Ocean City Amateur Golf Association

The Polish American Tavern erupted into a flood of intoxicating delirium, the old guard standing, shouting “Artski, Sixski,” splattering droplets of Ciechan Pszeniczne into the air.

The five time Champion, oldest  ever to win the title, was challenging the low handicappers, Bohan and Juliano,  for the outright lead in Gross Score. While he no longer has the distance off the tees, his short game seems impervious to age. His chips and putts were generally superb continuing to make him a very competitive opponent. He won Twisted Dune by placing a sweet  93 on the Scorecard, the third lowest score of the day on a difficult tract.  He bested 2nd place finisher Rob Juliano (89) by three strokes with handicap,  and 3rd place finisher, Marc Bohan (88) by  8 strokes. Current Tour Champion Michael Lazarchick, finished 4th also 8 strokes  off the pace and  Tom Gahr last year winner during the fall, this year carrying a hefty 40 handicap, took fifth,  yet another stroke behind Art.

Chuck Cole, the brother-in-law of our current Champion, returned to the OCAGA Tour for the 2021 season after a significant hiatus as a very successful wine maker. Long known for his cooking and baking prowess, he also brings another long driver back on the tour. With him came new rookies Michael Bergen and Joe Champion. Playing with the club champion in the first tournament, despite very little recent play, all three had moments of glory showing potential as the season progresses. Fred also returned posting a 98 to go with his August 2020 tournament at the Vineyards, his only other appearance on the tour. He was respectable there with a 93 and has the requirement for a handicap should he continue in competition.

Past Rookie of the Year Dave Kissinger 2019 and Tom Gahr 2020, both winning tournament already in their young careers, have huge fan bases hoping to see them play well his season. Rumors have it that long time members Mike O’Brien and Eddie Borillo might return this year both experiencing a long healing process on injured reserve. Rich Antzcak and Jeffrey Spickler, Arizona Snow Birds, could do no more than commit possible tournaments, when they return from out west. Andy Swanson, on a world tour, is undaunted missing the openers.

SCATS ~ Rob Juliano gave up a possible great payday by opting out of the money pool. His 89 has nice scores in places to win and block others from taking home the prize. The Doctor benefitted the most, raking in the Lion’s share at $28. Art was second at $18.

NEXT : May 2, 2021 at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links 1:00 pm $55

On a cool crisp October morning the final four teed off for the OCAGA Championship at Great Bay.  Michael Lazarchick, aka The Doctor or LZ, hit a decent drive, followed by a fairway wood straight down the middle just shy of the green. He putted slightly uphill close enough to sink par. Following with three bogies and another par he erased the five strokes he was giving Phil Stocker taking the lead by one, on  the 5^th hole.  He was four better than Rob Juliano and Andy Swanson. He was feeling focused. He had started the day with a golf meditation, playing holes in his mind, visualizing great shots.

At the Polish American Tavern, under the huge picture of 5 time Champion Art Czachorowski, they were razing mugs of Baltic Porter Beer brought in for Championship Sunday. With Art not even in attendance, still much sadness from Scotty Shaw’s departure from the tour and Rich Antczak’s annual migration back to Arizona, LZ was their only hope for joy. At the Italian Bistro, Bruno related that patrons at the bar  were complaining about the tabulation of strokes, suggesting that President Rob Juliano was being cheated. The Godfather eased his fears saying that many eyes were on the process, including those of   Phil Stocker.  He knows every single shot of every participant and is keeping score!

On four, Rob pulled the ball deep left into the adjoining fairway and the ball could not be found. While LZ was remembering the OCAGA Rules and being sent back to the tee by Art Czachorowski in previous finals, Rob, already frustrated, was not interested in “Championship” explanations or stroke and distance. He was fuming on his journey back to the tee. Anger exuded from the bomb he sent down the middle of the fairway. At the Italian Bistro the Godfather told Bruno he was pretty sure the new  USGA rules offered Rob either going back or perhaps dropping with a two stroke penalty.

Perhaps with an “I’ll Show You attitude” it was the spark that changed the dynamics. Rob blasted drive after drive deep down the middle of the fairway, reached the greens easily in regulation, dropping par on the last five holes of the front nine. All his competitors were feeling outclasses. They shared the thought that Rob’s youth and strength were formidable when his mind was set for domination.

Andy Swanson was struggling in his attempt to defend his title, still recovering from a three week old back injury. The girl scouts announced, while still enamored with Richie, Richie, He’s Too Cute, they were sending Andy Virtual Healing Hugs.  Phil Stocker was uncharacteristically missing too many putts. Norwegian issued regrets about the COVID 19 cancelling of the Stocker Swing Cruise, which easily would have “fine tuned” his game before the finals.   After the incident with Rob, LZ had fallen off his game. He finished the front with mostly sixes, including a disastrous missed drive, chunk into the pond, followed by a week short iron and missed putt on the finishing par three. He was three strokes behind Rob at the turn, tied with Phil, justly barely ahead of Andy. Rob continued to expand his lead on 10, 11 and 12, not quit as sharp, but better than his competitors. At the Italian Bistro the Godfather was enjoying a Peroni Gran Riserva Doppio Malta Beer, pleased with Rob’s ability to Channel his Anger into Excellence.

