Shadow Lakes
4th Event of 2003 Season 
Saturday, February 8, 2003

Ed Louie hits his approach shot at #16.

Mild Winter Weather

It's been an incredibly mild winter in California. For several days last month (January 4-6) it was approaching 90-degrees in the Los Angeles area. Pasadena had 81 degrees, tying its 1928 record; Simi Valley repeated its 2001 record of 87 degrees (in January). Here in the Bay Area things have also been much more mild than they were the previous year. Temperatures are probably 10-degrees warmer, and the extreme cold (anything below 40-degrees for us Californians) which generally rears its ugly head this time of year was absent. It's warming (figuratively) to know that some day, even when all the other animals and plants are dead due to global warming and ultra-violet genetic alteration, at least we'll be able to get a few holes in during mid-winter.

At Shadow Lakes on the morning of the tournament there were no records set for high temperature. In fact there was a frost delay of about an hour. Temperatures on the various weather sites had Brentwood pegged somewhere between 27-degrees and 34-degrees. Once the frost delay was lifted the clubhouse did UCGC the great favor of sending everyone out ahead of us in shotgun fashion. 

Amazing Growth of Brentwood/Antioch

Shadow Lakes was the first local course new to UCGC played since Mare Island last September. Prior to that the most recently added course to UCGC's local palate was Roddy Ranch in May of 2001. It turns out that Roddy Ranch, in Antioch, is very near Shadow Lakes in Brentwood (1-2 miles) and somewhat of an arch-nemesis. Although the courses are nearby, one obvious distinction between the two is that Roddy Ranch is void of housing. Brentwood is the fastest growing city in the state. Its population has grown by 250% since 1990. Roddy Ranch, the golf course, was initially designed to surrounded by 1,000 upscale-homes. It's kind of a long story, but basically the Roddy Ranch development has languished in court battles. The upshot, however, is that the course is still void of the suffocating housing sure to come.

One cannot play Shadow Lakes without noticing and pondering the homes being built there. Homes along the fairways at Shadow Lakes range in price. The highest of three tiers are the homes which are part of the part of the Inverness at Shadow Lakes neighborhood. They range in size from 2,600 to 3,700 square feet and sell from anywhere between $564,000 to $802,000. 

Adjacent to the 11th hole, with a view of the lake, a 3,700 sq. ft. house is selling for $802,000. Another there of similar size is listed at $727,000. Near the 9th hole a 3,700 sq. ft. home recently sold for $566,000. Currently for sale between the 8th and 9th holes is another home for $637,000. Smaller less expensive houses in less "prime" locations are also available. The second tier is the Turnberry at Shadow Lakes neighborhood where 4-5 bedroom homes from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet sell for approximately $470,000. Houses in the least expensive Pinehurst community, across the street from the golf course, are almost all sold out. They offer homes ranging in size from 1,882 to 2,026 square feet. There's one remaining home for sale, and then that's it. This is a single story 1,882 square foot home on the corner listed at $380,000. There is no more space to build more houses in the Pinehurst neighborhood. Along with the mortgage will come the daily expense of supplying gas to an idling vehicle. The housing boon has introduced epic traffic problems to the area. Every weekday the commute traffic extends the entire length of Hwy 4 from Antioch to Concord. This is to say nothing of the commute from Concord to San Francisco. It's stunning how difficult the housing scene is in the Bay Area.

The Tournament

Yes, there was a tournament. Communication was sketchy at Shadow Lakes. Jerry Powell called and inquired, "Is it foggy?". Response: "Uhmmmm" awkwardly. Jerry: "Can't you look out the window?". At this point the person on the phone admitted she was in Scottsdale, Arizona and had no clue as to what the weather was like in California. A new trend in golf is the centralized reservation desk. We had a couple other problems relating to the distant reservation desk, but everything eventually worked out.

Shadows Lakes was a difficult course, mostly due to the very rolling greens. Still, several members had remarkable rounds and some very odd things happened. For example, imagine shooting a 32 gross (30.5 net) on the back nine and losing in the tie-breaker. That's what happened when Steve Desimone was edged out by Jeff Bordalampe (12 hcp.) who turned in an incredible 36 gross (net 30) on the back nine. Most remarkable, however, was Don Davis' net 61. This first-time UCGC flight winner won by 13 strokes, just 1-stroke shy of the all-time UCGC record for margin of victory. Extensive research has revealed that the record for margin of victory is 14 strokes, set at the Oakhurst tournament in 1994. Jim Wilcox won the fourth flight with a net 65 while Ken Richter placed 2nd with a net 79. Also of note is another 13-stroke margin of victory recorded by Laura Kim (61) over Ram Sharma (74) in the 4th flight of the Oakmont West tournament in 1997. There was also a stunning 12-stroke victory by Paul Higaki (56) over Bob Traum (68) at the Las Positas tournament in December of 2000. Don't feel bad for Bob though because he won overall low net with an 11-stroke victory (net 58) over George Rogala (69) at the 1993 Faculty/Staff at Willow Park. For a complete breakdown visit the All-Time Victory Margin page.

