Quinn Edges Wyrick For Poppy Gold

Jim Quinn's net 65 earned him first place money at the July MBGFR tournament at Poppy Hills.
 

Jim Quinn's net 65 prevented a Bob Wyrick three-peat at our July tournament at Poppy Hills Golf Course.

Wyrick's 67 was good for second place, Yutaka Uyeda (68) was third and guest Bill Cohen's 69 edged Bill Rose (69) in a card-off for fourth.

Uyeda also picked up a closest to the flagstick on number two and the long drive honors on number 16. Steve Kabot took the closest to the flagstick money on number 17.

Although he lost out on the low net win, Wyrick did pick up low gross money with a 79. Larry Rambaud was second low gross at 84.

Member Larry Benevento, recently back from a three week hospital stay in Greece, shot an 85 for net 71. Welcome back, Larry! Larry also brought along two guests, former Visalians Roger and Debbie Lange who now live in Ashville, North Carolina.

Some 20 players participated in this tournament. Thanks to tournament chairman Tom McKinney for hosting this event.

 

Wyrick Sweeps At Quail Lodge

Bob Wyrick took both gross and low net honors at the MBGFR's June tournament at Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley. Wyrick's net 68 nosed out Bill Dahlhammer (69). Jim Quinn (74) won a card-off over Mike Laughlin (74) for third.

Larry Rambaud claimed the only special prize of the day, closest to the pin on the 17th.

Thanks to Geary Engles for hosting this event!
 

Bob Wyrick won both low gross and low net honors at June's tournament at Carmel Valley's Quail Lodge.

Rambaud Takes ALL The Money at Hunter

Although some players complained of poor course conditions, nothing seemed to bother Larry Rambaud as he swept all the first place prize money at our May outing at Hunter Ranch in Paso Robles. Despite a double bogey on 16 and a bogey on 17, Rambaud fired a 75 (65) to easily outpace Bob Wyrick 80 (68) for the first place money. Wyrick's net 68 was good for second place net money and Kenn Freel 94 (71) won third place. Fourth low net went to Mike Derr 95 (74) who won a card off over Mike Laughlin and Steve Horvath.

Rambaud also picked up both closest to the flagstick prizes.

Following play, consensus was to skip Hunter Ranch in the future because of poor back nine course conditions......too many squirrel holes! 18 players took part in the event. Thanks to Don Hutton for hosting this tournament.

Larry Rambaud took home low gross, low net and both closest to the flagstick honors at our May tournament at Hunter Ranch.

Kegel, McKinney Rule at Eagle Springs

Loren Kegel, a guest of tournament host Roger Goodrich, fired a net 69 to collect the low net money at our April tournament at Eagle Springs in Friant.

Second low net went to another Goodrich guest, Odes Thompson (70), and Larry Benevento (71) took third place in a cardoff over Larry Rambaud (71).

Tom McKinney, MBGFR President and 2009 Trotter Cup winner, was the low gross winner with an 80. Larry Rambaud (81) was second.

Closest to the flagstick winners were Rambaud, Gary Paden, Doug Berg and Mike Laughlin. Pam Rambaud collected the long drive money.

The 18 participants adjourned to Odes Thompson's golf course home following play for fellowship and a tri-tip lunch. Thanks to Roger Goodrich for hosting this great event!
 

Kenn Freel and Geary Engles enjoy the view following play at Eagle Springs.
 

Larry Rambaud, Steve Horvath and Rod Coburn navigate the outdoor spaces at Odes Thompson's Eagle Springs home.

Wyrick Edges McKinney at Corral

Bob Wyrick (69) edged Tom McKinney (69) in a card off to claim low net honors at our March tournament at Corral de Tierra. Larry Benevento guest Dave Benson (77) was the low gross winner.

Tournament Host Jim Pescatore was third low net with a 70 followed by Jim Quinn (71) and Roger Goodrich (72).

Closest to the flagstick honors went to Goodrich (4' 6" on the 185 yard fourth) and Steve Horvath (14' 6" on the 140 yard 11th).