It was looking like the Championship was over, when Rob missed the par three 13^th into the trap on the right.  LZ found the trap on the left. Phil was close enough to negotiate par and Andy was so close to the pin, he was able to easily sink the only birdie of the foursome on the day. While the Doctor made a decent sand shot that trickled 10 feet past the hole. Rob blasted out of the sand, but with enough energy to skip past the pin off the green into the trap on the other side. His second sand shot was picked clean, flew the green and did not stop until it reached the heavy out of bounds bushes.  LZ decided not to re-stoke his anger by mentioning hitting out of the Trap again.  A one stroke drop, lead to a 7, finally giving back strokes to everyone. On 14 Rob sent a bomb deep and too far right well into the tree line.  Andy delivered another pop drive, obviously the result of his body not functioning correctly. While Phil would struggle on his way to a double bogie, Michael with his best drive of the day and a magnificent 4 wood from the fairway, was sitting on the green with a legitimate birdie opportunity. He settled for a tap in par and cutting two more strokes off the Juliano lead.

At the Tavern, Stanislaw pointed out that the Doctor now appeared to be appreciating the golf course, looking at the wind direction of the leaves,  perhaps getting re-grounded and centered. Casimir retorted that it looked like the real Rob might be back, as they watched him suffer through his third straight hole of error. His drive was far down the left side just off the fairway. Lazarchick getting a 75 yard advantage off the senior tees, with a monster drive down the center of the fair, landed only a couple of yards past Rob. Rod blasted his second shot straight down the left side losing a little distance in the rough. LZ hit a solid two wood right down the middle which trickled a few yards farther than Rob.  The cheering of Rob’s power at the Bistro suddenly fell to silence. Rob, hitting behind his ball in the rough with his third shot, apparently opening the clubface, sent it straight across, another ball out of bounds. When Lazarchick delivered his ball to the green, the Tavern erupted into a rampageous, chaotic revelry. He would leave his long birdie putt just short, but the tap in par was sweet, slicing away two more strokes. Once again he had taken the lead. With a par on 16 the Doctor went up by two.  

The famous 17th hole makes or breaks many Champions. Rob hit his drive into the trees on the right and an adrenaline buffered LZ followed him, but farther in.  The Doctor’s attempt to reach the fairway got caught in the high rough and did not clear the tree line. Phil told him on the way to his championships over a decade ago, he had that shot and took it over the trees onto the green. Almost immediately he continued, “Just like that!”  Rob, with a short iron, had cleanly sent the ball up, over, and on its way. Once again the Bistro was enlivened.  

The Doctor, closer to the tree, told Phil he was incapable of lifting high enough with a club that could deliver 140 yards, but with an after thought, mentioned that slicing is almost natural. As he pulled out his trusted and comfortable 27 degree rescue wood, slightly opened the face and aimed to the left side of the fairway, the Tavern descended into a panic of dead silence and dread. The memory of the Doctor’s fist ever championship emerged clearly back into consciousness. A  huge lead dissipated down to a one stroke loss, after a devastating 9 stroke boondoggle on 17!  If this attempt went straight across, it would be quickly out of bounds. 

Lazarchick was not thinking negatively.  He took a deep calming breath and practiced a smooth swing visualizing curving the ball around the trees. He could not see his target, but Phil Stocker could. He wanted to win, executed his belief, and felt the excitement, smiling  when he heard the exclamation, “You did it, you made the green!”  The ball stopped pin high fifteen feet to the left of the flag.

Rob was not so lucky. His ball had made it all the way off the back, to a downward slope in the waste trap.  His third shot got out and on, but not closer. They each finished with bogey.

On 18, The Doctor drove the right side of the fairway, clipping a tree branch but staying in the rough with a clean shot to the green. He chose his 4 wood and managed to just get on in 2. He was fully confident and knew the match was over. With a two stroke cushion, there was little chance he could be caught. Indeed, he defeated the best the tour had to offer. Michael Lazarchick became the 2020 Tour Champion.

It was a Battle of the high handicappers,  playing Twisted Dunes with remarkable skill, sending messages on a crisp, but absolutely beautiful day for a tournament. Marc Bohan with the lowest handicap on tour, needed to win to have any shot of making the final four. However, after nine holes with 3 pars and a birdie, he found himself still too far behind Tom Gahr. Giving 22 strokes was a monumental task requiring winning by an average of slightly over 1 stroke a hole. Tom was delivering the knockout punch, besting Marc on 3 of the first 9 holes, sinking 4 of his own for par. When Marc was unable to get inside Phil Stocker’s dart on 8,  for Closest to the Hole and secure the 3 coveted extra points, excruciating back pain sent him home. If he came in second, Marc absolutely needed those points. 

