|
Friday, July 30, 2004
It took about two hours to get from Berkeley to the far side of Livermore. By
4:30pm traffic had already been bumper to bumper for several hours. All told
the trip took about 5 hours, which is about 2 hours longer than it would
take without traffic.
Accommodations at Saddle Creek were terrific. On Saturday morning guests
awoke to a great view of the 9th green.
Day 1: Greenhorn Creek
(Angels Camp, California)
Ryan Tabibian and Russell Greenwood hit a few balls into the sun. Ryan let
Aaron borrow his Canon Telephoto lens, which Aaron used to snap this very
photo. Most of the pictures on this page were taken with Ryan's lens, which
is great at bringing in detail from 40-feet away and more.
Russell braved a series of recent injuries to make it out with the gang for
a few days of fun. Russell had to pop a few vicodin for his knees, but his
spirits were, as usual, high. Russell recently bought a house in the Mt. Shasta area
and will be moving there soon. He still intends to remain with the club
though and attend as many events as possible.
Jimmy Ikeda, with Eric Kubota and Kelly Alvarez in the background.
[Super-size]
Jimmy Ikeda inspects the grain of the practice green. Was he really learning
anything, or was it simply a soft surface he felt like petting?
[Super-size]
Jimmy practicing some chips (while still thinking about that soft green. "So
soft... Bunny rabbit soft". These are the kinds thoughts which typically
flow through Jimmy's head.) Jimmy "Bunny" Ikeda is not, however, your typical bunny. He's more like the
blood-thirsty bunny from Monty Python
and the Holy Grail.
Andrew Kang and Tom Furtado drove up that morning and met little traffic.
This evidently was the smart thing to do.
At 9:00 a.m. members were growing concerned. Steve Desimone and his posse hadn't yet
arrived. The starter went ahead and sent the second group.
Mike Armstrong looks woefully after a wayward drive. Not the ideal start to
a 2 day event. Mike is good about not letting his
dauber get down. Despite the initial
concern he managed bogey.
Tom Nischwitz was the tournament's only guest and he somehow managed to win
the flight.
Russ Greenwood pressed on in spite of the somewhat restrictive knee braces
(and that ever-present, gigantic, pocket towel. It's Russ' trademark).
Kelly Alvarez finished the day in third place behind Mark Holman and Jeff
Day. He would shoot a 99 both days and finished 2nd in the second flight.
Mark's 39 on the front nine (39) was better than all scores for that stretch except for Steve Desimone and Mark Steppan. Mark Holman was
the most consistent performer this weekend. He shot a net 72 on Saturday and
a net 74 on Sunday, winning the second flight by 5 strokes over Kelly
Alvarez. Mark went to bed with a 2-stroke lead over Jeff Day.
Chad Carey shot an 83 (net 73) and was in second place behind Mark Steppan
after the first day.
Steve was 25 minutes late. All predictions were incorrect. Wild hunches had
ranged from a flat tire to faulty alarm clock, however it was simply a case
of Steve having a senior moment (he's a senior now so we can use this).
Steve had incorrectly thought the tee time was 10am. Perhaps a recall vote should be performed with regards to the Coach of the Year election.
Steve hurriedly took the first tee and in spite of the cold start played his
Eddie Reed match well versus Mark Steppan. Steve began this round with six
consecutive 4's (+1 through that stretch).
Mark Steppan picked a terrific time to shoot a great round of golf. Mark
shot a 74 to Steve's 77 and won their match 2 + 1. (Read
more about it here.) Mark's net 69 also gave him a terrific lead going
into day 2.
[Super-size]
Ken Lloyd and David Moers played very consistently, just about to their
indexes. Ken was in 4th place after day one and remained there after day
two, losing to David Moers in a close tiebreaker .
[Super-size]
David Moers placed 3rd in the first flight. He and Ken both shot net 77 on
day 1 and net 76 on day 2, but David's score over the back nine of Saddle
Creek gave him the edge. Through the first 11 holes David's scorecard
consisted of nothing except 4's and 5's (+5 through that stretch).
The starter prepares to send out the next foursome: Ross Sakamoto, Jimmy
Ikeda, Eric Kubota, and Rick Guevara.
Jimmy Ikeda made a nice (delicate) bunker shot on the 13th hole and salvaged
bogey.
Ross Sakamoto has the club's "easiest" swing. Nobody ever seems more relaxed
than Ross. Ross played quite well through the opening ten holes (+7 to par).
Ross was fishing for his ball on #13. His shot was one that "got
away." (Sorry, I had to.) Hole "13" was Ross' unlucky number. He suffered 7's on
the 13th holes of both courses (a par 3 and a par 5).
Eric with a putt on #2. Eric was playing well until the 5th hole (par 4)
where he suffered a 'Nonuple
Bogey' (9-over par).
Rick Guevara's drive on #18. Rick was running the weekend's scat game. Over
the 2-day span, there were about five different winners. Rick played
consistent golf at Greenhorn Creek, taking no score higher than six on any
hole.
