and Big Charlie and of course the Big Boomer, Rob Juliano (2016 Champion), have the fans seen such a promising contender. Twisted is Dave’s favorite course and VEGAS liked his chances.

Because Lazarchick won the last tournament at the Vineyards with a 20 handicap and was now playing a harder course carrying an 18 handicap, Pierre at the Petite Café easily convinced the patrons to join him and make a substantial collective bet with the Polish American Tavern. He did not think Bazyli, the biggest gambler at theTavern, was smart enough to notice that Marc Bohan’s handicap was back up to 10. Marc had gross scores of 82, 83, 41 and 81 in the first four tournaments, all but one, net par or better. His one over at Buena was a second place finish. He was leading the league in points. None the less, the very pretty barmaid Golabeczku, had no problem collecting “extra money” from all the men to bet on the Doctor.

Once again Mike O’Brien was in His seat at the Irish Pub, still not able to withstand the summer heat for 18 holes. Becoming the oldest ever OCAGA Champion in 2023, knocking off John Larson, Dave Kissinger and Michael Lazarchick, escalated his legendary status. With the gentlest soul on the tour, OB is humble, kind and considered a Spiritual Elder, well liked even beyond the Pub doors. He got everyone engaged in watching Jim Cummings, clearly a strong contender for Rookie of the Year. Out of the gate strong, Jim dropped Birdie on the second hole electrifying the crowd. OB bought everyone a round of Lilkenny, an Irish Cream Ale that began its life in the St. Francis Abbey Brewery.

Angieszka was serving Zywiec on Tap and a nice selection of zakąski prepared by her grandmother Katarzyna. She only uses Pastured Meats and fresh produce from the Tavern’s Regenerative Organic Certified Garden (ROC). Kasimer told Stanislaw, that after the Doctor, a protege of Old Kat, shocked the crowd at the Vineyard, winning with a strong finish, he was impressed by the considerable enthusiasm permeating the Tavern. When LZ Birdied the difficult fifth hole, Driver, Two Wood, Four Wood, 20 Foot Putt, Angieska cried out he’s playing like Czach! Indeed, at the Cafe a very subdued ambience was slowly drenching the gathering. Pierre was distraught as Marc did not win the first six holes. It was Lazarchick dropping the putts, hitting closest to the Pin for Points on number 8 and Bohan just missing. Fran Middleman told LZ he was on fire, duly impressed watching a masterpiece turning the corner with a front nine 39.

New to the tour, Fran was delivering a respectable outing, not fully in control of his short game, keeping pace with Bohan, Cummings, Larson, Kissinger, Fleming and Borillo, breaking fifty on the hardest course yet encountered by the tour. He would finish in a tie with Phil Stocker and take ninth place with a lower handicap. The Burrough of Stockertown , population 910, opened a Stocker Bar on the Promenade, featuring a selection from the Stockertown Craft Brewery. A guest speaker from the American Association of People with Disabilities cut the ribbon and shared how inspirational Phil has been, still playing Golf all these years after he won Back to Back OCAGA Championships 2007 and 2008. A representative from the Norweigian Stocker Cruises spoke of his generosity and gentle heart, always willing to sign autographs for fans. Needless to say, the fan base was ecstatic with Phil’s Net 79 finish.

John Larson, Joe Champion, Eddie Hannan, Bill Finger and Dan Swanson, struggled with control, all posting net scores over 80. The fairways were wide and forgiving. The fescue stole balls. The Champion’s Club was happy because Joe with some long shots off the tee, again won the most SCATS. But in the Hofbräuhaus, Carine could not stop crying witnessing both John and William Tiberius struggling on the same day. John admitted he was in a slump. Bill set a record for lost balls. Recently retired from broadcasting, Golf analysis Ian Baker Finch, a long time follower of the OCAGA Tour, was visiting the Promenade. Watching Dan Swanson’s struggle, he recommended movement to the Gold Tees. He told fans that golf is mostly in the head. Twisted Dune looks long and daunting, causing some player to doubt their swing. When they try to hit too far with a bigger, faster swing, they can easily lose control and spray the ball. He quoted PGA Golf Professional Francis Kringle, the great Kringoli, who gave many lessons to Michael Lazarchick, “How soft can you hit the ball and still make it go?”

