Ocean City Amateur Golf Association

The Doctor was experiencing flashes back to beginning of the new century, flying high with three trips in a row to the finals.  He had blown up on 17, taking a 9, handing the 2003 championship by a stroke to Ken Pollard. The next year, Lee Sickler prevailed, also by a stroke, and there was talk about whether or not he cheated his way to the title. The third year Lazarchick was a heavy favorite, the least of his worries was rookie Glenn Hamm. Glenn however, very quickly was launching balls high and far, reaching the greens with ease, dropping putts with precision. He thoroughly dominated LZ on the front nine and coasted home matching the Doctor’s 41 on the back. LZ would not reach the finals again until 2011, falling to Scotty Shaw by 1 on a playoff hole.

Meanwhile Glenn Hamm had secured four titles by 2014, just one shy of living legend, record holder Art Czachorowski. Since then however, his game had been far too distant from spectacular for his fans, that is, until Sunday at Twisted Dune. Early he was keeping pace with Eddie Borillo, Phil Stocker and Lazarchick, all delivering significant drives from the senior tees. By the end of nine however, Glenn was unloading bombs from the white tees easily passing his forward competitors. He turned the corner with a low gross 43, even with a snowman hiccup on 4!  His confidence was blossoming with glory with each passing hole and he once again looked invincible. He would place an eighty five on the scorecard, 7 strokes lower than the second lowest gross of Charlie Ranucci. Those with higher handicaps dropped out of contention fairly quickly as Glenn methodically conquered the course. Second place finisher Rob Juliano finish a full  5 net strokes back and Andy Swanson was third 7 strokes off the pace. While Glenn was magnificent, it was none the less a bittersweet victory. Swanson held onto 4^th place in the Final Four by 2 points.

FINAL REGULAR SEASON POINTS

• 162 Ruth, Paul
• 143 Juliano, Rob
• 137 Lazarchick, Mike
• 132 Swanson, Andy

• 130 Hamm, Glenn
• 124 Stocker, Phil
• 115 Ranucci, Charles
• 106 Czachorowski, Art
• 106 Bohan, Marc
• 105 Borillo, Ed
• 73 Kissinger, Dave
• 47 Sweiderk, Bob

It was a year for Record Breaking. With three victories on the Tour, Andy Swanson tied the record of Tommy Hunt in 2012, tied by Glenn Hamm in 2015 when he took three in a row.  When Paul Ruth set the low net record 54, no one thought it would ever be broken, that is until Andy Swanson matched it in the very next tournament. And, no one has ever made the finals missing two tournament, until this season, Andrew Swanson! How about winning every Closest to the Pin on the same Day, accomplished by Charlie Ranucci at Twisted Dune!

SCATS:    $55 Charlie   $43Glenn

Championship Sunday   OCTOBER 6^TH   11:00    GREATE BAY

If every active player shows, a possible three man team would play against a 4 man team, 9 holes best ball and 9 holes scramble.

If 6 players show, 3 two man teams might play best ball, alternate shot and scramble, 6 holes each.

If less than six show? Players will decide how to play the memorial. Contact Charlie as soon as possible letting him know your intentions to play or not.

The final four will tee off last to have the option of letting other non-league foursomes play through if the pace is slow and they do not want to hold up other players.

After early season wins by Glenn Hamm and Michael Lazarchick, and talk about “the same old stuff,” a dramatic shift descended upon the OCAGA Tour. VEGAS, not too long ago, had Paul Ruth a heavy favorite to get into the Final Four after Golden Pheasant, setting a record for lowest ever Net Score on the Tour.  A significant amount of early money flowing into the betting coffers were on Paul, not only to get in, but to Win the Championship. This was despite Andy Swanson’s remarkable showing early in the month at Shore Gate and a quite respectable 2^nd place finish to Paul at the Pheasant. But when at his home course Greate Bay, Andy tied Paul’s newly garnered low net record.  Seeds of doubt slowed the money flow.

When Andy missed Emerald Links early in the season everyone assumed he had taken himself out of the picture. Few have made the finals when missing a tournament. When he skipped the Vineyards a veil of serious doubt about his desire covered the fan base. Paul ascended to yet another victory and the heavy betting resumed.

Avalon presented different challenges, with tighter fairways and less than ideal conditions.  Marc Bohan with a sweet swing manicured to late season excellence, split the fairways with regularity, hitting greens in regulation, dropping birdies to deliver the low net 81 on the day. If the greens were not scared and inconsistent from recent aerification and sanding, speculation at Le Petite Café postulated a significantly lower score. However, those not able to keep the ball on the fairways experienced frustration searching and then hitting out of 2 ½ to 4 inch rough!

