Wente Vineyards
4th Event of 2005 Season
Saturday, January 15, 2005

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Eric Kubota watches Jimmy Ikeda's shot at the third hole. Jimmy had the day's best net score (71). It was the only sub-net par round.

After a week of heavy rains we had a few nice days before our event at Wente Vineyards. For about an hour in the late morning on the day of the tournament the sun broke through, but the sunlight was short-lived. Soon the sun disappeared again into a chilly haze, which dominated the day. Everyone was cold. Returning to the clubhouse most golfers were anxious to get warm. Asked about his round Al Rollins admitted, “All I was thinking about was heat."

Some had been more optimistic than others. One individual was wearing shorts and he also was busy with a large camera (hint: he's writing this sentence). Although the weather was chilly the course was in great shape. Also, hey, we're golfing in January. Enough said! Blizzards are currently plaguing the Northeast portion of the country. What have we to complain about?

On the evening before the tournament I received a very nice email from a gentleman, Grant Morrison, in Prince George BC Canada. He wrote simply to express his thanks about this web site which keeps him warm and filled with golf news while he's suffering from cabin fever in the great white north, "buried under snow with some severe ‘under par’ temperatures", he joked. Grant visits this site often and proclaims it "easily the greatest golf site on the net!" Thanks, Grant! So yes, let’s be thankful and not complain about the bitterly cold weather because it's not that bad here. Nevertheless it was bitterly cold (37-degrees), especially for native Californians, where a frozen puddle is a novelty. This was the coldest event since Shadow Lakes two years ago, where there was a frost delay due to temperatures of around 30-degrees.

As for the action there was only one player who broke net par and he's from Hawaii. Jimmy Ikeda spent the holidays with family in Hawaii and played 6 rounds of golf in gorgeous weather. Perhaps this helped him improve his play while the rest of us were huddled around the fireplace. Still it's impressive that he was able to accustom himself to these arctic conditions. Jimmy shot 84 (net 71) and won the second flight. Perhaps the most impressive round was turned in by Dan Copenhagen. He's a 10 handicapper and he shot 82 (net 72) to win the first flight. Only Steve Desimone managed a better gross score (81), but Steve's a 2 handicap. Dan was on fire. He also won the CTP. All the Wente Vineyards results are online. Updated GOY standings are also now available.

For the first time in 10 months a woman placed! Geraldine Lauro shot 93 (net 73) and placed 3rd in the third flight! Before this the most recent time a woman placed was when Mei-Mei Hong placed third last year at Rooster Run. Where have all the women been! Actually there are only four female members in the club so perhaps there’s a reason… The last time a woman won a flight was at the Club Championship at Indian Valley in October of 2003. It was there that Glenda Goode had the round of a lifetime shooting a net 62 and winning the 3rd flight.

17 years since so many members failed to break 80

The low temperature resulted in high scores. Steve Desimone noted, "We've probably never had so many scores (gross) in the 80's." This remark proved worthy of investigation. It has been nearly 17 years since we've had such a large field in which all members failed to break 80. At Wente Vineyards we had 46 members competing in standard flights (not including the 13 players in the blind bogey flight which generally includes guests). Our best score here was Steve Desimone's 81. Has this ever happened before? And just how long has it been since we've had this large a field which failed to break 80? Going back in time...

• In May 2004, with a small field (19 members) at Stevinson Ranch we had no members break 80.
• In May 2003 at Spanos Park we also had a relatively small field (20 members)  in which nobody broke 80. It was wind that kept scores high on that day.
• At Mare Island in September 2002 we had a decent field (40 members) and our best score was 80.
• At Roddy Ranch in April 2002 we got close (to the 45 player field at Wente Vineyards) when we had 40 members and nobody broke 80.
• With 33 members at Adobe Creek on a very cold day in February 2002 all failed to break 80.
• At De Laveaga in October 1990 (part of a 2-day event) 17 members posted a best score of 82.
• In May 1990 at Spanish Bay 20 members failed to break 80.
• At Blackhawk (Lake course) in August 1989 34 members played and the best score was an 84 by Dan Sanguinetti.
• In May 1989, with 24 members at Rancho Murieta (North course), 86 was the best score.
• With 68 members at the Club Championship at Diablo Creek in September 1988 we had a larger field however a few 78's slipped though. Only Dave Webb (78, blue tees) and Mike O'Neill (78, white tees) broke 80.
• At Chardonnay (Vineyards course)  in August 1988 we again got close when 61 members (not including guests or blind bogey) when Fred Glueck was the only player to break 80, due in part to two eagles.
• Finally, back in April 1988 (nearly 17 years ago) at Kennedy Park 66 members participated and all failed to break 80.  The best score that day was from Jim Miller, who shot 81. Eddie Reed and Ken Lloyd had 82's.