Lazarchick missed a less than 10 foot putt on the tenth hole, something that had not happened in the first nine holes. Then on eleven he pulled his drive short, to the edge of the high grass, lost a stroke coming out, missed a chip and a putt, ending with a triple bogie. The magic was over. The Tavern got quiet. After play the front 3 over par, he played the first two holes on the back, 4 over par. When the scores were posted on the leader board, the field remembering LZ’s Buena Back Blowup, began to reevaluate their positions. The Godfather told Bruno, “He only needs a glimmer of hope” referring to Ed Borillo who was still in the lead by 3 at the turn. With Lazarchick faltering, Ruthann, Dave, Wayne and Jim were all in play. Of course, everyone was watching Marc.

In the Café, Pierre was disgruntled. Marc was steadily chipping away strokes, but ultimately was unable to catch and pull away from Ruthann. Indeed, he finally ran out of holes. When they both had double bogies on eighteen, Ruthann finished sixth, a stroke ahead of seventh place Marc. The girl scouts were delirious with joy.

Wayne and Dave were in a personal battle. The lead went back and forth all through eighteen holes, smoldering tension throughout their fan bases. Tied at the turn, Wayne went up on thirteen, Dave up on fourteen, tied on sixteen, Dave on seventeen, tied on eighteen. Appropriately it was a dead heat forth place finish! OB bought another round as Jim Cummings played his best tournament of the year. O’Malley, The Curmudgeon, continually complained when he searched the fescue “too much” to help Dan Swanson. Jim was consistent none the less, another hole or one more stroke away from catching Lazarchick, taking third. In the Tavern, Kasimer and Stanislaw were befuddled. They rehashed and compared “The Doctor’s” marvelous front nine with his questionable judgement, bad luck, errant swings and putts that no longer found the holes, throughout the back. The sub 80 wishful dream, the almost certain finish in the 80s, the steady March to the low 90s and a second place finish, tempered the celebration, drastically diluting what was early a spectacular affluent triumphant rejoice.

The Godfather, sipping Disaronno Originale on the rocks, was very, very pleased. Dave Kissinger jumped past Joe Champion and John Larson into third place for the season. Ed Borillo maintained his lead, the lead he held throughout the tournament. 102 year old Signora Ginevra, purportedly little Eddie’s babysitter, unleashed a Limoncello fueled, flood of joyous tears. The Godfather bought the patrons in boisterous conviviality a round of Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Another Victory would be added to the shrine at the entrance to the Italian Bistro.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

Points After Twisted

105 Lazarchick,Michael
96 Bohan, Marc
89 Kissinger, Dave
82 Larson, John
81 Champion, Joe
70 Finger, Bill
70 Swanson, Andy
65 Borillo, Ed
62 MacGregor, Keith
62 Finger, Ruthann
55 Cummings, Jim
54 Fleming, Wayne
44 Hannan, Eddie
44 Antczak, Rich
31 Swanson, Dan
37 Stocker, Phil

23 Wescott, Bob
20 Cummings, Sue
18 Middleman, Fran

NEXT: Pitman Golf Course

WEDNESDAY ***** AUGUST 6 ***** 11:30 1st Tee Time

The secretary was up at dawn. It was raining and had been doing so, all night. There was a huge storm on radar with thunder and lightning in the sky. It was still raining when he called Vineyard National just after 8. It would be Cart Path Only if the course allowed players. The rain was predicted to stop by 11, 12 or 1 depending upon which radar we wanted to believe. Queries, first email and then text messages and finally telephone calls were made to determine the will of the league players. Only Andy Swanson wanted to cancel and Rich Antczak equivocated between playing and not playing. The storm was traveling east and the rain was falling heavily at the shore. The Flanders Nature Center was honoring Wayne Fleming, the oldest person in the tournament, who looks far younger than his 83 years and biologically they think, is a good 10 years younger. There is hope that one day his wife may come and play in a tour event. Norwegian Cruise Line was not happy. Even before a Stocker Cruises left port, Phil would hit custom made biodegradable sea life food golf balls into the bay. His fan base is enormous. While he is still healing, he does occasionally send off a “bomb,” inciting voluminous cheers. They knew he would not be able to play Cart Path Only. When the Secretary called President Larson he was directed to get the players to the course. Radar scans suggested no rain by T- Time and the possibility of afternoon sunshine. William Tiberius Finger had set up a $25 deal for 18 holes, utilizing the Rain Check. There was plenty of money in the treasury for financial protection, but all 15 players did show up.

