Threat of rain a few days prior got some of the players thinking twice before committing to play last Sunday at Glen Cedars. Well, sorry to say but for those who showed up to brave the forecast of rain throughout the day with fear of an abbreviated round of golf because of that unnerving weather forecast, were surprised by cloudy mild twenty-two-degree Celsius temperature with no sun smiling at us. Rain almost never happened but only a dash of shower that did not last long. A little humid but as a matter of fact, almost perfect playing conditions with a little bit on the cool side plus the wind stayed calm. I could hear most of the thirteen players who showed up whispering “This is a perfect number of people playing, not much competition and less people to beat.”  We had seen deficient weather conditions for the past four weeks now but this Sunday was a sanctification, a trifling weather temperature for our very own enjoyment. In unison, we could still say “Is summer coming at all?”

I think this was the day where we welcomed our three new members – Erlando Ibañez, Ron Protacio, & Jess Velardo. We weren’t sure enough if these newcomers would continue their new trek of happy experience with SGC for sure but now we knew. Welcome gentlemen.

Round seven it was, hitching to seventh week of our tourney with one round cancelled, eighteen more rounds unaccounted for. The way the inclement weather was trending toward every Sunday, we might see another cancelation. We hoped not. Anyway, SGC was a little bit more euphoric for who did what at the recent game. It was inspiring to see a surprised winner. Conforming a mystique aura in which he carried with him for two years now, Ron Wilson who showed up for his first game of the year finally connected last Sunday ending a dry run in as many years. Nobody covered the beat better than easy going Ron who carded a convincingly net score of twenty-nine at the Nassau back nine. Adding to his winning for that day was his best shot at the sixteenth par 3 hole garnering him one of the two of the closest to the pin prizes. Was he elated? Why of course he was….. silly. Erlan Ibañez fired the closest at the other par 3 hole third. Other Nassau corner winners were Bert Cerrudo, Joey Cruz who had the most consistent showing of good play so far, & Rey Plaza. All three players carded the same net score of 33 at the front nine with the former winning the total net score as well as the day’s prize.

Ron W.

Joey C.

Rey P.

Believe it or not, we had a wonderful time. So, for those notable absentees, hope to see you next week. A beautiful sunny 29 degrees Celsius on Sunday is forecasted.

What a break. I meant what a break really, offered by mother nature after miserable three consecutive weeks of lousy weather afflicting rounds of playing golf in as many Sundays. Weather transforming to a comfortable temperature surroundings something like eighteen degrees Celsius last Sunday around Hamilton peninsula at Kingsforest golf course. Eighteen players who showed up were blessed with almost perfect weather with the sun mostly up for the whole afternoon as we played with the wind as a no factor at all. Hopefully this was a good indication of good things to come, weather wise.

Back to golf results. Parity in golf as opposed to individual dominance, might not be everyone’s favorite, but it could be certainly entertaining and most specially if you were a participant. A swift turnaround in fortunes of any player early on could give confidence and set how competition would be in such a more confrontational manner. At a point where it’s about quality, not quantity Jimmy Manguerra fired a brilliant four over par 76 gross score, roared to a gross eight-shot triumph over his closest competitor in Round 6. Jimmy slammed the door closed on his way to sweeping aside any competition winning the Nassau total score as well as the back nine & the day’s prize. Two players worth mentioning – Ed Ilao who won the Nassau front nine, and Joey Cruz coasted to firing gross scores in the high 80s.

Jimmy M.

Closest to the pin contest: After Sunday previous, another precise swing paid off for Julio Rodriguez at the seventh par 3 hole while Exe Navarette displaying a memoir precise golf swing of old, got it so close to the pin on hole fourteenth.

Julio R.

Exe N.

ANNOUNCEMENT: A new declaration of golf rules concerning pace of play and choice of playing from the forward (red) tees for male players as voted on by majority of members are added to supplement SGC Local Rules 2017. Prez Joey Cruz hereby declares:

1. If one or more players in a group playing in a sanctioned SGC’s round of golf deliberately delay the game during a round, all players in the group will be penalized 2 strokes. The other players in the group not causing the deliberate delay must warn the player(s) of his/her action immediately before moving on. If the so said player(s) will continue delaying the game after the warning, then that/those player(s) will be disqualified. A non-action from the other players in the very same group to warn player(s) who is/are causing the deliberate delay, all the players in the group face disqualification.

