Le Petit Café was packed. All the outdoor seating on the promenade had been reserved by the beginning of the season. Pierre imported Kronenbourg 1664, a pale lager from France and placed on special, Poutine (French fries with cheese curds), a world-famous French-Canadian comfort food. Marc had a relatively bad opening day. But this was Buena Vista. Last year’s victory was blemished when Mike Deckard delivered a net make up score that was actually lower. This was a huge tournament for the Patrons and Marc knew it. Just outside the Café on the Promenade with a great view of the giant screen tv, the local girl scouts were camped out. Both Andy Swanson and Rich Antczak were in Marc’s foursome along with Rookie sensation Keith MacGregor. To see such a big representation of Andy’s face on the screen elicited a chorus of heartfelt swoons. For a promise of minimized loud chanting, Pierre handed out well received “Richie, Richie, He’s Too Cute” embroidered tea shirts. Their gallery was substantial!
The Babbity Bowster Scottish Pub was enjoying their best day, undoubtable because of Keith’s opening day victory. Tennent’s Lager was again on special. The volume of business made it profitable and the deal pleased the customers. Reminiscing about knocking off phenom John Larson in a close one, clearly elicited a crowd dopamine rush.
The Hofbräuhaus was equally hopping. Both Larson and William Tiberius Finger had shown dominance over Michael Lazarchick. John was actually giving him a stroke. As a big underdog Bill eliminated LZ, a huge favorite, on the final hole of the semi-finals last season, opening the door to the Pinelands League Championship. Both finished higher than he did in the season opener.
At the Polish American Tavern they were still celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Lazarchick’s Cafe in the Minersville District. They toasted and praised the excellent food, moderate prices and very customer oriented staff. Old Kasimer told everybody the Cafe helped the Tavern open on the Promenade. Bazyli was doing a podcast about the 2024 Richie Antczak Ocean City Golf Open billed as “A gathering of good friends, for good company, good meals, and fun golf.” Indeed, this year everyone got to play from the tees where they were most comfortable. Day one Richie, Andy, The Doctor and Mike J played Bear Trap Dunes. Andy was dominant on undulating fairways and tricky greens. He took CTP twice and both the front and back low putts. LZ made a late charge with a no putt nasty 6 on 16 and taking the last CTP on 17. The course was magnificent.
Day 2 at the Ocean City Country Club, Andy again posted the lowest gross score. He and LZ were chosen as captains of a 9 hole Scramble. Lazarchick dropped a forty foot down hill Birdie on 2 which proved to be the difference in a one stroke victory. Mike J paid Richie. Chris paid Bob. And Andy paid his debt with an evening flow of Yuengling to LZ. Bazyli redirected into a Yuengling commercial announcing it was the oldest brewery in the United States, located 3 miles from the Birthplace of LZ’s father. During the afternoon competition, Phil was introducing OB to Rum Runners at the clubhouse. Phil’s told OB his golf day was complete after parring the number 1 handicap hole and taking the last CTP. OB with a buzz, listened. He felt the joy in Phil’s recollection when the discussion got to Lighthouse Sound.
Norwegian Cruise Lines was promoting, “CRUISE WITH STOCKER. SIX HOLES IN ONE. TWO ON THE SAME DAY!” He was by far their biggest draw. They sold out in less than an hour. His 6 was double the rest of the field combined. For years he has blasted biodegradable fish food golf balls off the back of the ship to oohs and aahs. Richie told the players #7 would be $17.24, for those not buying insurance. Phil did get to tell his story to the ranger while playing.
The Godfather was gifted kegs of Birra Moretti La Rossa from the Friuli region in Italy, a double malt, which went perfect with the Spinach Artichoke Flatbread and Focaccia appetizers. The Italian Bistro was showing pre-tournament highlights of Bob Danio in the North South Scramble. Bob sent drive after drive consistently in play, deep into the fairway, physically and psychologically dominating. Richie Antzcak and Phil Stocker put up a valiant effort, but Bob with partner Chris wrestled away the title by two strokes.