Twenty players enjoyed plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the 70s for the March 28 event.

Thanks to Jim Pescatore for arranging this event.

Engles Cashes In At Diablo Grande

Geary Engles won low net money and Tom McKinney was low gross at the February tournament at Diablo Grande.

Geary Engles (72) edged Kenn Freel (73) for low net honors at the MBGFR February tournament at Patterson's tough Diablo Grande.

Although heavy rain was in the forecast, players enjoyed a good, dry day on the course. Extremely severe rough brought most of the field to its knees....only three of 23 players broke 90 for the day.

Stu Morse (75) won a card off over Tom McKinney (75) but McKinney's 84 gross held off Bob Wyrick (87) for the gross prize.

Because of pro shop error, no closest to the pin competition was held.

After play, members enjoyed a round of drinks complements of the MBGFR.

Thanks to host Kenn Freel for arranging this event!

Host Kenn Freel works on the results following play at Diablo Grande.
 

MBGFR fellowship.
 

Women Rule In The January Desert Sun

Erlene Benevento and Pam Rambaud show off their winnings after day two play at The Golf Resort at Indian Wells.

Erlene Benevento's two day low net total of 137 (71-66) took the first place money at the MBGFR's 2010 opener at The Golf Resort at Indian Wells.

Pam Rambaud (140) won a card off over Bill Frazier for second place in the overall.

Day one net winners on the Players Course were Pam Rambaud (64), Gary Paden (67), Roger Goodrich (69), Bill Frazier (70) and Erlene Benevento (71). Low gross honors went to Mike Laughlin (79) who edged Paden in a card off. Steve Horvath and Tom Peltzer won closest to the flagstick money and Janice "Boom-Boom" McKinney was the long drive winner.

Play on day two was on the Celebrity Course and low net winners were Erlene Benevento (66), Kenn Freel (68), Larry Benevento (69), Bill Frazier (70) and Tom McKinney (71). McKinney's 79 edged Laughlin (80) for low gross. Contest winners included Laughlin and Steve Kabot, closest to the flagstick, and Larry Rambaud, long drive.

It was a great start for the 2010 MBGFR tournament season. 35 golfers made the journey to Indian Wells--one of the biggest turnouts in recent years.

Renee Jorgensen and Bill Frazier generously hosted the MBGFR throng at their lovely home at The Citrus Country Club on Saturday evening. Great food, good fellowship and no one fell in the pool!

Thanks to Tom & Janice McKinney, Jim and Susan Brock, Geary and Denise Engles and Bill Frazier and Renee Jorgensen for helping to make this year's Desert Tournament the best yet!

Renee Jorgensen and Bill Frazier hosted the Saturday evening dinner.
 

Treat bags and Saturday evening dessert were arranged by Janice McKinney and Denise Engles.
 

Don Hutton makes a point on Saturday evening.
 

Girl Power!
 

Quinn & Johnson Claim MBGFR Finale Title; McKinney Wins Trotter Cup

Jim Quinn and Vic Johnson (126) edged Roger Goodrich and Odes Thompson (132) to win the MBGFR December Finale two man best ball tournament at the Bayonet and Blackhorse Golf Courses December 4 and 5.

While all he won was closest to the flagstick money at the Finale, Tom McKinney did earn participation points and maintain his lead to claim the 2009 Trotter Cup. McKinney's 225 point total was enough to take the trophy from Mike Laughlin (170) the 2008 and 2007 winner. Third place for the Trotter Cup was Larry Benevento (150) and Larry Rambaud (140) was fourth. Since its inception in 1995, only seven MBGFR members have claimed the title. Bob Wyrick has won the Cup five times, Laughlin, three, and Dick Trotter and Sheldon Heckman, two times. McKinney joins Kenn Freel and Gary Paden as one time winners.

Finale participants began play on Bayonet on Friday. Quinn & Johnson (62) edged Don Hutton and Gary Paden (63) for first and Kenn Freel and Yutaka Uyeda (67) were third.