2. Any male member 75 years of age or older, or approaching 75 years of age in a year may opt to tee off from the red tees in his very first game in any given year. (See ruling regarding Established Tee Box Selection) Same age ruling applies to a new member provided he has already an established handicap index. (Established handicap index from his former club or the normal SGC handicapping process. Both depending on SGC approval) Since most golf courses do not offer course & slope rating for men teeing off from the red tees, it has been decided that the net score adjustment assessed to a player teeing off from the white tees will be used plus an additional stroke. Example: If net adjustment from the white tees is 2, the net adjustment from the red tees will be: 2 + 1 = 3. This will take effect immediately for those players who have not yet played their first game of the year at next Sunday’s game at Glen Cedars, June 4, 2017. These two amended rulings will stay within SGC Local Rules for the coming years until SGC decides to obliterate them.

Food for thought: SGC with 55 percent of its members are seniors, needs young blood to replenish its membership count for the sake of its future. Whether you like it or not, things hopefully would be looking up to achieve such an achievement that relies on every member’s shoulder most specially to those younger members. SGC is such an accomplished organization not to attract newcomers to its fold. SGC just received a heartbreaking news that one of our old-timers is having health issues as of late. Nap Pascual is recently suffering different health complications. In behalf of SGC and its members, we would like to pray and wish for Nap’s speedy recovery. See you soon at the golf course, Bud. On a good note, I’ve known this member for a little short while when I joined SGC some years ago. Last Sunday I happened to be playing with this member as in many occasions over the years and he continues time after time to amaze me with his gentlemanly play and perseverance. Mar De Veyra who happens to be SGC’s most senior member has astounding physical stature. How I wish to be in a position like that when I get to be his age. Cheers.

Nap P.

Mar DV

SGC welcomes back Manny Marquez, Exe Navaretti, & Ron Wilson to our league and of course the ever loving gigolo, Ray Macapagal. We hope to see Pat Deoca,  Fred Halili, Sam Kim, Lina Mayo, Jun Paculaba, & Para Tuy, freed from their respective accountable obligations and likely to see them at the golf course soon. Be glad to see you all back.

How about this? Prez Joey Cruz and Tony Peña have a viable suggestion of having seniors of 75 years of age if they still wish to play to give them a competitive status by teeing off from the forward tees. Let’s talk.

Round 5 at Royal Woodbine last Sunday: Guess what? Like the two previous Sundays, let me say it again – mother nature reigned supreme. Rain was the catapult for the whole day. It was so wet that day I had to wring dry my gloves with my hands every time I intended to use them. Anyway, out of nowhere a persistent player had to win this debacle event. What was so remarkable was the way he did it. Joey Cruz fired a gross score of eight over par 79 as if he was playing on a tropical island with coconut trees growing all over the place. It was so chilling display of scoring low consistently for his three starts that feared most of his competitors and backed off betting anything on the side. He deservingly got the day’s prize for this astonishing feat. Joey did seize one Nassau corner and shared the total best score with someone else as well as a winning share of Super Series 1. My, oh my, the fruitful results of playing in Pinas during the winter’s hibernation period was paying off.

Joey C.

Closest to the pin contest: Julio Rodriguez fired an accurately designed shot on the seventh hole while nobody got any closer to Jimmy Manguerra’s shot at the longest fifteenth hole par 3.                    

Julio R.

Jimmy M.

Month 1 contest: Another Pinas vacationing member, Jojo Dizon showed consistent play on three occasions winning this Month 1 contest convincingly.

Jojo D.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Beware of looking for lost golf balls in thick bushes. You could possibly get bitten by ticks that could result to Lyme disease. Common Lyme symptoms include:

•fever•headache•muscle and joint pain•spasms, numbness or tingling•facial paralysis•fatigue•swollen glands•expanding skin rash

People with Lyme disease often see symptoms within 1-2 weeks. But symptoms can appear as early as 3 to 30 days after a bite from an infected blacklegged tick.

People with Lyme disease often see symptoms within 1-2 weeks. But symptoms can appear as early as 3 to 30 days after a bite from an infected blacklegged tick.

The preceding post is not intended to scare you but just a simple precaution notice to avoid contacting Lyme disease.