Tom Furtado had a birdie here on #6. The 'birdie' was actually a goose. He hit
the goose while trying to carry the lake. That evening Ross Sakamoto would knock over three geese, but they were
Grey Geese (Orange-flavored Grey Goose). Ross was nevertheless equally horrified.
Despite the 9 on this par 3, Tom knuckled down and went onto place 3rd
this weekend.
Tom tracks his ball on #10. He went on to bogey the par 5 hole.
[Super-size]
Andrew Kang overlooking the 13th hole. His and Tom's cart had died on #12.
The marshal gave them a new cart, almost instantaneously.
Following day one, Steve, David, Mark, and Ken tallied the scores. Beer and
salty snacks were consumed by all.
Rick yucks it up with some of the other cowboys, while Ross contemplates
that high score on #13.
Here's a great shot of all the guys standing around in the Greenhorn Creek
parking lot, working on logistics of a poker game later that evening.
While some were playing poker, Todd Podoll was content to cool off in the
local creek with a beer. A big topic for debate in the creek was water
temperature. Todd said it was 76-degrees. "I won't go in my swimming pool if
it's anything less" Tom said confidently. Others weren't swayed however.
Rick Guevara felt it was 74-degrees, while Chad Carey and Aaron Walburg both
felt it was around 72 degrees. This sophisticated inquiry is typical of the
elevated level of conversation our well-heeled members are able to maintain
without end. Such currents of thought come easily to our members, for they
are purveyors of philosophy and other deep ideas that drift through one's
consciousness while submerged in a murky, slow-moving liquid.
Regardless of the water temperature, the beer temperature was universally
accepted as 'properly chilled'. (See, I told you these guys were refined!)
Ross Sakamoto gives Dave Lozow a call. Dave wasn't able to attend the
tournament, but his buddies nevertheless reveled in poking fun at him.
Tom Furtado, was dubbed the "Silent Assassin". This was not for
his ability to send players fleeing from his presence at the poker table.
No, Tom was dubbed "Silent Assassin" for his style of poker play,
which was
extremely conservative. This meant he was invariably always there, lurking.
In spite of the grief he was given, the strategy proved to be quite
successful.
"Where's the Silent Assassin?", asked Sako at one point, upon being
ousted a third time. "There he is! Silent!" Ross was bitter about Tom's
successful game-playing.
The game lasted long into the night.
Day 2: Saddle Creek
(Copperopolis, California)
[Super-size]
Following Day 1,
Jeff Day was in second place. He'd stayed out late. Would it affect his
play? He was, after all, in a heated GOY race.
Some members were out late while others retired early and were refreshed.
Ken Lloyd appeared to be in the latter group, and his play seemed to
indicate that as well.
Ryan Tabibian's play went from not-so-terrific to more-not-so-terrific, but at
least (as always) his swing looked great.
[Super-size]
Russell Greenwood warming up on the range. Russell's play improved on day 2.
Eric Kubota and Jimmy Ikeda on the range.
The 2004 Summer Olympics were set to begin two weeks following the
tournament. Michael Phelps
would win a record tying eight medals and United States would top Russia and
China by winning the most medals at 103, to Russia's 92, and China's 63. The
USA synchronized swimming team even won a bronze medal. If synchronized golf ever becomes an Olympic event, then expect the
US to win even more medals because Eric and Jimmy will make a fine team.
David, Ken, and Steve all somehow made it to the first tee in time today.
For this they deserve more credit than we generally give them.
Mark Steppan followed his terrific round with a fairly mediocre round on
Sunday. The door was particularly open on the back nine. Over that
stretch Steve snuck into first place. Mark
nevertheless maintained a second place finish.
Ryan Tabibian playing the first hole. Saddle Creek is a terrific course.
It's about at the same condition and style of San Juan Oaks Golf Course in
Hollister, except with more water.
[Super-size]
Mark Holman has been consistent this season. He won the second flight here,
and also defeated Rick Guevara later in the month to capture the second
flight of the Eddie Reed tournament (Read
about their match here). Mark's play over the final 11 holes was very consistent,
during with stretch his scorecard was comprised entirely of 4's and 5's
(7-over par).
[Super-size]
Chad Carey played really well on Saturday, but by Sunday he'd lost his mojo.
He also lost several balls (not to be confused with losing one's mojo). After a par on the opening hole,
Chad hit his drive into the hazard on hole 2, eventually taking a 10. A par
there would have given him a third place finish in the tournament.
[Super-size]
It would be difficult to conceive of a more frightening foursome than the
one which assembled for this photo. This is the kind of foursome which sends
marshals fleeing in panic. Left to right are Jimmy Ikeda, Rick Guevara, Eric Kubota,
and Ross Sakamoto. The law which bans sales of assault weapons is soon to
expire (9/14/04). Relatively speaking, the fact that these four (ahem)
"gentlemen" can purchase titanium drivers is much more of a threat to
civilians.
Jimmy with his ruthless titanium chop.