With his departure, the final four was confirmed. The fan focus quickly shifted to watching  everybody experience a whopper hole! It showed that even tour players were not always pristine. There was an element of surprise watching Tom, Phil and Dave Kissinger keep pace with the low handicappers. Indeed,  Andy Swanson and Phil Stocker would be  the only tour players to break 100, each placing a 97 on the Scorecard. While first place Juliano and second place Lazarchick felt no urgency, Andy and Phil wanted to make sure they were not victims in a last place finish with Bohan magic too close for comfort! The tournament was really a battle among Tom, Phil and Dave through 16, with Tom coasting to the finish line. On 17 Dave experienced the classic high handicapper blowup suffering through 13 strokes. Throughout the tournament Tom Gahr delivered golf holes that feed the addiction to play. While the pars on the front were golden, a couple of bogies on the back were just as debilitating to the opposition. 

He played just well enough to withstand the steady game and late charge by Stocker who finished 2nd, a stroke off the pace.  Swanson with a significantly lower handicap, garnered too many sixes, a seven and an eight, finishing several more back in third. Lazarchick also with a  much lower handicaps, put up a 10 finishing yet a few more back in 4th. They confirmed their place in the final four. 

There was a raucous celebration at the Schnitzel Haus. Günter and Wolfgang were pontificating about how lucky it was for the final four that Tom had to miss a tournament which surely eliminated him from the finals. Pitching the ball into the hole from off the green was the Shot of the Day. Clearly he will be Rookie of the Year and next season a formidable force on the Tour. It was his personal championship at Twisted Dunes and he felt really good and he was indeed magnificent! 

At the Polish American Tavern Stanislaw and Casimir, deeply influenced by Qanon, were convinced that a conspiracy was proven, that OCAGA was indeed fake news, part of a corrupt system of media collusion which was keeping  Art Cachorowki out of the final four and undoubtedly keeping Rob Juliano in power. In the last Blog they saw the printed words that Dave Kissinger and Tom Gahr “Won the last two tournaments.”  Because the Blog was published before Gahr’s victory at the  Dunes, obviously, it proved the OCAGA Tour was now being fixed. The OCAGA Investigative Reporter is researching to determine the veracity of all reports following Fact Checking Protocol. However, Stahu and Cas, who saw the address “libguides” climbed that the Investigative Reported was obviously a Corrupt Liberal! They refused to believe that the Lib in the URL address referred to Library.  

The SCATS  however are in the Bank. Tom Gahr and Andy Swanson took the Lion’s share again

The Final Regular Season POINTS have also been calculated. Top 4 Play for Title

NEXT:      Championship Sunday     GREATE BAY

There were droplets of water in the air, not quite rain, as if it the sky wanted to shower, but could not. It was almost surreal as if something out of the ordinary was about to manifest.  Dave Kissinger sent his first drive out with a sharp hook and eventually opened with an all too familiar seven at Avalon.  The Doctor and Phil Stocker dropped par. The President left his par putt short, feeling robbed, immediately remarking about the slowness of the green. Dave was playing with the three individuals that appeared to have locked up a trip to the final four. He just wanted to not embarrass himself. He let go of a monster drive on two with a slight draw down the left side of the fairway eliciting the sweet, “Nice Drive Dave.” Dropping par with a decent approach and putt, felt good. On three he settled for a bogey with LZ and Rob watching Phil land a closest to the pin shot and take Par.  As the front unfolded, he was in the game. Rather than battle with Phil Stocker who struggled through some big numbers or getting every possible bad break with putts like Rob, Dave was challenging low handicapper LZ for low score on the front. He took a giant step against all the field with a par on the 6th hole, the first hole he would win outright won. By placing a 44 on the Scorecard, head to head, his was a stroke behind the Doctor and club champion Andy Swanson and just three off Marc Bohan’s blistering pace.

Bruno was serving a very pleased Godfather at the Italian Bistro. He knew the Maternal Italian heritage that placed Kissinger squarely in the Tavern’s fan base. When Little Tony died of a Heart Attack he took his ability from the growing Italian powerbase. Big Charlie was always a threat and made the finals only to fall short, often to the dreaded Polish contingent. With Czachorowski finally showing some weakness in his advancing age, Scotty Shaw leaving in Protest, Rich Antczak spending more time at his estate in Arizona as the hottest item on the Girl Scout speaking tour, the Doctor advancing not quite the threat of years gone by, well ! Charlie’s retirement was another blow to the Godfather. The emergence of Rob Juliano as a competitor who finally did bring home the Champion Title was as sweet as his finest imported Lemoncello. With Rob running away with the regular season points, leading the Tour as President in a rebirth out of a morbid and desolate darkness, the emergence of Dave Kissinger was just plain extra Gravy  on his pasta!