Sporting the highest handicap on tour, Andy Swanson started with the lead. He never relinquished the spot and nearly duplicated the record for lowest ever score on tour which he tied in the last outing. He was magnificent, climbing up into the four spot of the final fourth place with one to go!  Andy placed an 86 on the Scorecard, using just 5 more strokes than Marc Bohan and Young Roger Read, both with single digit handicaps utilizing GHIN System calculations. He bested second place finisher Paul Ruth by 6 strokes in Net Score. Peaking at the right time, he started September on the Lancaster Golf Trip using only 82 swings at the challenging Pilgrim’s Oaks Track, the lowest gross,  while every other competitor played the senior tees with the exception of the Doctor. Indeed, it was his lowest score of the year, beating LZ by 7, head to head.

Points With One to Go:

Paul Ruth secured his position last tournament and will finish as the Regular Season Point Winner. Michael Lazarchick can only be caught by Phil Stocker in fifth place, if everybody shows, he finishes last and Phil Wins and Gets Closest to the Pin for 3 Points. If everyone shows and Rob finishes last, either Phil or Glenn Hamm, could catch him with a Win. Phil or Glenn could pass Andy if they play very well (near the Top) and he does not (below Top 5) in the Final Tournament. Everyone else in contention is in  the Glimmer of Hope category, except for Eddie Borillo and Dave Kissinger who do not have enough points to gather.

Points   Tour Player      Minimum Finish

• 151 Ruth, Paul                  162                         In the Final Four
• 123 Lazarchick, Mike     134                          99.9 % Chance to Make Finals
• 120 Juliano, Rob              131                          99 %     Chance to Make Finals

• 111 Swanson, Andy         122                          In the Catbird’s Seat

• 107 Stocker, Phil               132           135                    Needs Strong Finish
• 105 Hamm, Glenn            130           133                    Needs Stronger Finish
• 97 Ranucci, Charles         122           125                 Needs Win, CTP and Help
• 94 Bohan, Marc                122           125                 Needs Win, CTP and Help
• 93 Czachorowski, Art      121           124                 Needs Win, CTP and Help
• 86 Borillo, Ed                    114        Cannot Make Finals
• 73 Kissinger, Dave            84      Cannot Make Final Four

The Industrial Park just off the Promenade, home of Baby Ruth Candy and Swanson Health Products was, a flurry with controversy. Purportedly, a contingent from the Candy Factory was calling for an investigation of Handicaps. While Paul Ruth has experienced a decline from a high of 34 with Andy Swanson during June, he was way down to 25 at Avalon, giving 4 strokes. While Baby Ruth Stock has flat lined, Swanson Health Products continues to climb. They blame the President for introduction of a convoluted handicap system and there was some talk about tariffs, which no one understood? Purportedly,  they question if the Secretary is Cheating, for not taking the action spelled out in the Club Rules.

Club Rule #6: The secretary will review the member’s initial handicap after four months  of play to determine if the initial handicap was significantly overstated in comparison with subsequent play. If so, appropriate corrective action will be taken by membership vote at the next monthly meeting.

It has not been confirmed, that they are asking if the secretary is subject to the Cheating Rule, but apparently they do  want to know who exactly is on the Rules Committee since St George is no longer on the tour!

7. Cheating Rule. If a player is observed violating the rules, he will be given a warning by the Rules Committee. If a player persists in violation and is warned a second time, he will be subject to expulsion from the club. Infractions must be observed by two or more players and reported to the rules committee or executive board, immediately

The plot thickens when we realize that Charlie Ranucci has often been seen eating Snickers but never a Baby Ruth and the Doctor is known to often order Mussels Fra Diavolo for lunch, but apparently never demands Swanson’s Premium Green Lipped variety. Be assured that the OCAGA Investigative Reporter will be Fact Checking!!!

NEXT    TWISTED DUNE

Paul Ruth waited to the 17^th hole at the Vineyards to deliver his best drive of the day sending a rocket down the left side of the fairway. He was trailing leader Eddie Borillo in gross score, and Rob Juliano and Phil Stocker, tied for second.  He was getting a stroke from Juliano, but giving a stroke to both Borillo and Stocker. Juliano had held the lead after 9, but battled with Borillo and Stocker throughout the tournament.  Stocker tied Rob on 10 and held the lead through 14.  Eddie caught Phil there and went up by one on 15. After 16 it was Borillo up by 1 over Phil and Rob

The gallery was on the edge of their seats, once again totally enthralled with an exciting, drama packed finish. Paul sent his second shot onto the 17^th green, twelve feet above the hole. He glanced at the leader board and saw that Stocker had doubled bogeyed. Borillo had bogeyed and Juliano had dropped par to catch Eddie in score. Paul focused. He had been putting fairly well all day. Now he needed a great putt. A slow back swing and a smooth, soft delivery, sent the ball, ever so slowly, down a slight incline. With anticipation, it seemed almost everybody was holding their breath. Then in an instantaneous moment of realization, Cheering Thunder reverberated from the crowd as it dropped into the center of the cup. They screamed “BIRDIE” jumping to their feet!  With that placement on the Scorecard, Paul was now tied for the lead with one to go. The galery was beginning to believe it was another day of destiny. With a gentle soul, pleasing soft smile and genuine sense of humor Paul Ruth is a fan favorite.