On Saturday at Blackhorse, Goodrich and Thompson (61) were first. Quinn and Johnson (64) finished second, winning a card off over Freel and Uyeda.

Friday's closest to the flagstick winners were Dennis Dolley and McKinney and Larry Rambaud and Marilyn Watson won the money on Saturday.

Participants were again hosted on Friday evening by Terry and Paula Trotter at their beautiful Pebble Beach home. The event was catered by Jesse Plasencia, chef of Monterey's Pacheco Club.

Steve Horvath picked up both low net and low gross honors at our November tournament at San Juan Oaks.

Horvath A Triple Winner At San Juan Oaks

Steve Horvath's 79 (69) took first place money for both gross and net at our November tournament at San Juan Oaks. He also picked up one of the two closest to the pin prizes.

While Horvath cruised to his low net win, second place was a battle with Steve Covell (74) winning a card off over Bill Baker (74) and Jim Quinn (74).

Second low gross went to Tom McKinney (82) who also picked up the other closest to the pin prize.

Sixteen MBGFR members took part in the tournament and enjoyed a beautiful fall day of golf. Thanks to Host Bill Baker for arranging this tournament.

 
Bill Baker and Don Hutton enjoy fellowship after play. (See additional photos in the Photo Gallery.)
 

McKinney Low Gross Nets Trotter Cup Lead

Tom McKinney's round of 84 edged Don Hutton's 85 for low gross honors at our October tournament at Brookside Country Club in Stockton.

Not only did he take home the low gross money, the win also allowed McKinney to overtake Mike Laughlin for the Trotter Cup lead with only two events remaining. Click on the Trotter Cup link at left to see the current standings.

Dr. Eric Wall (68) claimed low net honors while Babe Titus (71) was second and Hutton (72) was third. Rod Coburn (75) won a card off with Claudia Titus (75) for fourth.

Closest to the flagstick honors went to guest Doug Dinjian and McKinney and Larry Benevento was the long drive winner.

Anne Johnson and Gary Long hosted the event and following play the group enjoyed cocktails and Mexican food at the 18th fairway home of Leslie and Dr. Eric Wall. Fourteen players participated.

As always, thanks to Anne and Gary for hosting this event!

Leslie and Dr. Eric Wall opened their fairway home to the MBGFR following play at Brookside Country Club. Eric was the low net winner with a 68.

Laughlin Crowned USGFR National Champ

Mike Laughlin accepts the low gross trophy from USGFR Tournament Chair Dennis Jewell.

/The MBGFR's Mike Laughlin was crowned United States Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians National Champion at the 20th annual Championships held in Kissimmee, Florida.

Although he didn't break 80 in any of his three rounds, Laughlin's consistent play, 83-84-83, was enough to claim the championship played on two difficult and extremely long courses.

The two Greg Norman-designed Champions Gate courses were difficult tests for tournament participants and temperatures in the 90s and humidity of 90 percent didn't help! Players did avoid rain, however. On Saturday after play, a thunderstorm moved into the area and dumped over three inches of rain in just over an hour!

Laughlin teamed with partner Jack Watson of Gardnerville, Nevada to also win the overall team competition. Watson, who just recovered from kidney transplant surgery, played his best golf in years and claimed the overall low net victory.

A total of seven MBGFR members participated in this year's tournament. Others making the Florida trip were Steve Horvath, Jim Pescatore, Steve Kabot, Jim Brock, Dick Trotter and Terry Trotter.

Laughlin's luck did not end on the golf course. He also won an 8th place prize in a 50-50 raffle staged by the Bay & St. Cloud Rotary Clubs. All tournament participants received a $100 raffle ticket and the drawing concluded the tournament awards banquet.

The 2010 USGFR Championships will be much closer to home. The tournament is scheduled for September 21-24 at Lake Tahoe's South Shore. Golf venues include Edgewood and Genoa Lakes. Put this tournament on your calendar today!