A promise of eighteen degrees Celsius temperature with no rain and no wind at BraeBen golf course last Sunday seemed idyllic conditions to play a round of golf. But boy, what did we get? Prevailing winds that blasted the whole golf course at least 50 mph took twenty-two players by surprised. What made it more difficult for the players was the higher altitude setup of the golf course where the pesky winds blew a lot stronger. And then the rain and hail came about for good half an hour. We all thought that the weather supposed to calm down later on but it never did as temperature dropped down a little bit more with the absence of the sun. Everyone was caught off guard by the course conditions. Everything about the last two weeks was different. We paid dearly to enjoy the game because of the uncooperative mother nature. Weather reigned supreme for now but hopefully next Sunday would be a lot better. Cross your fingers.

It made it tough for everyone, but it felt like that someone had his favorite conditions to play in the wind. It was no secret that playing in high winds like this was to hit low and harder. Ed I. with his enormous length from the tee kept his nerve to win on 69 net. This meant Nassau corners were swept by the day’s winner. While it was noticeable that only five players – Ed I., Joey C., Dave N., Julio R., & Jimmy M. carded gross scores in the high 80s, it was a display of patience by these members playing in blistery conditions.

Ed I.

ANNOUNCEMENT: This is your chance to help SGC look for golf venues for next year. Please notify Mr. Rey Plaza with your intention to join his partnership in creating our SGC golf schedule for next year, 2018. SGC is curios if anyone who has got any computer and website hosting experience?

It was not an ideal setup to play golf at Springfield golf course last Sunday. Mother nature was not in the mood to greet SGC with some tranquil surroundings at all. The weather forecasters true to their words with their forecast, got the players reeling but it was expected. With dark clouds looming ahead and at 6 degrees Celsius with the wind blowing like crazy, creating havoc throughout the open field, it felt more like minus 6 degrees. The forecast wasn’t going to improve as the day progressed as rain was anticipated later in the day. After a previous rain soaked day, hitting golf balls with that gusty wind stopping with almost zero roll in the fairway and greens, ten brave members showed up and dared playing in this tough weather conditions. These valiant players though came prepared as they were all appropriately dressed to suit the prevailing winds and low temperatures. Way to go members. SGC was a little concerned prior to the game about the declining player turnout because of the weather that might cause a conflict with the course management’s expected number of confirmed players four days earlier. But after consulting with the pro shop staff, they were pleasant enough to understand the situation and discussed blame to no one but the weather. Merci beaucoup.

Well, with only a handful of members showing up to play, somebody had to produce a tumultuous score lower than anybody else and had to win something. Guess who it was? None other than the winner of last week’s opening day, Jojo D. He made it look easy at Springfield, even though the day began and lasted in rugged conditions with a light rain and temperatures in the low 6s throughout the day. Say what you think and think what you say, but Jojo as reported earlier upon playing golf all winter long in the tropics got all his mojo going again by signing a net of 67. There was another member who exemplary kept pace with the day’s winner firing a round of high net in the 60s. Our newest member, Ron P. who defected from our friendly rival Philcan was a stroke behind Jojo.

Jojo D.

Last Sunday was the membership fee deadline. It was noted and announced as routinely every year to the membership that your first two games would not count if you were not able to make the deadline. Our treasurer, Bingoy P. who bothered to show up for the sake of giving members a chance to meet the deadline, declined to play a round of golf. You may want to contact him for your future games to count.

SGC would like to know most specially to those who played last Sunday at Springfield golf course your input about the golf course – a keeper or not? You can blog it here so we can appreciate what you think with no string attached.

A new year. A new optimism. SGC’s opening round of golf at Century Pines golf course last Sunday did go smoothly. Mother nature cooperated with temperature going between fourteen & fifteen degrees Celsius with the sun smiling on us, welcomed twenty enthusiastically motivated players including a guest. Another reason maybe for another confident season or maybe expecting ardent acquaintance with other members and new members alike? It was no secret that we were all looking forward to that day after a long winter hibernation. So, it was all set and raring to go.

For an initial opening day reward, Jojo D. displayed some inspiring resolve by shooting a 69, the lowest net score of the day garnering himself the day’s award. Coming from a refreshing hiatus by playing golf somewhere in Virginia together with some of the members late last year, Jojo sharpened his golf skills as well playing golf opportunely in Pinas. You think this will carry on for a good few weeks into our virgin tournament? Members for sure would not allow such a streak to continue, would we? After all, for Jojo this was a strong start.

Jojo D.

SGC welcomes Ray M. back to the fold.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Deadline to submit your membership fee this Sunday.

