Always Humble Phil accepts praise on his apparent victory in Bar after the tournament.

Phil Stocker opened the season winning the “practice round” at Greate Bay against Club Champion Andy Swanson, followed by an opening day triumph at Shore Gate and then a captivating Victory at Golden Pheasant. Rob Juliano had a low gross 84, but with handicap, Phil beat him by three strokes.  Mike Lazarchick tied Phil at 88, with handicap however, 8 strokes off the pace. Finishing 1, 2, 3, the trio were the only players to break 90. Placing a 99 on the Scorecard, Dave Kissinger, holding the highest handicap in the league with Phil at 32, finished 4^th. He was pleased to break 100. Current league Champion Andy Swanson took 5^th place with 96, a net 15 strokes behind Phil.

Stocker dropped 5 pars and otherwise pretty much played bogey golf. Even with that dominance he lamented about several approaches that ended just short of falling into the cup, the best precariously hanging over the edge. Norwegian Cruise Line stock flew out of the Pandemic induced cellar with the rumor Phil was to be offered a nice contract to display the Stocker Golfing Technique on board including driving eco-friendly (Dixon Earth) golf balls off the back of the ship into an ocean. The new line is purportedly biodegradable and edible by sea creatures.

VEGUS odds makers have Phil at a 4 to 5 favorite to make it three in a row, thus tying the record set by the legendary and mythical Joe Belmonte,  who started the season with three victories in the ancient days before the first electronic edition of OCAGA News, back in the 20 century. Apparently the dismal display last July by Phil at the Bay is being viewed an anomaly as heavy money suggests Phil’s handicap stuck at 32, is way too generous. However, Rookie Tom Gahr with the new 2020 rules will play at 38 on Sunday, the new high handicapper on the tour. Meanwhile, it is not confirmed that Rob Juliano received a huge campaign donation from Norwegian Cruiseline on the morning that handicaps were calculated, two hours and 8 minutes before presstime. His press secretary assured everyone that Kissinger’s 99 verses Stocker’s 88, correctly dropped Dave’s handicap below Phil.

Purportedly Reuters has reported on an international girl scout prayer vigil sending positive energy to current Tour Champion & “heartthrob,” Andy Swanson. Needless to say, once again the OCAGA Tour is Big Sports News!

The President was whining again about throwing 10 bucks into the betting pool but relented when Lazarchick cajoled him and Yes, it was the right week to gamble. Juliano took more SCATS than all others combined!

Greate Bay on Sunday July 12^th. Arrive by 10:30