The views expressed in this article are virtuously just for fun. No offense intended to anyone or ruffle somebody’s feathers. You can voice out your opinion by blogging this site. Point taken? So here we go, let’s have fun.

Back by not so popular demand, a prediction for SGC’s 2016 POY according to Las Vedas bookmakers. Las Vedas is somewhere located in Wannabee, Octavio in the mythical region of Peele. It was believed that this bookmaker agency went bankrupt 10 years ago because of alleged incorrect handling and miscalculation of sensible data.

Keep in mind that the odds respective to players were based on player’s performance of last year with relation to player’s handicap, assertiveness, health, as well as nomination of members by fellow members.

NO	LASTNAME	FIRSTNAME	ODDS
1	CHEA	MANNY	2:1
1	MONTILLA	MIKE	2:1
3	MANGUERRA	JIMMY	5:2
4	KIM	BRIAN	4:1
4	QUERUBIN	RENE	4:1
6	BALLARES	PAOLO	5:1
6	ILAO	EDDIE	5:1
6	NELSON	DAVE	5:1
6	MONTILLA	JC	5:1
6	RODRIGUEZ	JULIO	5:1
11	DIZON	JOJO	7:1
11	OH	SEHO	7:1
13	BAUTISTA	ROSS	9:1
13	CRUZ	JOEY	9:1
15	MARQUEZ	MANNY	10:1
15	PEÑA	TONY	10:1
15	MAYO	LINA	10:1
15	PACULABA	JUN	10:1
19	MACAPAGAL	RENATO	11:1
19	PLAZA	REY	11:1
19	REYES	RICKY	11:1
19	KIM	SAM	11:1
19	MUNSON	BONG	11:1
19	PASCUAL	NAP	11:1
19	BONTIGAO	SENNIX	11:1
26	WILSON	RON	12:1
27	DEVEYRA	MAR	17:1
28	DEOCA	PAT	20:1
28	HALILI	FRED	20:1
30	CERRUDO	BERT	In my dreams

Favourite: Two players at the top, Mike M. and Manny C. come out as co-favourites to win this year’s POY. Mike showed he could not be intimated by winning last year’s POY. He was chased by his peers as he led most of the way ‘til the end. A three-peat maybe? Manny C. could well be the sole favourite this year had it not been the handicap difference of almost 10 strokes between them. Would you also take into account Mike’s Jason Day’s pace of play which might play a factor too?

Remember me?: Let’s talk about Jimmy M. who is selected third for the coveted honour. Yeah, what about this guy? Jimmy has the tools to win the whole thing as his best grosser record would show. Jimmy has to play to his low handicap every time he tees off – not much of a margin of error. Hard to do folks but a few times we saw the absence of consistency and renunciation mounting easily to a round.

Fourth place tie favourite – Brian K. and Rene Q. Two different personalities but identical goal of playing consistently. The former being inaudible and discreet while the latter being boastful and fulfilled. Both players shrewdly not getting involved in any side play, just focus of playing consistently. Brian needs to play more as well.

The sleeper pick: Eddie I., Dave N., Paolo B., Julio R., and JC M. – Eddie I., the most semi-robotic like swing because of his length off the tee was having a David Duval year. David Duval after winning the Open Championship went into a downward spiral form prompting an extended break from the game. Eddie I. after winning 2013 POY never got back to his winning form. This might be the year again as Jojo D’s pick – a moral boast coming from a fellow member. Dave N., who is this masked guy? He owns one of the sweetest swings I’ve ever seen. If I may I’d like to ask Dave, have you ever played with less info in your head in a round? If so, you might have noticed that it was the best round you’ve ever played! Members call this next guy the “Silent Assassin”. Yes, Paolo B. When he is hot, he is super hot. A few times he’d score so low that nobody could ever get near – a day/night player. Paolo plays sooooo quietly, you’d think you play with a shadow. Julio R., not too much to say about this member as he did not play that much last year but his known skill level made him dangerously one of the sleeper picks. JC M. showed he could be up there with the rest of the top guns. He exhibited a run with the leaders last year and inspiringly placed fourth.

Picks from the outside looking in: Jojo D. and Seho O. – Jojo showing also a David Duval like syndrome, lost consistency in his game after winning POY two years ago. Could it be a case of handicap levelling out? Now we have SGC’s beloved Korean southpaw, Seho O. One of the nicest people in our club. He possesses the slowest backswing that you never thought would get there. Does he ever love to play golf? He could be the one this year quashing the saying that nice guy finishes last.

