LinkStur News

Unseasonably warm weather welcomed the LinkStur’s to game # 1 of the 2000 season at Ed ‘Porky’ Oliver’s in Wilmington, Delaware. Despite the closing of I-95 South, in Delaware, all of the 15 expected players made it to the course well before the 11:15 tee off time. Did someone say 11:15?? It appears as if the LinkStur’s were victimized by ‘double/triple’ booking at the course and the first foursome would not tee off until 12:30. The course, in general, was in reasonably good condition except for the absence of ‘filled’ water stations. The pace of play was a little slow due to the tightness that accompanies the first match, but no warnings were issued by the marshals.

Practical Joke?

As the caravan of LinkStur carts began to make their way to the starting tee box the tranquility of the early afternoon was broken by a thunderous noise at the back of the pack. When all looked back, there stood new member, Mike Fuller, staring at his clubs resting peacefully on the ground. Was Mike the victim of the first practical joke of the season or had the gravity of playing in his first match impaired his judgement. When asked his thoughts on this unfortunate incident, Mike quipped, “I don’t get mad, I get even”. This should be a lesson to us all to make sure our equipment is properly secured before operating our carts.

Mike Fuller was anxious to play his first match

A Division Matchups

The premiere match in the A Division pitted ’99 Champ Bob Welc against the new breed’s Bryan Baquer. Bryan got out of the blocks quickly, winning the first three holes and held on for a 2 hole victory on the front nine. Bob recovered to split the back nine.

It could be an uphill battle for Bob in the A Div.

Unfortunately, Bob became the first victim of the new no handicap on Par 3 rule, which would have given him the back nine. Bryan takes 2.5 points.

Bryan Baquer has the look of a winner after posting the day’s low gross of 84

Elsewhere Herman Ellzy and Doug Perks split their match with Herman taking the front 5/4 and Doug pulling out the back on the 18^th 5/4

Herman’s on a Mission "to beat Bob Welc"

Roman Hrycushko took 2.5 points from Ron Jones in a close match with Roman parring the 9^th to win the front 5/4 and winning the 18^th to split the back nine. Dick Blystone took 2 points from Roy Craig, walloping him on the front nine 7/2 with Roy recovering on the back to win 5.5/3.5

B Division Matchups

In a rematch of the first round of the ’99 playoffs Kevin Stevenson continued his mastery over Steve Margetich by taking all three points. Kevin won the front nine 5/4 after making an outstanding chip to within 2 feet of the cup to par the 9^th and easily winning the back 5.5/3.5 . Mike Brychcy welcomed Tom Dushkewich into the league by taking all 3 points in a even handicapped match with Mike cruising on the front nine 7.5/1.5 and winning the back 6.5/2.5 .

A more confident Mike Brychcy could be the

'dark horse' in the B Division

Tom Dushkewich 'still smiling' after a tough

first match (or is it gas??)

In a nip and tuck match, newcomer, Vince Caliguiri split his match with the seasoned veteran Max McHenry. Both Max and Vince bogeyed the 9^th to halve the front while Max scrambled to win the last two holes to force a tie on the back. Newcomer Mike Fuller put up a good fight against Bob Perks, with Bob's experience helping him to take 2.5 points in a competitive match. Bob P. had to win the ninth to take the front 5/4 with Mike winning four out of the last six holes to force a split on the back.

Vince Caliguiri putting on his 'game face'

Kevin Stevenson giving Steve the 'evil eye'

(and it worked!!!!)

Closest to the Pin Winners

Front Nine: (hole#9) Herman Ellzy

Back Nine: (hole#17) Mike Brychcy

Sandbagger of the Week

A Sandbagger is a 'skillful' golfer who will only shoot well enough to beat his competition, (a low handicapper's nightmare). Due to accusations made last year by golfers who will remain anonymous (Dick, Herman, Doug…..) we will be keeping track of these suspected offenders (for entertainment purposes only!!). After reviewing the scorecards there were no obvious offenders this week!!! Either Bob Welc did an outstanding job in handicapping everybody or the league is full of 'honest' players this year. Stay tuned!!

Handicaps and Pairings at Pickering Valley

1^st Group

Dick B.(14) vs. Bob W.(20)

Tom D. (36) vs. Mike F. (36)

2^nd Group

Herman E.(13) vs. Roman H.(23)

Max M. (29) vs. Kevin S. (28)

3^rd Group

Roy C.(24) vs. Ron J.(16)

Steve M. (31) vs. Mike B.(36)

4^th Group

Doug P.(22) vs. Bryan B.(12)

Vince C.(31) vs. Bob P. (26)

Closest to the Pin Holes

Front Nine: Hole #2

Back Nine: Hole #10

(Both over water!!!)

Remember: next gameday is June 3rd, at Westwood in New Jersey. Be ready to tee off at 10:15am. Call the course at (609)-845-2000 if you require directions.

Volume 3, Issue 2 May 20, 2000