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.

There was an important spectacle at SGC‘s last Sunday’s round of golf at Kingsforest golf course. Conclusion of another great summer playing golf. It could have been longer but mother nature would not allow it to happen as we all knew it. Titles and prizes waiting to be fretfully had. We meant lots of them. It was time to start breaking out the bevy of hypothetical scenarios and quality combinations of hyper performances that could vault someone into a good finish capturing horde of awards. Not to ever forget that the most important thing was SGC’s membership who continued to flourish on spending the time playing together and enjoying each other’s company. Although for quite other reasons we could not control during the length of the summer season hitches and difficulties, we went ahead and just played. Happened to all organizations indeed. Otherwise, it was another good and enjoyable run.

Thanks to all the members liaising as one to support SGC for the only purpose of getting the pleasure of relishing our favourite summer past time. SGC feels that we were all winners. Thank you very much.

So who garnered the most important and coveted awards of the year? Bragging rights to be on display for the whole year and until next year, mind you. No reckless abandon occurred to vie for the top awards for the leaders but instead they stayed where they were as expected. It was all in the record books now folks. So here they were:

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ricky Reyes

SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Rey Plaza

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

Ricky Reyes

BEST GROSS SCORE/BEST PLAYER

Manny Chea

GRAND FINALS, NASSAU TOTAL SCORE, DAY PRIZE and SUPER SERIES 5 CHAMPION

JC Montilla

MONTH 5 CHAMPION

Jun Paculaba

Congratulations to the winners.

Are we looking forward for next year? You bet, we are. Have a safe and healthy winter.

See you at the awards night. Click the link below.

https://sierragolfers.com/blog/2016-awards-night/

The weather started promisingly good before SGC teed off last Sunday at Westview golf course. Then it abruptly changed its mind and began to look cloudy gloomy as we were about to start the second last Sunday event of the season. As a matter of fact, it did rain a bit for the first three holes but alas, the sky cleared up and this shining bright thing they called the sun cooperated for the rest of the afternoon.

So who got the showcase going to demonstrate an ability to win on a diverse set of layouts like this difficult Westview golf course?

Sometimes when you were playing with a certain player in a foursome whose demeanor could get the best of you – you had nowhere to hide but watched a glaring performance by that certain player. As often said and heard, a winning display of a day’s work could happen right before your very eyes. I happened to be in exactly the same situation with this member, Bong M. There was a reason for this rhetoric as I played with Bong more times than enough. Without consent from anyone at all, I considered him with credentials of a day/night golfer. The fire-breathing Bong was infrequently heard murmuring to himself every time he did not like a shot. Last Sunday otherwise, was a marvellous workout for him as he did win the day’s prize by turning in a net score of 66. By producing that amazing score, he did himself a favour by winning almost all Nassau corners as well as giving him the lead for the week ending Grand Finals happening next week.

Bong M.

Worth mentioning was another matching and sparkling performance by another member – Ron W. As luck would not allow it, it was a heart-breaking moment for a guy who relished playing this game we loved with a gung -ho attitude. Ron lost a tear-jerking point to every Nassau corner. Was it so close or what? It happened to everyone, mind you. The good news was, by finishing his round with a net score of 67, Ron got a free entry for next week’s Super Series contest together with Bong M. and a very healthy chance to win all the marbles for the Grand Finals contest. Bong and Ron were the only two players who closed out with net score in the high sixties.

Ron W.

Sharpshooter contest: Jimmy M. bagged the winner on Middle hole seventh while Jun P. earned his keeps on Lakeland fourth hole.

Jimmy M.

Jun P.

How’s the scenario for next week’s final round? A nail-biting, sit in the edge of your chair kind of circumstance after last Sunday’s result. No one is a clear winner with only one round to go and a nerve of steel to show.

POY (PLAYER of the YEAR) is still contested by three players – Ricky R., Rey P. & Dave N. Very close race. Ricky is at the top of the heap. Rey only two strokes behind while Dave N. is four off the lead who is not measured as a dark horse by any means.

Ricky R.

Rey P.

Dave N.

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SPOY (SENIOR PLAYER of the YEAR) is considered safe to say a lock between two players – Rey P. & Ricky R. Only a staggering stroke separating the two.

MIP (MOST IMPROVED PLAYER) winner seems to favour Ricky R. as his lead looks unsurmountable but still being challenge by the never giving up Rey P.

Sounding like a broken record but if you notice, these two familiar gentlemen being mentioned above – Ricky R. & Rey P. are both in the running to win these three coveted titles. It is really handsomely deserving to be in this position when you perform admirably for the whole summer stretch, doesn’t it? Who is going to blink first? Let’s wait and see. May the best man win. Good luck to all contenders.

Congratulations to all winners.

So, who’s who at last Sunday’s event at Century Pines golf course? No complains heard from a single member about the exemplary weather condition although it was getting a bit more on the cooler side of things. SGC was nice enough to acknowledge the compassionate notion of Century Pines management to give us a two-hour head start at 11:00 AM simply because of the days getting shorter of late. We always thought that this golf course would be a pleasant and enjoyable staging venue for achieving low scores by everyone. Twenty-one strong who showed up and played proved us fittingly right. At least nine players stood ground by wavering low net scores in the sixties when after the dust settled. But who led the assault of this golf course? Previous posted remarks about this member who was getting his old form back noticeably with strong performance in the aforementioned weeks, Jun P. ruled the day’s contest by closing out a net score of 61. He took the day’s overall prize, what else? We’d say Jun is a force to reckon with for next season, wouldn’t you say so? Watch out, dangerously unsettling. Just stay healthy.

Jun P.

Nassau: The irrepressible Mar DV. took the overall net score while also grabbing the front nine tying Jimmy M. and Seho O. Sole winner of the back nine went to Sennix B.

Mar DV.

Jimmy M.

Seho O.

Sennix B.

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Par 3 closest to the pin: The never a ‘dull moment’ Ross B. won the fifth hole. Untiringly lucky and good, Mar DV. shot it closest on the thirteenth hole.

Ross B.

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With two games to go, what is the skinny on this fast ending unpredictable contests? Boy, don’t you love this kind of situation? On no account somehow any leader is considered a runaway. Slimmest of margin regarding their lead contributes to a shuddering stretch for those vying for a good spot to take away the three titles -POY, SPOY, MIP. That saying comes to mind about “You snooze, you lose” plays a very significant role as far as winning these three coveted titles are concerned. What it makes more interesting is that a whimsical merry-go-round is happening with the leaders. No one has a commanding lead. As far as we are concerned, nothing is safe until it is all over. Fine, please show me a winner soon. This is killing me.

So to update the million SGC followers (No kidding – we are seen globally. You would not believe the comments we get from the outside world). Here we go:

POY: Rickey R. has taken the lead back from the idle Rey P. who is two strokes behind. Dave N. and Jojo D. sitting third and fourth comfortably are five and fourteen off the lead respectively. There is a battle going on for the last spot between Bingoy P. and Joey C. They are separated by mere three strokes.

Ricky R.

SPOY: Who has got the best thirteen net scores? Why it is still Rey P. followed by Ricky R. a hair of a stroke behind in second place. Fourteen strokes behind the leader in third place is Bingoy P. trailed by Sennix B. four strokes behind him. Closely only two strokes behind fourth place in fifth place are Joey C. and the up & coming Jun P.

Rey P.

MIP: A week ago only five players, yes five mind you, fully qualified for this volatile contest. Now we have ten players making it. It just shows you how competitive SGC members are. But if I may say so, taking the lead two out of three ain’t bad, is it? Ricky R. who comes settled leading also the POY race, never gave up the lead on this one. His superb past performance for the past few months deservingly entitled him at the top of the leaderboard. Breathing down his neck in second place is Rey P. Way down in third and fourth respectively are Bingoy P. and Jun P. Closing out in fifth place is Dave N.

To most of our minds, you are still looking good if you are positioned in the top tier with two games to go. No lead is unsurmountable we think. Again, may the best man or woman win.

Congratulations to the winners.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Reminder that this Sunday is the first week of the last two weeks for the GRANDFINALS contest. We play Middle and Lakeland course.

2016 SGC BANQUET AWARDS NIGHT: Please click on the link below.

https://sierragolfers.com/blog/2016-awards-night/