Ocean City Amateur Golf Association

From a family of athletic Champion females, Stephanie is making her mark in the Ocean City Amateur Golf Association. She was beautiful. The Vineyard was in beautiful condition. The day was beautiful with enough wind to make the round comfortable. Once again she was in a battle with the oldest active player, Mike O’Brien who steadily played the center of the fairway and tied her on five. But Steph parred the #1 handicap sixth and proceeded to pull away. Dave Kissinger was sending long rockets down the center of fairways with a draw, starting on one. He caught OB on six and became the new challenger on seven. When Steph suffered through a 7, then an 8, on fourteen and fifteen, Dave actually got to within one. The tension in the air was suffocating in both the Champion Club and the Italian Bistro. They both followed with beautiful putts on sixteen and seventeen, generating incredible excitement. On eighteen Dave took his first 7 of the day and he knew he let one go. Stephanie maneuvered through the challenging terrain, sunk her putt and won by two strokes. Placing a net 65 on the scorecard, she took a big step towards the final four. This is her second win on the tour.

Marc Bohan had  Le Petit Café believing he was going to defend his title. A bogey on 2 and another on 7 were surrounded by a string of par. When he dropped a long Birdie Putt from the fringe on 9 he finished the front one over with a gross 38. Lazarchick meanwhile, lost his drive with a bad bounce into the trees on the par 5, fourth. A two stroke penalty for a lost ball, two straight, two wood tops, an errant approach shot and a missed putt all helped him to a devastating 9! With a triple bogey on the difficult fourteen, LZ just barely broke 90. Marc’s magic dissipated on eleven and only a birdie on 17 allowed him to salvage a gross 83. Both lost ground in the race to the final four.

John Larson maintained his lead in the regular season. He posted a gross 88, beating LZ by 1 and Mike Deckard by 2. His net 69 gave him a third place finish, ahead of O’Brien at fourth, by virtue of lower handicap. Me D finished fifth. Unfortunately, Larson Hot Stone Massage Stock took a dip when the OCAGA Investigative Reporter discovered that John may not attribute his success to the meditative benefits of the experience. Supposedly, John believes more in cause and effect science, such as practicing on the driving range. Be assured we will stay abreast of this developing story. At the Irish Pub those who bet early at 100 to 1 that OB would make the final four are licking their chops. On tournament days standing room only is available for late comers and the faithful are taking the current even money bet from VEGAS.

Points After Vineyard

• 105 John Larson In the Final Four
• 92 Michael Lazarchick
• 89 Dave Kissinger
• 88 Mike O’Brien
• 83 Stephanie Champion
• 71 Marc Bohan
• 70 Jimmy Depiano
• 66 Joe Champion
• 65 Mike Deckard
• 62 Ernie Schuck
• 60 Ed Borillo
• 54 Phil Stocker
• 37 Jeff Spickler
• 36 Keith MacGregor
• 35 Andy Swanson
• 17 Art Czachorowski

At the Polish American Tavern Stanislaus and Casimir were watching OCAGA Reports on TV. With one tournament left before the finals, the OCAGA statistician was saying John has made the Final Four if he plays Buena Vista! Larson is guaranteed 9 points for a last place finish giving him 114 for the season. Current 5th place Stephanie with a victory at Buena and three points for Closest to the Pin, can only reach 111. Lazarchick, Kissinger and O’Brien however, are all vulnerable if they do not finish well, and Steph does finish in the top 5. Marc Bohan will need the 3 Point Closest to the Pin and a first place finish, coupled with either Kissinger or OB finishing last and Stephanie also not making the top five. At the Café, Pierre announced eliciting rousing cheers, that Marc did win Buena in 2022 and did get CTP for 3 points. However, he cannot catch LZ. Jim Depiano also needs the CTP and a first place finish with the same scenario. All other players are mathematically eliminated, playing for SCATS. Stan and Cas were totally confused. However, they were ecstatic when they heard that 5 Time Champion, a living legend, Art Czachorowski will be playing in the tournament. Also, Bill Finger, aka The Hammer, a Star from the Pinelands Monday Evening League has accepted an invitation to play and may be a new addition to the OCAGA Tour.

In SCATS John Larson was the Big Winner. LZ, Joe and Stephanie also made money.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

Next: BUENA VISTA WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH 10:04

Arguably the Doctor is playing some of the best golf of his career, leading the Monday Evening Pinelands League by 35 points, only three strokes from the lead in the Senior Club Championship with the final round coming less than two weeks away and holding a strong 2nd place position on the OCAGA Tour. A year ago he won the Greentree Tournament with a low gross 83 from the senior tees. Vegas was not confident in his decision to move back to the regulation White Tees on a challenging track quick to punish miscues. Lazarchick however, exuding confidence, easily drove the fairways for distance with his slow methodical swing. He caught the attention of the Polish American Tavern patrons who were lamenting the decision of both Richie Antczak and Art Czachorowski to skip the tournament. After a beautiful drive on the par 6 third hole, LZ topped his two wood into the thin overgrown stream protecting the fairway, eliciting groans within the Tavern. Earlier, Joe Champion suffered through an 11, Eddie Borillo a 10, and both Marc Bohan and Stephanie Champion took a 9. But the Doctor followed with a two wood that reached the turn, got on in 6 and made the putt to save the hole.

The last foursome included three hot Rookies, Jimmy Depiano, Ernie Schuck and John Larson. Jimmy opened with an awesome drive, strong fairway wood, beautiful iron approach shot and precision Birdie putt. The Italian Bistro was energized, already excited with Eddie Borillo’s par, par opening. They vicariously suffered Ed’s back to back 10s on three and four, jumping to their feet when he dropped a Birdie on five. Dave Kissinger had a tough start but also brought in the crowd with his own Birdie on four. Bruno bet the parley that all three would make the top ten. Only Jimmy Depiano came through and just barely.

At Le Petit Café they were numb after Marc Bohan’s 3 hole, 6 over par start. Pierre announced it is a game of inches and good luck was not with their champion. Four through seventeen he displayed his usual fluid poetic golf swing, but a two over, 7, on the final hole was difficult to digest. He fell to an 8th place finish. When the OCAGA reporter asked Lazarchick how it felt to beat Marc, head to head from the white tees, posting the low gross 85, he said, “That’s Golf. Some days the driver and putter are working and you get the right bounces. It is a rare treat just to be close to Marc in score.” Below is a painting of the Café which some believe might have been created by the exceptionally talented Mia Bohan.

