Only two strokes on Emerald Links, Lazarchick’s Home Course until the pandemic, separated Art Czachorowski from a perfect 2021 season start. Having reached the fourth tournament, he was glad to be playing White Oaks in a foursome with the Doctor, the current Tour Champion. He had finished second to Marc Bohan during 2020, but this day his target was the man in second place for the season total points, knowing he was getting 6 strokes. After losing two strokes in two holes, posting bogey to LZ’s pars, an uncharacteristic snowman from his opponent, opened the door to a 1 stroke gross lead. Shortly thereafter he saw Bohan placing a rare 9 on the scorecard for hole two. His focus heightened as he delivered methodical drives in play and felt his confidence increase with a superb short game. Freddie Hubbard, who works out on the dance floor several times a week, with Art and the Ladies, new to the tour, was also in his group. Providing a dazzling driving and putting performance, he played the front 4 over par. He would actually provide a spark of competition to Art’s March.

Bohan would not recover posting a front 51 and Juliano who started okay, put up an 8 and 9, jumping up to 54 before the turn. Lazarchick did finally catch Art in gross score by 8, but uncharacteristically placed a second snowman on the Scorecard on the 9th hole. With the low handicappers reeling, Art’s 45 looked very, very good. His attention shifted to possible danger from the high handicappers.

At the Polish American Tavern, the air was filled with droplets of Żubr, from patrons jumping in joy with mugs in their hands of this pale Lager imported from the Browar Dojlidy Brewery. Stanislaw and Casimir were recounting the joy of watching Czach’s play over the years. Of course, with Pinelands next on the Tour, they ventured back to the 76 he delivered August 2006, one of his greatest Tour Performances. They loved talking about, perhaps the most spectacular shot on the track over the years, Art’s Eagle on the 18th hole! The September 2006 News reported Czach, at that time a 12 Handicap, tied for the regular season points on his way to yet another final four. The 2006 Pinelands Scorecard showed the significantly higher number of players in the Tour Competition.

Art made a quick count in his head looking at the strokes he was giving. He was coasting, once again, to a sub 90 finish. Tom Gahr and Dave Kissinger were delivering some very nice holes. Art however, was continually shaving away the strokes he had to give Tom and he was finally, getting a stroke from Dave. While they both edged out Lazarchick who finished fourth 10 strokes off the winning pace, Art bested 2nd place finisher Gahr by 5 strokes and 3rd place finisher Kissinger by 9. Sounds of Tavern Jubilance resonated throughout the promenade and everyone heard resounding chants of “Artski Sixski!”

The Five Time Champion continues to break records, making “shooting his age” all too common and shattering the season point record, by reaching 100 in just four tournaments.

Points after Four

101 Czachorowski, Art Undoubtedly Goin to the Final Four
84 Lazarchick, Mike Looks Like He Will Be Defending His Title
79 Juliano, Rob Holding Strong Onto Third Place
67 Gahr, Tom Play has Improved by the 2020 Rookie of the Year
63 Cole, Chuck Looking for his early season swing
61 Stocker, Phil Formidable, but does not like the heat
60 Bohan, Marc Always dangerous but playing with a very low handicap

41 Champion, Joe Needs to put together a very nice round
41 Borillo, Ed Never count out the Glimmer of Hope
34 Kissinger, Dave Playing for pride
25 Hubbard, Freddie Playing for fun
25 O’Brien, Mike Will return with cooler weather
18 Bergen, Mike Hasn’t Played Enough
14 Antczak, Rich Answering a Clarion Call from Girl Scouts
8 Spickler, Jeff Fans thrilled to see return from Injured Reserve
0 Swanson, Andy Rumored return at Pinelands

Joe Champion finishing 5th raised a few eyebrows at the Old English Pub. Like Chuck Cole, his return to golf after a fairly long hiatus, presents challenges. Both have delivered some amazing shots. Speculations among their fans were all about a little more play and practice, generating confidence and significantly lower scores in the near future. Both were seen playing Pinelands preparing for the August 1 Tournament.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is suing Florida’s surgeon general over the state’s law that prohibits companies from requiring customers and employees to provide documentation of Covid-19 vaccination status. Phil Stocker, who is not vaccinated, having contracted and healed from COVID 19 thus providing natural immunity, is their biggest draw. Purportedly, the last Stocker Cruise generated substantial profits, where Phil gave demonstrations, hitting biodegradable “sea life food” golf balls off the back of the ship. For years there has been talk in the Tavern, Bistro and Petit Café about Phil getting too many strokes from the low handicappers. Now in 2021, Norwegian sent a recent press release complaining about Phil having to give so many strokes to the really high handicappers!

The return of Jeff Spickler, just off injured reserve, and Rick Antzcak, both returning from their winter estates in Arizona, was electrifying. Spickler’s Lancaster Golf Outings and Antczak’s Ocean Beach Maryland Golf Excursions, which always attracted significant play from OCAGA Tour Veterans, seriously hurt local revenues with the 2020 COVID 19 cancellations.

Czachorowski and Gahr were the Big SCATS winners with Champion and Cole also raking in significant Bucks.

NEXT PINELANDS August 1st