The scores at Shadow Lakes were expected to be fairly high. Although there was little wind, the fact that few had ever played the course and that the greens were very undulating and complex gave credit to this theory. Except for Don Davis' 61 the second and third flights saw relatively high scores, the first flight scores were actual rather low. Perhaps this is because better golfers don't get daunted by unfamiliarity. Steve Desimone and Ken Lloyd had the best rounds. Both have been playing very well of late. Steve fired a 1-under 70 and Ken shot 74. The best front nine score was Ken's 35. As mentioned, on the back was Steve's 32 and Jeff Bordalampe's 36. Also Chad Carey had a 37. 

In the second flight Rick Guevara held off Barry Woods to win his first flight since last May's narrow victory at the Kooman Boycheff at Paradise Valley. In the third flight Don Davis lapped the field by 13 strokes. New member Dave Wherritt placed in his first official flight, but was a distant second at net 74. Dave Rose placed third with a net 75. 

For some reason Jimmy Ikeda was still stuck in the Blind Bogey flight. Something wacky must have happened with his renewal, but things will be squared away and he'll be back in the regular line-up next time. 

Members were filing in from #18 until the sun was almost over the hills. Cans of cold beer were a big hit at the clubhouse. Huddling in jackets they drank can after can until they departed. In general, members slunk off quietly or, in the case of the few that did well, lingered to savor the moment and absorb the full glory brought upon them by their golfing prowess.

Predictions

After four events one has to begin thinking about who the front-runners are in the 2003 GOY race. Steve Desimone currently leads with 14 points, followed by Barry Woods with 13 and Jeff Bordalampe, Ken Lloyd and Steve Obana in a three-way tie for third with 10 points. Steve Desimone has placed in all four UCGC events, winning in the opener then placing second in the last three event. Barry has also placed in every event in which he's participated. Barry missed the opener, but then has placed first twice then second. Although Steve D. and Barry appear to be firing on all cylinders, the nod has to go to Jeff Bordalampe to win the 2003 race. He's only competed in two events and won them both. The most obvious advantage is that the three-time Club Champion (Low Gross) is carrying a 10.9 index. His swing might have deteriorated since leaving the club 10 years ago, but after two consecutive wins, culminating in a 36 on the back nine at Shadow Lakes, it's doubtful that anyone will overcome that generous index. Of course perhaps someone from back in the pack might go on a hot streak, so we'll all just have to wait and see.

Quote of the Tournament:

"What mountain is that?" - Steve Obana, while pondering Mt. Diablo, the mountain which shadows the Bay Area and dominates the east bay. The only large mountain within several hundred miles.

Great photo featuring the putting of a Scott Meredith and Jerry Powell, two of our more veteran members. Scott placed 3rd in the second flight.

Barry Woods stares down a practice putt. Barry's impressive 40 on the back nine was bested by Rick Guevara's 39.

Kelly Alvarez and John Robertson warm up on the range. Kelly had a rough day, with a net 86, however Eddie Reed's net 105 took the cake. John Robertson didn't play up to his usual level either.

Mike Armstrong swinging for the fence on #1. Mike's 40 on the front was respectable for his own standards, but the 45 on the back was like someone else out there. Ah, who are we kidding, it was Mike... "Senior Sporadico" Mike is known for his sporadic play. He's been known to lose a few majors with dicey play. He's sort of like the Phil Mickelson of the club, except Phil's got more money, a better golfer, and ... hmmm maybe they've nothing in common after all. 

Of late Ken Lloyd hasn't been himself either. He's been playing like a god. Steve was joking around on the opening tee when he stated that Ken had fired a 68 at Spyglass. Still, he has been playing great. This is evidently wearing thin on Steve, and on Steve's pocketbook. Could this be the year Ken wins the elusive Club Championship? Playing like this, it's definitely possible.

Chad Carey poured in an impressive 37 on the back nine. 

Dave Lozow, the proud father, would make proud his kids what with the way he played the back nine.

Steve Obana also played the back nine well. Even though the back nine is more difficult, many, especially in the better flights were able to improve upon the front nine score.