After the bundle of SCAT money Joe took in at the last tournament, the Champion Club bar attracted their best crowd of the season. There was a special on Virgin Cocktails to serve the needs of the girl scouts attending in mass to watch Stephanie. Their male Dreamboats, Richie and Andy, both missed the tournament because of social obligations. Unfortunately, Joe missed virtually every club and got into serious trouble early, experiencing a horror show of the many par 6 hazards on the way to his 11. Otherwise he played great and did manage a 5th place finish. Stephanie meanwhile was in a battle with Mike O’Brien. There was an Oldster Youngster Parley from the multitude of Vegas betting options, one pitting OB against both Steph and Mike Deckard. While the kids easily outdistanced the old man, keeping in the many tight fairways was the difference. Playing the last three holes 2 over par, OB incited rancorous shouts of approval within the Irish Pub, moving from two behind to two ahead. He finished sixth while Stephanie fell to seventh. It has been many years since OB has been this high in the standings this late in the season.

The Hofbräuhaus had their largest turnout in decades. It was not the addition of large screen televisions providing viewing from every possible location. John Larson was leading the tour and Jeff Spickler was very impressive returning from off season healing. Rookie Ernie Schuck had displayed moment of brilliance. This day would be no different. All three of their heroes were quickly battling for the lead. Jeff held the lead at the turn sinking 4 pars. Ernie sunk three of his own and caught Jeff with a 22 foot Birdie on 10. He went into the lead on eleven. Everybody was aware the Doctor was slowly closing in. Indeed, on a course with many obstacles, Ernie commented “He (Lazarchick) doesn’t stay in trouble long.” By 16 the Polish American Tavern air was filled with splashing droplets of Żubr Polish Lager, new on tap. The lead was up to 5. Stanislaw counted 7 pars and 2 birdies. Casimir commented on how many drives had been safely in fairways. They fully expected a par or birdie on seventeen. The white tees however were back 170 yards from the sharp left turn to the green. LZ chose his 4 wood and overswung. The ball was sliced into the edge of tree line and not far enough to take the pond out of next shot. Rather that make a safe shot into the middle of the fairway leaving a short iron to the pin, he decided to send a seven iron shot through a tight window down the left side onto the green. He clipped a tree and the ball ricocheted into woods. He could not safely navigate the trees on the next shot and bounced further into the woods. The Tavern was silent and the Hofbräuhaus was suddenly fully engaged. There was no longer a safe shot. Now Lazarchick was at survival. When he dropped the putt for a snowman, John and Ernie were now one behind and Jeff was only two. On the Giant Scoreboard Kissinger, Bohan and Deckard, the other white tee players, had finished with 7,8 and 10.

LZ took a deep breath and delivered drive down the center of eighteen. He sent a two wood down the right side within a hundred yards of the green, but blocked by an overhanging tree limb. His bump and run four iron was beautiful, just short of the green. He chipped close enough to sink the par for victory! John and Jeff tied for 2nd and Ernie was next. John’s 6’2″ dart, Closest to the Pin for points on number 4 expanded his first place regular season lead.

RACE TO THE FINAL FOUR

• 84 Larson, John
• 77 Lazarchick, Michael
• 69 O’Brien, Mike
• 66 Kissinger, Dave
• 58 Bohan, Marc
• 58 Champion, Stephanie
• 57 Depiano, Jim
• 54 Champion, Joe
• 48 Deckard, Mike
• 48 Schuck, Ernie
• 46 Borillo, Ed
• 44 Stocker, Phil
• 37 Spickler, Jeff
• 36 MacGregor, Keith
• 35 Swanson, Andy
• 17 Czachorowski, Art

SCATS Ernie Schuck was the Big winner on a day when 25 SCATS were earned, the largest number in OCAGA history. In addition to solo low score with handicap on holes and closest to the pin, SCATS were paid for low gross score, par on the number 1 handicap hole and numerous birdies.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

The Tournament at Golden Pheasant was cancelled when those confirmed to play dropped to 5. Because of the distance a multiple day tournament seemed problematic. A petition spread across the Promenade to remove the Secretary for the mishandling. President Joe Champion while fully standing behind the Secretary, is asking for a scheduling team to look at Scotland Run $$$$, The Vineyards $$$, Buena Vista $$, Centerton $ and Atlantis $ as possible venues for Wednesday August 30th. The league players will be queried about preferences and the hopefully everyone can make that date. While Joe Champion continues to have very high approval ratings, this is not the first time the competence of the Secretary has been questioned.

Pinelands drew the largest field of the season and delivered incredible excitement. The Italian Bistro was captivated as their newest stars battled for the lead. Jimmy Depiano lead the field early in gross score, opening with back to back pars, beautiful drives, great approach shots and precise putting. Dave Kissinger had some early control issues with his drives but made nice recovery shots that gave him almost comfortable control of second place. Swanson Food stocks showed real time growth as Andy battled up into third place, three behind at the turn. Dave caught Jimmy, who suffered through two straight double bogeys, on the 8th hole. Dave outdrove the field as his ball easily passed Lazarchick’s bomb down the fairway and his short iron gave him a legitimate birdie attempt. Just slightly not firm enough, his putt tracking for the hole, stopped short by half an inch. Jimmy and Dave were tied for first at the turn prompting a free round of Birra Moretti from the Godfather, who was gifted kegs from the “Beer and Ice Factory” founded over a century ago. Jimmy regained the solo lead on 10 and held it through 14. Giovanni told Vicenzo it was the best tournament since Little Tony battled Big Charlie at the Vineyards. Kissinger finally caught Depiano again, on 14, and took the lead on 15. Both made nice recovery shot towards the greens, but on two straight holes Jimmy missed putts he told himself he should have dropped while Dave sunk beauties. Both were feeling the mounting pressure. Andy Swanson and Rookie phenom, John Lawson were on the doorstep, way too close.

Swanson Food and Larson Hot Stone Massage spiked hard on the Stock Market and real time betting on the Tour in Vegus showed confidence in their march. Both caught Jimmy on 16.

At the Polish American Tavern Stanislaw and Casimir were the loudest voices in an expanding veil of bedlam jocularity. With the return of Richie Antczak from the Arizona Tour and Art Czachorowski from the Florida Tour, the Tavern was jam packed. To see both steadily moving towards the lead along with Michael Lazarchick brought visions of past successful finishes. Of course, Richie had a growing contingent of Girl Scouts dreamily praying on his every swing. LZ was now a serious threat with 3 Championships since 2014 and the most trips to the final four in modern history of any active tour player. Art is legendary, not only for his record 5 Titles and his record for shooting his age all through his decade in the 80s. He put a serious scare into his opponents in what was called THE GREATEST CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW BY FOUR PLAYERS IN OCAGA HISTORY, In 2021 against Bohan, Lazarchick and the Italian Bomber Juliano, with 7 titles among them, Art chipped and putted to a three stroke lead as they turned in the back nine. All his opponents thought it was over. Artski Sixski chants reverberated out into the Promenade. This day at Pinelands, his first tournament of the 2023 season, as he climbed up the leader board, his fans believed hitting his age again would probably mean victory. The Polish trio would finish tied for 5th place.