For the rest of us, optimistically we should discover consistency and the skills to our game that we left somewhere along the way. Apprehension does not concern the desire or lack thereof playing competitive golf. We can overcome whatever difficulties we have. Keep coercing ourselves to play good, have fun and no reason not to beat these guys mentioned above? And why not?

As for this writer, unless I get my bionic body parts transplant this year, my hope for winning the POY is just like getting invited to play the Masters at Augusta.

See you in three weeks.

“Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air”. Yes, that was an excerpt from the song by the Eagles’ Hotel California. Summer golf is here again in TO. In anticipation for what this year may bring to an SGC member’s golf yearning: you have to have an entire game show cased – drive it straight, accuracy with your irons and have great read on greens. All sound familiar to you? Another year, another aspiration or should we say another frustration or near misses or the one that got away? Maybe so but this is another year to look forward to. I know most players just would like to go out, feel the summer air, see winter/summer friends again, and have some fun. Don’t we deserve the spoils of summer treatment to ourselves? Of course we do, don’t you agree? After a long winter hibernation, let’s get it going again with the very same sentiment we normally do every year. Anything that comes your way as an endearing winning way, is just an added personal gratification. Whether it be an improvement to your golf game or a boost to your energy and mental state; give yourself an offering of a vigorous competitive appetite for a new year felt all around your body. Surprise us, you absolutely can do it.

Year of unfamiliar heights in reaching personal goals could happen this year. Who would excel this year? Prediction? This is a stingy predicament. I personally advocate fresh faces winning a few tourneys although you cannot blame those regular members who continually and constantly in the pinnacle of getting themselves up there where it counts. Competitiveness. That was the word I was looking for describing these members. Perpetually giving themselves chances of catching the big ones that SGC has to offer. No concerns here for weekend warriors like us. Golf is one of the sports I know where it allows golfers of all skill levels to compete against one another fairly.

Then there are those members who just go their own ways of just playing and supporting our great organization regardless of result they merit with no qualms at all. Aren’t these people the real winners?

The SGC’s event’s new proposal on our schedule only heightens the anticipation for what is already one of the most fun summer of the year. SGC welcomes the idea of indulging yourself to deal with making summer fun a little bit exciting to members – more non-golf activities with family and friends a possibility. Think about it. No suggestion is necessarily out of the question. We always go for numerous ways of doing things when they usually count, likened by majority of members. Not that a few of them disagree with it.

And how is this revelation that may surprise you. SGC is getting old. Yes, you heard it right. Does SGC need fresh young blood to join us? As of last year, membership age average is around 56 to 58 years old. I could be wrong but taken into account what I saw and surveyed last year’s membership, believe you me we are an aging group. Simply put, there are more members who are 55 years old and up. The last time I counted, at least nineteen members were 60 years old or more. But who’s counting anyway? No alarm bells but just an unpretentious reality check.

For no matter what, SGC wishes everyone a good time and a healthy summer. Start your spring clean-up – we mean your golf clubs. SGC’s optimism about happening in this magical year is the return of some MIA members to the golfing summer calendar after a year or so absence. Hope to see them soon and reclaim their passion of playing our favourite past time again with us.

Song of Solomon 2:11-12

For behold, the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time isof singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Please be cognizant of the new SGC ruling for this year, most importantly the submission of membership fee with regards to SGC deadline. As well as new golf rules that we had agreed upon a few months ago during the annual SGC meeting. Everything is all available and posted on our SGC website. Kindly give yourself a few minutes reading the SGC 2016 Local Rules. 2016 SGC schedule is now posted on our website as well.

As a reminder SGC is proudly hosting this year GTAA Golf Interleague tournament. SGC needs volunteers to get this tournament going smoothly. Please contact an SGC official if you feel you are able to help. Thank you.

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.

Next week is the culmination of SGC’s summer golf tournament. Another one going down the archive heaven. SGC would like to express its gratitude and thanks to all members that participated this year and for giving their support. We all hope as well to wish other members who were not able to join us this year for whatever reasons a healthy and burden free winter. See you all next year.

Sunday’s game: For a third consecutive week, Manny Chea with splendid ball striking displayed how it was done by shooting the best gross score of 73. Manny got beaten by a measly one stroke by Mike Montilla for the day’s prize. Mike who is hanging tough for the POY lead fired the lowest net of the day. These two members are the top candidates for the Player of the Year Award separated by only ten strokes with a game unaccounted for. Good luck to both and may the best man wins.