Patrons were glued to the giant ostentatious screen artfully imbedded in a living green wall on the newly renovated eating patio of the Bistro.  They could see the imperfections of a track, worn down by seasonal heat waves and the trampling hordes of summer golfing visitors. They watched putts navigate on fluffy greens favoring those willing to be aggressive with strokes powered to the back of the hole, eliminating those infuriating slight turns possible with attempts of finesse on such slow surfaces. They were amazed at how often drives down the middle of the fairways found bald spots, unfilled holes and waste hardpan. The gorgeous onsite roving reporter interviewed players blaming poor conditions on elevated scores. Dave Kissinger was all too experienced with frustration of extra strokes, but not on this day. Errant drives right and left were not so ubiquitous and his natural power was yielding nice positions off the tee. Fairway strokes were quite adequate. Pitching and chipping was remarkably clean. Instead of just missing putts from all distances, a better than average number fell ever so delightfully into the hole.

Dave took 10 cleanly from his foursome and dropped the ball closest to the hole on 11. Head to head, he was a stroke behind Marc Bohan and Andy Swanson, the two who everyone predicted would be battling for the coveted 4^th seat on the final four! He took the lead against Juliano and Lazarchick and they would not catch him again!

It was a battle of Titans for low gross score nearing the end of the season when everyone is primed. Marc Bohan the pride of Le Petite Café, lowest handicapper on the tour and current Tour Champion Andy Swanson on a quest to defend his title were in a classic struggle with Dave Kissinger, until this day,  not quite living up to the Rookie of Year Title her took the year he entered the Tour. With each passing hole, it became clear Marc wound not win the tournament. He was giving Dave 11 strokes. Andy giving 4 strokes, was fighting to keep a stroke or two ahead. Fans were on the edge of their seats fearing that high handicapper blow up hole? Dave’s confidence was growing. It actually felt like he had finally mastered his game. On seventeen, he dropped his second dart closest to the hole and took a tap in par. The Italian Bistro fans flew to their feet in delirious jubilation. When Marc and Andy matched him, he was even with Bohan and a stroke behind Andy for low gross. The gallery was cheering when he strolled down the final fairway making precision shots and sinking the putt that tied Andy and kept pace with Marc, for a low 84 on the day. Kissinger was clearly the King of Avalon!

Points with ONE TO GO

POINTS Tour Player

• 144        Juliano, Rob
• 117        Lazarchick, Mike
• 115        Stocker, Phil
• 113        Swanson, Andy
• 105        Bohan, Marc
• 105        Czachorowski, Art
• 91           Kissinger, Dave
• 76           Gahr, Tom

Ron Juliano has secured a first place finish for the regular season. The Doctor, Phil Stocker and Andy Swanson are sitting high in Cat Bird Seats, needing only to avoid a total meltdown to make it to the finals. Because Art Czachorowski said he will not play at Twisted Dune, last place will yield 14 points.  For LZ, that translates into a final 131. A first place finish by Marc Bohan currently in 5^th yields 130, not enough to overtake LZ, without the additional 3 points for closest to the pin.  If Phil or Andy finish last however, they are in striking distance with a Bohan Victory.  If Marc finishes 2^nd the best he can do is tie a last place finishing Andy. The closest to the pin is a huge wildcard. Marc is certainly capable of making that kind of Magic.  With Tom Gahr and Dave Kissinger winning the last two tournaments, Lazarchick , Swanson and Stocker could be battling each other to stay out of the cellar. Can Marc Bohan return to a sub 80 performance? These are very strange times!

Dave Kissinger gobbled up the SCATS

NEXT  SUNDAY –  20^th    TWISTED DUNE   

Stanislaw and Casimir were listening to fellow patrons talking about Scotty Shaw, a rapidly fading memory. They remembered the significant numbers at the Polish American Tavern that embraced his pledge to “Make OCAGA Great Again” and their unfettered belief in whatever he told them especially how he was the Greatest Ever President.  But other than playing a lot of golf, Stashu and Cas were having difficulty actually finding evidence that he had done much of anything positive for the Tour. When Scotty was unable to keep up with Milt Nicholas in the final holes that secured the 2018 Championship, he was heard, so they say, blaming the legendary Art Czachorowski. As the story goes, when the ranger complained of a backup, Art said a few words to the lead group so they might become more consciousness of actions that might increase their speed of play.  Supposedly Shaw took it as a personal criticism and immediately after his loss, some felt Shaw’s words were becoming increasingly malignant, causing rife and ill will throughout the promenade. We are guessing that the incident might have influenced his exodus from the Tour. Subsequently, several others left the Tour and remaining tour players wondered if it was because of Shaw. The Investigative Reported has had difficulty gathering the facts. Information comes from many different sources and it is very difficult in this day and age to discern what is the real truth and what is illusion.  