Mike Laughlin and partner Jack Watson with their team trophies.

Does this mean we have to call him Sir Mike?

New member Doug Berg edged Tom McKinney for the two day title at Lake Tahoe.

New Member Doug Berg Shines At Tahoe

New MBGFR member Doug Berg fired a net 69 on Day One and followed up with a net 75 on Day Two to win the two day overall title at the MBGFR's annual Tahoe Two Day outing.

On Day One at Coyote Moon, Berg's 69 edged Tom McKinney in a card off. Third low net went to Mike Laughlin (70), fourth to Claudia Titus (71) and Larry Rambaud (71) was fifth.

On Day Two at Old Greenwood, Babe Titus (69) was first low net and Berg (75) again edged McKinney (75) in a card off for second place. Fourth place again went to Claudia Titus (76) and Gary Long (78) was fifth.

Pam Rambaud swept away the closest to the flagstick competition on Day Two at Old Greenwood when she aced the 15th hole! Pam is a new member and fairly new golfer and husband Larry is still searching for his first hole-in-one. Congratulations, Pam! It's an easy game!

Closest to the flagstick winners on Day One were Berg, Rick Huckabay and Gary Paden. Joining Pam with closest to the flagstick honors on Day Two were Berg, Larry Benevento and Laughlin.

Trailing Berg for the overall title were Tom McKinney, Claudia Titus, Babe Titus and Dick Trotter.

Gary Paden reports that the weather was great for the event and the group enjoyed dinner at the Old Range Steakhouse in Tahoe City on Friday evening.

Thanks to Anne Johnson and Gary Paden for hosting this popular two day tournament.

Pam Rambaud aced the 15th hole at Old Greenwood to record her first hole-in-one and take home the closest to the flagstick money.

Trotter, McKinney Keep It Local At Poppy

Dick Trotter edged Kenn Freel in a card off to take first low net at the MBGFR July Tournament at Poppy Hills. Both shot 69s.

Dick Trotter's net 69 and Tom McKinney's 78 gross were the scores to beat at the July MBGFR tournament at Poppy Hills in Pebble Beach.

Trotter edged Kenn Freel (69) for the low net honor and third low net went to new MBGFR member Dennis Dolley (71) of Pacific Grove. McKinney (71) was fourth low net and fifth went to Ron Stewart (72).

Mike Laughlin (79) was second low gross.

Closest to the pins went to Trotter and Larry Benevento and McKinney claimed the long drive honors.

Some 24 members and guests enjoyed beautiful June weather at Poppy Hills. Thanks to tournament host Tom McKinney for putting this event together.

Laughlin, Benevento Take June Tourney

Mike Laughlin's 78 and Larry Benevento's net 69 took top honors at our June tournament at Old Del Monte. The MBGFR event was held in conjunction with the District 5230 Conference Golf Tournament on June 5.

Benevento's gross 79 was second low gross and Steve Horvath was third. Second low net went to Dick Trotter (72) and Laughlin (73) was third. Terry Trotter (74) was fourth and Jim Pescatore (77) was fifth.

Other MBGFR members in the 64-person field were Geary Engles, Steve Covell, George Crites and Rod Coburn.

Thanks to Jim Pescatore for hosting this event.

 

Goodrich-Huckabay Team Wins Ridge Creek

 Roger Goodrich and Rick Huckabay took the two man best ball title at our May tournament at Ridge Creek Golf Club in Dinuba. The pair carded a net 62 for the win.

The MBGFR visted a new venue, Ridge Creek Golf Course, for our May tournament. The links style course is located in Dinuba and features a great pro shop, clubhouse and practice facilities.

The format was two man best ball and Roger Goodrich and Rick Huckabay shot a net 62 to take first place honors. Huckabay was the guest of Mike Laughlin.

Thanks to host Craig Vejvoda for doing an excellent job organizing our May event!

Goodrich and Wyrick won the "Best Dressed" award.