Welcome to the new year. SGC’s prime revelry of the year is upon us, the opening of this year’s summer favorite past time – playing golf. Yes, this is golf and play gets under way in a week. Golf’s unique handicapping system allows people of different abilities to play and compete together. Playing with class is still imperative, but increasingly the need to intermingle nicely with fellow members most specially with new members in a relaxed environment is our number one priority. What is to expect for this year’s campaign for everyone? Not easy to contend to prestigious awards year after year what more winning it. So, I’d say let me take you back a year about those members who exceled expectations and are defending this year:

Ricky Reyes: POY & MIP TROPHY – Will launch his defense of two titles this year; nearly tripled-up by narrow missing SPOY as well.

Ricky Reyes

Rey Plaza: SPOY TROPHY – Another elderly stateman who is a late bloomer but getting to be an up-and-comer; deservingly claiming a major award.

Rey Plaza

Manny Chea: Best Gross Trophy – When you are a marquee player, you are a marquee player.

What was the most memorable storyline from the summer golf news last year? GTA Interleague Tournament. SGC finally winning the Gemini Cup. Without a doubt SGC is not holding back and more relaxed this year ready to defend. Yeah, Baby! You bet. Per say as individual, how would you assess your year? Was your added experience whetted your appetite for this year campaign? We all have priorities of our own. Sunday games are just to get winded away from home and a chance of mixing it up with people other than your family. Exercising while socializing. Enjoying a relaxing game of golf, with much longer periods of walking around beautiful landscapes. Have you offered yourself a new expectancy this year about performing better than last year? Well, here we are, summer is at the doorstep. Good to look back last season and learn from experience on how to improve every area of your game. For most players this zone of thinking is not so difficult to fathom – why can’t you show these guys you are much improved player this year?
 

Food for thought: Some members never quite made it to winning any awards but let me try saying this. Their behind the scene effort was just as importantly noteworthy. Without them, SGC could never righted the ship in anyways or form. SGC thanks them for their continued support. Cheers!

See you at your best next week.

Part 1 of a letter from Chito Yorro of TALAMAK:

Gentlemen –

In behalf of the host club (Talamak), I intend to call another meeting of the  club presidents and/or representatives of the different participating clubs sometime end of this month (or early next month) to discuss further certain issues, among them, the following:

• Selection of GTA Interleague logo (so far, I already have sample logos submitted by Philcan, BGAT and Talamak; those who haven’t submitted yet, kindly send one or two logo productions as early as possible).  We need to agree on the official logo, as we will have to inscribe it to the trophies and other tournament materials that will be produced. 
• Submission of initial head count of participants. We need this initial info so we’ll  have a basic idea as to how many golf shirts should be ordered.  We will also be bringing samples of shirts for the purpose of determining the correct size counts, e.g. S, M, L, XL.  As well, depending on the availability of shirt colors, the club colors previously chosen by the different organizations might have to change, i.e. BGAT’s pink isn’t available in some of the shirt styles we’re looking at, hence, we might have to assign a different shade for BGAT.
• Clarification of tournament rules regarding Class D or Seniors.  Some quarters are saying that we don’t need to have a ‘Seniors’ class anymore, and instead simply revert to the previous format wherein the total number of participants are divided into 4 classes (A, B, C & D).  This format is easier to manage and probably more equitable.  However, if the group  decides to still go by Class A, B, C & Seniors, we need clarification as to what handicaps will be applied to the Seniors?  Likewise, there is a concern that the Seniors class might not attract an equal number of players (compared to A, B & C) considering that any player with age 60 or over is not automatically included in the Seniors class as said player will have the option to play in A, B or C tier.  I guess we just need to revisit this issue again.
• Other new or old matters that may be brought up by the participating clubs.

Off hand, I’m thinking of either May 31 or April 7 as our probable meeting date.  Let me know of your availability, please.

 Thanks.

 Chito

Part 2 of a letter from Chito Yorro of TALAMAK:

Recap of matters discussed at the 8^th GTA Interleague Golf executive planning meeting last Friday, Jan. 13, at Casa Manila:

1. Attendees were:
   1. From Talamak – Chito Yorro, Boyet Bautista, Charlie Schlobohm, Rene Nacin, Aldrin Balbas, Billy Salonga, Charlie Guyo, Jowie Jucal & Raffy Policarpio
   2. From PhilCan – Junn Siao & Romy Lat
   3. From BGAT – Leo Abanilla & Caesar Concina
   4. From SOGA – Joe Paule
   5. From Sierra – Mikee Montilla
2. Host Talamak presented its plan to hold this year’s game at the Remington Parkview golf course on Saturday, June 17, 2017 .  Initial objections were raised by the other participating clubs, citing as reason, among others, the perceived inferior quality of the course which could possibly lead to  the reluctance of some of their members in joining the tournament.  Talamak countered that it would be willing to accept the risk of getting less participation from other clubs this year, while at the same time assuring a great experience for those who will join. 
3. Participation fee will remain at $120 per golfer(inclusive of the $15 Nassau) ; proceeds to cover the cost of the green fee, dinner & snacks, prizes, trophies and cash awards.  Deadline for registration & payment of fees will be announced later. 
4. To ensure early completion of the tournament, game will have a shotgun start of 11 a.m.  Players’ registration will begin at 9 a.m.
5. Existing game rules and format of prior years’ games  will continue to  be observed, except for the following changes:
   1. Participants will now  be grouped into either Class A, B, C and Seniors.  There will be no more Class D.
   2. Players in the “Seniors” group are those who are, or will be, 60 years old in 2017;  however, a participant  aged 60 or over may opt to NOT be included in the Seniors group but instead play under any of the Class A, B or C groups, depending on his/her established handicap
   3. Class A, B & C players will tee off at the Blue tees;  Seniors will tee off at the White tees;  lady golfers at the Red tees
   4. The so-called “gimme” rule, wherein any ball that is inside the 1-foot radius circle around the pin will no longer be putted in but will instead be considered a “gimme” (1-stroke count).  Host club will ensure that all the holes are circled  with the 1-foot radius white mark.
6. In the future, the GTA executive committee suggested that tournaments should be played at courses with slope rating of no lower than 125. 
7. Talamak brought up the idea of sharing with the GTA Interleague its concept of sponsorship solicitation from corporate partners as a means to help fund some of the tournament expenses.  Specifically, the host club disclosed that its main partner, LBC Express Inc., had agreed to become the major sponsor of Talamak Club in its hosting of the GTA Interleague tournament this year.  As lead sponsor, LBC will provide free golf shirts and golf balls to ALL the tournament players of club participants.  In exchange, LBC Express would request for  brand and product exposure during the entire planning and execution stages of the tournament, and an assurance of at least a minor sponsorship in the GTA Interleague’s next tournament.
8. The committee accepted LBC Express’ sponsorship offer this year.  Furthermore, the committee expressed its desire to make LBC Express, Inc. as  the GTA  interleague Golf’s major sponsor for the coming years.  Efforts will be made to touch base with Raffy Policarpio, LBC Country Head, in order that the terms of LBC’s engagement as lead sponsor of  future GTA Interleague games may be properly  discussed and agreed on.  If said major sponsorship deal pushes through, a new roving LBC Cup will be ordered to replace the former Gemini Cup (normally awarded to the winning team.
9. For this year’s tournament, the following club colors were decided upon:
   1. Talamak – Red;  white is the club’s 2^nd option
   2. PhilCan – Purple;  yellow is the club’s  2^nd option
   3. BGAT – Pink (preference is baby pink or salmon pink)
   4. Sierra – Green (possibly light green)
   5. SOGA – Blue
10.   The participation of players from Windsor will be known once a response is received.  To qualify as a club participant, the golf club has to field a minimum of 12 players.
11. Proposals were made to have a standard logo for the GTA Interleague Golf.  This logo can then be imprinted on banners, advertising materials, trophies and such other paraphernalia that could help create a true identity for the group.  The different clubs agreed to submit its own suggested design at the next planning meeting, after which the Executive Committee will decide on which logo to be adopted.  Note:  The logo design must be presented in a minimum of 2” x 2” graphic, colored presentation, and should carry the words “GTA Interleague Golf”.
12. Another proposal to select just one golf course as the GTA’s permanent tournament venue was likewise tabled. No decision was arrived at, hence this matter would again be tabled and resolved at the next meeting.  Meantime, each club was asked to submit by then the name of  a golf course of its choice so that a particular course can be voted upon, if in case the excom decides to have a permanent venue.
13. To build the hype up for this forthcoming 2017 GTA Interleague Golf tournament, as well as to provide brand and products exposure to the major and minor sponsors of this prestigious event, a news write-up and photos of this meeting will be published in the local newsprints.  Watch out for details of the news release and publication.
14. Another executive  meeting, preferably by end of February, will again be scheduled.  Exact date and time  will be announced in due time. 

15.   Meeting ended at 9:00 p.m.