Bayzli had reached the segment about OCAGA Champion Mike O’Brien teamed up with Mike J for a scramble from the forward tees pitted against The Doctor and Andy who were playing best ball from the White Tees. Now in the third day, LZ was looking like his pre-covid self. Video highlights were being shown at the bar. He and Andy were blasting balls over considerable hazards. With putting on, they halved holes keeping it close and went up by 1 at the turn and 2 shortly thereafter. Ob was relentless driving the ball in the middle of the fairway. Mike J also had improved significantly delivering some beautiful approaches. They won 16 all on his shots. The scramble format was perfect and again they were just 1 off the pace. LZ finally reached his limit and played the final two holes 9 over par. Andy’s skill and long drive ability put him on the 17th green in 2. His par clinched a very close competitive match.
Bayzli closed by talking about the meals, card games and the evening sharing of stories. Crab Cakes, Eggplant Parmesan, Rib House Ribs Special, playing cards for hours winning or losing a few bucks, were all highlights. He announced that it was the Best Ever Antczak OC outing with Richie’s finest contribution being, Hot Crazy Matrix A Man’s Guide to Women.
The Promenade suddenly became quiet as the first foursome reached the tee box. Marc Bohan drove beautifully and two shots later dropped a Birdie. Le Petite Café patrons raised their glasses of Kronenbourg smoothly, in unison, majestically saluting their hero. Over the front nine Keith, Andy and Richie watched their handicap leads slowly diminish.
In the second foursome, John Larson and Michael Lazarchick engaged in a titanic battle, up and down, head to head, continually switching the lead. When John dropped Birdie on number 10 and LZ faltered to a double bogey, a monstrous roar echoed into the Polish American Tavern from the next door Hofbräuhaus. John went up by one. Stanislaw was fit to be tied. Richie Antczak was not doing as well as expected. Now Lazarchick appeared to be on the road to defeat again, with a stroke, to the man he easily dominated until the very end of last season. Katarzyna lit a candle at the Czachorowski shrine evoking Perun . She was sure Art was now sitting next to him. On the very next hole LZ regained the lead and began pulling away from John.
The statisticians from the Vegas Betting Parlor were using AI to help predict what was happening and what bets could still be offered. At the turn LZ had placed a 43 on the Scorecard, one stroke ahead of both Larson and Bohan. Marc had a lot of stokes to make on the back but his swing looked pristine and he was focused. John birdied the very difficult 10th hole to take the lead, picking up 2 strokes on Marc and 3 on Michael. Vegas accepted a flurry of bets at even money for him to win. In the next 6 holes he dropped 6 strokes to LZ and drifted into a battle to hold 3rd place. Swanson, MacGregor and Finger were in the fray. AI shifted the mid tournament over/under for breaking 100 down to 4 and sent out the message Bet With Your Head, Not your Heart. For Help Call 800-Gambler. They accepted bets from the Tavern on Lazarchick to win, now down to 1 to 3 odds.
Andy, Keith and Bill all finished with net 76. The handicaps place them 4th, 5th and 6th. Andy was the only one to break 100. Dave was all alone three more stokes back.
LZ was cruising and the Tavern was in bliss. He lost 2 quick strokes to Marc but took one back on 12. He was 8 strokes up with six holes to play. The fans were already celebrating, a Big Mistake when Marc Bohan is the opponent. Lazarchick doubled twice and would not sink another par until 16. Pierre at Le Petit Café announced we are watching a masterpiece as their hero displayed a poetic dance of golf. He sunk one bogey, two birdies and 3 pars in the last six holes. LZ was 3 up with two to play and knew if he hit the green on 17 he would win. He did not. They finished as the only two to break 90, net 70, 5 strokes better than 3rd place. Marc had the tie breaker by virtue of lower handicap.
A record 19 SCATS were earned at Buena with Marc Bohan and John Larson taking the lion’s share. Bill Finger and Eddie Borello each had 2. Lazarchick Swanson, Kissinger and Stocker got 1 apiece.
NEXT Wedgwood Country Club June 12th 9am 1st Tee Time Handicaps
Wedgwood Country Club, located in Turnersville, NJ, is the Tri-State Area’s choice for Affordable Upscale Public Golf! Its traditional layout is reminiscent of Philadelphia’s most prestigious and well respected private courses. The spacious front nine and tree lined back nine create a unique golf experience that will test your skill and nerve as you navigate the rolling terrain. Bent Grass Tees, Fairways, and Greens complete your experience by providing the perfect playing conditions you desire to play your very best.
Ocean City Amateur Golf Association 