Hornburg, Pescatore Take Valley Two Day

Phil Hornburg's net 67 on Day One and Jim Pescatore's net 69 on Day Two were the scores to beat and earned first and second place respectively in April's two day event in Springville and Visalia.

Great weather, good golf and outstanding fellowship combined to insure another successful MBGFR tournament in April. Twenty members played Springville's River Island and Visalia Country Club on April 25 and 26. Phil Hornburg was the two day winner with a 143 after sweeping the field with a first low net and first low gross (80-67) on Day One. Second place went to Jim Pescatore (146), third to Pam Rambaud (146) and fourth to Mike Laughlin (149).

Other Day One low net finishers included Pam Rambaud (70), Bob Wyrick (72) and Steve Kabot (74). Mike Laughlin was second low gross with an 81. Closest to the flagstick winners were Larry Rambaud and Jim Pescatore.

Pescatore (69) was first low net on Day Two, followed by Woody Hogan (71), Don Hutton (73) and Dick Watson (73). Low gross winner was Laughlin (80) and Pescatore (81) was second. Closest to the flagstick winners were Doug Berg and Laughlin.

Gary Paden arranged a group dinner on Saturday night at Jack & Charlie's Restaurant in Visalia. Everyone had a great time, according to MBGFR President Tom McKinney.

Thanks to Mike Laughlin and Gary Paden for hosting this two day tournament.

Rambaud, Hutton Tame New Bayonet

Larry Rambaud claimed both low gross and low net honors at Bayonet in February.

Visalia MBGFR members Larry Rambaud and Don Hutton had the new Bayonet Golf Club in Seaside dialed in during our second tournament of the year on February 21. In the end, Rambaud's 80 (70) took low gross honors and he won a card off with Hutton 83 (70) for the low net money. Hutton was second low gross and net. Third low net went to Dick Trotter (73), fourth went to Tom McKinney and fifth went to Bob Wyrick. Closest to the flagstick money went to Steve Kabot and McKinney.

Although rain washed out the conclusion of the AT&T tournament the previous weekend, MBGFR players enjoyed sunny skies during the round. We had 26 players participate and the course received great reviews. The course rating is 132 and played at under 6000 yards.

Thanks to Geary Engles for hosting this event!

Benevento, Lambert Win Desert Event

Randy Lambert, a guest of Sheldon Heckman, won a card-off with member Larry Benevento to take the two day title in January's two day desert event.

Guest Randy Lambert edged Larry Benevento for the overall low net title in our January event at Sun City in Palm Desert. Mike Laughlin took third place honors.

Benevento's first day net of 64 easily outpaced the field with Lambert finishing second with a 67. Mike Laughlin (68) was third and Larry Rambaud (70) won a card-off with Bob Wyrick (70) for fourth.

Benevento finished out of the money on day two as Lambert (69) won first low net. Other day two low net winners were Marilyn Watson (70), Mike Laughlin (71), Jim Brock (71) and Dick Watson (71).

Closest to the flagstick winners on day one were Mervin James and Don Hutton. Marilyn Watson and Larry Rambaud were the long drive winners.

Day two closest to the flagstick winners were Gary Paden and Lambert. Benevento won the men's long drive and Anne Johnson and Renee Jorgensen shared the women's honor.

We enjoyed one of the largest turnouts in recent MBGFR history with 34 golfers competing. Over 50 people enjoyed our Saturday evening dinner at the La Quinta home of Jim and Susan Brock.

Weather for the two day event was perfect--minimal wind and temperatures in the high 70s.

Mark the Martin Luther King holiday weekend on your calendar for next year's desert two day event!

Thanks to Tom and Janice McKinney and Jim and Susan Brock for hosting this event.

Geary Engles received a special award for his outstanding play at the desert two day tournament. Congratulations, Geary!

Baker & Scott Prevail In Finale



Bill Baker and Fred Scott were the Finale Two Day overall winners.

Bill Baker and Fred Scott combined for a two day total of 115 to win the MBGFR Finale tournament on the Monterey Peninsula.