Rob, Eddie and Phil all finished with bogey on 18, and they had all heard the loud screams from the gallery.  As Paul reached the tee box his confidence was strong. His swing was no longer labored and his approach was methodical. He gave himself a relatively short putt for par and his execution was perfection.  He extended his regular season lead and has secured a spot in the Final Four. VEGAS has him at 4 to 5 odds to win the Championship with a handicap still on the high side of robust!

Needless to say, his fan base was in Ecstasy. Some say when they wrote the book on being a nice guy, Paul was one of the models. While everyone knows that Paul requently rakes in the money when others challenge him and foolishly are duped into giving him strokes, Paul does not play as much as he could if he were not donating so much time to serving those with visual impairments. He accepts a small salary from the State of New Jersey, well below his true value in the marketplace. Of course many of those he encounters cannot see what Paul is all about.

Points with 2 to go

128        Paul Ruth                            Has Clinched Spot in Final Four

110        Michael Lazarchick           Has 22 point lead over 5^th place but has been fading

99           Rob Juliano                        Has held 3^rd place for a while & Handicap is High

93           Phil Stocker                        Plays well at Avalon with still a Highish Handicap

88           Glenn Hamm                     Not quite in 4 time Championship form, but Dangerous

87           Charlie Ranucci                 Needs a low score with his handicap

86           Andy Swanson                  Has proven he can beat Ruth & MEGACAP at 29

78           Art Czachorowski             Would need a couple of victories

74           Ed Borillo                           Never count out the Glimmer of Hope

72           Marc Bohan                      Needs two low final rounds, maybe in the seventies

62           Dave Kissinger                 Two victories and two CTP for 56 pts, enough?

On a sad note, former tour player and son of 5 time Champion Art Czachorowski, Steven Roy Czachorowski passed away unexpectedly at home on August 11. Steve will forever be remembered for his heart of gold and the unwavering love he had for his family.  With great sadness the OCAGA Tour Players extend sincere condolences to the Czachorowski Family.

NEXT:   AVALON

Andy Swanson vaulted into third place overall, tying Paul Ruth’s stunning low net record of 54 set just one tournament ago! With golfing conditions pristine, pleasantly warm with gentle zephyrs adding to comfort, Andy bathed in the delight of course knowledge, growing more confidence with each swing. He was in a battle with Marc Bohan for the low gross score at Greate Bay dropping birdie on 15 and par of 16 to get within 1. Of course in the world of handicapping, he bested Bohan by 13 strokes. Indeed 5 time Champion Art Czachorowski making a valiant effort to shoot his age,  falling only a few strokes short with an 87,  easily securing 2^nd place on the day, was a full 6 strokes behind Andy. Now leading in regular season points Paul Ruth, and a seemingly rejuvenated, Eddie Borillo, 3^rd and 4^th   respectively, were another 3 strokes off the pace.  Charlie Ranucci’s, sub 90,  5^th  place finish,  was yet another stroke back . Swanson, placing an 84 on the Scorecard, electrified the gallery.

Of course the mysterious woman repeatedly seen in the gallery has apparently been identified by the OCAGA Investigative Reporter,  who himself  has finally been

Seen again following Swanson

identified, appearing in the linked video.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy5THitqPBw

Roger Rabbit’s wife supposedly stated the lady is her Toon sister, supposedly conjured by a troop of adulating girl scouts, entranced by Andy’s  magnetic, effervescent, athletic, swoon eliciting, irresistible physiognomy.  Rumors now appearing in tabloids say Swanson may have discovered a portal to Toonville, and may miss the Vineyard Tournament. WOW!!!!

According to VEGAS, Paul Ruth is now a 10 to 1 favorite to Make the Final Four having finally taken over first place in the standing. Andy Swanson, winning 2 of the last 3 tournaments, is now strongly in third place and has been rapidly climbing! Lazarchick has been trending down, but  has a 20 point lead over 4^th place.  The Vineyards tournament may mathematically put people in or out of the Final Four Race. There is speculation that Bob Sweiderk may finally return to the tour after a long hiatus.

President Rob Juliano remains in fourth place, despite walking off courses and often challenging for the highest tournament scores, which has heightened the controversy concerning his handicapping policies. However, he now has a strong group of contenders in position to overtake his hope of making the finals. With a hot streak even those in last place could make the finals.  Juliano with the most decisive presidental style since Phil Stocker held the office, continues to question whether or not the OCAGA News Blog is fake news. However, he was overheard lamenting under his administration the Tour has lost the higest percentage of members in its whole history. Only the OCAGA News Blog covers these stories!