The Promenade was crowded with Girl Scouts. Both Andy Swanson and “Richie, Richie, He’s Too Cute” Antczak were on they way to the course. Ruthann Finger was expected to play in her “third” tournament, second to only Stephanie Champion, who broke the Glass Ceiling. Steph was the only woman to became a member until this year. She won two OCAGA Tournaments. The excitement was escalating towards a fever pitch with the added word that Sue Cummings was finally coming to play in a tournament!

Le Petite Café was showing a video of the Marc Bohan June 25th makeup round for this tournament. He played with Keith MacGregor, Eddie Hannan and Dan Swanson who were playing a makeup for the 9 hole tournament played on June 18th. Marc dropped par on seven of the first nine holes for a sizzling 38. He slightly cooled off on the back coasting in for a sweet 81, net par, delivering a classic on one of the tour’s most difficult challenges. With Joe Champion the only person to hit net par in the 9 hole lightning shortened tournament, followed by five over on 10 and 11 before the match was called, Vegas offered 2 to 1 odds of any member posting a lower net on the 18 hole, wet, Cart Path Only event. Pierre had no difficulty collecting significant cash from the cafe patrons to place a big bet on Marc.

Sue Cummings and Ruthann Finger struggled on the first two holes, but Sue dropped a dart on # 3 and sunk a Closest to the Pin Birdie. Playing with Dave Kissinger and Eddie Hannan, if it was Match Play, head to head, hole by hole, the ladies crushed the men. Sue took another Closest to the Pin on # 16. By the end of the tournament they had attracted a huge gallery of Girl Scouts and received a rousing accolade as they approached the 18th tee.

The Babbity Bowser was featuring Wee Heavy Craft Scottish Ale on tap. It was splashing wildly through the air as jumping cheerers finally saw Keith MacGregor display his ability. With a gross 42 on the front he was a stroke better than current tour champion, John Larson, who kept it close with a Birdie on #3. Larson Hot Stone Massage took a bullish surge in the market. The Polish American Tavern was featuring Żywiec, considered Europe’s Best Pale Lager, honoring the Richie Antczak Tour Membership Renewal. At both Buena Vista and the June Vineyard Tournament, with a slow methodical swing, Richie was cutting the center of the fairways spurring fan optimism. But it was the Doctor who delivered a front nine forty six keeping pace with Joe Champion who was pounding drives down the fairways. Joe of course electrified the Champions Club winning the last Vineyard tournament. Andy Swanson and Bill Finger broke fifty on the front with handicaps that kept them in the hunt.

The Systembolaget opened a new establishment on the Promenade. Åbro Bryggeri regional brewery sponsored an open bar with kegs of Ey’Bro to go with Swanson Health Foods, Green Lipped Mussels, the “Ultimate Joint health and Mobility Supplement (Perna canaliculus). Of course, Andy’s OCAGA Championship photo is proudly displayed at the entrance.

Hofbräuhaus was exceptionally boisterous. John Larson, William Tiberious, Ruthann were in play and Fran Middleman was a guest, new to OCAGA. Albrecht the geneology historian postulated the possibility of a connection to the German surname Mittelmann and everyone was asking if the Investagative Reported had interviewed Fran. His power was obviously impressive. With more control he would be a formidable contender. Fritz told Hans, that like Dan Swanson, on the most difficult tract the tour plays, the mind game can interfere with scoring well. Fritz remembered watching Lazarchick finish last in his f‏irst OCAGA tournament. It was then that Ruthann sunk a Nasty on # eleven igniting thunderous applause. Her husband, aka The Hammer, was sending drive after drive into play in a tight battle with Swanson, MacGregor, Larson, Lazarchick and Sue Cummings. They all knew they would need a net par to get more points than Marc Bohan.