The Hofbräuhaus also was packed with the return of Jeff Spickler from the Arizona Tour. Close to LZ in age, he was with him and OB and Phil during their formative years playing venues all along the east coast down to Florida. He brought the Lancaster area in their consciousness, both golf and food. They played the Rich Hand Tour together in the Binghamton area, featuring the Conklin Players Club, a mountain course, and En-Joie, famous on the senior tour. On this day however, when John Larson along with Andy Swanson, caught Jimmy Depanio on 16, they were just two strokes behind Kissinger. Larson’s vitality and growing skill once again electrified the patrons. His 4,5,5 finish kept pace with a charging Lazarchick and he took sole possession of second place.

The Doctor was riding with Marc Bohan and fell behind him quickly by playing the first four holes 6 over par. Both of them were looking up to Mike Deckard, holding the third lowest handicap, who played the first five holes at even par. Mike D was running away towards low gross score until he suffered through a triple bogey snowman on the 9th hole. Perhaps it was the heat that irritated his blood condition. He was visibly weaker on the back. He struggled to finish with 3 more snowman during the last five holes. LZ after his own snowman on 4, slowly was gained on Marc until a double bogey 7 on 15 pushed him back 2 and left his fate to opponent miscues. Very uncharacteristically Marc posted two sevens on the scorecard in the last four holes yielding low gross at 86 to LZ.

Bruno was confused and asked the Godfather why Lazarchick finished 5th along with Art and Rich when actually his net score was one higher. It was because they were guests, not competing this year to get into the final four. Bruno wondered if they were being sponsored by the drinking establishments because business really peaked when the “retired” Tour Players came to town. Dave Kissinger played just good enough to finish first net 3 under par. John Larson was a stroke behind, wishing he could putt again the one he missed for par on 18, but very pleased with his growth this season. Andy Swanson another stroke off the pace, still one under par, had no regrets. Jimmy Depiano finished fourth, also one under par, because his handicap is higher. He now knows he is very close to entering the winners circle.

• 58 Larson, John
• 55 Kissinger, Dave
• 52 Lazarchick, Michael
• 52 O’Brien, Mike
• 45 Depiano, Jim
• 44 Bohan, Marc
• 43 Champion,Steph
• 39 Deckard, Michael
• 36 Borillo, Ed
• 36 MacGregor, Keith
• 35 Swanson, Andy
• 35 Champion, Joe
• 31 Stocker, Phil
• 27 Shuck, Ernie
• 17 Antczak, Rich
• 17 Czachorowski, Art
• 14 Spickler, Jeff

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS

Joe Champion was the Big Bucks Winner with 5. He took double SCATS on both the second and fourth holes. He sunk a Nasty Birdie first and took solo low score with a par on the #1 handicapped hole. He also was Closest to the Pin on 16. Mike Lazarchick sunk a Birdie on 8 taking a double with solo low score on the hole. He placed low gross on the scorecard and took Closest to the Pin on 2. Mike Deckard posted solo low score on 3 and 4 and took Closest to the Pin on #11. Seven other players took one or two SCATS.

NEXT GREENTREE JULY 19TH 10:06

The Champion’s Club purportedly is honoring Joe Champion with their Distinguished Professional Service Award for his Creativity and Leadership of the Ocean City Amateur Golf Association. He brilliantly directed what is being called the Multi-Play Golf Tournament beautifully displayed recently at White Oaks. Allowing members and guests to play either weekends or weekdays greatly enhances the numbers in each tournament and theoretically will keep everyone in the competition farther into the season. While all the connections to the Champion family were not available at press time, we do know that Stephanie Champion has a reputation of excellence serving young people with special needs. The Champion Club amended their understanding and reporting of the OCAGA Rookie of the Year declaring that VEGUS actually delivered a Stephanie and Michael 2022 Rookies of the Year Award, a first in OCAGA History.

The OCAGA New Blog won the 2022 Pulletszer Prize for the best reporting exclusively on the OCAGA Tour. VEGUS proclaimed it The Blog as the Best Source of Information to understand speculation in the OCAGA World of Golf, adding Bet with Your Head not Your Heart.

The 2023 season appears to have attracted four new Rookies and their presence became known quickly at White Oaks. Keith MacGregor received rousing applause with an unexpected opening drive down the center of the fairway. At the new Scottish Pub, a local Babbity Bowster on the Promenade, bedlam erupted. He opened toe to toe with low handicapper LZ through the first 3 holes and sunk his first par on the fourth hole. Hamish and Duncan toasted with drafts of Tennent’s lager, on special celebrating Keith’s first day on the Tour. The nearby Polish American Tavern finally got louder when the Doctor showed his stuff on the 4th hole dropping the ball 5 feet from the cup and sinking the only Birdie the Oaks yielded to the whole field. Of course, the enthusiasm was not quite at the level reached when an earlier report in the week mentioned a possible Art Czachorowski guest appearance.

At the Italian Bistro, the Godfather was sipping his favorite limoncello, Amalfitano from the Amalfi Coast, when Bruno asked him why the Peroni Gran Riserva was on special. The response was to honor Jimmy Depiano the brightest new Rookie since former Rookie of the Year, Dave Kissinger entered the tour. Indeed, quickly it was clear that Jimmy was giving Keith a run for the money. Bruno asked if a a fully healthy Dave Kissinger and a Jimmy Depiano were as good as Little Tony and Big Charlie in their days on the tour. The Godfather raised his glass and said that while Tony and Charlie had significant  talent neither could bring us home the Championship. He continued with the “Faint Glimmer of Hope” Championship Eddie Borillo delivered in his prime pointing to the shrine patrons pass at the entrance. He closed saying both Dave and Jimmy have great potential. Unfortunately, Jimmy missed his drive on 3 and struggled to a snowman, falling 4 strokes off the pace with the stroke he was already giving Keith. There was a veil of apprehension at the Bistro all through the tournament until he pulled within a stroke, chipping away 3 strokes on 12 through 14. There was an eruption of energetic attention. Keith did hold on but Jimmy ended up with more points taking closest to the pin on # 12. The Godfather had to explain to Bruno again that the shortest par three from the white tees decides which hole will be the “competition within the the competition” that just adds a little more excitement in each tournament. Bruno’s last question was about “Aw Shucks” which Giovanni said in a playful, yet scurrilous tone, about Ernie not able to keep pace with Jimmy. On the par three for points the difference was millimeters. Very patiently the Godfather explained that Ernie is on the tour because he is a long time friend of Jimmy, is a very authentic human and certainly has been a worthy opponent. He was in the battle all the way making a quartet of Dominant Rookies.