WITH THREE TO PLAY:

• 103        Paul Ruth
• 97           Michael Lazarchick
• 86           Andy Swanson
• 76           Rob Juliano
• 74           Phil Stocker
• 73           Charlie Ranucci
• 71           Glenn Hamm
• 67           Art Czachorowski
• 57           Marc Bohan
• 53           Ed Borillo
• 47           Dave Kissinger
• 47           Bob Sweiderk

SCATS:     Andy Swanson took a bundle 37 Big Ones with Art Czachorowski having his best day this season at 25.

Next   VINEYARDS on August 11^th at Noon

Paul Ruth set a new OCAGA  Record for the lowest Net Score in the History of the Tour, a whopping 18 strokes under par, besting the Smoking Hot Andrew Swanson by 4 strokes and leaving point leader Michael Lazarchick in the dust. Ruth’s fans were ecstatic, watching Paul move closer to the season point lead, bathing in the sweet healing salve for the lingering wounds from the A Division Championship last fall at Emerald Links. Paul had taken an early, significant lead against the Doctor, delivering a stellar performance on the front 9. But on the back, LZ continued to chip away at the lead, finally catching Ruth on 16 with a Birdie and going ahead on 17th with a par and sinking a 20 foot putt to tie the 18^th to secure the title. This victory at Golden Pheasant was especially sweet sending a message to his fans and the Tour, Paul Ruth is now a force to be reckoned with!

Sarah Spain was broadcasting for ESPN: Five time Champion Art Czachorowski came out of the gate on fire, dropping par on the first three holes staying a stroke ahead of Charlie Ranucci for low net.  When Sarah asked him where he was last tournament, Art said he forgot and suspected that is also why Don St George has not shown up this year. Richie Antczak returned after a long while, but just the possibility sent the girls scouts into delirium.  Richie left the tour when they would not leave him alone.

Antczak Gallery

Sarah sighed, an obvious bridge, as she related Young Roger Read was also back, which eliciting the comment of “how dreamy is his swing” supposedly from the Duchess of Marlborough who was visiting the English Pub.  Rumor had it, Mike O’Brien was in a back booth in the Irish Pub sucking down Guinness, lamenting that at best he could play 9 Holes since his Pacemaker was installed. When Eddie Borillo heard that President Trump took money from the National Parks for the July 4^th “Parade,” Eddie immediately went touring when possible closings entered the conversations. Marc Bohan posted in social media that plants from outer space landed on his property and he has not been heard from since!  Meanwhile, Lazarchick was just barely able to get to the tournament in time to play in the last group. There was no confirmation at press time that

Ruth Fanatics

Ruth Fanatics changed road signs to confuse Lazarchick’s driver on the route they took through the Pine Barrens. However there was group hissing and laughing when he popped up his first drive, sliced well off the 2nd green in his attempt to hit the short par three, then hit his drive on 3 out of bounds and lost a fairway wood left into the stream approaching the 4th.

Indeed, at the turn, Paul and Charlie shared low gross at 44 strokes, but counting handicaps, Andy Swanson was in the lead by 2 over Ruth with Phil Stocker still within striking distance. Charlie and LZ were a full 10 strokes off the pace. Yeah, it was Andy and Paul head to head, shooting lights out golf! Andy’s dominating performance to take the last tournament just a few weeks ago seemed to still be in play.  But Paul Ruth was giving him a run for the money. The lead switched back and forth and after 16 they were dead even.

Purportedly, according to Sarah, both were seen taking edibles out of their golf bags. Of course, underground currents of scurrilous rumors and gossip have questioned whether or not Swanson Health Food Products contain any performance enhancement substances.  While they claim osteoarthritis pain relief and gastrointestinal relief after consuming green lipped mussels,  Swanson’s Body has women of all ages swooning,

Seen again following Swanson

 stimulating speculation that there is possibly more to this product, missed by USGA inspections! Meanwhile does anyone doubt what Paul is consuming? With stock soaring new boxes of Baby Ruth Candy Bars are supposedly shipped to his door on a regular basis. Signs have increased in the gallery with his success this season. Vintage posters are now commanding unprecedented prices in auctions especially the one where a young Paul Ruth supposedly was portrayed.  Look below the Candy Bar. 

While all these allegation will be revealed with further exploration by the OCAGA Investigative Reporter, what is clear was the resounding surge of Paul Ruth over the last two holes. Andy finally appeared to fall victim to his high handicap suffering through a triple and double bogey, while Paul flirted with a Par, Birdie finish. He shook the Tour placing an 85 on the Scorecard!!!!

Points After 4

• 84           Lazarchick, Michael
• 82           Ruth, Paul
• 64           Juliano, Rob
• 63           Stocker, Phil
• 61           Swanson, Andy
• 56           Hamm, Glenn
• 56           Ranucci, Charlie
• 47           Swiederk, Bob
• 43           Bohan, Marc
• 41           Czachorowski, Art
• 37           Kissinger, Dave
• 34           Borillo, Ed
• 8             Gardener
• 0             O’Brien

SCATS –

Paul Ruth and Andy Swanson Fleeced the Competition each taking in 27 Big Ones.