Lots of new faces at this event

With an influx of about 20 new members it’s been tricky getting the names to match all the faces, but that’s one big reason for this web site. Participating in their very first U.C. Golf Club event were seven new faces: Craig Adelman, Gene Eun, Steve Koneffklatt, Peter MacKenzie, Geoff Mires, Sean O'Neill, and Tim Walsh. Tim actually placed 2nd in his first event, with an impressive net 72 in the third flight.

Russ Greenwood in his first event of the 2005 season

Russ moved up to Mt. Shasta last year. It was nice to see him out there making a mess of things again. Of course his net score was nevertheless three strokes better than the Club President’s score, so I shouldn’t be tossing so many stones at him from the front porch of my glass house.

Humbling and Sisyphusian efforts of a Club President

In year’s past Wente provided a pyramid of balls at each station on the driving range. This year they simply provided a barrel full of balls at the bottom of a deep wine cask, near where the carts park... It wasn’t exceptionally convenient, so the club president, having beaten the pack to the course undertook a humbling semi-monumental task to improve the convenience of the range, particularly the accessibility of the range balls. While no one was there Walburg rolled the wine cask (half filled with balls; very heavy, unwieldy) up the hill and dumped all the balls near the hitting stations. This is just one of many services your thoughtful Club President provides. Of course had he lost control of the barrel no mention of this incident would have been made, as he’d have quickly vanished from the scene, with range balls doubtless strewn about over the entire hillside and a heavy wine barrel rolling rapidly down a very steep hill toward the clubhouse.

A Bold new Strategy for Success?

Ed Louie said that the 65 at Las Positas was the first event he played since getting married. Suggestion arose that he should get married before every tournament to maintain his luck. Ed said he’d need to discuss this with his wife.

Obana becomes a father figure? Go figure...

This was Steve Obana's first event since the birth of he and wife Amy's son, Sean William Obana who entered the world on December 28th, 2004 weighing a healthy 8 lbs., 13 ozs. Despite his small stature Sean is already much more good-looking than his father and possible a better golfer too.

Sean William Obana

Golf Club Administration Humor

Elliott Zeller was at the scoring station looking for his monthly NCGA sticker. Ken, Steve and Aaron were all trying to resist laughing. Through an oversight Zeller was accidentally dropped from the club for about 2 days. It doesn’t affect his status or ability to post, but evidently as a result, his sticker was missing this month. Elliott noticed the repressed laughter and realized something was up. He wisely decided just to give it up…

Todd Podoll's Sacrificial Shirt

At the clubhouse Todd Podoll had a big dirt stain on the back of his shirt. Evidently on the 6th hole (very inclined) Todd lost his footing and obtained the resulting embarrassing shirt blemish. Such is a small sacrifice for placing 2nd.
By the way, I don't make a habit of posting photos of guys with soiled clothing. A few years ago the club manager had a big blemish on the back of his trousers. The thought (taking a photo) never crossed my mind. This web site is classy and the game is already humbling enough!!!

Birdie Stats

There were 17 birdies recorded at Wente Vineyards. The most unusual stat is that three of them occurred on the course's most difficult hole, the 18th. Carding birdies at #18 were new member Craig Adelman, guest & former member Paul Witkay, and guest Don Knott. Two players carded 2 birdies on the day. They were Don Knott and new member Peter MacKenzie. Watch out! It appears we several hot rookies out there. Other popular birdie holes were (the shortened) 1st hole with three birdies occurring there and the 5th hole with two birdies there.

Unintentional Head Games

The opening hole at Wente is always one of the most (perhaps the single most dramatic shot at the course. Unfortunately (or fortunately) they were working on the tee box at the time and so we all teed off at the red tees, at the base of the hill.

Just as Steve was preparing to tee off at the first hole Walburg inquired, “What happened on the first hole at Las Positas?” Steve was a bit stunned. The memory was painful. For Steve had taken a triple bogey on the opening hole, a 4-iron into the lake and from there it got worse. Steve complained about the timing of the comment, but Walburg was asking innocently enough having recalled the glaringly high score on Steve’s scorecard. Steve wisely put away his driver and opted for an iron on the shortened opening hole.

Steve Desimone rubs his hands to warm up. Dave Moers and Ken Lloyd just hit balls.

Steve and Ken in a swirling sea of white fog.