Nearby in the Irish Pub, Mike O’Brien was in His Seat signing autographs. He no longer could play in the summer heat, much less on a Cart Path Only day. His 2023 Championship picture was on display on the center wall behind the bar. A large contingent of Girl Scouts were outside the front door watching the tournament on the Promenade Big Screen. While Sue was in contention for low gross score, her husband Jim suffered through little, uncharacteristic, mistakes on the front,with less than ideal putting. Jim paid his dues earlier in the day becoming the 15th 2025 member. Both LZ and Joe had him by five strokes at the turn. He quickly shaved off four of Joe’s strokes in the first three back 9 holes and took one from LZ, catching the Pub’s attention. Perhaps Sue’s energy finally reached him. When they play together they are formidable, intrinsically energetically connected. He would fly by Joe on the back and give The Doctor a run for the money, but the hill was just to high to climb.

Michael Lazarchick glanced up at the board. He saw John’s 43 and the 42 of both Sue and Keith. He took a deep breath looking down the fairway on ten. He had not tried to out drive Joe or Jim. He recommitted to his slow, rhythmic swing. He appreciated the gentle breeze and puffy white clouds in the sunshine sky that had replaced the early morning rain. It was truly a beautiful day. Jim commented it was starting to get steamy, but LZ loved the comfort of heat. The trio easily kept up with the foursome in front of them and had time for conversations. Michael commented about Joe growing up across the street from his brother in law who brought Joe to the tour describing him as a natural athlete, great at all sports. Joe responded that he had not played golf for years and spoke about first learning golf ethics from his uncle teacher. Jim shook his head slightly and Michael chuckled to himself. Joe’s hitting distance was formidable, but he was impatient. He was continually rushing to hit his ball to the extent that it was prudent to check where he was before hitting your own if you were farther away. Both Michael and Jim had brought up his cart, left far behind. Regardless of who had honors on the tee box, Joe would often hit first. Michael needed to go through a calming routine and knew that was not Joe.

LZ thought to himself, Joe could be considered just the opposite of Marc Bohan who was called a slow deliberate player, but I really cannot criticize what creates a winning formula. He then sent his drive down the middle of the fairway just short of his two opponents. On the challenging thirteenth hole he was pleased to get on the front of the green using a 3 iron just short of Jim in the middle. Joe Champion dropped one 5 feet from the back of the green cup taking a Birdie Greenie to the bank. After two straight pars, Lazarchick caught Wayne Fleming who would finish 10th. Joe Champion faded, finishing 9th. Jim Cummings passed them both for 8th.

At the Tavern, Casimer told Stanislaw that The Doctor was in the Zone. Michael felt very comfortable and his confidence grew with every swing. His drives hit their positional targets in the fairways and he was reaching greens in regulation. He caught Dave Kissinger who finished 7th. Andy Swanson and Sue Cummings were in their own battle, neck and neck, exchanging the lead back and forth, both finishing even par. Sue had the tie breaker taking 5th. LZ passed them both. Bill Finger delivering his best round of the season, well under par, was on the twelfth tee. He was watching John Larson, while holding an eleven stroke lead. Michael was watching them both. Putts that saved the front were snagging pars on the back. He caught John going ahead on fourteen. They both were chasing William Tiberius. Even with driver, 2 wood, LZ had difficulty reaching the par five holes and focused on at least making bogies. Otherwise, the pars kept dropping. Lazarchick continued to chip away strokes. The Haus was becoming quiet. Suddenly, the Tavern exploded with exaltation, sheer jubilation. The pars kept dropping. He caught Bill on sixteen and pulled away on each of the last two holes. John and Bill finished two under. Michael won by three. The Polish American Tavern serenaded the Promenade, chanting Doctor, Doctor!

SCORECARD

RESULTS

SCATS Sue Cummings and Joe Champion take the Lion’s Share. Ruthann Finger and Eddie Hannan make a profit. Lazarchick, MacGregor, Kissinger, Dan Swanson and Bill Finger get their money back.

POINTS AFTER FOUR Not surprising, Marc Bohan retained his first position in the regular season point total. With the victory Lazarchick leapfrogged the pack to 2nd place. Larson jumped up into a tie with Joe Champion.Kissinger, Swanson and Bill Finger are very close to the door, looking in to the Final Four slots that will play for the title.