Although Baker and Scott won the overall, much of the tournament drama focused on Mike Laughlin's Trotter Cup title defense. Laughlin trailed Bob Wyrick coming into the Finale but a late withdrawal by Wyrick and outstanding play by Laughlin sent the Trotter Cup home with Laughlin for the second straight year. In Friday play, Laughlin's 74 (68) took both low gross and low net honors and he followed that up with a second low gross round on Saturday for the title.

Laughlin and partner Yutaka Uyeda took second overall with a 119.

On Friday at Old Del Monte, Laughlin and Uyeda won the team with a net 59 and Baker and Scott were second with 61. Steve Horvath and Baker also teamed up for third with a 62. Laughlin won both closest to the pin competitions.

On Saturday at Laguna Seca, low net team went to Baker and Scott with a 54, second to Vic Johnson and Matt Bosworth, 59, and third to Tom McKinney and Jim Pescatore, 60. Closest to the pins went to Baker, Johnson, Scott and Laughlin.

Terry and Paula Trotter once again hosted a party on Friday evening at their Pebble Beach home. Food was provided by the chef and staff of the Pacheco Club and a great time was had by all!

Mike Laughlin and Yutaka Uyeda took second place overall.

Paula and Terry Trotter again hosted a party at their home.

Kenn Freel aka: Marty Hackle Fashion Guru.

Another MBGFR year comes to a close......................






Bob Wyrick and Mike Laughlin were the Central Coast winners.

Laughlin & Wyrick Capture Central Coast

Mike Laughlin took low gross and Bob Wyrick came in with low net honors as the pair continued their battle for the 2008 Trotter Cup at November's Central Coast tournament.

Only nine players participated in Friday's round at Monarch Dunes. They played as threesomes with one best ball on the par 3s, two best balls on the par 4s and three best balls on the par 5s. The team of Laughlin, Phil Hornburg and Greg Hardcastle finished first.

On Saturday at Cypress Ridge, 11 players competed. Behind Wyrick for low net were Jim Pescatore, Tom Wright and Janice McKinney. Second low gross was Steve Carnes and Tom McKinney was third.

The group enjoyed dinner Friday evening at Jocko's Steakhouse in Nipomo. Great food at reasonable prices!

Thanks to Bob Wyrick for hosting our November event.

Group Dinner at Jocko's Steakhouse.

Wyrick & Lehong Clean Up At Hunter Ranch

Clay Lehong, a guest of Geary Engles, took home low net honors at Hunter Ranch.

Clay Lehong's net 66 and Bob Wyrick's gross 78 took home the money at our October tournament at Hunter Ranch. Wyrick also won second low net with a 69 as well as winning the special two man team competition with blind draw partner Larry Rambaud. The pair combined for a 140 net. Third low net was Jim Quinn (70) and Tom McKinney and Rambaud tied for second low gross. Wyrick also took home a closest to the flagstick prize. The other closest to the flagstick money went to Rick Huckabay, a guest of Mike Laughlin.
Although rain was predicted, the sixteen participants saw showers midway through their round but then the skies cleared and they enjoyed a perfect golfing day.
Thanks to Don Hutton for hosting this event!

 

No Canadian Gold For MBGFR Members

The Peggy's Cove lighthouse in Nova Scotia.

The MBGFR contingent came away empty handed from the joint United States Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians and Canadian Golfing Fellowship of Rotarians tournament on Prince Edward Island. Even though they didn't have to worry about lugging home bulky awards, all agreed that the location and fellowship were spectacular. MBGFR participants included Dick Trotter, Steve Horvath, Mike Laughlin and Jim Brock. The three day tournament took place at the Brudenell River Resort in eastern Prince Edward Island. Competitors played two tough courses--Brudenell and Dundarave. Day One found golfers in 30 mph winds on a very wet Brudenell course. Brock picked up the only award of the tournament for the MBGFR with a closest to the flagstick honor (a 200 yard par 3 directly into the wind). The winds lightened on Day Two but temperatures dropped. On the final day of competition, the sun made an appearance and a few hardy golfers actually wore shorts.