Next   Greate Bay   (Swanson’s Home Course)   July 28th  at 11:20

Swanson’s Health Food stock soared and they introduced a 15 % discount on Green Lipped Mussel supplements, jubilant watching Andy who dominated at the very difficult Shore Gate Track. The hardest course in Cape May County New Jersey elicits chuckles from the staff who revel in the woes of visitors unaware of the test before them. So difficult was the challenge that OCAGA President

Rob Juliano left the course after a dismal front nine and the placing a 9 on the Scorecard to start the back! At the turn he was 11 strokes behind Eddie Borillo, but was still beating Marc Bohan by 5 strokes. It was devastating to the local Italian girl scout troop,  given free admission to watch him play.

Watching Andy Swanson however, turned their heads. The international girl scout mantra, “Richie, Richie, he’s too cute!” had faded from consciousness with Antczak’s OCAGA retirement, now several years in the past. Adulation of Andy was boosted to say the least. An unconfirmed rumor from the OCAGA Blog Investigative Reporter was about Antczak’s contention that Swanson deliberately plays from the longest possible tees on the most difficult courses to raise his handicap and that President Juliano’s Handicap System, was specifically designed after the Union League, a super private Philadelphia Bastion of the Elite, bought the Sand Barrens.  Andy, a long time member, did not receive an offer to join! Supposedly,  Rich was asked if it had anything to do with how  Andy likes his women clothed ~  Union League Dress Code:  Not Permitted: spandex, open midriffs, halter tops, shorts, leggings, extremely short hemlines (not more than 3″ above the knee), jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, and flip-flops.  Apparently, he speculated that Andy was “not considered good enough,”  which was put to rest with this victory. The slope and course difficulty from the Union League’s West to North Course Pro Tee Box, its hardest challenge, is 73.3/133.  The White Tees at Shore Gate are considerably more formidable, 71/137. Andy Swanson is far more than the current Champion of Shore Gate by winning on the prestigious OCAGA Tour event. On that day he was clearly the best in all of Cape May County.

Charlie Ranucci came out on fire, finding par on three of the first five holes, quickly cutting into the stroke advantage in the 34 Handicap Club and leaving the low handicappers in the dust. Very quickly however, Andy Swanson and Eddie Borillo began to show sweet swings and the match became very interesting.   At the turn Charlie had the low net at 43, but Eddie Borillo’s 45 and Swanson’s 47 gave them the lead.

Eddie Borillo, clearly disappointed with himself,  took a triple bogey on 11 and then a Snowman on 12 surrendering the lead to Andy.  Charlie faltered slightly letting LZ catch him on the 12^th hole. Paul Ruth was chipping away at them all, bringing his own hope into the picture.  Both Swanson and Lazarchick took a snowman on the very difficult par 5, 13^th hole.  Borillo and Ruth got a little closer with bogeys.  On the par 3, 14^th ,  Eddie, Paul and Andy all doubled par and suddenly looked very vulnerable.

The 16th hole set the stage for excellence. Ranucci and Swanson sunk Birdie, pulling away from their competition, strengthening mental acuity.  Borillo suffered through a double on 16 while Lazarchick ended his hopes with a second snowman on the back. Charlie would not catch Eddie, but sailed past LZ. The story however was Andy Swanson. He had held the lead since taking it early on the back and yet let everyone stay in the competition. His game was on and he wanted the taste of victory. His focus softened all distractions. His swing once again became pristine. Allowing only an occasional vision of the women in the gallery holding hands over their hearts, he played the last four holes,  1 over par, slamming the door shut.  Andy Swanson delivered a strong four stroke Win over Eddie Borillo. Ranucci finished third another stroke back. Lazarchick just barely held off Ruth for fourth and fifth respectively.

Points After 3

• 63 Lazarchick, Michael
• 57 Ruth, Paul
• 50 Juliano, Rob
• 47 Sweiderk, Bob
• 44 Stocker, Phil
• 44 Hamm, Glenn
• 43 Bohan, Marc
• 39 Ranucci, Charlie
• 38 Swanson, Andy
• 34 Borillo, Ed
• 24 Kissinger, Dave
• 23 Czachorowski, Art
• 8 Gardener, Rich
• 0 O’Brien, Mike

Charlie Ranucci cleaned up on SCATS garnering $32 Big Ones!

Next   GOLDEN PHEASANT    July 14^th   10 am

Known for gusting winds most days of the year, everyone felt the air upon arrival at Emerald Links. Glenn Hamm commented how beautiful it was a week earlier, the original posted date of the tournament. When president Rob Juliano discovered the misinformation when he called the course, the actual scheduled date of the tournament became problematic for many of the busy tour professional. On this day, half the tour was not available to compete.