Next door at the local Hofbräuhaus patrons were excited by the play of John Larson. Stock in Larson Hot Stone Massage jumped significantly after Emerald Links. When the word got out he would be vacationing in Cape May rental property became scarce with the allure of possible autographs. John was very impressive holding off the charging Doctor for third place.

The Doctor was the only low handicapper to break the top five. He almost duplicated his Closest to the Pin Birdie on the first par 3 after sending a drive on 17 right down the center of the fairway to be the only tour player to make the green. The Tavern faithful were on their feet as a really nice 50 foot putt was tracking to the center of the cup. A chorus of groans was elicited when it stopped one revolution short. He took fourth place one stroke better than rookie Ernie Shucks.

At Le Petit Café they were in disbelief and suffered through Marc Bohan’s snowmen on the first and last par 5. Pierre was close to tears as an otherwise poetic display ended with their hero in 6th place. They complained that the fairways were far from pristine, but acknowledged the greens were fast, true and tricky.

Mike Deckard and Stephanie Champion in the low handicapper group, finished 7th and 8th. They are being compared to superstars Andy Swanson and Nancy Marrow. Mike can deliver powerful drives and is at times a gambler. Stephanie exudes brilliance, beauty and grace. All of course are being talked about in the Power Couples of the World discussions. Andy and Nancy missed the tournament because of commitments to help the Cubs beat the Pirates at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Mike O’Brien was the lowest of players above 100, finishing 9th. He felt the challenge of tight fairways and the distance of some holes. He played well enough to hold first place on the Tour. Dave Kissinger was still nursing his slightly pulled hamstring and Phil Stocker is not yet up to full strength with a weak shoulder from his offseason fall. They were 10th and 11th. Joe Champion found a way to miss virtually every club in his bag, enduring his worst ever Tour outing.

Points   Tour Player
•   40     O’Brien, Mike
•   36     Champion, Stephanie
•   36     Lazarchick, Michael
•   35     Larson, John
•   30     Bohan, Marc
•   30     Kissinger, Dave
•   26     Depiano, Jim
•   25     MacGregor
•   22     Champion, Joe
•   22     Stocker, Phil
•   21    Borillo, Ed
•   19    Ernie Schuck
•   14   Deckard, Mike
•    0    Swanson, Andy
•    0    Mauro, Nancy

SCATS

Keith, Marc and LZ each took 3. Stephanie, Jimmy and OB shared the remainder of the pot with 2 each.

The next Tournament is scheduled for Pinelands on Wednesday June 28th starting at 10:27. Please confirm that you can make the tournament. If you need to schedule another day to play with a member, let Secretary Lazarchick make you a tee time. What days and preferred times do you need? The later the decision, the less options that are available.

The Rules committee decided to allow those who have not yet played McCullough’s Emerald Links, to still make arrangements to play and get points towards the total for the season. Normally, players must play the week before or after the scheduled tournament. Once again we have an example of Joe Champion’s Leadership. He is rivaling the approval rating of the Stocker Administration, considered the greatest in modern OCAGA history.

SCORECARD

RESULTS

SCATS

On the Promenade, there was utter mayhem within the Irish Pub when the young lads arrived. They had no idea who OB was. When they heard he was widely considered the best player ever to not have won the championship with the record for regular season wins, they said “You mean that old guy that drinks Guinness at the end of the bar?” The old guard ignored them. OB was leading the pack at the turn placing a very respectable 49 on the scorecard.

The day started cool, with a more than a slight breeze, not unusual for McCollough’s Emerald Links. Norwegian Cruise Lines was running a promo highlighting Phil Stocker’s 2012 Monday League Championship with partner Michael Lazarchick. They both knew the vicissitudes of windy golf. On this day however, they both quickly fell behind their respective threesomes. While Mike O’Brien and Eddie Borillo were in a battle, Phil was suffering with double and triple bogeys, still healing from a fall he took in the off season.

Le Petit Café was crowded as usual because of Marc’s two straight Championships. Pierre imported Inniskillin Niagara and Icewine Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 to celebrate opening day. Of course, they were not as rowdy as the nearby Polish American Tavern or the Italian Bistro. Marc missed a few putts but still posted the low gross 41 on the front.

Patrons quaffed Zywiec Lager at the Tavern on special in honor of Art Czachrowski nearing 90 and still holding the record of 5 OCAGA Championships. Stanisław and Kazimierz were lamenting Czach’s decision to not compete this season. No one was pleased with the Doctor’s opening 9 holes and every now and then an “Artski Sixski” shout would prompt toasting cheers from all. Stan asked Kaz why the Doctor was also called LZ and they decided it was because Lazarchick was too long! They did not understand why there had to be a new website ocaga.golf, but agreed they could remember the address if they practiced saying it. They found the Rules using the About Link but did not read them.

Meanwhile, at the Bistro, the play of Dave Kissinger and Eddie Borillo was causing a rainfall of Nastro Azzurro as splashing mugs were hoisted repeatedly with patrons continuously jumping to cheer. Dave’s 43 gross score at the turn was second only to Bohan and he was tied with Eddie in net score just two behind the leader. Unfortunately, on nine he felt a twinge of sciatic nerve pain on a swing that lead to his first double bogey on the day. A problem for several months, it flared and he needed to fight pain with every full swing on the back 9. Indeed, he wanted to quit on the long trek to seventeen, but a gallery accolade gave him just enough strength to endure the final holes.

Joe Champion opened with back to back fours, but suffered through a snowman on the difficult par 5. He would not play another hole under 5, until he dropped par on sixteen. Rookie John Larson energized the Hofbräuhaus with a very nice 45 on the front. The Swedish Massage Spa advertised Larson Hot Stone Therapy, but John really has much more German Heritage. Stephanie Champion was the most impressive of the threesome over 18 holes. Her front 48 placed her in the hunt and by the 13th hole she was not far behind OB, tied with Eddie Borillo. With heartthrob Andy Swanson unable to play and “Richie, Richie, he’s too cute” still on the Arizona Tour, the Girl Scouts were fully engaged, the majority of Steph’s gallery the final holes.

While others may have felt the pressure of opening day competition, Michael O’Brien was calmly maneuvering he way to victory. He was even more impressive than in his close battle holding off Steph and Eddie at White Oaks in 2022. On the last three holes, to rousing cheers in the Pub, he gained 2 more on Stephanie to post a six stroke Win. VEGUS has OB a 2-1 favorite to make it two in a row.