Plans are well underway for next year's USGFR Tournament in Orlando, Florida. The event will run from Sept. 3-6 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate. The resort includes two Greg Norman courses, The National and The International. Put this event on your calendar now! Tournament organizers have secured attractive room and golf rates from the resort so this is a MUST for MBGFR golfers.

Chico's Ed Anderson was the Low Gross Champion at this year's annual tournament.

Steve Horvath and Dick Trotter discuss the first round before dinner.

Mike Laughlin and Steve Horvath enjoy the Tuesday evening lobster feed.

Dennis Jewell, one of the Orlando tournament's organizers, tells Steve Horvath about the Greg Norman courses.

Laughlin, Bloom, Scott Prevail In Truckee

Mike Laughlin and Marshall Bloom were the overall low gross and low net winners at our August Tahoe Two Day event. The pair also took low gross and low net honors at Coyote Moon on Friday.

Fred Scott and Mike Laughlin were the low net and low gross winners at Old Greenwood on Saturday.

Mike Laughlin and Marshall Bloom took home the low gross and low net honors at our August two day tournament at Truckee's Coyote Moon and Old Greenwood courses. Second low net for the two days went to Fred Scott, third to Jim Pescatore and fourth to Gary Paden.

Play began on Friday at a windy Coyote Moon. Laughlin's 81 was good enough for low gross and Bloom's 69 won low net money. Second low net went to Lenora Peterson (72), third to Jim Pescatore (73) and fourth to Laughlin (75). Closest to the flagstick money went to Anne Johnson, Bruce Huss and Rick Huckabay.

Following a great group dinner on the Old Greenwood Pavilion patio on Friday evening, the group took on Old Greenwood on Saturday morning. If the players thought Coyote Moon was tough in the wind, wait until they played Old Greenwood. Laughlin's 89 was the low gross winner! Low net went to Fred Scott (73), second to Bill Baker (79), third to Rick Huckabay (80) and fourth to Gary Paden (80). Closest to the flag winners at Old Greenwood were Gary Long and Huckabay.

Other than the wind and tough golf courses, the weather was perfect and the MBGFR fellowship phenomenal! Thanks to Gary Paden and Anne Johnson for hosting this event.

MBGFR Players Clean Up At IGFR

Dick Trotter claims is second place award in the IGFR tournament in Niagara Falls.

Big winner Jim Quinn picks up one of five first place awards at the IGFR.

 Four MBGFR golfers traveled to Niagara Falls, Canada for the 47^th IGFR tournament in June 2008. Kenn Freel, Steve Horvath, Dick Trotter and Jim Quinn did a great job representing the MBGFR. Dick Trotter was second in the Senior award contest while Kenn Freel finished in fourth place in his division. Jim Quinn was the big winner with five first place finishes (Partners better ball, Fellowship Partners, Seniors, Fellowship Gross Stableford and Fellowship Net Stableford).

The four courses played at three venues were in terrific shape and the overall program was very well executed. The venue was spectacular with a view of Horseshoe Falls from the host hotel. Everyone left pleased with the tournament and the hosts.

Next year’s program is in June at Kitzbuhl, Austria.

Horseshoe Falls from the IGFR hotel.
 

Rose, Laughlin Clean Up at Poppy Hills



Andy Rose was the low net winner at Poppy Hills. Andy's win shamed him into becoming the MBGFR's newest member. Welcome, Andy!

Andy Rose's 65 took low net honors at our June tournament at Poppy Hills. Mike Laughlin took second low net with a 73 and his gross 79 was good enough to win the low gross money. Third low net went to Chairman of the Board Dick Trotter (74) and Anne Johnson (75) won a card off over Bob Wyrick for fourth. Wyrick's 85 was good for second low gross.

Rose also picked up long drive honors and Trotter and Kenn Freel took home closest to the flagstick money.