STANDINGS:

POY

POS     PLAYER                    POINTS          SCORE TO REPLACE

1          Mike Montilla             1061                74

2          Manny Chea                1071              77

3          Jimmy Manguerra       1084               77

4          JC Montilla                 1086                76

5          Rene Querubin            1089               78

SENIOR POY

POS     PLAYER                    POINTS          SCORE TO REPLACE

1          Rene Querubin            1089                78

2          Seho Oh                      1091                78

3          Joey Cruz                    1101                78

4          Bert Cerrudo               1104                78

5          Ed Peñas                     1107                81

MIP (MOST IMPROVED PLAYER)

RANK            PLAYER                    RESULTS

1                      Manny Chea                0.70

2                      Jimmy Manguerra       -2.70

3                      Ed Peñas                     -5.80

4                      Mike Montilla                -6.90

5                      Rene Querubin            -8.00

GRAND FINALS

POS     PLAYER                                NET SCORE

1          Mike    Montilla                       68

2          Manny Chea                            69

3          Paolo Ballares                         70

3          Julio     Rodriguez                   70

5          Rey Plaza                                72

6          Sennix Bontigao                     73

6          Sam     Kim                             73

6          Jimmy Manguerra                   73

9          JC Montilla                             74

9          Bong   Munson                       74

11        Eddie Ilao                               75

11        Ricky Reyes                            75

13        Lina     Mayo                           76

13        Tony    Peña                            76

Good luck to one and all.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Since it is the last day of the golf summer season next week, SGC in appreciation of the support of its members, offers a light dinner after the game. Please confirm your attendance.

Five days ago was the official start of autumn season. Time goes by fast when you’re having fun, doesn’t it? Two more weeks to SGC’s golf summer season. SGC has already achieved some of the important things it has to achieve in preparation for next year’s golf season. Most of the issues were discussed and voted on by members who attended the meeting two weeks ago. Everything is in place except of two major issues – GTAA 2016 which SGC is hosting, and 2016 golf schedule. The former’s only issue is where to get the ideal venue for that event while the issue with the latter is, who is going to do the schedule for next year. So far, no one has step forward to claim the responsibility of negotiating with various golf courses and get it done. Of all the active intelligent members that SGC has, it is still a mystery why no one volunteers. Yes sir, we need volunteers. It could be several members doing it instead of one as long as there is coordination and working as one unit. In the 2016 GTAA annual meeting, SGC will be represented by Mike Montilla, Jimmy Manguerra & Julio Rodriguez.

Sunday banter: A rare phenomena happened last Sunday at Westview golf course. Here was the scenario: Last foursome teeing off, last hole to be played – a par 3 171 uphill yards from the blue tees with previous groups congregating around the last hole watching the last foursome tee off. One member of that foursome, Manny Chea pulled a 5 iron from the bag, hit the ball that bounced off the green fringe and slowly crawled the green into the hole. An ace. Hole-in-one. Wow. Everyone who witnessed the shot jumped in jubilation. Incidentally, Manny C. also fired the lowest gross score of 76 for that day. Well done. (Pics courtesy of Julio R.)

Nassau: A wily veteran, Ricky Reyes shared the spotlight by winning the prize of the day by turning in a net score of 68. With that best low net score, what else did Ricky win, you asked? He won the overall net score and shared the back nine with Bert C. The front nine was won solo by Paolo B. hmmm not bad after returning in four weeks.

 

Closest to the pin: Middle course hole 5: Lina M.; Middle course hole 7: Rene Q.; Lakeland course hole 4: Rey P.; Lakeland course hole 9: Bong M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to the winners.

Announcement: First leg of Grand Finals coming up next week. Don’t miss it.

It was a calming day last Sunday at Century Pines golf course at nineteen degrees Celsius with the sun shining briskly. Twenty-five members showed up plus three guests. With three games left, players were jockeying for positions hoping for a good performance for the day that would help their own respective causes and to propel them up there for those awards still up for grabs. Conspicuous eyes and brashness were noticeable from listless contenders vying for such awards and made it so apparent that “You snooze, you lose“ mentality was a formidable tool to rub on to the next competitor. What an impasse; but good to see competition at its best. Not recommended for those with weaker hearts.

