Ocean City Amateur Golf Association

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.

Phil Stocker opened the 2022 Season on the OCAGA Tour at Pinelands with a Gross 92 winning the first tournament of the season. While other can play no one an take away his victory after a week under the new revised League. Phil placed 4 pars and nothing higher than a double bogey on the Scorecard. He felt comfortable having played several preseason rounds to get him prepared for competition under the new system. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings immediately popped up 9% while golfing tourists scrambled to book quickly disappearing space on the next “Stocker Vacation”, with Phil”, demonstrating his unique driving and putting skills. “Nobody Swings Like Phil” printed on Souvenir clothing are supposedly included with booked reservation, while they last! Also are assurances that the golf balls Phil hits off the back of the ship are made from biodegradable edible ingredients suitable for marine life.

Jacque from Le Petit Café was exuberant with joy watching current Champion Marc Bohan early in the tournament. Marc appeared to take Mike O’Brien’s CTP on the first par three and then the next two away from Joe Champion. Dropping Birdie on 7, 9 and 14 was adding up to an outrageous SCAT performance. It looked like a freight train was racing Marc to the winners circle when he dropped his third Birdie on on 14, but Marc slipped into 6 over par over the last four holes. Jacques by then depressed, was further devastated to learn that Marc decided not to participate in SCATS, rumored to be about other players getting “gimme putts.” It is true that the new rules allow pickup when the ball is clearly within 18 inches of the cup. The idea was to hasten the pace of play when it was clear that the player would make the putt with adequate concentration. The Golf Pro who consults with league management when asked about the gimme, shook his head and said, “If it is close enough for a gimme, it is close enough to hit in!” The erudite Pierre, who actually read the 2022 Rules, sipping Red French Table Wine, clarifies for all interested that while it is preferred that players putt out quickly, at least one player in every foursome normally will have 18 inches measured out with tape on putter.

At the Polish American Tavern, Casmir and Stanislav, were arguing about fear and suggested that the 18 inches could be reduced to 12 if too many players were asking for a distance! Of course, they agree that Czach had no fear from any distance and the big bet was whether or not he would shoot his age again, which of course he did. Art at 89 used only 87 strokes. The two fans reminisced that Art shot a 91 at Greate Bay in the finals where he had a 23 handicap against Lazarchick’s 24 and Bohan’s 15. They had no idea why Art was down to a 10 from the Gold at Pinelands, but both LZ and Marc playong from the White tee also show reduction in handicap.

Bruno at the Italian Bistro asked the Godfather why all the handicaps had dropped and was quickly lost in the response from the Godfather about the World Handicap System and how the league was adjusting to bring the players closer to their potential, based upon their play. He explained that the best scores from 2021along with any available best scores from Pinelands were being put into a calculator and handicaps for play were using the slope and course rating from the tees played, while including par for the course and conditions of play. He told Bruno the handicaps would get closer to the players’ potential as the season progressed and while low scores would reduce handicap indexes quickly, high score would not hold enough weight to raise indexes significantly. He told Bruno the bottom line was that these handicaps would be closer to GHIN handicaps than what was used over the last few years. With Bruno eyes glazing over, the Godfather closed that conversation by telling him all the handicaps dropped with new system. Bruno quickly moved to the Rumor the regular customers were circulating that the Promenade Casino was trying to lure Dave Kissinger away from Resorts International, which came up in conversations about the New SCATS System (RESULTS). The Godfather only responded to the new system which added ways to make money and explained it was expanded to give more opportunities for everyone to share a piece of the pie, which it did in the first tournament. Skill, luck and high handicaps are all part of the formula. Unfortunately, only those there on the official tournament day can participate, however side bets can always be played on any day.

The Investigative Reporter reported that Joe Champion recruited two new players, Stephanie Champion and Michael Deckard, both quite formidable off the tees. The league anticipates the return of Jeff Spickler and Rich Antzcak from Arizona to play in the league under the new structure and from North Jersey Bob Daino did drive two hours to put in a qualifying round and test out the league possibility. Stephanie, Michael, Bob and Dave Kissinger took advantage of the expanded play opportunities to post scores for the first tournament.

After the Tournament, Joe Champion was elected President and Michael Lazarchick agreed to stay on as Secretary. Both were clear they would need help deciding upon future venues and setting up tee times for the league. Greentree is being explored, with query to the membership about the 1st or the 8th, as the possible second tournament. Golden Pheasant, while at a distance, was suggested for the third tournament.