At the Italian Bistro there was unfettered Celebration. Rob Juliano who took over the lead at Oaks without winning a tournament, vaulted to a secure seat in the Final Four by thrashing low handicappers Bohan and Lazarchick at the Vineyard.  They came out blazing hot. Rob was able to keep up with them, head to head, catching LZ by dropping Birdie on 8 and going ahead of Bohan by a stroke on the front.  He and LZ placed a 41 on the Scorecard, with Marc at 42. The surprise challengers however, were Rookie sensation Tom Gahr and the last Rookie of the Year, Dave Kissinger, also with blazing hot starts.  With Birdies on 2 and 3, Dave was beating Marc and Rob head to head in their group. Against Lazarchick, Tom was only a stroke behind through 7. Not surprising, Phil Stocker was also in the mix finishing the front just a stroke more than Gahr. Factor in handicaps and Tom was well ahead of the pack with a net 28 score after 9 with Kissinger 4 strokes back in 2^nd and Juliano another 2 back in third. The Doctor was near the back of the pack, with the very dangerous trio of Bohan, Swanson and Czachorowski threatening to overtake him. The Godfather told Bruno that this tournament highlighted the magnificence of Juliano as President and the wisdom of the Italian Handicapping System.

At the Schnitzel Haus, Günter and Wolfgang were unable to focus on their boar and other assorted game, with aged cheese meal. They were slowly lifting their mugs of Doppelbock with more confidence, holding back, the snickering, nagging trepidation. Tom Gahr held a sizable lead through 13, eliciting clear frustration from the Doctor as he matched LZ with two 3s, a Birdie and Par. Just when fans though this might be his day, Tom sent the next drive left into the woods starting a high handicapper nightmare.  Günt and Wolf felt heartbreak as they watched the 21 strokes needed to complete 14 and 15. The Doctored also stumbled on 15, slicing a booming drive directly behind a tree followed by several under clubbed attempts to reach the green and a lapse in putting, yielding a tap in 8. We were unable to confirm if QAnon conspiracy theorists included this sudden divergence by the duo, to current Trends.  What we do know is that Rob Juliano emerged as the new leader. Even with his 2^nd and 3^rd Birdie of the day on 16 and 17, and his 3^rd consecutive Tour 78, Marc Bohan could not beat Rob, now being called the Master of Consistency in 2020.

Bruno asked the Boss why he was giving the patrons mugs from the latest Birra Del Borgo keg imported from Italy. The Godfather responded that by taking an additional 3 points for Closest to the Hole and by landing the victory, Rob Juliano  was now 22 points ahead of 5^th place with two to go! To not make the finals, Rob would have to come in last twice and either Andy Swanson or March Bohan would need to finish first, twice, and get closest to the pin, twice! VEGAS will gladly take bets against those odds.

POINTS WITH TWO TO GO

• Points Player

• 112        Juliano
• 101        Stocker
• 100        Lazarchick
• 90           Czachorowski
• 87           Swanson
• 86           Bohan
• 76           Gahr
• 66           Kissinger

If Stocker and Lazarchick can stay out of the cellar in the next two outings they are probably also going to the finals. Avalon will shed light on the possibilities. In 4^th place, Art Czachorowski is vulnerable and as is usual, it looks like we are once again watching a battle for the fourth position in the finals.

Tom Gahr takes the Big Payday from the Vineyards SCATS, with Bohan and Kissinger taking acceptable second place bucks.

Next: AVALON   

Post Script: The Antczak Fall Golf Trip was a huge Success.

The Promenade was packed on Sunday, with a crowd obviously preferring the outdoor atmosphere, the ease of social distancing and a significant number of patrons donning face masks. La Petite Café doubled their outside patron space and put on special a selection of the highest rated beers from Dieu Du Ciel (God in Heaven) Montreal Brew Pub. Pierre was ecstatic. The customers were quickly in celebration mood.  Once again Marc Bohan delivered a golfing lesson to the OCAGA Tour with a second straight sub 80 round.  He took first place at White Oaks beating second place finisher Art Czachorowski by three strokes. Marc placed 13 pars on the Scorecard, a gross 78 translating into a net 61. Art was tied after catching Marc on 16, but could not keep up the pace and lost 3 strokes on the last two holes.

At the Polish American Tavern Stanislaw and Cashmere were in a heated conversation. They were agreeing, with outrage that the last edition of the OCAGA News Blog, was disrespectful of Art Czachorowski. While neither was sure the Virus was a hoax, they were emphatically sure that outdoors, its ability to migrate appeared to be quite limited. Almost together they said, “It dries up quickly in the hot sun.” They were passionate, both holding back tears relating how Art risks his life going indoors to pay the green fees for all the players. A living legend in the Pub, the five time Champion is revered in the Tavern.  Often patrons bow or tip their hats to the life size photo on the center wall behind the bar. Stashu and Cas shared with each other that their words would never be seen in the FAKE OCAGA News Blog.  Raising mugs of Żywiec beer, they openly announced to all others , “The Blog could learn a lesson by seeing the truth Fox News was reporting about things seen on the OCAGA Tour. “  Of course, politics came up and the question whether or not the President was creating authoritarian rule. Neither could remember if the last election actually took place and while it was in the realm of conspiracy theory, they both believed that the Godfather might have been the person who actually cancelled the Banquet. The discussion faded as excitement began to permeate the crowd. Everyone else seemed to be captivated by Art’s ageless skill on the links and “Artski Sixski” Chants were erupting more frequently as the tournament continued to unfold. 