RESULTS

SCORECARD

SCATS O’Brien and Rookie John Larson were the big winners in SCATS taking three each. Eddie Borillo took 2.

NEXT WHITE OAKS 9:00 Sunday 11th Booked Under Joe Champion

Send the Secretary a text if you plan to play on Sunday. If you cannot and want to play during the week before or after the tournament let the secretary know to help coordinate. TEXT 609 517-6423

It was a cool, crisp October morning with a Frost Delay. Marc Bohan putted and went to the driving range as soon as it opened. He had shared confidence speaking with his buddy Rob Juliano about how few strokes he had to give and getting one from the Doctor. LZ of course paid off all the SCAT Money, completed his circular ritual, sinking putts on the practice green from ever increasing distances. He and Joe Champion agreed they would need their best game to be competitive with Marc. While they also went to the Driving Range, Phil, to prepare, chose his traditional putting contest with OB.

When Marc Bohan sent his opening drive right, into the trees, his opponents were surprised. While some opponent fans expressed an optimistic joy, Fans in the Café gasped! Virtually everyone envisioned a safe second shot, left onto the fairway, avoiding the forest of trees blocking the path to a normal 2nd shot landing. Then at Le Petit Café, suddenly everyone shifted to holding their breath. He was going for it. His concentration was focused. The swing was pristine. Marc navigated the ball through an ever so slim pathway straight ahead, onto the fairway, perfect for hitting the green in three and he did, leaving the opportunity for an 8 foot Birdie Putt! Pierre lifted a glass and proclaimed, “This is for the Championship and our Champion came to Play!”

At the Champions Club a new portrait of Joe was hanging next to his daughter Stephanie. After Rookie of Year in 2021, he was elected unanimously to the Presidency, clearly a role model for his children and young people everywhere. Humbly, he credits his wife’s genes for the athletic success of his daughters, but he is the one who opened the OCAGA Tour to Women and increased membership for the first time in years.

When Stephanie was named 2022 Rookie of the Year, Girl Scouts hugged and cried with Joy. She won a tournament, consistently out drove many of the men and devoted many hours in community service tending to needs of children. Joe’s administration is now being viewed as One of the Best if not the Best in History. In his first Final Four, he knew he was in fast company. His opponents collectively held 7 OCAGA Championships. After a powerful approach shot flew the green, he opened with a double bogey 7.

The vivacious journalist Solveig Kloppen spoke on TV from the Norwegian Cruise Line Platinum Members private Scandinavia Pub. Marketing the upcoming Phil Stocker Cruise, she recounted his knocking off of Tony Sickler and Marc Bohan in consecutive years (2007-2008) for back to back Championships. He opened with a short drive and minor chunk but nice putt, leading to an opening Bogey.

Stanislaw and Czeslaw at the Polish American Pub were recounting Michael Lazarchick’s playoff loss a year ago after a dazzling comeback in the final holes. They talked about how he had beaten Marc Bohan getting only one stroke in 2017 and how skillfully he took his third title during 2020, protecting a 2 stroke lead over the Bomber Rob Juliano with a clutch performance over the final holes. A long drive and long two wood got him withing the 150, but in heavy rough. He short iron was short but a nice chip got him to 10 feet. He left his opening par putt an inch short of the cup on the slower than normal, uncut green.

Mark settled for a tap in par on 1 and sunk two more for par through 5, finally faltering to a double on the difficult 6th hole, into a fairly strong wind. Phil lost three strokes through 5 and also slipped to a double on 6. Michael used three strokes for a layup to get over the water, but did not. His next was short and four stroke later he missed a very short putt, suffering to a 10! Joe had been struggling through a terrible double and triple bogey journey and his 7 actually felt like a turn around. Indeed his following par,par, birdie helped him break 50 at the turn. Marc lost strokes to LZ and Phil on 7 & 8, but took one back on 9. At the turn, Phil’s 45, with handicap, gave him a three stroke lead over Marc. Joe was third by 5 and Michael last, 8 off the pace.

The Memorial Tournament this year featured, Mike O’Brien with a 21 handicap, Eddie Borillo at 22 and Tom Gahr at 24. Needless to say all three are swarmed for autographs, when they visit their favorite drinking establishment, respectively the Irish Pub, Italian Bistro and Hofbräuhaus. OB holds the record for most regular season Victories. Eddie has legendary fame for his improbably Glimmer of Hope journey to the Championship and Tom raked in the money during his record breaking 2021 SCAT winning season. All three took Rookie of the Year upon entry to the Tour. Joining them with a GHIN handicap of 22 was Jimmy Depiano, qualifying for a 2023 Tour Entry. Eddie won with a net 72, followed by OB 75, Jim 78 and Tom 80. At the Bistro the Godfather lamented, if only Eddie had made the final four, he would be holding that Championship Trophy!

In the Championship, Phil battled a charging Lazarchick, taking the 16th hole with a masterful putt. LZ who had shaved off 6 strokes after the turn, ringed the hole. He caught Phil on the 18th. Joe Birdied the 9th with precision shots and a great 12 foot putt. On the 18th he delivered the shot of day yielding a tap in Birdie. He would still finish two more strokes off the pace for 4th.

Marc Bohan however displayed what it means to move into the Zone! After dropping two more strokes to the Doctor on 10 and sinking a long putt for a tie on 11, still a stroke behind the leader, he pulled in his focus. He took the lead from Phil with a 25 foot Birdie on 12 and let LZ know the match was now about perfection. He would not lose another hole until 18 and that was after he dropped a beautiful 10 foot Birdie on 17. A gross 38, 2 over par, on the final 9 holes set a new record in modern OCAGA Championship play. Marc Bohan beat the best the tour had to to offer for the 2022 Championship.

The Irish Pub was far more boisterous than normal downing the first kegs of Guinness and Galway Hooker with audacious jubilant toasts to Michael O’Brien. Chants of “OB, OB” permeated out onto the promenade as he waged a titanic battle with Fast Eddie Borillo and held off the charging phenom Stephanie Champion. O’Brien took the gross lead on the first hole matching low handicapper LZ in gross score through 8 and after 4 was leading two time winner this year, Phil Stocker. At the turn he was ahead of both. Only Mike Deckard and Marc Bohan, had him head to head and by handicap he was far in the lead. At the Italian Bistro, patrons were indulging in a bath of Birra Peroni selections, filling the air with splashes from raised mugs. Ironically the Godfather imported kegs to honor Borillo’s 20th anniversary, 2002 Faint Glimmer of Hope Championship. It was pure ecstasy when when he tied OB on 3 and then again on 9 and 11. When he took the lead on 12 and held it through 15, it was utter delirium!