Le Petite Café, the Italian Bistro and Polish American Tavern were overflowing with Customers. Jean-Louie the owner of the Café was proud of patron decorum. Marc Bohan had been marvelous in the final weeks of the season, capturing the fourth position in the Final Four. The Godfather was elated with Rob Juliano’s climb into a second place for the season. Michael Lazarchick easily made the finals for the chance to defend his title. Of Course, Art Czachorowski delivered a record breaking season. The promenade echoed with chants emanating from the Polish American Tavern, “Artski Sixie!” It was a Championship of Champions, with Ten OCAGA Titles won by the foursome. What no one anticipated however was seeing what the press is now touting, THE GREATEST CHAMPIONSHIP SHOW BY FOUR PLAYERS IN OCAGA HISTORY.

Czachorowski and Lazarchick dropped par on hole 1, taking the gross lead by one over Bohan and Juliano. Everyone bogeyed hole 2 and all four would drop par on 3. No one remembered ever seeing all four players on the green in one.  With 3 pars and a Bogey on 4, Juliano commented , “It looks like everyone came to play.” Indeed, by the end, everyone had held the lead during the match.  

With the highest handicap, Lazarchick lead through 4, finally opening the door with a triple on hole 5 after his drive faded into high rough. Both Juliano and Czach tied him seven strokes ahead of Bohan. Rob, with a massive drive on 7, prompting a Bistro Chant with mugs held high, “Italian Bomber.” He took his first outright lead. But Lazarchick took it back on the very next hole with a saving two wood that put him on the fringe in two. By the turn however, Lazarchick, Juliano and Czach were tied, with Bohan just 6 strokes off the pace. The fans were captivated by every swing, feeling the pain of any slight miscue and the exhilaration of perfection.

With a long par putt on 10 and a chip in par, on 11, Art sent a chilling message to his competitors amassing a three stroke lead. But on the next hole, an uncharacteristic pulled drive into the weeds and a fourth shot, chunk into the water, lead to a rare 10. Juliano regained the lead, Lazarchick took some minor slips and Marc was slowly chipping away. Czach with back to back pars, would retake the lead on 14, only to give it back to Juliano on 15.  Marc Bohan however, finally reached a share of the lead after 16.

The Seventeenth is often the hole that changes the dynamic of the championship. Adrenalin is flowing. Rob hit a bomb into a yard down the left side and Marc found rough and clipped tree leaves on the right side. Both leaders suffered double bogey. Lazarchick sent a beautiful drive down the middle and followed with a two wood onto the green. His par brought him into a tie with Marc and Rob going into the final hole with Art just behind. Everybody was in the battle, with one to go! Every fan was on the edge of their seat. 

All players needed a saving shot to cut through the tension.  Lazarchick and Bohan prevailed and moved on to hole 1, into a sudden death playoff hole. Marc Bohan display poetry in motion driving the ball down the center of the fairway and dropped the ball 6 feet above the hole. His birdie putt so very close, left a tap in par. Lazarchick hit into the high rough surrounding the bunker off the left side of the fairway. He managed to get close to the green. But, he chunked his 3^rd shot out of the heavy greenside rough and did not sink the 15 footer from off the green to tie. By the time it was over Marc had posted a gross 81 on the scorecard and sunk a total of 8 pars.  Marc Bohan beat the best the tour had to offer to become the 2021 Champion!

2021 Championship Scorecard

After decades of not playing, Joe Champion returned to Golf, and in his first season on the OCGA Tour, delivered a superb round at the very difficult Twisted Dune on a day with gusting winds. He fell short of making the Final Four, despite the Victory and closest to the Pin Points, There were just not enough players to allow him to catch last place finisher Marc Bohan. By switching to the Maxfli Straightfli, whether by design or mind, Joe was able to keep his ball in the fairways for most of the round, opening scoring opportunity. Rumor has not been confirmed that Joe was offered sponsorship by Maxfli.

Champion and Gahr fought it out for Closest to the Pin on all the Par Threes. In the poll held immediately following the last regular season tournament, Joe Champion was awarded Rookie of Year status, joining former standout recipients like Tom Gahr, Dave Kissinger and Chuck Cole. He fell one putt short of breaking 100, and finished just 2 strokes behind two time Champion Phil Stocker and 4 strokes behind, current and three time champion, Michael Lazarchick. March Bohan was the only player to break 90, posting an 89 on the Scorecard and held onto his Final Four Position.