A big Brouhaha among a gaggle of women broke out at the Travel pavilion. During the televised tournament an interruption informed of a Covid 19 outbreak on Norwegian Cruise ship  MS Amundsen , placing doubt about the special Stocker Swing Cruise. Phil has been the conversation among the ladies since being name 2019 Best Dressed on the Tour. But fear struck their hearts, witnessing sweat dripping profusely onto putts, flowing off Phil Stocker’s brow, coupled with a less than spectacular round of golf.  We were unable to confirm whether or not Phil had been infected during negotiations with Norwegian, but the Investigative Reporter feels that Phil just does not like the heat!

Despite missing a tournament, Marc Bohan has brought himself quickly back into the race for the final four. After his awesome start, Phil has finally falling out of first place. Bruno was serving a Menabrea Amber Beer at the Italian Bistro and asked how Rob Juliano had managed to emerge as the current front runner. With a wry smile the Godfather explained how the Italian Handicap System was artfully crafted to present the illusion to all the players that they had a chance because the numbers are so high. Apparently the President announced the while Bohan has delivered two straight victories, his handicap is going to drop!

The Shot of the Day was delivered by Rookie sensation Tom Gahr on the difficult 17 hole. He beat out low handicappers Bohan and Lazarchick taking Closest to the Pin, giving himself a legitimate Birdie opportunity.  The gallery gave him an ovation as he approached. The tap in par gave him a “double” on the hole. He and Czach both took in second place money in SCATS, behind Marc Bohan. Everyone took at least one in the tournament.

Current Champion Andy Swanson seems poised in 5^th place overall, to make a another late season charge to defend his title. Swanson Health Products with a huge online business has weathered the Pandemic well. In honor of Andy they are offering a 25% discount to everyone. The girl scouts were seen praying for Andy and a return of Richie Antczak to the Tour, with rumors that he will play the VINEYARDS August 23^rd at Noon.

Points after Four with Three to Go! Everyone is still in the Hunt.

84           Juliano, Rob

82           Stocker, Phil

79           Lazarchick, Mike

76           Czachorowski, Art

74           Swanson, Andy

63           Bohan, Marc

61           Gahr, Tom

49           Kissinger, Dave

Don St George sent a message to the OCAGA Tour. If he returns watch out!

Checked out the OC golf league. Glad to see you guys are still at it. Have not played in some time. Practice every day. Still trying to improve Best wishes. Don

Pierre at La Petite Café was thrilled. Installing the large, yet eloquent, TV screen out on the promenade, was drawing customers, especially with the offering of a cold Biere de Garde special, in blonde, amber and chestnut brown versions. The tables were a full 6 feet plus apart and the staff wore stylish masks covering nose and mouth. The OCAGA Tour was being broadcast and Marc Bohan opened with a Birdie at Greate Bay, eliciting Cheers. Placing a 41 on the front nine Scorecard elicited crowd confidence that Marc was once again putting on a show. The drives were competitively long, the fairway woods and irons were on target and the putting was exceptionally precise on a challenging track.

Jacques and Babette, avid fans, of course were recounting the accusation from the president, in ubiquitous  tweets, day and night, last season,  that Mia was somehow providing an advantage using her laptop, riding with her father on tournament Sundays. The unconfirmed rumor that the Godfather was the designer of the Juliano Handicapping System, specifically to prevent Marc from ever being competitive, no longer seemed relevant. On this day he was rising above and delivering with the sweetest of swings.   

Current Champion Andy Swanson and Rob Juliano seemed to be repeating the titanic battle witnessed in the 2019 finale. Booming Drives that intimidate lesser players and intermittent bursts of excellence, kept both in a tight battle. Rookie sensation, Tom Gahr, sporting the highest handicap in OCAGA history, 38, under the new 2020 Rules, was in the fray. It was, yet again, an exciting match to watch,  and came down to the final few holes.   

With a snowman on 15, Tom dropped 3 strokes to each of the other competitors and gave up the lead to Andy Swanson, who went ahead of him by 2 and Rob by 1. But Marc was looming at the doorstep. Andy and Rob played the last three holes identically using 14 strokes. Tom used 13 catching Rob, but would still finish fourth.  Marc dropped three pars, 11 strokes, catching Andy and winning by virtue of lower handicap.

In 5^th place the Doctor posted an 87 with a scorching 39 on the back nine, of course said Babette, not as hot as Marc’s 38. His downfall was a two stroke penalty on the 6^th hole when he hit Andy Swanson’s ball and suffered through a 9 stroke hole.

