Norm Ott
The SunBird Men’s Golf Association moved into high gear in November as many of the winter snowbirds began to arrive back at SunBird. Only three Thursday tournaments were held during the month with Thanksgiving being a day off. Approximately 80 golfers participated in these events. The results of these tournaments are shown later in this article.
The main event for December was the Men’s SunBird Cup Championship. This tournament was a two week total net score event which was to start on December 4; unfortunately, rain washed out the first week so the schedule was moved forward to December 11 and 18. The results for this tournament were not available at the time of submitting this article. They will be reported next month.
The month of January usually means the return to SunBird of more of our snowbird residents and renters. The SunBird Men’s Golf Association would like to welcome everyone back and to invite the golfers to consider joining the association. The purpose of the association is to promote, encourage and advance men’s golf in the SunBird community. Nominal membership dues allow participation in the Arizona Golf Association/GHIN handicap system, participation in the weekly men’s day tournaments and in special events. Players of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to join.
Regular tournaments are held each Thursday morning. While all members are encouraged to play, it is not a requirement. The tournaments generally consist of individual stroke/net play, scrambles or other formats at the discretion of the tournament committee. Special events include the SunBird Cup mentioned above, the Club Championship and the Match Play Challenge. Membership also affords a great opportunity to meet and make new friends. For more information on club membership you may contact Membership and Handicap Chairman Fred Garmeson at 480-895-9363 or you may attend an association meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Clubhouse Ballroom.
The highlight event for this month is the Match Play Challenge which will start on January 8 with all players participating. This four week flighted tournament will end on January 29. Each week, half of each flight will be eliminated with the winners being crowned on the last day. The schedule for those eliminated and not advancing in match play will be by week, net only stroke play, two-man modified Stableford and the final week, a special three club tournament.
Getting back to November results, the game on November 6 was gross/net play with Dean Huyghebaert winning the gross and Dave Sims winning the net. A four-man Stableford was played on November 13 with the team of Jerry Adams, Loren Carrel, Bob Schoenwald and Gary Whistler being the winners. The final event on November 20 was gross/net play. The gross and net winners were Gerry Tomlinson and John Kane respectively.
Please remember to fill your divots and repair your ball marks.