The OCAGA photographer captured the image of Michael Lazarchick peering around the swamp surrounding the 17 hole. He actually dropped 3 out of 12 Birdies sunk during the Green Tree Tournament and posts the lowest gross score (83) on the day, edging out Joe Champion for the Victory. Along with the birdies he posted 4 pars on the Scorecard. It was one of the most exciting finishes in OCAGA History, with a clutch performance down the stretch, sneaking past the close battle among Champion, Phil Stocker and Chuck Cole.

Cole held the lead at the turn with Joe Champion chipping away at the higher handicap, much helped by three consecutive Birdies, driving or being very close to the greens on holes 4,5,& 6. Joe and LZ shared low gross of 42 after 9. Cole was so very close to putting the tournament to rest just missing the putts he needed. He lost the lead to Joe on the 14th hole. On 15, Phil Stocker caught Joe with the Doctor one behind the leaders, and one ahead of Cole. On 15 Stocker took a 2 stroke lead on all three of his competitors who merged into a second place tie. On 17 Lazarchick shaved off a stroke, one under Joe, three under Chuck, still a stroke behind the cruising Phil Stocker, lusting for a second straight victory to start the season, much like his 2021 debut. The 18th hole proved to be quite a challenge. Only the oldest tour player Art Czachorowski and the youngest tour player Stephanie Champion were able to drop the low for the hole, a bogey 6. Stocker unfortunately encountered some bad luck and mental error, suffering through an uncharacteristic 11, letting LZ and Joe pass him by and beating Chuck only by the handicap tie breaker, all three posting a double bogey 7. Yes, the Polish American Tavern erupted in delirium when they finally realized Lazarchick was the Winner!

Dave Kissinger finished 5th with a quite respectable gross 94, while current tour Champion Marc Bohan, the only other to break 90, finished 6th. Rookie Mike Deckard 7th and Nancy Mauro at 8th became the first woman to ever finish under 10 in an OCAGA Tour Tournament. Five time Champion, and living legend Art Czachorowski was ninth followed by Stephanie Champion at 10. Swanson, Borillo and Gahr were the last three to make the cut.

Joe Champion continued his target shooting on par threes and with the second straight CTP for Points, sits in first place after two tournaments, followed by Phil Stocker and Michael Lazarchick. The three have created a little bit of early season separation from Mike Deckard, Dave Kissinger and Chuck Cole currently jockeying at the edge of Final Four placement. Of course, Marc Bohan and Art Czachorowski are not that far behind and perennial threats to play for the title.

Art Czachorowski and Joe Champion were the Big SCATS Winners with the Doctor in second. Marc Bohan who skipped a Huge payday at Pinelands, at least made back more than his investment. Nancy Mauro, Tom Gahr and Chuck Cole were also in the money. The new SCATS Rules for the 2022 Season are on the Home Page using the Schedule Link. The secretary is in the process of transferring everything to the Blog Website.

There was a call from the Don St George Foundation about a message from Don written in anticipation of changes and keeping up with the OCAGA Rules upon his death.

“If you are reading this message it is because I am no longer with you. Since you no longer have the guidance of my Tournament Rules Wisdom on gameday, I suggest at least one person in every foursome should read and be aware of what the 2022 OCAGA Rules Say. Other than the special Rules published by the OCAGA Tour, you may look to the publication Basic Golf Rules to supplement understanding of anything not addressed by the OCAGA Tour.”

The Girl Scouts were in a tizzy. There was the loyalist group who were thrilled seeing Andy Swanson return to competition. The adversary group formerly known for chanting Richie, Richie, He’s Too Cute, with Antczak’s absence, came out in force, with Joe, Joe, Dreamy Joe, He’s Our Champion, You Know! A brand new much large group emerged however, carrying a revive the Equal Rights Amendment for Women banner, supported by golf clubs. They were seen outside the Promenade Sports Pavilion swinging golf clubs, trying to imitate Stephanie and Nancy.

NEXT Buena Vista June 29th 9:37 – 9:46 – 9:55 We have room for 12 players. Secretary needs confirmation of your expected play.

Please contact your Secretary if you are have suggestions and are willing to help to set up the next tournaments. Golden Pheasant and Atlantis have been mentioned as possibilities. Look for an email asking for available days during the week when you are available.