The first hole was daunting for most. Marc Bohan who could not be found for over a month on golf courses by his loyal fans, struggled to an uncharacteristic 9. Paul Ruth delivered a snowman. Michael Lazarchick and Glenn Hamm took triple bogeys. It was the wily Bob Sweiderk, masterfully maneuvering the hazards to drop the only par to start the tournament.  On two, Bohan, Czachorowski, Lazarchick, Hamm and  Ruth placed pars on the Scorecard, while Sweiderk suffered the triple bogey. Yes, it was going to be a challenging day.

Many beautiful approach shots fell short or flew the greens when the actual direction of the wind played havoc. Getting to the green lead many on circuitous paths, but beautifully manicured greens allowed putting excellence to shave off strokes. Glenn Hamm saved both par and bogey from significant distances. Sweiderk’s putt on 6 gave him the only par. Juliano’s on 7 gave him the only par. But Lazarchick’s birdie on 8, the 2^nd hardest evaluated hole,  gave him the low gross for the front 9 (42).

Considering handicaps, at the turn, 5 time Champion Art Czachorowski had a one stroke lead over 4 time Champion Glenn Hamm. Bob Sweiderk was a stroke off the pace. Lazarchick and Stocker were another stroke back and Juliano and Ruth, yet another. Only Marc Bohan was well off the pace, a full 13 strokes out, rusty from inactivity and according to Jacque at Le Petite Café, a “victim of the president’s crazy handicap system.”

When Marc opened the back with another 9 his frustration was quite apparent. Art extended his lead over Hamm by 1, but would drop both those strokes for a tie on 11 and Bob Sweiderk joined them as a co-leader. High handicappers Paul Ruth and Phil Stocker, played a cat and mouse battle, switching their personal lead, ending up tied at 18. On a day when snowman were rearing ugly heads, Rob Juliano took his on 12.  On 13, Czach’s snowman relinquished the lead. Sweiderk and Ruth were battling, Paul with Birdie on 13 and Bob with the only par. Then, when Sweiderk cashed in his snowman on 14, and Hamm took a double, both Ruth and Stocker clearly entered the picture. Just outside the door, Rob Juliano and the Doctor were slowly and methodically moving forward. The gallery was on their feet watching every swing. It was becoming one of the most dramatic finishes in OCAGA history. Excitement was festering. No one could remmeber a time when so many were so close, in contention right down to the finishing hole.

Art Czachorowski took himself out of the running with a devastating 9 on 17. After Ruth let Stocker go ahead him on 15, his 6 and Phil’s 7 on 17, ended their run to the top spot.  Sweiderk opened the door with a 7 on 17. Glenn Hamm would be ever so close, until he finished with a 7 on 18. Rob Juliano played the final 4 holes using 17 strokes, a most impressive race to the finish. Lazarchick did it with 18 strokes, just enough to secure the victory.

Lazarchick’s Cafe in Minersville Pennsylvania was rocking as they watched Michael down the homestretch.

Early Season Points –  Bob Sweiderk Rises to the Top

SCATS : Bob Sweiderk was the Big Winner  with a $34 Haul with Rob Juiano takeing the second largest share at $20.

Next        Shore Gate  June 23rd

It was a nice Harbor Pines opening day on the OCAGA Tour, the best opening day as anyone could recall. The temperature was comfortable with a sun filed sky. An occasional gust of wind provided a refreshing breeze or sometime a lift to a long drive. The 2019 season however, opened with some major changes and many new questions.

The United States Golf Association published “Golf’s New Rules” effective January 1^st designed to speed up play and make the game less penalizing to the average player. One option to stroke and distance when the ball is lost out of bounds or in the woods, is a drop on the line of flight with a two stroke penalty. OCAGA already has that option, but it remains a one stroke penalty in the league. OCAGA President Rob Juliano designed a new handicapping system (which a majority vote of the membership passed) that uses the middle 6 scores from the last 10 played in Tour Competition, dropping the two lowest and the two highest from the calculation. Meanwhile the most influential troop of Italian Girl Scouts has named “Rob the Heartthrop” the best ever OCAGA President. The Top ten in the opening tournament all net scored at par or below, prompting the OCAGA News Blog Statistician to add a new statistic to the season, strokes under par.

Glenn Hamm placed a net 9 under par on the Scorecard to win and make the first statement of the year. Glenn made a stir in his Rookie Year facing Michael Lazarchick in the finals. Lazarchick was heavily favored after losing two years earlier with the famous “17th hole disaster,” just barely falling into a sand less trap, taking 5 strokes to get out, ending up with a 9 and losing by one stroke in a match he dominated for 16 holes. The following year he lost by a stroke to Lee Sickler who many believed cheated his way to the title. Sickler went to prison for putting a contract out on his wife a short while later. But Hamm, clearly won, easily putting the match out of reach after 9 holes and matching Lazarchick stroke for stroke on the back.  Hamm won his second title in 2009 becoming a dominant force on the tour. He reached the height of his power with back to back victories 2013 and 2014. He reached four titles in less than ten year. Art Czachorowski, believed by many to be the best who ever played on the OCAGA Tour took 20 years to amass five titles. In the last five years however, Hamm has not been quite so dominant and of course the comparisons to Tiger Woods, he days are past. And yes, like Tiger Woods winning the 2019 Masters, Glenn Hamm strikes fear in the hearts of opponents when is game is on!