Trending: Worthy performances of late from these members (In alphabetical order): Manny C., Jimmy M., Manny M., JC & Mike M., Dave N., Seho O., and Rene Q. Not only are these member’s participation/attendance in idyllic inspiration but showing their respect for those who are lagging behind in competitive assertiveness. The rest of the members are always in awe every time they see such performances like these in display from fellow members year after year. You may not know it but yes, we notice.

Food for thought: “You don’t have to hold a position in order to be a leader “ ~ Anthony J. D’Angelo, The College Blue Book.

Sunday’s banter: Every Sunday a day prize is always waiting for someone to take it with whoever is turning in the best net score. This time around a veteran member of savvy objective happens to take whatever is at stake from time to time. And yes, Sennix Bontigao took the honours of signing in the best net score of 66. With his performance, Sennix rewarded himself of making a sweep of Nassau corners contest; almost. Not bad, not bad. Meticulously lurking in the shadow of “Excuse me while I shoot a good round” was Manny Chea who fired the best gross score of the day in regularity of 75.

Nassau contest: Who else but Sennix B. He grabbed the back & total and nice enough to share the front nine prize with Joey C. and Seho O.

 

 

 

 

Closest to the pin contest:

Hole 5:   Ed I.

 

 

 

 

Hole 7:   Manny C.

Hole 13: Bingoy P.

 

 

 

 

 

Hole 15: Rene Q.

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to the winners.

Announcement: Results of Saturday’s SGC annual meeting to be released soon.

There is this saying, “I’ll see you in September when summer is gone.” Yes, golf season is winding down quickly.

Noticeable of late about players playing golf with sweaters on and warmer head gears. Last Sunday at Royal Woodbine golf course welcomed twenty-four players with wet pattern with seasonable low temperatures hovering around seventeen degrees Celsius and light winds thrashing coolly in everyone’s face. A perfect golf scenario for power hitters waiting for this kind of occasion to get advantage with the rest of the field.

Sunday’s performance: In reverence to power striking there was a premium of hitting it miles away. Jimmy Manguerra who took advantage of a very wet irritating day, excelled in turning in a gross score of 74. Another power striking machine – Julio Rodriguez showed the same distinction yesterday by tying Jimmy M. for the lowest net score of the day. Both players deservingly won the day prize.

Nassau corners: The two gents aforementioned – Jimmy M. & Julio R. undoubtedly grabbed the front nine and the overall net score. Not to be outdone, Bong M. uncontestably seized the back nine.

Bong M.

Sharpshooting contest: Par 3 hole 4 won by the hot hitting Julio R.; the ever accurate Mar DV got it so close by a foot on hole 7; hole 10 which was measured longer from the white tees than the blue tees was nearly aced by Rey P.; Brian K. got it closest on the longest of all par 3s on hole 14.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all winners.

Race to POY: It is still one-two punch for the ‘M’ brothers with Mike M. leading the way in first place by a good margin of nineteen points over JC M. Running third and fourth respectively separated by a meager one point are Manny C. & Jimmy M. Also separated by a point in fifth & sixth place are Manny M. & Seho O. respectively with Ed P. staying in seventh place also a point behind sixth.

Race to Senior POY: We have a new leader by a single point by the name of Seho O. over Ed P. Tagging along in third place trailing by mere three points is Joey C. It is worthwhile mentioning that in fourteen completed games, Rene Q. stands in third place – Rene for most players is one of the players to be reckoned with winning this contest because of his consistent play.

Race to MIP: Manny C. leads followed by Jimmy M. in second. Ed P. holds third place while Mike M. & Rene Q. stay in fourth and fifth respectively.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Joey C. just announced that this Sunday is the day to get attendance for this year’s awards & banquet night. SGC wishes to get a 99.9% participation among members this year. “DWTS” is forthcoming.

Annual meeting this Saturday at 12:30 PM. Lunch offered. Bring your gripes & intelligent suggestions for discussion. For more details please refer to prior blog last week.

HEAR YE!  HEAR YE!

SGC needs a mediator and a secretary volunteers for this meeting. Responsibilities:

Mediator: Able to chair & preside over the meeting.

Secretary: Note down the minutes discussed over the meeting and submit it to the President.

The meeting:

Agenda:

1. Election of Officers and Committees
2. Treasurer’s Report
3. Membership and Fee
4. Prizes
5. Courses and Schedule
6. Local Rules
7. Other items (Issues, GTA, etc.)