[Super-size]
Just look at that loaded weapon. When Rick swings his driver it's best to be
standing on another continent.
Eric Kubota has been known to spray shots in all directions. Here on
#7 he actually hit a decent shot.
Eric sank this 3-foot bogey putt on #8. However, the lasting impression
(this photo) will serve as a reminder for many generations to come of how
not to contort your body when begging the ball to fall into the hole. In
this photo it
appears more probable that Eric is pressing for something to come out,
rather than for a ball to go
in. Thankfully, nothing came out.
Eric utilized an extraordinary number of strokes to cover the back nine at
Saddle Creek. His scores on the back nine were (ranked in order from good to
bad) 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, and 11 which combines for a whopping 69 (Or
net 51. "Net", mind you!). Doubtless Numa would have preferred
those numbers at the card table the previous evening, rather than on his
scorecard at Saddle Creek.
Ross Sakamoto hits his opening drive. The previous night Ross had proved
himself a terrific baker of garlic bread. Ross has talent, but primarily
it's in the kitchen. Ross nevertheless proved the best golfer in his
foursome on this day, and his 42 on the back nine was commendable. Now back
to the kitchen, Ross, to bake another biatch of bread!
Ross hits his approach at #2.
Jimmy, Ross, and Eric line up their putts on #4.
Ross with a long attempt at #4 (which he missed). In this foursome only Eric
would take par.
Eric, Rick, Ross, and Jimmy frolic off the 2nd green. Rick had a visible
spring in his step. He and Eric had just parred the most difficult hole on the course.
The most difficult green was the 11th. It wasn't that tricky of a green, per
se, however the pin was placed on a very steep grade. Putts from above the
hole seldom stopped rolling until they'd rolled off the green altogether.
Eric took a 10 here, while Ross "Sweet Roll" Sakamoto recorded a par.
[Super-size]
Shot of the tournament was Tom Furtado's approach shot on the very difficult
6th hole. Tom's ball was right of the fairway, on a steep slope, immersed in
a small forest, 170 yards away and way below the elevated green,
nevertheless he somehow hit this amazing shot which landed short, then
rolled onto the green. Tom 2-putted for par, and with 2 pops on the hole won
a skin!
Tom's reaction to the stroke.
Tom's drive on the scenic 13th hole (par 5). At this point Tom was in the
zone. Over the seven hole stretch between holes #9 and #15, Tom's card
consisted entirely of 4's and 5's.
[Super-size]
Tom with his drive on the 18th hole. Tom would place 3rd in the second
flight, thanks primarily to very solid play over the back nine on Sunday.
Andrew Kang with a chip shot on #8. Andrew parred this risk/reward hole.
Andrew's drive on #18.
Following Sunday's round most people ordered a late lunch before the long
drive back into the dense fog which had all weekend long enshrouded the Bay
Area
Ryan Tabibian and Junior. You're father isn't the best golfer, but he's a
terrific Dad.
Ryan's other Junior is a junior-ette.
[Super-size]
Rick Guevara and a team of statisticians calculate the scat winners. It was
quite a complicated procedure, but the team eventually arrived at the
results, which were ultimately kind to Armstrong
Furtado, Holman, Ikeda, Kubota, Nischwitz, Podoll, Sakamoto, and doubly kind
to Walburg
Following the tournament Steve read the tournament results. The biggest reaction came
from Mike Armstrong, who, upon learning that he'd won the first flight's CTP, threw both fists in the air and froze in a rigid position (Somewhat
similar to Eric Kubota's strained position on the 9th green).
During the drive back Jeff Day was at the wheel creating clever
combinations with the names of our club members: "Tabibian Furtado. Doesn’t
that sound like a meal at a fancy French restaurant or a deluxe luxury
automobile?" "Steppen to a Tabibian Furtado." He said in an advertiser's
voice. He was quite clever...
Summary
With only one event remaining (Club Championship) this season's
Golfer of
the Year Race has shaped itself into one of the closest contests ever. Jim
Peretti missed the Gold Country trip but dodged a huge bullet when all of
his main rivals failed to place. They each nevertheless earned a step (1 point) on his lead. It will be interesting to see if Jim's lead holds in
spite of his absence here.
|
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/058-040731cr-gc-jikdea-pxutt-graintest-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/090-040731cr-gc-jikdea-practice-chip-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/100-040731cr-gc-klloyd01-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/101-040731cr-gc-dmoers01-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/162-040731cr-gc-akang13-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/265-040731cr-sc-jday-range-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/270-040731cr-sc-rgreenwood-range-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/341-040731cr-sc-mholman01-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/346-040731cr-sc-ccarey01-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/354-040731crsc-jikeda-rguevara-ekubota-rsakamoto-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/358-040731cr-sc-rguevara01-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/409-040731cr-sc-tfurtado06-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/462-040731cr-sc-tfurtado18-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}
![[Super-size]](javascript:openMe('images/483-040731cr-sc-rsakamoto-jikeda-mholman-ccarey-xl.jpg',838,563)){kind=link}