Paul “Baby” Ruth scored a net -8 under par. Just when it looked like his handicap might come down, the new Juliano formula ensured he would be a very high handicapper. While Curtiss Candy claimed the famous candy bar was named after President Grove Cleveland’s daughter Ruth and not ball player, Babe Ruth, current owner Ferrero firmly markets the idea that big eater Paul Ruth is their champion and the now the candy bar namesake. Sales have skyrocketed since Paul rejoined the OCAGA Tour. Ruth, with a huge fan base, a humanitarian who work diligently to serve the visually impaired, has been known to consume his share of food.

Bobby Sweiderk who complains often about Paul Ruth pushing his way by him in the food line, dropped a Birdie on 15 and just fell short in his late charge to catch Ruth, but did secure 3^rd place on the day with a net -7.

Michael Lazarchick and Marc Bohan sporting the Tour lowest handicaps, finished 4^th and 5^th, the Doctor at net -5 and Marc at net -4. Lazarchick faltered playing the last two holes at four over par and Bohan played the last four at four over par, both ruining otherwise, relatively very strong performances to start the season.

Ranucci net -4, Juliano net -4, Swanson net -3, Stocker net -2 and Borillo net even par, rounded out the Top Ten.

Everyone was pleased to see Marc Bohan step up at the Banquet and volunteer to take over as Starter and SCATS coordinator. However, since he took the Lion’s Share of the money week one, the Investigative Reporter is looking into the numbers!    SCATS

Art Czachorowski received many accolades for the schedule this season with more premium courses on the tour at reasonable prices. Unfortunately, Scott Shaw, one of the most loved and exciting players on the Tour, has disappeared and has refused to speak with Art since being accosted on the course during the 2018 Championship. Purportedly, Scotty did not react well to Art’s less than diplomatic request for the foursome to speed up play. Talk for the 2019 Championship is to send the Final Four off last for several reasons. Because they need to focus and possibly playing slow compared to the other groups, which last season played a scramble and alternate shot format for two thirds of the round. Second, the others will be in the Bar awaiting the results of the Championship, enjoying the excitement of the day. Third, the Championship foursome can always let other non-league foursomes play through if they determine that they are playing too slow and backing up the course, proper golf etiquette. Roger Read did also not show up at the Banquet and he too was missed on opening day. Don St George, the oldest OCAGA Tour player in history supposedly announced his retirement, opening the door for Art to get another Record.

Finally, the OCAGA News Blog won the 2018 Sports Illastrated’s,  Sport Golf Blog on the Year Reporting Exclusively on the OCAGA Tour, adding to the many diverse accolades of Michael C. Lazarchick of Sanctuary Publications.

NEXT :   GREATE BAY 

DATELINE OCTOBER 2018:

It was a pleasant day, not too cold, slightly windy with brilliant sunshine. Greate Bay was in superb condition with true and fast greens, promising to honor the well executed putt. To start the Championship, Scotty Shaw sent out a booming drive and then a sweet iron to reach the green in regulation. He masterfully took the first hole with a par. On the very challenging second hole, Charlie Ranucci was the only one to drop in a Bogey, which felt like a par. Marc Bohan and Milt Nicholas suffered through triple bogeys.

Giving a lot of strokes to his competition Marc’s early frustration was slightly quieted when he dropped a Birdie on 3.  Getting a lot of strokes from the competition, Milt’s frustration was climbing as he watched his handicap advantage dissipate. Indeed, Charlie Ranucci caught him on the 3^rd hole and after delivering a snowman on 5, Milt dropped into 3^rd place behind Charlie and Scotty Shaw. Milt rebounded with a Birdie on 6, flip flopping with Scotty who took an untimely Bogey. Charlie would turn the corner at nine holding the lead in tight competition.

Marc Bohan crawled back into the match dropping his 5^th par, since the early Birdie, on the 10^th hole.  Also with a par on 10, Scotty caught Milt, both now 1 behind Charlie, but Marc was advancing,  just two strokes back. Tensions escalated. Everybody was clearly in the match. There was not a big difference between the regulation and senior tees on number 11, but championships reward precision play and strokes do magnify as the number of holes remaining, lesson.  Marc would encounter a second, devastating triple bogey and follow with a double on the very challenging 12^th hole. Scotty Shaw suffered two straight double bogeys. With a par on 11, Milt caught Charlie, only to give back the lead, when Charlie took the 12^th with a par.

As they looked at the 13^th hole, Milt was wondering if the match had suddenly and quickly shifted to a two man race. When Charlie missed the tee shot to the par three, everyone was stunned. Milt took a deep breath and followed by landing his ball on the green. Having been so strongly in contention since the second hole, the quadruple bogie Charlie would endure was staggering.  Milt was almost in disbelief but quite focused when his second shot hit the rotation.  He took two strokes to secure the par.