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2015

Time: 12:30 PM

Where: Please click the link below for details and for directions (map available).

https://sierragolfers.com/blog/map-to-bing/

Was it a sign of old man winter reminding us that it was just around the corner? It was getting a little dark before thirty players including three guests finished their respective rounds last Sunday at Royal Ontario golf course. Otherwise, could be just the forecast for the day, hopefully so. Almost the end of August and with six more SGC games to go CNE opened last week, an indication of another school year opening real soon and then the Fall season. Perfect golf weather, with light breeze and the sun hiding behind the clouds for most of the day. For most souls that showed up got to think of this day as ‘must do’ to outplay everyone. With Super Series looming for next week as well as race to Month 4 waiting to be had, there was this tingling token running on everyone’s’ mind that this could be the time to win something for your own self before the season is over. Jockeying for post season awards I must say?

The Round: You’d think that a simple formula of getting good ball striking and a newly acquired putter for more improved putting would help his own cause of turning in a net score of 63. This was the case for Bong Munson who finished the round four shots clear of his nearest competitor. For the past few weeks Bong complained about his poor putting and he thought that with a new putter it helped outplayed his rivals for the tournament. A scenario of anything that you thought could aid you to improve was more than justified. Reminded me of one golf legend saying that the real golf course management happened six inches between the ears. Day prize deserving to Bong M. Worth mentioning as well was about the round yesterday was a sparkling gross score of 73 by Manny C.

Nassau contest: Bong M. with a stunning gross score of 39 in the front nine grabbed the front and overall. Sennix B. & Ricky R. were tied to win the back nine.

 

 

 

 

 

PAR 3 contest: Ross B. – hole 2; Nap P. – hole 8; Rey P. – hole 11; Jojo D. – hole 17.

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to the winners.

Race to Month 4: Bingoy P. & JC M. are tied with the lead with best three completed rounds so far. Ends next week.

SGC is entering the 20^th game of the season. Even with two earlier rounds cancelled, some players have completed 15 games – meaning stats are available for the most coveted spots in the three categories. Here they are:

Race to MIP: Two of SGC’s best players – Manny C. & Jimmy M. in the one two punch spot while Ed P. hoovering around in third place. The M brothers – Mike & JC are spotted fourth and fifth respectively with Manny M. bringing up the rear in sixth place.

Race to Senior POY: Ed P. who looked like a cinch to win this contest for the past few weeks is closely being challenged now by upcoming Joey C. Seho O. standing in third firmly. Fourth & fifth spots are anybody else’s spot.

Race to POY: The M brothers, Mike & JC are looking good sitting in first and second position measly separated by ten strokes. 18 strokes behind is Jimmy M. in third place followed by Manny C. and Ed P. in fourth and fifth respectively

Good luck to all in the running for the awards.

SPECIAL MENTION: SGC thanks the active contribution of these three members who play significant roles running the show week in & week out: Jojo Dizon, Jimmy Manguerra, & Bingoy P.

Yes folks, a good number of players showed up surprisingly to play golf last Sunday at Kingsforest golf course to compete in a fun “Blind Partner” contest held for the second time around because of popular demand. Thirty-one players to be exact including four guests enjoyed the beautiful thirty-two degree weather Celsius with the sun smiling brightly all day. SGC provided a light dinner and drinks for those players who decided to stay after the round. By the looks of it, it seemed that everyone appeared to enjoy this competitive assembly as far as this innocent looking & exciting contest was concerned.

The Game: What could you say about a player who showed up and played good steady golf every time during the past weeks? Mr. Consistent Ed Peñas was the sole owner of a net score in the 60s at Kingsforest golf course. This trending member at the rate he was going for climbing the winner’s podium regularly could be the envy of many weekend players at the moment. Well done.

Bind Partner contest: 1^st: Mar D. & Ed P. – 145 points; 2^nd: Seho O. & Nap P. – 146 points; 3^rd: Paolo B. & ReyMac – 147 points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nassau contest: Ed P. prevailed over the whole field by winning the front nine and overall. Seho O. stole the back nine uncontestably.

Closest to the pin contest: Bingoy P. – hole 5; Julio R. – hole 7; Manny C. – hole 17. No one got on hole number 14 which was weird because that hole was the shortest of all par 3s contested measuring only 128 more or less yards.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all winners.

Race to MIP is also posted.

Royal Ontario with 1:30 PM start this Sunday. Do not forget to bring your RO ‘rain check’ with you.