82 Bohan, Marc
79 Lazarchick,Michael
72 Champion, Joe
72 Larson, John
70 Kissinger, Dave
70 Swanson, Andy
63 Finger, Bill
49 MacGregor, Keith
47 Finger, Ruthann
44 Antczak, Rich
40 Borillo, Ed
36 Hannan, Eddie
35 Fleming, Wayne
34 Cummings, Jim
31 Swanson, Dan
23 Wescott, Bob
22 Stocker, Phil
10 Dilks, George
6 Daino, Bob
6 Middleman, Fran

Next TWISTED DUNE WEDNESDAY JULY 23RD 1ST TEE TIME 11:09

The last group had just sent their drives into the 10th fairway. The sun was still shinning, pumping down the heat and humidity, eliciting sweat on the brows of the most sensitive. All had heard the distant sound of thunder rumbling. Suddenly, lightning struck on two different sides of the Tour Players. The warning siren quickly followed calling all golfers back to the clubhouse. When players heard there would be at least a half hour delay waiting became problematic. Too many had after the tournament commitments. President John Larson, with astute problem solving skills, consulted with past President Joe Champion. Never before in OCAGA Tour history had there been a Nine Hole Tournament. Joe smiled with appreciation of the new president’s quick creative thinking. Rich Antczak, newly appointed to the executive board as Tournament Scheduling Czar and William Tiberius Finger, newly appointed as Executive Director Recruiting and Scheduling, concurred with the “out of the box” solution. The President directed the Secretary to poll the tour players for consensus. William Tiberius, considered to be One of the Great Financial Minds in the whole country, directed the Secretary to ask for 9 hole Rain Check resulting in $560 towards a new round of golf. With a strong, indeed almost overwhelmingly positive set of course experiential evaluations being bandied around, the Vineyard was booked for a second tournament on July 2nd. Hildegard, tending the bar in the Hofbräuhaus, commented, “Our Johnie is far more than just a Pretty Face.” Larson’s Hot Stone Massage Stock took a Bullish Jump!

Out of the gate Richie Antczak dropped the only par on the first hole. The girl scouts swooned. Marc Bohan, Bob Westcott and the Doctor fought for the early gross lead. Le Petite Café erupted when Marc was Closest to the Pin for 3 Points, polished off with a beautiful Birdie Putt. On the first and shortest par Five two of the longest drivers, Marc and Joe sunk par. The Flanders Nature Center with 60 year ties to those with Flemish heritage, were thrilled when Wayne Flemming executed a beautiful putt for par. And yes, the Godfather smiled when one of his favorites, Bob Daino also did the same. At that point, no one knew how short the tournament would be, nor the importance of each stroke in what would be very close match.

Holes six and seven were the two lowest handicapped holes and they took a toll on all the tour players. The average score was a little over 12 or slightly over, three over par for the field. With a par and a bogie, John Larson brought himself in striking distance of the lead. In his first OCAGA Tournament, George Dilks energized the English Pub playing two over. He was in fast company with point leader Marc Bohan, last year’s winner Bob Wescott, and Dave Kissinger, tied with John Larson for second place in point total. At the other end of the spectrum, Richie Antczak played the two holes five over par, with Eddie Borillo, Phil Stocker, and Bob Daino, greatly diminishing chances for victory. The Fingers, along with Lazarchick, used four strokes over par. LZ tarnished a great start, opening the door to most of the field, while Bill and Ruthann slipped farther off the pace.

Because Golf is so important to the locals who frequent the Promenade the Godfather financed installation of Doppler Radar plus GOER-R. The Doppler transmits short pulses of radio waves into the atmosphere which bounce back. The returning echoes analyze the speed and direction of “weather” events. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite – R Series are sophisticated satellites that provide high spatial and temporal imagery of the Earth using the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) with a Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM). With a personal invitation from President Larson, Meteorologist Klaus Hasselmann, Noble Laureate and founding director of the Max Planck Institute, was visiting the Hofbräuhaus. Purportedly he contacted John to let him know it was unlikely that the last group, would finish the 10th hole. Klaus leaked their conversation and the news spread fast through all the drinking venues. The possibility of a nine hole event escalated excitement. The Rasmussen Reports Presidential Tracking Poll showed Larson’s popularity continuing to climb. With Richie Antczak fully paying the remainder of his dues and the procurement of rain check money, OCAGA is financially sound. The new John Larson administration can now boast 14 paid members supporting the Tour. They get to compete for Championship money and fame. Another seven have played as guests this season.