This was the tournament that the 'frozen balls' were perfected. It's a photographic technique and has nothing to do with the cold temperatures. It's about timing, a good lens, and proper aperture. Here's Ken Lloyd, our GOY leader, with a range ball frozen in mid-air.

Another shot, this time Steve getting good contact.

Guest Don Knott on the range.

I like this shot. It's nice compositionally, with Rick Guevara in front and an unfocused Dan Copenhagen in the background. Actually Dan was extremely focused this day, shooting one of the day's best rounds, winning the first flight.

At the range Rick had a large printout for the day’s challenges. It was quite a detailed spreadsheet.

Rick plays golf too. Well... sort of.

Steve Obana receives congratulations from Rick. Steve was playing in his first event since becoming a father. He and wife Amy received a late Christmas present.

Back in the clubhouse Walburg asked Numa (Eric Kubota), “Are you, like, sleepy?” Back at the range Eric appeared a bit knackered. (Well, just look at this photo (above) from the range) “No, this is just how I look.", said Numo. Rick Guevara came in with "He’s Asian. That’s how Asian guys look!” Good ol' Rick. Leave it to him to turn anything into a controversy. He’ll never let an opportunity pass.

Don, Steve and Ken at the very shortened first tee. Due to construction, we were playing the red tees at the normally breathtaking first hole. Nobody was too upset, however. Except for Al Rollins who still managed to hit two balls OB.

Don eyes his opening drive.

One of my favorite shots of all time. Here, upon a carpet of dew, Ken flips up a nice divot while on his way to an easy par.

Ken's shot at the second hole.

Steve was off to another rough start with a bogey from the red tees here at #1.

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It was going to be a long day. By the third hole he'd already doubled his stroke-allotment (2).

Dave Moers with a par on #1.

Don Knott also earned a par at #1.

Don at the second hole.

This is the beginning of "The Ed Louie Show." For some reason Ed must've been more photogenic than the rest of you out there this day, for 6 images of his made this month's cut (a subjective selection of the day's best shots). Here Ed tees off at the first hole.

Ed scans a putt at #1.

The 2nd hole is probably the nicest hole at Wente Vineyards. At least it's my personal favorite. Off the tee the trees are the biggest obstacle. Here Ed successfully negotiates the trees.

Ed with a chip shot from behind the 2nd green.

Ed drains this 6-foot par putt.

Ed prepares for his shot at the third tee.

Jimmy Ikeda's opening drive. Jimmy had a solid round, shooting 84 (net 71).

Jimmy's approach at #2.

Jimmy's blast from a greenside bunker at #2.

Jimmy's attempted sand save was wide to the right. Jimmy Ikeda and Chad Carey were the only players to par the last two (very difficult) holes.

Dan Copenhagen from the trees at #2.

Dan again in trouble at #2. Dan nevertheless parred the hole.

Dan at #3. He was focused. His shot here to 21'-0" won the CTP in the first flight. He parred the opening 3 holes on his way to a 40 on the front nine. Steve Obana and David Moers also shot 40 on the front, which was the best score over that stretch from our club.

Ross Sakamoto and Eric "Numa" Kubota keeping score, no small task.

Ross Sakamoto with an important putt for bogey at #2.

The only thing worse than missing a bogey putt, is missing a bogey putt, then reacting by crumpling into a fetal position while simultaneously your sunglasses fall off your head. And the only thing worse than that is when a chubby nerd with a camera perfectly times the moment and places the photo on a website for generations to enjoy.

Numa looks skyward at his approach to #2.

Eric's shot at #3, to 21'-10", was a contender for the CTP until Dennis Smith hit it to 5'-0".

Wente is a difficult course and we always get a few high scores on some holes. Last year's was Gary Vollen's 19 on the 8th hole (quattuordecuple bogey, or 14 strokes over par). Later it didn't help things when he nearly broke his ankle while stepping into a gopher hole on the 10th hole. This year's winner for the most strokes over par on a hole went to Eric Kubota, who took a 13 on the 8th hole (octuple bogey, or 8 over par). What is it with that 8th hole?

Rob Kamura's approach at #2.

Rob reacts to his par at #2. Ultimately Rob didn't break 110, but he did par the opening two holes. This look said it all. He was just as surprised as his playing partners about his surprising display of talent (luck) over the first two holes.

Here's Rob's drive at the third hole. How long would the magic last? It ended after this stroke. His shot was to 36'-0", but he three putted the hole, and then began playing his normal brand of golf. Back to earth, as they say...

Rick Guevara at #3.

Edgar "The Dragon" Johnson breathing smoke at #2.

Here's the dragon's action shot.