Art Czachorowski, with a 99, finished a handicapped stroke behind Phil Stocker who posted 100 with Dave Kissinger and Rich Antczak. Supposedly Jacques and Babette were overheard saying that Czach has publically posted social media sources with political views that also portray COVID 19 as a Hoax. While he did wear a mask into the clubhouse to pay the bill, he was purportedly seen in a very casual distance relationship with the starter, both with uncovered faces. As a Polish American Tavern Icon, it is believed by some that his actions created a stirring debate within. Don St George near Art’s age retired from the tour and both Mike O’Brien and Eddie Borillo, in their late seventies are out on “injured reserve” further excalating the legend of Art, still playing competitively in his mid eighties. Outside the Tavern the local girl scout troop was demonstrating in support of Antczak’s return to the Tour, chanting the now historic famous words, “Richie, Richie, He’s too Cute!” 

Marc Bohan took the SCATS bounty with Kissinger and Gahr hauling in respectable second place bucks.

NEXT    WHITE OAKS  August 2nd    Please inform Rob & Art that you are playing. 

Always Humble Phil accepts praise on his apparent victory in Bar after the tournament.

Phil Stocker opened the season winning the “practice round” at Greate Bay against Club Champion Andy Swanson, followed by an opening day triumph at Shore Gate and then a captivating Victory at Golden Pheasant. Rob Juliano had a low gross 84, but with handicap, Phil beat him by three strokes.  Mike Lazarchick tied Phil at 88, with handicap however, 8 strokes off the pace. Finishing 1, 2, 3, the trio were the only players to break 90. Placing a 99 on the Scorecard, Dave Kissinger, holding the highest handicap in the league with Phil at 32, finished 4^th. He was pleased to break 100. Current league Champion Andy Swanson took 5^th place with 96, a net 15 strokes behind Phil.

Stocker dropped 5 pars and otherwise pretty much played bogey golf. Even with that dominance he lamented about several approaches that ended just short of falling into the cup, the best precariously hanging over the edge. Norwegian Cruise Line stock flew out of the Pandemic induced cellar with the rumor Phil was to be offered a nice contract to display the Stocker Golfing Technique on board including driving eco-friendly (Dixon Earth) golf balls off the back of the ship into an ocean. The new line is purportedly biodegradable and edible by sea creatures.

VEGUS odds makers have Phil at a 4 to 5 favorite to make it three in a row, thus tying the record set by the legendary and mythical Joe Belmonte,  who started the season with three victories in the ancient days before the first electronic edition of OCAGA News, back in the 20 century. Apparently the dismal display last July by Phil at the Bay is being viewed an anomaly as heavy money suggests Phil’s handicap stuck at 32, is way too generous. However, Rookie Tom Gahr with the new 2020 rules will play at 38 on Sunday, the new high handicapper on the tour. Meanwhile, it is not confirmed that Rob Juliano received a huge campaign donation from Norwegian Cruiseline on the morning that handicaps were calculated, two hours and 8 minutes before presstime. His press secretary assured everyone that Kissinger’s 99 verses Stocker’s 88, correctly dropped Dave’s handicap below Phil.

Purportedly Reuters has reported on an international girl scout prayer vigil sending positive energy to current Tour Champion & “heartthrob,” Andy Swanson. Needless to say, once again the OCAGA Tour is Big Sports News!

The President was whining again about throwing 10 bucks into the betting pool but relented when Lazarchick cajoled him and Yes, it was the right week to gamble. Juliano took more SCATS than all others combined!

Greate Bay on Sunday July 12^th. Arrive by 10:30

The OCAGA Tour finally opened on June 7^th at Shore Gate. While current club Champion, Andy Swanson, was purportedly walloped by Phil Stocker at Greate Bay, after the tournament was cancelled, those results were not official.  Phil avowedly had to be pestered by the fans before speaking about his outing with the current Champion. The President warned about fake news and reiterated yet again that the only source of true and reliable reporting is the OCAGA New Blog.

The culprit of the late start is Covid 19, a small but apparently exceptionally disruptive creature, which started spreading across the planet last year.  Human interactions have changed substantially, for most. In my seventh decade, my immune system is no longer buffered by youthful vigor. Thoughts of wellness have grown into an even stronger force in my consciousness. When a media outcry criticized closely engaged Spring Break college students on Florida beaches, I recalled my youth, the illusion of invulnerability, and a far more self-centered pleasure seeking time of life. The potential apocalyptic spread upon their return up north, displayed by data collectors, was unsettling to say the least.  Art Czachorowski was rumored to be in Florida, frolicking with the kids, but at his age virtually everyone is a kid, so we do not know the age group in the rumor. We do know the mounting pressure from the fan base to get the OCAGA Tour up and running despite this latest 2019 version of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrom) Virus.

Social distancing has become a common term. Early I saw reports that the virus has great difficulty traveling 6 feet to attack another. Ubiquitous videos displayed hand wash

ing techniques with soap for 20 seconds to protect after touching possible places of infection. Wearing masks in public was strange at first, but now is a new standard for public ventures.  However, the Starter at the Gate did not cover his nose and some of the Tour Players were keeping their distance.

The Big Story was two time OCAGA Champion Phil Stocker’s dominant Victory, with a bountiful handicap,  a full 3 strokes better than low handicapper Mike Lazarchick, who was able to place 97 strokes on the Scorecard, the only player to break 100 with the absence of Marc Bohan.  Phil with the highest Handicap, played bogie golf most of the day and took the lion’s share of the SCATS. He finished  8 strokes better than thirds place finisher, 5 time Champion, living legend, Art Czachorowski.  The President was 4^th, 2 more strokes off the pace, and last Rookie of the Year, Dave Kissinger,  was with him finishing 5^th.  Current Club Champion and winner last year at the Gate, Andy Swanson, used 112 strokes to transverse the track, 18 strokes more than a year ago.  Yes, the most difficult challenge on the OCAGA Tour was the Welcome Tom Gahr received in his Rookie debut.

NEXT:  Golden Pheasant   JUNE 28TH

Like a Hurricane building strength as it heads towards the east coast, so said Rich Antczak, describing Andy Swanson as quite the golfing force this season.

When Andy won the Shore Gate Tournament in June, the most difficult rated course challenge on the Tour, the OCAGA News hailed it as a turning point in the early season.  Two time Champion, Michael Lazarchick was in first place with Paul Ruth close in second place. Rob Juliano was third despite throwing in the towel, withdrawing from frustration at the Gate. Bob Sweideck was in fourth place. At the Pheasant the very next tournament, Paul Ruth won, breaking the tour low net record with a 54, erasing Lazarchick’s strong low gross 84 by an 8 stroke net victory! Andy managed to finish in 2^nd place between the two.

When Andy missed the 2nd tournament of the year, Emerald Links, won by Lazarchick, his fans were despondent. Historically few people who skipped a tournament, made the final four. Playing on his home course to end July however, Andy tied Ruth’s low net record, vaulting into third place. Then, he sent a chill throughout his fan base, choosing to skip the Vineyards. With Ruth and Juliano finishing 1,2 and Lazarchick comfortably over 20 points ahead in the points standing, all looking strong towards securing a final four appearance, he was back in a battle for the final spot! No one had ever missed two tournaments and made the finals.

Avalon was the next test and would shake the OCAGA Tour! Andy Swanson won, beating Paul, Rob and Lazarchick in Gross Score, sending the VEGAS odds makers into a quandary. Back in the days of folklore, during the 20^th century before the first OCAGA News was offered online, Joe Belmonte opened with three victories on the Tour, first ever to take three during one season. Tommy Hunt tied that record during 2012 when he did it. Then during 2015 Glenn Hamm took three in a row during a late season hot streak. While they all made the finals, none won the Title during their record year. Andy had again climbed into the final four, but now the question was, will he become the first 3 time winner to not make the finals?  Glenn Hamm and Phil Stocker with 6 Championships between them, were lurking as Twisted Dune, the final regular season challenge.

Glen Hamm put on a spirited show beating second place finisher Rob Juliano by 5 full strokes, but Andy Swanson was just two more back, taking 3^rd place, holding Glenn out of the finals by 2 regular season points!

On Championship Sunday, Andy won the first hole outright with a par. The doctor caught him on 2, held tight on 3 and had a great opportunity on 4 to take the lead. With a monster drive he was 90 yards from the pin. Both Andy and Rob had sliced their drives far right. Off a decent drive, Paul missed his second shot delivering a bad slice. LZ was focused and sent a beautiful shot towards the green. But it was cool and quite windy, a swirling, changing direction with little warning, type wind.  His ball dropped into the trap short of the green. He flew the green in his attempt to get out of the trap, the first of several missed opportuities. At the turn Andy was at 45, with LZ at 46, Rob at 47 and Paul at 52.  The doctor would not catch Andy and after blowing a great opportunity on 12 and a missed drive to the par 3,  13^th, he felt defeated and faded. Paul Ruth who stated he was out of contention after 9, made a spirted string of pars on the back, but never really got close. Rob Juliano however, started dropping putts at 12, including 15 and 20 footers, expressing a jubelent surprise each step, as he chipped away, until he caught Andy on 16.

Clutch performances make Champions. Andy and Rob sent monster drives down the fairway on 17. The gallery marveled at power of youth! While Rob bounced over the green into the rough, needing to save a bogey, Andy used the security of his favored 3 wood to drop the ball on the green, close enough to yield a tap in par. Both delivered monster drives on 18 and Rob followed, hitting the front of the green in two. Andy, watched his ball fade strong right of the green, over the car path, with a big tree guarding the pathway to the hole. With a deep breath and a gutt check, his third shot was dropped between the two traps on each side of the green, spinning right, bouncing up to the left fringe. Wow, it was an exciting masterful recovery, but still farther away than Rob. With his fourth, Andy putted his way to two feet above the hole. Rob’s 20 footer third shot uphill slipped about four feet past the hole. Yeah, this was a tension filled classic battle! While far shorter than what he had sunk during most of his back 9 frenzy, the putt to win the hole with par and tie the match, was not to be had. Andy Swanson dropped his bogey, center of the cup, to become 2019 OCAGA Champion!