At the Champions Club they were recognizing Joe for his successfully completed Presidential Term of Office, arguably the most transformative and innovated throughout the history of OCAGA. It was his vision that lead to the possibility of allowing tournament makeups. They give players the opportunity to earn points towards making the playoffs without disrupting the points earned on the day of the scheduled tournament. The move greatly expanded hope and enjoyment, while increasing full participation longer in the season. The crowd in The Club equaled the celebration when they hung Stephanie Champion’s Breaking the Glass Ceiling Portrait.

Almost everyone was in play with two hole to go. John, Richie, Bill and Andy faltered, while Dave Kissinger and Eddie Borillo sent the Italian Bistro towards delirium. Virtually everyone upon entering touches the shrine of the man who took a Faint Glimmer of Hope to the Championship Title. With a total of nine strokes Ed went ahead of Larson and Antczak, who would tie for 9th place. He caught Finger and Swanson. Eddie finished 7th, in between Bill and Andy by virtue of handicap. Dave Kissinger with two Bogies caught Bob Wescott and stayed a stroke ahead of Marc Bohan, both with a bogie, par finish. The Tavern sent up a jumping shower of Zywiec when Lazarchick sunk par on eight. They “oohed and ouched” the five foot miss which became a bogie on 9. The handicap tie breaker placed Wescott second, Lazarchick third and Kissinger fourth.

The top five played well, but the ultimate winner on the OCAGA Tour, usually plays extraordinarily well. Joe Champion hit a magnificent drive on number 8. His iron shot was pristine. His third shot dropped into the cup for a Birdie! He took the lead and no one would catch him on 9. The kids at the Champions Club had a very good day!

SCORECARD

RESULTS

SCATS Bohan and Champion take Lion’s Share. Antczak, Larson, Kissinger and Daino make a profit.

POINTS AFTER 3:

68 Bohan, Marc
60 Champion, Joe
56 Kissinger, Dave
55 Swanson, Andy
54 Lazarchick,Michael
49 Larson, John
42 Finger, Bill
41 Hannan, Eddie
41 Swanson, Dan
40 Borillo, Ed
38 Finger, Ruthann
36 Antczak, Rich
30 MacGregor
26 Hannan, Eddie
24 Fleming, Wayne
24 Swanson, Dan
23 Wescott, Bob
22 Stocker, Phil
22 MacGregor, Keith
21 Cummings, Jim
10 Dilks, George
6 Daino, Bob

NEXT BACK TO VINEYARD NATIONAL FOR 18 HOLES, WEDNESDAY 2:00 JULY 2ND

It was a beautiful, fairly warm opening day on the tour with only a slight breeze requiring some adjustment. Le Petite Café was jam packed in anticipation of seeing Marc Bohan play in the new OCAGA season. Pierre invited JoJo Gougounne Savard the renowned French Canadian Psychic, famous initially for Jojo’s Psychic Alliance and more recently in the United States, as host of the Power of Love Hotline. She facilitated a pre-tournament group guided meditation, so patrons could send collective positive energy and love to their hero. After winning back to back titles in 21 and 22, Marc has been less than auspicious on opening day the last two seasons and he fell short of making the playoffs. JoJo’s reputation soared continually as the tournament unfolded! Marc placed a sweet 42 on the front nine scorecard quickly knocking off the strokes he was giving the competition. Oohs and Aahs radiated out onto the promenade with Marc’s poetic expression of golf, fluid, magnificent swings. He caught Dave Kissinger on hole nine and took the lead on hole eleven.