While the old men were reliving the glory of their youth, the youngest player on the tour was steadily knocking off the strokes she was giving. The girl scouts were in vigil, some praying, others crossing fingers in superstition, some just holding themselves in a quite vicissitude of vacillating fear and hope, overall experiencing a relatively reverent view of the tournament. They were watching the giant screens on the promenade which showed the tournament as if played on the same day by all tour professionals, another courtesy from the Joe Champion administration. But opening the door that brought his daughter into the competition, was in their eyes, his greatest gift to the Tour. Stephanie caught Ed Borillo on 16 and was only 1 stroke behind Mike O’Brien who had recaptured the lead.

Mike O’Brien established the record for most tournament wins in his Prime and historians remember the day he knocked off the Doctor in more recent years at the Epic Battle, Centerton in 2017. In this tournament, only three players posted numbers on the Scorecard that delivered a net score under 80. Ed played the last three, 8 over par, slipping back into third. Stephanie Birdied 16 while OB bogeyed, tightening the match. The girl scouts held their breath and everyone in the Irish Pub fell silent. Stephanie had out driven OB on every fairway, but OB was relentlessly down the middle on virtually every hole. They both finished 4,6 and once again the Tour had delivered an exceptionally exciting finish. Michael O’Brien added to extensive regular season set of victories winning White Oaks while Stephanie Champion took a giant step towards Rookie of the Year.

POINTS AS THE SEASON NEARS ENDING

122 Champion, Joe
117 Stocker, Phil
113 Lazarchick, Michael
100 Bohan, Marc

91 Deckard, Mike
90 Champion, Stephanie
89 Cole, Chuck
86 Swanson, Andy
79 Kissinger, Dave
72 O’Brien, Mike
70 Daino, Bob
69 Czachorowski, Art
64 Borillo, Ed
49 Spickler,Jeff
24 Antczak, Rich
13 Mauro, Nancy

The big question on the Promenade is whether or not the Final Four has been set. Normally at this time in the season, players are trying to catch whoever is in fourth place. Fans believe, with so few active players, Joe Champion, Phil Stocker and Michael Lazarchick are virtually and numerically almost impossible to catch. At Le Petit Café, Pierre was explaining that 4th place Marc Bohan with an unlikely last place finish in another tournament, would still finish with around 110 points. Mike Deckard or Stephanie Champion would need to best Marc Bohan by at least a ten point margin to take his position.

For diehard fans the month of September turned out to be difficult. Twisted Dune became problematic, when they did not respond adequately to Art Czachorowski’s inquiries. The tour switched to White Oaks which offered a much better price and a decent review from a member. Unfortunately there was a delay first by aeration and then by Rain and on tournament day, only 4 players showed up. When a subsequent day was booked, only four players showed up with reports of unavailability for many reasons coming from players. With the Secretary leaving the country until late September, the future of the league is murky. There has been discussion about a Championship in October at Pinelands. Without his Secretary, President Joe Champion would be the contact for those asking for another White Oaks Make Up Tournament.

SCATS

A self taught superstar, Phil Stocker continues to rebuff scurrilous discourse from professional golf “teachers.” After opening the season with a victory at Pinelands, the Doctor’s home course and arguably a practice venue for Joe Champion and Mike Deckard, Phil took his second victory of the season with an absolutely dominant performance at The Grove at Centerton. The conditions were ideal for his game, wide and dry and hard fairways that turned his low stingers into efficient projectiles, rolling to awe inspiring distances. He quickly placed 5 pars on the Scorecard and throughout the round delivered nothing higher than a double.

Of course within the the Norwegian Cruise Line Platinum Members private Scandinavia Pub, copies of historic Award Winning Sanctuary Publication Newsletters began to circulate with words about Phil’s back to back Championship Titles. The November 2007 Issue mentioned Phil’s record breaking point season, Jeff Spickler’s Hole in One and Michael O’Brien’s first trip to the Final Four. Jeff had three tournament wins that year. Mike held the moniker “Greatest Player to Have Never Made the finals.” But Tony Sickler, known for outrageous driving distance, the pride of the Italian Bistro, was the one Phil closed out in a tight finish. One patron remarked that if you ask him, Phil remembers what everyone did on each hole to this day. The November 2008 Issue mentioned Phil’s Sand Barren Win to get into the finals. He won his second title by beating our Current Champion Marc Bohan, four time OCAGA Champion Glenn Hamm and the legendary Valerio Fransel, at that time second only to Mike O’Brien in regular season tournament victories.

In the race to the final four, Joe Champion stepped back from his torrid pace allowing Michael Lazarchick and Phil Stocker to close the gap. 2019 Champion Andy Swanson has taken over 4th place with Marc Bohan’s unexpected last minute withdrawal. At Le Petit Café, Dominique was crying as she explained what a blow it would be if Marc is unable to put together a foursome for a Make Up Round! She posted a large sign in the Promenade asking any Tour Players willing to play Centerton again to contact Marc to set up a date. Lazarchick attempted to set up a match inviting Jeff Spickler and Rich Antczak who both missed the outing. Jeff however announced he is touring Puerto Rico and Rich after no Girl Scouts were brandishing “Richie Richie, He’s Too Cute” messages, will be hosting many gathering the rest of the season in Ocean City where his popularity is soaring!

POINTS Tour Player

• 108 Champion, Joe
• 100 Lazarchick, Michael
• 98 Stocker, Phil
• 86 Swanson, Andy
• 79 Kissinger, Dave
• 77 Cole, Chuck
• 76 Deckard, Mike
• 70 Danio, Bob
• 69 Czachorowski, Art
• 68 Bohan, Marc
• 67 Champion, Stephanie
• 49 Spickler,Jeff
• 47 O’Brien, Mike
• 43 Borillo, Ed
• 24 Antczak, Rich
• 13 Mauro, Nancy
• 8 Gahr, Tom

SCATS were well shared with almost everyone getting prize money. Joe Champion, Mike Deckard and Lazarchick got the most with 3 each.

The fans all along the Promenade were outraged and some purportedly have been signing a circulating petition that asks President Champion to get a new secretary more capable of scheduling tournaments. Many were upset when the late August Dates at White Oaks did not work out because of aeration, something a scheduler should know! Moving to Wednesday the 7th is problematic for many with end of season revelry and kids going back to school. It was not known at press time how many signatures were collected. At the Polish American Tavern, Stanislaw and Kazimierz couldn’t understand why there wasn’t a three day Tournament letting people play on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. As far as they were concerned since Żywiec Białe and Zywiec Porter were on special during tournaments it would work out fine. At Presstime the official tournament was Wednesday the 7th starting at 9:21. Stanislaw also explained where to find the handicaps, by clicking on 2022 Schedule on the home page http://ocaga.com. New ones of course will be posted for White Oaks before the tournament.