Second place, 7 strokes off the pace was Ed Borillo, a stroke ahead of Tom Gahr, a stroke ahead of Rob Juliano, a stroke ahead of Phil Stocker. Lazarchick and Kissinger battled head to head throughout the day mixing brilliant execution with too many errors.

Final Points

Top Four Play for Championship

• 175 Czachorowski, Art
• 130 Juliano, Rob
• 129 Lazarchick, Michael
• 117 Bohan, Marc
• 115 Gahr, Tom
• 111 Champion, Joe
• 108 Kissinger, Dave
• 97 Borillo, Ed
• 92 Stocker, Phil
• 77 Cole, Chuck
• 36 Huber, Freddie
• 25 O’Brien, Mike
• 23 Swanson, Andy
• 18 Bergen, Mike
• 14 Antczak, Rich
• 8 Spickler, Jeff

SCATS Champion and Gahr share Top Bucks taking all the Greenies!

NEXT CHAMPIONSHIP GREATE BAY OCTOBER 3rd 10:45

Bohan Spécial, La Crème Monte Au Sommet

At Le Petit Café, François introduced a new fabulous entry, the Bohan Special, with the moniker, The Cream Rises to the Top, of course written in French. The court yard was filled with patrons enjoying the imported Amber edition of the Panty Dropper Beer from from La Choulette Brewery. Spectators, those unable to get in, gathered outside on the promenade, attracted by the ever increasing revelry, with a view of the giant screen television broadcasting the Avalon tournament.

Marc Bohan quickly established his intention to secure another trip to the Final Four. His drives were superb, fairway shots were incredibly accurate and his short game was almost flawless. On greens showing the scars of being aerated and not always allowing unimpeded rolls of the ball, Marc still managed to place 11 pars on the Scorecard. The fans base was slightly frustrated when Birdies and Pars just missed, but overall while watching his fluid swings, there was widespread adulation about his game being poetry in motion! Marc took a giant step towards the finals, taking over fourth place, now resting 8 and 9 points above 5th place Kissinger and 6th place Gahr.

POINTS WITH 1 TO GO

175 Czachorowski, Art
114 Lazarchick, Michael
111 Juliano, Rob
103 Bohan, Marc
95 Kissinger, Dave
94 Gahr, Tom
83 Champion, Joe
77 Cole Chuck
75 Stocker, Phil
74 Borillo, Ed

Lazarchick and Juliano have joined Art Czachorowski in the Final Four. As long as they show up at the last tournament, they can no longer be reached by Kissing or Gahr, the only two left within striking distance of the fourth place in the final four. Either would need a first or second place finish at Twisted Dune, coupled with a dismal, last of 2nd to last showing by Marc Bohan, to capture the seat.

SCATS Marc Bohan was the Big Bucks Winner with Cole and Gahr bringing in respectable 2nd place money.

NEXT TWISTED DUNE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH ARRIVE BY 9:20 $60

Art Czachrowski continued his victory string, once again shooting below his age., placing a very sweet 87 on the Scorecard. He was giving strokes to Kissinger and Borillo as the low handicapper at Golden Pheasant. It took him only four holes to erase Eddie’s 5 and by the turn he was 11 strokes ahead in grow score. Dave however, with a continually improving game, was tied after five and up by two with handicap! Czach put his foot on the gas over the next four, placing a string of fours on the Scorecard, taking a 5 stroke gross lead. The Polish American Tavern was jubilant watching him take a 2 stroke tournament lead at the turn.

Kissinger buckled down and shaved off 3 strokes in the next five holes getting the attention of the Italian Bistro Patrons. Unfortunately, a triple bogey on 16 dashed his dreams as Art sunk yet another Putt for Par.

POINTS WITH 2 TO GO

154 Czachorowski, Art
101 Lazarchick, Michael
92 Juliano, Rob
79 Gahr, Tom

78 Kissinger, Dave
75 Bohan, Marc
75 Stocker, Phil
62 Borillo, Ed
60 Champion, Joe
25 Hubbard, Freddie
25 O’ Brien, Mike
23 Swanson, Andy
18 Bergen, Mike

Art Czachorowski of course has made the Final Four and could sit out the last two tournaments and show up on Championship Sunday. However, fan viewing is at an all time high and betting is seriously favoring his taking the next two tournaments!

Michael Lazarchick is sitting pretty in the Cat Bird’s Seat. No one has ever blown such a significant lead over 5th place at this stage in the season. It looks like the current Champion will have the opportunity to defend his title. If 12 players showed up for the last two tournaments and LZ finished last, he would finish with 119 points, 41 points ahead of the current 5th place. He has finished in the top five all season and even with a meltdown, it is a lot of points for one person to gather.