For others the rough was tough, the greens were tricky. Double and triple bogeys abounded. Angus and Fergus were fighting back tears in the Scottish Pub, Babbity Bowser. Last season’s Pinelands winner, Keith MacGregor exuded considerable rust, sailing over 100. Current Champion John Larson, whose Hole in One picture from a month ago on hole two, now hangs in the Hoffbrauhaus, struggled to a stroke short of 100. Lazarchick, Hannan, Fleming, Champion, and Finger all posted net 78, 10 strokes higher than the winning net 68. In the “Haus,” when Heinrich complained that William Tiberous finished behind the others, Wolfgang explained, higher handicaps equalize the playing field, but the lower handicap is the tie breaker when the net score is the same. Over half of the tour players would not break 100. Dan Swanson, Ed Borillo and Keith MacGregor were all vying for high score. In the Italian Bistro the Godfather explained to Bruno, Ed’s highest score would have returned a SCAT, if he had not already earned one with low score on fifteen. Every player showed glimpses of good things to come, Hammer Rockets, Larson Power Fades, but frustration ruled the day. Precision putts were surrounded by fly-byes and too-soft turns and stops.

Nurse Smith was acting girl scout troop leader for the day and did let them know that Mike O’Brien, Phil Stocker and Bob Wescott were struggling with health issues. The trio were late cancellations. She explained how advancing age has added challenge to the players. And sure enough, James Taylor’s left hip went out on a drive, preventing him from finishing the round. The girl scouts not wanting to deal with such issues started to chant “Richie, Richie, he’s too cute,” knowing that Antzcak’s golf clubs already reached the Polish American Tavern and his return from Arizona was imminent.

The Tavern sits between the Italian Bistro and the Irish Pub on the Promenade. The crowds within are equally boisterous when their heroes make nice shots. With the passing of Art Czachorowski, Michael Lazarchick, aka The Doctor, is their current favorite son. Monikered LZ by Phil Stocker, he is the current Senior Champion at Pinelands with his own parking spot. After a nice opening bogey of the tough number one hole, he took Closest to the Pin on number two, eliciting rousing cheers. But at the turn he was only a stroke better than Dave Kissinger and one behind Jim Cummings. Jim ignited the Irish Pub hitting number ten in 2 and dropping the bird in the dead center of the cup. LZ would drop his own birdie on number 14.

On the back Marc Bohan just pulled away from Dave Kissinger in a steady march to a six stroke victory. The Café was tranquil embraced by a knowing feeling of certainty. Pierre had a great selection of Canadian wine imported from the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate. The toasting started early. At the Bistro the Godfather was sipping Cynar, an Italian bitter liqueur that is made from an infusion of artichoke leaves and 13 other herbs and plants. It’s known for its bittersweet flavor. He was pleased watching Dave Kissinger hold onto his second place position. Jim Cummings and Michael Lazarchick were formidable competitors. Dave did not have a blow up hole and the thick rough stopped both Jim and LZ from shaving off enough strokes. Jim edged out a third place finish. Michael took fourth and Eddie Hannan finished fifth by virtue of handicap tie breakers, making an early bid for Rookie of the Year. Fan Favorites Joe Champion and Wayne Flemming were one stoke off making the top five, feeling the pain of those close putts that just would not drop.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

In the Polish American Tavern Agnieszka, the high school math teacher, was explaining numbers to Stanislaw. She told him the Doctor was the big winner of SCATS, sinking a par on number 2, a Birdie on 14, and hitting two Closest to the Pin. Marc Bohan, Jim Cummings and Eddie Hannan each had two. Eddie had a Closest to the Pin and low score with handicap on number 9. Jim Cummings shared Closest to the Pin on 16 with Bill Finger and sunk a beauty for a Birdie on 10. Marc had a Birdie on the very difficult number 6 and was the only person to sink a par on 18. Larson, Champion, Finger and Borillo each had one. Stanislaw’s attention span faded before she finished.

NEXT: BUENA VISTA

THURSDAY MAY 22

TEE TIME 9:42

 We suspect that Eva, the beautiful young woman driving the food and beverage cart, may have been one of the Girl Scouts infiltrating Greate Bay to watch Andy Swanson play in the OCAGA Art Czachorowski Memorial Championship of 2024. Andy lives on South Jersey’s Premier Private Championship Golf Course and conditions were indeed the best the tour has seen this season, even with the substantial improvements visibly still in development. Vegas had him as a good money bet to upset Michael Lazarchick, fresh out of winning the Pinelands Senior Club Championship and John Larson, who took the regular season point total for the second straight year.   Joe Champion attracted upset money in Vegas because of his driving distance and short hole accuracy, while setting the new record for most Closest to the Pin Money. They were a formidable quartet fighting for the title.