Edgar Johnson was all "amped up" on this drive. Edgar would perennially win the award, "Member Most Likely to Go Past Horizontal in his Back Swing" were such a feat ever recognized with an award.

Rick Guevara shot an admirable 39 on the difficult back nine to capture the second flight. Rick also won the CTP with a shot to 7'-3" on hole #7. It was a bold pin position to gun for, far off to the left just behind a bunker.

Jimmy Ikeda is anxious to rejoin his pals in the first flight. In the meantime he hung back with the blind bogey flight.

Don Davis hadn't ever won a standard flight. He used all of his pent-up mojo in one amazing 18-hole burst in firing a net 61. Scores of this caliber have only occurred about two dozen times during the history of the club.

Don's shot at the par 3, #11. The water hazard was all sparkly in the afternoon sunlight. It made me reminisce of my childhood: lonely years I spent walking the sandy beaches searching for love and truth. Just kidding, but they were pretty sparkles alright.

Hamming it up on #1 are Mike O'Neill, Dave Moers (new member), Dave Wherritt (new member) and Martin Kitchener. 

Dave Wherritt played well enough to place 2nd in the third flight, 13 strokes behind Don Davis' net 61.

Barry Woods going for three wins in a row. He fell short of this feat by two strokes, but is still comfortably near the top of the GOY standings

Ed Louie on #1. Ed played well, however his best shot was probably the photo taken of him at the top of this page.

Kevin Sugawara (guest) looked about as fluid as one could ever hope to be.

Chris Brown grabbed this hat as he was scrambling out the door. He hadn't yet had any coffee and his eyes weren't fully adjusted to the brightness of the day. "It all looked sort of orange and hazy", and "I just grabbed something near me. I was lucky it was a hat." These are possible explanations he might offer. 

Jim Hall (guest) was the Blind Bogey flight's big winner. He won the flight and the CTP with a shot to 12'-11".

Scott Meredith prepares to attack the steeply inclined hole #12.

Jim Baer's putt on #17 dropped, but only because of this squirming action. His squirming sent low frequency wave through his feet and into the green. This squirming behavior, although frowned upon by the USGA, is nevertheless permissible under the rules of golf.

No, they didn't just fall off the turnip truck. Mark Boguski, Andrew Kang, Aaron Walburg and Stacey Mackey fell off a truck, but it was loaded with rutabagas a distant relative of the turnip family. No one in this group did anything exceptional on the links. 

Laborers gathered to watch Andrew Kang hit out of trouble. After paring the first two holes Andrew's drive at #3 nearly went OB, but with some quality scrambling he saved bogey.  

Andrew on hole #15.

Mark Boguski in a classic photo. (Hole #4)

Aaron placed 4th in the second flight. He was 10-over through 14 holes, then a triple on #15 and especially the quintuple on #17 ended the magic.

Stacey Mackey on #7. This was the CTP hole. Note the sucker pin placement, back left, behind bunker. We had many suckers and a few who survived to tell the tale of CTP glory.

Stacey on the tee of the signature 16th hole. Water is definitely in play off the tee. A few went for the green, but no tales of success have yet reach these ears. 

Steve and Ken have been buddies forever. Steve thinks he's a better golfer, but recently Ken's had something to say about that. 

It doesn't get any better than this(?). We'll let's hope it does. Appearing in order of need for beer's feel-good properties are Eddie Reed (last place in second flight), John Scott (last place in first flight), Charlie Flowers (second from last in second flight), and Steve Desimone (2nd in first flight). It could be argued that Steve didn't need any beer at all. Judging from his demeanor, one can never really tell whether or not he's feeling good from the effects of alcohol or the natural high associated with living the dream.

John Robertson undergoes the scrutiny of playing partner Charlie Flowers. Charlie looks like he's just about set to make a witty interjection. Charlie's always good for a few cutting remarks. Watch out. Charlie pretends to be a bunny rabbit but he's really a shark. 

Steve going over the scoreboard while Steve Hong looks on.

Here we have a few new members. We use the term "new" loosely, that it may include those with gray hair.

These are the gentlemen who actually fell of the turnip truck alluded to earlier. New members include Mike Hearn, Clem Shute, Hal Teasedale, and Bruce Flushman.

Complete Flight Results:

Highlighted Results:

1st Flight

   1st tie-breaker(L9 holes-1/2 CH):

2nd Flight

3rd Flight

   1st tie-breaker(L9 holes-1/2 CH):

Blind Bogey

   BB tie-breaker goes to lowest gross score:

(Results tabulated by Steve Desimone)