With a sudden 3 stroke lead, lessor contenders might have lost focus or moved to a more conservative consciousness. But while an OCAGA Tour Rookie, Milt was a veteran champion in other venues. He shifted up a gear, dropped Birdie on 14^, followed by pars on 15 and 16. As he approached 17 with a 5 stroke lead, he fought to control rising joy knowing he just needed to avoid disaster. He finished four strokes ahead of Charlie and Scotty.  Milton Nicholas defeated the best players the OCAGA Tour had to offer winning the 2018 Championship.

In the Memorial Tournament for players not in the Finals, the format was 6 holes best ball, 6 holes alternate shot and a 6 hole scramble. Rob Juliano with the longest drives on the tour and Bob Sweiderk with a masterful short game, proved to be the strongest team, winning by 3 over Hamm and Ruth. Lazarchick and Swanson were another stroke back for 3rd place money.

Banquet NEXT     Friday,  APRIL 5th     Crab Trap  6:30 pm  If you have not already let him know, confirm your attendance with Art.

Opening Day of 2019 Season:      April 7th        Harbor Pines          1:00 pm      $55

The day was beautiful and Shore Gate was in exquisite condition. Unlike many past years when only a handful appeared for the last tournament, all tour player showed along with several guests, all except Bleeding Green Mike O’Brien.  Out of the Gate Michael Lazarchick sent a booming drive down the fairway, followed by a sweet iron dropping the ball three feet from the cup for an easy opening Birdie.  But the Doctor and all others would find such play very unusual on the most difficult challenge of the season. Only Marc Bohan, sporting a 12 Handicap, was able to break 90, just barely, uncharacteristically posting 2 sevens and 3 sixes on the Scorecard.  Dave Kissinger so impressive climbing into a first place tie for the point lead with one to go, became the first player in modern day OCAGA history to not make the finals. Only four could post in the nineties while eleven suffered a 100 plus event. Those with the most meticulous putting strokes were rewarded on fast and true greens. Placing the ball in the fairways and avoiding a myriad of hazards required considerable precision and course management was at a premium. Extricating oneself from dicey situations was quite common and errant attempts delivered scores of scores like 7,  8, 9, 10 up to a 13 on a hole.

Milt Nicholas had flirted with the final four all season and knew he had to step it up to catch and out duel the league’s most accomplished competitors. Indeed head to head, he bested both March Bohan and Charlie Ranucci on the front, cashing in a sweet 43. He had Marc by 1 and Charlie by 4 at the turn.   He had erased the 11 strokes he was giving Paul Ruth the highest Handicapper at 36, a clear and dangerous threat. He was ahead of Scotty Shaw and Art Czachorowski.  Lazarchick was coughing, struggling to concentrate and racking up some big numbers.

Marc Bohan would catch Milt in gross score on the 12^th hole and Charlie would also pass him on 15, too little too late. On the 14^th Hole Milt Nicholas dropped a dart closest to the hole, the hole that delivered the bonus 3 points. He was tired but clearly in command. He edged out Charlie Ranucci for the victory and bested the high handicappers Sweiderk, Ruth  and Stocker, all delivering respectable performances. While not close enough for the final four, they were spoilers for Marc, Scotty and Art, not getting enough points to compete with the new Top Two.

Milt Nicholas finished the regular season in first place with 110 points, just 2 ahead of Charlie Ranucci. Scotty Shaw held in, dropping down to  3^rd position at 106 and Marc Bohan earned a return visit to the Championship with 100 points.

The Final Four will lead off the tournament on Championship Sunday, playing by USGA Rules. The remainder of the Tour will pair the highest handicap player with the lowest, moving towards the center, to play in the Hanko Memorial Tournament. The two man teams will play 6 holes best ball, 6 holes alternate strokes and 6 holes scramble delivering one score per team.

Following the tournament President Rob Juliano delivered perhaps the most energetic of all time, traditional regular season ending Press Conference. He lavished praise on Art Czachorowski, for his work managing the treasury and scheduling of tournaments in a season full of unfortunate weather. He lavished praise on Michael Lazarchick calling him the best Secretary in modern OCAGA History, collecting data, serving membership requests and contacting the OCAGA Press when any questionable news was reported. Rob personally thanked Scotty Shaw for his guidance as past president and started a clapping accolade for a remarkable Starter/SCATS Performance replacing legendary John Buechner, which brought a tear to Glenn Hamm’s eye.  He ended his oratory, humbly, saying with a soft voice, “ I am  just a regular guy who promised transparency and an exciting competitive season,” which elicited thundering Cheers of Approval.

NEXT:  CHAMPIONSHIP SUNDAY   GREATE BAY COUNTRY CLUB  October 14th    10:00 AM