Six players were lined up for two threesomes as teams to play in a secondary competition. Marc Bohan, Phil Stocker and Bob Daino against Jim Cummings, Dave Kissinger and Bill Finger were match-ups generating considerable enthusiasm on the Promenade. The Godfather explained to Bruno how this format of ethnic diversity leads to better relationships in varying fan bases, reducing animosity and hate. Of course, because Bob was on one team and Dave was on the other, the Italian Bistro was guaranteed a winner. When Jim at the last minute was unable to come and Secretary Lazarchick had no backup plan, the proverbial apple cart was turned over. Three against two was problematic, especially when the lowest handicap player is the missing piece of your team.

While Marc Bohan was thrilling, displaying a cavalcade of beautiful shots, Dave and Bill were able to eke out a victory. Bob and Phil were able to get Marc significantly closer on holes with great differences in the forward tees and regulation white. Dave and Bill decided to have fun and enjoyed their share of competitive drives and saving swings.  At Le Petite Café,  Pierre  praised Marc for giving 8 strokes during the tournament to the weakened two man team, which in turn led to Phil and Bob moving up to the super senior forward tees. Nodding with appreciation,  Pierre told the crowd that his teammates were more comfortable and the opposition were given a chance to compete. Pierre emphasized how magnanimous was their hero as he chose to escalate his personal challenge. With a knowing tone he added  that Marc thrives in significant competition. Pierre pointed to the Bohan trophy wall showing not only his three OCAGA Champion Titles and numerous regular season tournament victories, but also the great number of team wins in a myriad of formats in the secondary events on Championship days. Clearly, no one will ever match his record of overall victories. He is the longest active member of a tour his father was instrumental in creating with Art Czachorowski.  Within the Café, a few men and all the women exuded tears of compassion and adulation by the end when Pierre concluded with Our Marc Bohan is a Class Act!

The Final Four started with quad sixes on One. Andy and Joe expanded their handicap lead on two while John fell a stroke behind Michael. Indeed. When LZ parred three he cut into the handicap leads, while going up two more on John. John punched back for one on four, but gave it right back on five.The tension in both the Hofbräuhaus and Polish American Tavern was growing.

All year the pair had been in classic battles. Just a day before, The Doctor had toasted the field with an average 89 in the two day Pinelands Senior Club Championship. Early in the season playing Greentree from the white tees, John dominated the field while LZ struggled with distance control. At Westwood John  finished 2nd with  a gross score 3 strokes behind his elder opponent. At Centerton however, with the tee boxes slightly more forward than usual, John easily dominated with a gross 75, ten strokes better than Michael in third place. 

While John was playing Greate Bay for the first time and in the first few holes expressed dislike of the course, Lazarchick was initially more comfortable with years of experience. Of course Andy lived on the 17th hole of his home course.  After John sunk a 10 foot beauty on six, LZ told him that often the winner was the person dropping Birdies. There was still a chill in the air as the foursome reached the “new holes” as result of the course redesign. Lazarchick felt fatigued. He was continually using his 4 wood and 2 wood to get some distance. While he was complaining to himself that he did not like to play in cold weather, he swung too fast and  missed a drive into a new basin in development on the 7th hole. From the drop zone he saved a 6 and John took another step closer. At the turn he was one stroke behind the leaders, Lazarchick tied with Swanson in net score.    

The back opened with Lazarchick regaining the lead, then watching John finally go ahead two holes later. Michael could not find a comfort zone. His last gasp was a par on fourteen. For John the memory of OB taking the 2023 title in the final holes was not yet erased. He sent the ball slightly past the par 5 fifteenth hole in two, then executed a pristine up and down for his second birdie.  Four strokes better than Andy and Joe and 2 Better than Michael, John was fully focused and in control. Greta at the Hofbräuhaus quieted the attempt at early victory cheers, but Larson Hot Stone Massage Stock price was out of control, quickly spiraling up.  Andy would edge  past LZ on seventeen into second place while John continued to forge his masterpiece. He did not lose a stroke to anyone in the last four holes. He beat the best the OCAGA Tour had to offer becoming the OCAGA 2024 Champion.

SCORECARD