Aloha……….welcome and goodbye. Goodbye to the old 2015 golf season, welcome to next year. At this year’s successful run of summer golf season, SGC still not savouring the missed ship of a few long-time members but optimistically, we hope to get them all back for an ampler presence for next year. We all missed the familiar faces in friendly competition and locker room jousting before and after every round. Finally, SGC’s last game of the season that happened at KIngsforest golf course last Sunday surprisingly greeted twenty-nine players including a guest with blessed twenty-one-degree Celsius temperature with the sun shining brightly. Yes, there was one catch – the wind played  chaos to some but no one complained about getting this kind of weather at this time of year most startlingly in mid October, mind you.

Significant Sunday: As the late Yogi Berra said, “It’s not over ‘til it’s over” merely implied to those hoping to catch up with the leaders leading to last Sunday final tally for an award. Two major awards were no last minute decision nor it became the edge of the seat excitement as we gestured admiration to the same leaders who held on to their lead winning their particular awards.

Here are our major winners:

POY 2015

Mike Montilla – Mike had the lead since early August with completed fifteen games under his belt and never relinquished it. He also won this prestigious event in 2007. Nice to have your name etched to that POY trophy the second time around. One of those players who could say “I’m an SGC multiple POY winner”. Say it Mike, loud and proud.

SENIOR POY

Rene Querubin – a come from behind winner. With changing leads at numerous times, Rene never took possession of the lead until the start of the last two rounds. A second year member who was not too sure if he could play the required number of games to qualify this year. Was he happy that he did? You bet ya’.

MIP (MOST IMPROVED PLAYER)

Manny Chea – a multiple winner of this award. Hard to resist the temptation of not mentioning the consistency of maintaining your status as a player with regards to your handicap. Swing hard and swing accurately – Manny was one member who decisively did just that. Any doubts? Try playing with him and you’d find out.

BEST GROSS SCORES (Tie)

Most golfers call this award the “Best golfer” award. Why? Handicap not needed.

Jimmy Manguerra – it was a slew of hard nose rounds that this player displayed regardless of what golf course he was playing. Low seventies. Oh sorry, did I mention a round of 69 at Royal Woodbine sometime in May? May I remind you that Jimmy won this award seven times before? How about them apples, huh?

Manny Chea – what more could we say about this player? Manny together with Jimmy are SGC’s best two players around. Needless to say, other contests such as closest to the pin, Manny was a regular winner. He did a lot better this year when he made an ace to one of those par 3s at Westview golf course. SGC had not a hole-in-one winner for quite a long time.

GRAND FINALS

Sam Kim – 화려한 선수. A diminutive power player who may surprise you a few times. Sam got the habit of saying “If you don’t want it, I’ll take it”. In a scenario of the last two games of the season, Sam withheld everybody else’s charge and took care of winning this contest.

Other awards and winners, please go to Sierra Minutes/2015 Winners.

Congratulations to the winners.

Have a healthy and enjoyable winter. Hasta la vista.