Rob Juliano is 14 points ahead of 5th place and that is also a significant challenge for those at the doorstep. He did fall off his blistering pace in the first three tournaments, finishing 8th in the last two outings. Two more 8th place finishes puts him at 108, but VEGAS thinks he will again make the Finals.

Tom Gahr in 4th place is the target for Dave Kissinger, Marc Bohan and Phil Stocker. The Final Four Fourth Position has often changed with each tournament over the years. Ed Borillo and Joe Champion are technically still in the race and all historians remember Eddie’s Faint Glimmer of Hope march to the Championship. Their handicaps are high enough to elevate good finishing rounds into serious contention.

NEXT AVALON SEPTEMBER 12TH 1:00 PM

Https://ocaga.com

POINTS WITH THREE TO GO

129 Czachorowski,Art In the Final Four
101 Lazarchick, Michael Significant Points, But Not Playing Golden Pheasant
92 Juliano, Rob Strong position
79 Gahr, Tom Still Carrying a High Handicap
75 Bohan, Marc Always Dangerous
75 Stocker, Phil Has the Tools to Move Up
60 Champion, Joe Improving Slowly and Gaining Confidence
55 Kissinger, Dave Significant Improvement in Game
42 Cole, Chuck If he gets Back from New England Commitments
41 Borillo, Ed Never Count Out a Glimmer of Hope
25 O’Brien, Mike Out until cooler Fall Weather
25 Hubbard, Freddie Never really In
23 Swanson, Andy Finished 2nd in his Only Tournament of the Season
18 Bergen, Mike Not Playing Enough
14 Antczak, Rich Too Many Social Commitments
8 Spickler, Jeff Getting Stronger after Injured Reserve

Finally returning after an extensive retreat from the OCAGA Tour, 2019 Champion Andy Swanson took a second place finish, ahead of 2019 Rookie of the year Dave Kissinger, whose play continues to show improvement. Joe Champion took fourth making a bid for that same recognition this season. LZ with a very strong finish, after a very slow start, took 5th ahead of Bohan, Juliano Stocker and Gahr. While LZ is even more comfortable in 2nd place, he is not playing Golden Pheasant, instead officiating his son’s stateside wedding in New England and celebrating on the day of the tournament. The door is open for both Bohan and Stocker to catch up. Juliano is favored to pass him and Gahr can easily do the same with a good outing. Both third and fouth place in the final four four are up for grabs, promising an exciting 2021 season.

Czach and Champion shared the top SCATS with Kissinger and Lazarchick at least showing a profit.

Next GOLDEN PHEASANT – AUGUST 29, 2021

The OCAGA Investigative Reporter found the August 2009 Newsletter , posted on the wall in Le Petit Café, home of the Bohan Sandwich Special. It reports on Marc’s 3 over par performance at the Pheasant. Bohan battled Art Czachorowski for the lowest handicap all through the 2009 season and everyone was trying to unseat Phil Stocker, holder of the previous TWO OCAGA CHAMPIONSHIPS. O’Brien, Swanson and Spickler were serious competitors. Lazarchick and Antzcak, not so hot!

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

First a fond farewell to long time tour player Don St George. He knew the rules and was not afraid to point out infractions. Don was the oldest player on the tour through the 2018 Season. In his early years he flirted with a single digit handicap. Only 1% of those with an official handicap are single digit (below 10).

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pressofatlanticcity/name/donald-st-george-obituary?pid=198759035

Shooting you age is a golfing dream, obviously reserved for those entering their senior years. Actually delivering a score two below is for Living Legends. 5 Time Champion Art Czachorowski played on the OCAGA Tour for over 20 year before he won his first title in 1990 and here he is again at age 87 capturing Avalon to compliment first and second place finishes to start this season. He tied low handicappers Marc Bohan and Michael Lazarchick for low gross, placing a sweet 85 on the Scorecard. Still feeling the sting of losing to the Doctor at Emerald Links, he wanted to make a statement to the Polish America Tavern faithful. With the addition of Art & his Blue Miata to the wall behind the bar, the majority of customers obviously do not feel he has not been replaced by LZ who has won three times since Art’s last title in 2010. The record as the oldest ever champion easily could be extended in Age!