And then on the 16th hole Edgar with his drive.

The club's newest father, Steve Obana, at #3. Steve tied for the best front nine (40). His score (43) on the back nine wasn't too shabby either. Steve placed 4th out of 15 players in the first flight.

Vince Garcia at #3.

Chad Carey does a little facial contortion at #3. It seemed to work as he was the only member of his foursome to par the hole.

Dave Wherritt reacts to a missed putt at #2.

Russell Greenwood drove down from the mountain (Mt. Shasta) to join his old cronies on the links. Good to see ya, Russ!

New Member Peter MacKenzie at the first hole.

Guest Bill Pisaruck on the first tee.

New member Sean O'Neill records his first official drive. Sean is Mike's son. We've all gotten used to standing way back when Mike takes the tee. We expect Sean will demand the same respect.

This is one reason why the second hole is such a great hole. The rocky hillside is a terrific backdrop. New member Brad Rice wisely opts for an iron.

Here at the 8th hole Brad reacts to a missed par putt. Still, his 41 on the front nine was just one stroke off the pace. In his second event Brad placed third, losing the tiebreaker to Ed Biglin.

New member Gene Eun at the second hole. Gene didn't have as much success in his first outing as did Brad, but he nevertheless placed 6th in the first flight.

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Bill Marchant with his drive at the 2nd hole.

Bill at the 6th hole. Bill parred this hole.

It was slow out there. Here Bill waits for his approach shot at #8.

One of the most well-timed photos I've yet had out here. It's Greg Kramp shanking his chip shot on the 6th hole. The ball is on it's way to Brad Rice, who was unable to get out of the way. As a result Greg barely avoided double digits on this hole.

Miguel Diaz has a much nicer swing than his father Bob. Nevertheless the old man still bested his son on this day.

Miguel at #6.

Miguel overlooking a putt at #6.

Miguel and Bob at the 6th hole.

Geoff Mires nearly took out the photographer with this shot at #6. The ball whizzed right at me. Thankfully the photographer was oblivious.

New member Steve Koneffklatt with a delicate chip at the 6th hole.

It's been 10 months since we've had a female victor. Geraldine Lauro played well enough to place 3rd in the third flight. Here's an approach shot at the 5th hole.

Here's Geraldine's drive at the 6th hole.

And Geraldine with a chip at the 18th hole.

Geraldine finished strong, with a bogey at the very difficult finishing hole.

Dennis Smith works some magic in the sand. Dennis played a terrific back nine, covering the final five (difficult) holes at 2 over par. He won the third flight and the CTP with the day's closest shot - 5'-0". Dennis placed first by winning a tiebreaker over new member Tim Walsh. Both men turned in impressive scores of net 72. The win catapulted Dennis into a tie with Ken Lloyd in the Golfer of the Year standings.

John Haag at the 18th hole.

Guest Carol Harrison reacts to a missed putt at #18.

Behind a thicket of winter grape vines are Elliott Zeller, Charles Upshaw, Al Rollins, and Ed Biglin.

Al watches Ed's approach at #18. Ed placed 2nd in the first flight, winning a tiebreaker over Brad Rice.

Ed assists as Al extracts his ball from the lake at #18.

Al admires his approach at #18.

Elliott Zeller liberates this ball from a greenside bunker at #18.

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Stacey Mackey carried the vineyards here at the 5th hole.

Stacey contemplates a putt at #7.

Stacey's approach at the 12th hole.

Tom Furtado's drive at the 9th hole. Tom earned a par on the very difficult hole (after barely missing a 4 foot birdie putt). One of the few bright spots for this foursome. Only Andrew Kang broke 100.

Tom keeps his head down and powers through this shot at the 12th.

Andrew Kang on the 10th hole.

Andrew at the par 3 14th hole.

Aaron Walburg hacking it up at #14.

There may have been some money on this putt by Aaron at #18. Thus the interest. The putt had otherwise no importance.

New member Tim Walsh faired well in his first outing, placing 2nd in the third flight. Here he plays his ball from the lateral hazard at #18.

Ryan Tabibian uses telekinesis to levitate his putter. Unfortunately the magic ends there with that putter. Even after scattering a few ball OB on the 9th and withdrawing, Ryan always has a remarkably sunny disposition.

The clubhouse vibrant with excitement. Gazing from the warm clubhouse windows members were excitedly watching the players finishing on the 18th hole. "I’ll bet the guy in the green sweater can't finish out before the bird on that fence flies away." remarked one member. Not to state the obvious, but beer was being consumed by several members.

Back at the clubhouse, Eric again looking sleepy.

Complete Flight Results: