Pierre at La Petite Café was thrilled. Installing the large, yet eloquent, TV screen out on the promenade, was drawing customers, especially with the offering of a cold Biere de Garde special, in blonde, amber and chestnut brown versions. The tables were a full 6 feet plus apart and the staff wore stylish masks covering nose and mouth. The OCAGA Tour was being broadcast and Marc Bohan opened with a Birdie at Greate Bay, eliciting Cheers. Placing a 41 on the front nine Scorecard elicited crowd confidence that Marc was once again putting on a show. The drives were competitively long, the fairway woods and irons were on target and the putting was exceptionally precise on a challenging track.

Jacques and Babette, avid fans, of course were recounting the accusation from the president, in ubiquitous  tweets, day and night, last season,  that Mia was somehow providing an advantage using her laptop, riding with her father on tournament Sundays. The unconfirmed rumor that the Godfather was the designer of the Juliano Handicapping System, specifically to prevent Marc from ever being competitive, no longer seemed relevant. On this day he was rising above and delivering with the sweetest of swings.   

Current Champion Andy Swanson and Rob Juliano seemed to be repeating the titanic battle witnessed in the 2019 finale. Booming Drives that intimidate lesser players and intermittent bursts of excellence, kept both in a tight battle. Rookie sensation, Tom Gahr, sporting the highest handicap in OCAGA history, 38, under the new 2020 Rules, was in the fray. It was, yet again, an exciting match to watch,  and came down to the final few holes.   

With a snowman on 15, Tom dropped 3 strokes to each of the other competitors and gave up the lead to Andy Swanson, who went ahead of him by 2 and Rob by 1. But Marc was looming at the doorstep. Andy and Rob played the last three holes identically using 14 strokes. Tom used 13 catching Rob, but would still finish fourth.  Marc dropped three pars, 11 strokes, catching Andy and winning by virtue of lower handicap.

In 5^th place the Doctor posted an 87 with a scorching 39 on the back nine, of course said Babette, not as hot as Marc’s 38. His downfall was a two stroke penalty on the 6^th hole when he hit Andy Swanson’s ball and suffered through a 9 stroke hole.

Art Czachorowski, with a 99, finished a handicapped stroke behind Phil Stocker who posted 100 with Dave Kissinger and Rich Antczak. Supposedly Jacques and Babette were overheard saying that Czach has publically posted social media sources with political views that also portray COVID 19 as a Hoax. While he did wear a mask into the clubhouse to pay the bill, he was purportedly seen in a very casual distance relationship with the starter, both with uncovered faces. As a Polish American Tavern Icon, it is believed by some that his actions created a stirring debate within. Don St George near Art’s age retired from the tour and both Mike O’Brien and Eddie Borillo, in their late seventies are out on “injured reserve” further excalating the legend of Art, still playing competitively in his mid eighties. Outside the Tavern the local girl scout troop was demonstrating in support of Antczak’s return to the Tour, chanting the now historic famous words, “Richie, Richie, He’s too Cute!” 

Marc Bohan took the SCATS bounty with Kissinger and Gahr hauling in respectable second place bucks.

NEXT    WHITE OAKS  August 2nd    Please inform Rob & Art that you are playing.