Stephanie Champion opened, spotting the field a bundle of strokes. After a drive out of play, she suffered through a snowman. The girl scouts immediately called to protest a driving range that did not allow the use of Drivers. While most of the Tour Players are free to play golf just about anytime and many do, Steph spends many summer mornings educating a very young group of developmentally challenged humans. She appreciates the opportunity to hit a few golf balls before a round of play. Stephanie knew she was in fast company. Mike Deckard had just shaken up the “New League plan” by delivering a Make Up Round at Buena Vista with a net score one below the previous declared winner Marc Bohan. The Doctor, a three time OCAGA Champion, had toasted the field winning Green Tree this season with a gross 83. Joe Champion, Daddy, was gradually increasing his regular season lead with each passing tournament, taking the Closest to the Pin for Points again, seemingly on his way to setting a record in for most in one season. Just ahead of her foursome, the youngest player on tour saw on the leaderboard that the oldest player on the tour, legendary Art Czachorowski, a Five Time Champion, played the first 4 holes just 2 over par. Atlantis was a challenging track, but by the turn Stephanie had caught Artie in Gross score and everybody else had placed higher numbers on the Scorecard. As the tournament unfolded it seemed clear to the gallery, the low handicappers were not going to catch the higher handicap leaders.

Bob Daino and Mike O’Brien carried the biggest handicaps. The Hot Sun forced OB to withdraw. His fair skin never liked the rays and now the rest of the octogenarian’s body just does not like the heat. As the years have passed he increasingly enjoyed sitting in the air conditioned Irish Pub drinking a cold one, signing autographs and bathing in the admiration of the fans. Bob however, brandishing a new Driver, enjoyed the lead through 13 holes. At the Italian Bistro a boisterous fan base was sending “Rookie of the Year” chants out onto the promenade loud enough reach the ears of the selection committee. The Bistro fans groaned when Stephanie finally took the lead on 14, but quickly exhilarated when Daino tenaciously came back to tie on 16. Excitement was building prompting The Godfather to have have Bruno give every patron a shot of Cynar. He toasted “Here’s to a wonderful performance in a Tournament dedicated to the memory of Valerio E. Fransel, born in my hometown of Merlano, Italy.” He told Bruno that Val just before he departed at age 68 during 2014, always weighing just about 100 pound, was still able to hit the ball with the best strikers on the tour. He and the Doctor very mush enjoyed a side Nassau Bet, front, back and overall at Atlantis, adjusting strokes each week based on results to keep the competition strong.

The Hofbräuhaus was also celebrating the memorial tournament with stories about their beloved John Edward Buechner. His portrait hangs proudly in their trophy room along side the famous Letter of Gratitude sent from Atlantis. John was never close to a championship and usually paid out out more in bets than he took in. Yet he truly loved playing and set up Saturday morning tee times at Atlantis enjoyed by many OCAGA Members. He was most celebrated for orchestrating the annual pilgrimage to Myrtle Beach, reaching as high of 16 players. With an agronomy degree from Purdue University he was able to share information about the types of grasses and other vegetation used to create the various playing venues. John was also 68 when he left us during 2020.

At the giant television screen on the promenade, the driving range protest was a long faded memory as the Girl Scouts held their breath. Bob Danio in the foursome just ahead of the final finishers, stumbled to a snowman on 17, slightly opening the door. Lazarchick was making a charge, as the only person in the tournament able to handle the challenging Par 5. Stephanie took the lead over Bob with a double bogey, heading into 18.

Bob’s double bogey finish was on the leader board when Lazarchick hit an errant drive on 18. Stephanie teed her ball, on the doorstep of Making History. Her form was pristine. Her power was majestic. She hit the sweet spot unleashing her best drive on the day, eliciting ubiquitous expressions of WOW! It was a massive drive, with a slight draw, which transversely cut the center of the fairway leaving a short iron shot to the elevated green. The Gallery flew to their feet, exhorting a cacophony of cheers. They knew the men were no longer in contention. The first Woman ever to win an OCAGA Tournament did it in style, making the Par look really Easy.

At Le Petit Café, Pierre played Helen Reddy’s “I am Woman” very pleased to meet the sudden female demand for the 2009 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne. It was clear that Mike Deckard no longer had a lock on Rookie of the Year. VEGAS saw a huge influx of money betting on Stephanie to follow in her father’s footsteps to that Title! Meanwhile President Joe Champion’s approval rating hit an all time high, rivaling the numbers enjoyed by Phil Stocker, considered the greatest leader in Modern OCAGA history. While holding back to back Championship titles, Phil’s most famous achievement was moving players to the Senior Tees, greatly expanding competition and the pure enjoyment of the tour! Clearly, Joe Champion seems visionary and may save the Tour decimated by deaths and relocations. Indeed, there is sharp contrast to the last administration which failed to make OCAGA Great Again, support for a very Humble leader is being displayed by increasing numbers of shirts on the Promenade

POINTS (with an Atlantis Make Up Tournament* still to be played by Bohan, Kissinger, Cole and Borillo.)

While Joe Champion holds a sizable lead, his decision to allow the Make Up option really keeps more people in the hunt for the final four. Purportedly, the International Golf Association is looking closely at the model to consider expanding their member options, if the OCAGA experiment continues to successfully progress.

Tour Player
93 Champion, Joe
77 Lazarchick, Michael
73 Stocker, Phil 68 Bohan, Marc
62 Kissinger, Dave 57 Deckard, Mike
57 Czachorowski, Art
56 Champion, Stephanie
56 Daino, Bob
53 Cole, Chuck*
49 Spickler,Jeff
46 Swanson, Andy
38 O’Brien, Mike
33 Borillo, Ed*
24 Antczak, Rich
13 Mauro, Nancy
8 Gahr, Tom

Joe Champion, Bob Daino and Stephanie Champion were the big SCATS winners at Atlantis with Art Czachorowski and Michael Lazarchick also taking in a few bucks. VEGAS has declared this Joe Champion Administration SCATS Model as Sheer Genius.

After a discussion about venues in a small meeting held by the President, the secretary was directed to book Centerton Golf Club within Parvin State Park, hopefully around 10 am on Tuesday August 9th. Look for a member survey on availability to play. As with all venues visited for tournament and practice, OCAGA Tour Players wear Shirts with Collars to create a sense of professionalism and respectability. When we walk onto the course, we want to look like a professional golfer who takes the game seriously.