POINTS AFTER 3

• 76 CZACHOROWSKI
• 65 Lazarchick
• 63 Juliano
• 51 Cole
• 50 Bohan
• 46 Stocker
• 44 Gahr
• 32 Borillo
• 24 Champion
• 19 O’Brien
• 14 Fred
• 13 Kissinger
• 11 Bergen
• 10 Skeels

Two time Champion Phil Stocker and 2020 Rookie of the Year Tom Gahr are within striking distance of the Top Four, just one good tournament away. Of course, if Marc Bohan had not been forced out of the last tournament he probably would be there! With Lazarchick possibly not available to play on July 11th, there is room for every body to move up.

Meanwhile at both the Olde English Tavern and O’Briens Irish Pub there was jubilation with Chuck Cole’s performance. Known for a history of genealogy research, both establishments are sure he will find ancestry back to their respective home island countries. Playing with Lazarchick and Joe Champion in the last group, Cole blasted several long drives that drew oohs & aahs from the gallery, so distant on 14 that Birdie happened when he just missed a very makeable eagle! While he did run into trouble on some holes, hence a high “layoff from golf” handicap, on other holes he was superb, taking the Lion’s share of SCATS. He tied the record for most SCATS in one tournament back in 2004 when he Cooked the Pheasant with a net 56 Victory. He was leading going into 17, but floundered into a triple bogey, followed by a quadruple bogey, losing by 3 strokes. LZ was never able to get really close giving both Art and Chuck significant strokes, finishing 3rd, another 3 strokes off the pace. Joe Champion has qualified for a Tour Handicap and undoubtedly will be a force. While still a little “rusty” from an extended hiatus from golf, he too displayed moments of brilliant execution and he can drive with distance.

At the Italian Bistro, Bruno was surprised with the Godfather’s peaceful countenance because the Patrons seemed obviously unhappy with the Italian contingent. The Investigative reporter overheard Eddie talking to Dave Kissinger about Bison and a state park trip to South Dakota, possibly missing the next tournament. Bruno was first sent to look at the Wall of Fame to read the copy of A Faint Glimmer of Hope, about Eddie Borillo in his prime. Then the Godfather told him Rob Juliano finished 4th, which is a clear sign he on his way to another final four. And Kissinger delivered drives with surprising distance and improved after the Player Assistant noticed his body was getting ahead of his swing. With a little practice he can become quite formidable. Both were after all OCAGA Tour Rookies of the Year.

The Girl Scouts were sitting on the Promenade in a Love Vigil lead by their Den Mother.  After three tournaments, still no Andy Swanson or Rich Antzcak, they wanted reassurance that neither had been lost to COVID 19. There are some stories of Richie playing golf in Arizona with Jeff Spickler, also not yet on this year’s tour. Andy was located using Google Maps, which they were able to modify into real time with people, touring Florida, with a “Close Companion” not so long ago.

 Den Mother 

NEXT July 11th WHITE OAKS

Stanislaw and Krzysztof were just elated with Joy. While the old guard was absolutely frenetic when Art Czachorowski threw a dart at the Closest to the Pin Hole for an extra 3 Points. He had been in a horse race with the Doctor at Emerald Links, both closely watching Marc Bohan who suddenly dropped out with an apparent back problem. The battle was on and despite only getting 5 strokes, Art was in the hunt. He lead Lazarchick until placing a 9 on the Scorecard on 10, going down by 1 overall. Lazarchick made it 2 taking the very next hole. They went into ties until 16 and 17, with Art taking a stroke off the lead on each, to go into 18, yes, in deadlock. The difference was a long drive down the left side of the fairway by Lazarchick, followed by the green in regulation. A missed long birdie left a tap in par and LZ took the tournament with the low gross score on the day, 90. But after winning the first outing and getting 3 extra points, finishing second extended Art’s early season lead on the Tour. Rob Juliano took third, now tied with LZ in second place overall. They were the only three to break 100 on a challenging windy day on the Links.

Mike O’Brien returned to the Tour and promptly chalked up a 4th place finish beating Phil Stocker by a few strokes. The forth position in the race season numbers has Marc, Phil, Tom Gahr and Chuck Cole all in close contention in the Race to the Final Four. Eddie Borillo also returned surviving a heart attack that kept him out of the 2020 season.

The Godfather was pleased, opening a bottle of 2015 Sassetti Livio Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino, a gift to him from the vineyards in Tuscany. Bruno of course, noticed his joy and asked about the Celebration. The response was about our president being in 2nd place and Eddie Borillo, another former Champion, making life extra sweet.

Indeed, Eddie took 2nd place SCATS money, behind Tom Gahr with a handicap that dropped down to 38!

Next Avalon June 6th