The swing was pristine. The accuracy was impeccable. At Le Petit Café they sipped Arterra, Epoca 2018 imported from the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, rated 93 out of 100. The “oohhs and aahhs” were elegant and refined, as the patrons watched their Champion deliver one of the best rounds of golf in OCAGA tour history. While the league leaders were struggling to place scores in the low nineties on the Scorecard, Marc Bohan was marching to a sub 80 posting. Jeff Spickler carrying a relatively hefty handicap lost with a bogey on 18 for a second place finish. The Hofbräuhaus fans were sending waves of cheers out onto the promenade. Jeff’s return to the tour rekindled hope stirring a much needed ebullience. He was so very close to a Win! Then in the Monday Makeup Tournament on the 11th, Mike Deckard actually posted a net 69, after breaking 90. While not the official winner, of course the Hofbräuhaus fans believing German American Heritage, were happy with the first place points, but not an Official Win. They posted a sign on their door, WE KNOW WHO REALLY WON BUENA. Back to the official tournament, Chuck Cole, the highest handicapper on the tour, played 7 over in the last three holes to slip back at the end to 3rd place. Current league point leader Joe Champion, was 2nd on the day with a gross 92, played 4 over par the last four holes, settling for a 4th place finish. Marc Bohan won Buena Vista sinking clutch pars on the last 3 holes.

Just outside on the Promenade, the very young women were protesting the Girl Scout Supreme Court overturning of Row vs Weigh, the long standing statue allowing them to wear less conservative uniforms. When the vivacious Nancy Mauro did not show up for the tournament with her arm candy Andy Swanson, a rumor sent a small group of Scouts to the beaches at the shore in hopes of an autograph and a glimpse of the design of her bathing attire. Her appearance at Greentree and top finish among the women generated incredible excitement and eventually prompted a formal statement from the pack that the men on the tour were probably afraid she would be far too competitive if allowed to play from the forward tees. Meanwhile, signs implored President Joe Champion to issue an Executive Order allowing the Scouts to dress anyway they pleased while in the OCAGA gallery during Tournaments. Within Le Petit Café Francois and Sigourney were discussing the diametrically opposed fringes battling obsessively over the years, one side touting an unfair tantalization of male libido verses the other side, “My Body, My Choice” proponents, who argued that regardless of uniform design, males do not get to touch without permission! Even before the tournament concluded all the patrons were reveling with the realization that a dramatic powershift seemed apparent since the end of the 2021 Season. Marc took a giant step towards defending his title and the Champion contingent were obviously a force coming into their own. Fran and Sig felt pleasure having researched the origin of the name coming from the Old French “champiun”, Old Norman French “campiun”, and Anglo-Norman French “campion.” Joe was currently leading the league in points and Stephanie was consistently out driving the old men off the Gold Tees and clearly displays the epitome of inspirational femininity. When Francois described Marc Bohan as poetry in motion, Sigourney quickly retorted that Stephanie Champion is the perfect balance of power, elegance and grace.

After his dramatic victory, Marc Bohan vaulted into 4th place in the regular season standings. While he has not won a tournament Joe Champion is the current point leader with finishes all in the top five. The other tournament winners, Stocker and Lazarchick currently hold 2nd and 3rd place. Chuck Cole has played well enough to have a firm 5th place standing. Leading the pack of those looking up, some with makeup tournaments still to be played, legendary Art Czachorowski is certainly in striking distance along with Rookie sensation Mike Deckard.

• 71 Champion, Joe
• 61 Stocker, Phil
• 56 Lazarchick, Michael
• 55 Bohan, Marc
• 53 Cole, Chuck
• 49 Kissinger, Dave
• 46 Deckard, Mike
• 45 O’Brien, Mike
• 40 Czachorowski, Art
• 34 Spickler, Jeff
• 33 Swanson, Andy
• 33 Borillo, Ed
• 31 Champion, Stephanie
• 24 Danio, Bob
• 10 Antzcak,Rich

At the Italian Bistro, the Godfather was explaining the new OCAGA format to Bruno. Under the new relaxed rules in the Champion Administration, once a tournament has been played the standings become final. Those who play before the official tournament can submit results to the Secretary, a photo of the scorecard is acceptable. They will be in the official tournament standings. Anyone playing a makeup tournament after the official date, can still get points but will be listed as a tie, based upon where they finish in relationship to the other players. Bruno was very confused but asked why the Italian Bomber, Rob Juliano, no longer plays. Bruno knew the Godfather felt Rob was the greatest OCAGA President since the late Little Tony Sickler. The retirement of Big Charlie Ranucci was also a blow. This season, the aging Fast Eddie Borillo no longer has the distance of his championship year and Dave Kissinger, like Rob, is back to working full time. At least Dave, without the luxury of practice rounds, has been able to play makeup tournaments on Mondays and is very respectable in the standings.

Vegas released the SCATS results. It was a banner day for Marc Bohan who either won or or tied just about everybody, almost everywhere! Only Jeff Spickler, Mike O’Brien and Chuck Cole were able to share a relatively small share of the winnings.

At the Polish American Tavern Stanislaw and Casimir were reminiscing the Trick Shot Art Czachorowski displayed at the October 2001 Tournament as reported in the OCAGA Electronic Newsletter. They were not happy that Art was no longer scheduling the Tournaments and questioned why Lazarchick seemed to have so much power all of a sudden and control of the treasury? Now that several tournament were in the books, they began to speculate if Joe Champion was going to write a president’s message in the Blog. Apparently there was a rumor that the Investigative Reporter is looking into the new administration after purportedly receiving anonymous message: Is it a coincidence that the new President is in first place, a boyhood friend of Lazarchick’s Brother in Law Chuck Cole, who is in 5th place? Is it a coincidence the Phil Stocker is in 2nd place, known to be a close friend of 3rd place Lazarchick since they won the 2012 Monday Night Championship together at Emerald Links? Look to further editions of the OCAGA BLOG for the answers!!!!!

At the Promenade Information booth they were announcing the John Buechner and Val Fransel Memorial Tournament coming next at Atlantis, where Val and john played for decades, every Saturday morning. Guests included Frank O’Hearn, Michael Lazarchick, Little Tony Sickler, and the Polish Powerhouse Scotty Shaw(linski). Just tipping the scales slightly over 100, pound for pound Val was longest driver on the tour. John was the Myrtle Beach coordinator for years and served as the OCAGA Starter for the longest stint in modern history. It was not known if special prizes would be awarded for the special tournament results. Those that confirm they are playing should be posted on the OCAGA Home Page with new handicaps before TUESDAY the 19TH Tee Times 1:10 1:20 1:30