We had 20 players and several more on the wait list for this tournament. Players endured cool and windy British Open conditions.

Thanks to Geary Engles for hosting this event!

Dick Trotter counts his money after our Poppy Hills tournament on Friday, July 18.

Goodrich Prevails at Salinas Country Club

Roger Goodrich putted his way to a net 67 for low net honors at the June MBGFR tournament at Salinas Golf & Country Club. We're not sure if that's a dark cloud or UFO hovering above Roger but he's still managing a grin!

Roger Goodrich shot a net 67 to pick up low net honors at our June tournament in Salinas. Bob Wyrick edged Tom McKinney in a card off for low gross money with an 81.

Second low net went to McKinney (71) and Larry Benevento's 72 won the card off with Wyrick and Jim Pescatore for third.

Salinas Golf & Country Club was in very good condition with the 12 players enjoying it. Word is that we'll probably return next year.

Thanks to Geary Engles for hosting this tournament.

Wyrick Wins One, Loses One at Riverbend

Host Steve Kabot congratulates Bob Wyrick for his second place net finish and first place gross finish at the May tournament at Riverbend.

Bob Wyrick (66) lost a card off to guest Odes Thompson (66) for net honors but won the gross money in a card playoff with Larry Rambaud (77) at May's tournament at Riverbend Golf Course in Madera County.

This was the second tournament in a row that Wyrick edged Rambaud although last month it was for the net money.

Not only did a guest win low net honors, but guests also finished in the third and fourth positions.

Closest to the flagstick on hole 7 was Mike Laughlin and Cheryl Airey, a guest of Steve Carnes, won on 14. Long drive honors went to yet another guest.

Thanks to Steve Kabot for organizing this event!

Wyrick Edges Rambaud At San Juan Oaks

Bob Wyrick edged Larry Rambaud in a card off to win low net honors at our April tournament at San Juan Oaks. Mike Laughlin was third. Closest to the pin honors went to Roger Goodrich and Steve Laughlin. Only nine players participated in this event and host Bill Baker went to a lot of work organizing this event. Come on, guys, support our events! Thanks to Bill Baker for hosting this tournament.
 

Goodrich Picks Up Low Net At Corral

Roger Goodrich (69) edged Janice McKinney (70) to take home the low net cash at our March venue at Corral de Tierra Country Club. Bob Wyrick (73) won a card off over Fred Scott (73) for third.
Some 31 players enjoyed a beautiful sunny day at Corral. The extremely fast greens took some of the fun out of the round and produced some high scores. Following golf, players enjoyed a FREE drink compliments of the MBGFR treasury. We had four closest to the pin winners but no one can recall just who they were! Thanks to Jim Pescatore for hosting this great day of golf.

Wyrick Takes The Stevinson Ranch Cash

Chairman of the Board Dick Trotter keeps an eye on Tournament Host Don Hutton's tabulation following play at Stevinson Ranch.

Bob Wyrick carded a smooth 46-36=82 (69) to claim low net honors at our February 9 outing at Stevinson Ranch. Tom Mckinney's 80 (70) was second and guest Galen Heatherly 82 (75) edged Mike Laughlin 80 (75) in a card-off for third. Steve Kabot and Laughlin took home the closest to the flagstick money.
Foggy weather caused a half hour delay for the 16 MBGFR players and lightning fast greens resulted in many four putts and probably some five putts.
Thank you Don Hutton for hosting this event!

Steve Kabot and Roger Goodrich await results following play at Stevinson Ranch.
 

McKinney Wins 2008 Desert Opener

Sun City resident Tom McKinney used his home course knowledge and held off charging Larry Benevento to claim the two day title at the MBGFR's season opening tournament in Palm Desert.
McKinney's net 68-70 (138) edged Benevento's 71-69 (140). Rod Coburn, playing in his first tournament in over a year, took third place with 74-69 (143) and Jim Brock was fourth, 72-72 (144).
Daily money on Saturday went to McKinney (68) and Benevento (71) edged Dick Watson (71) in a card off. Bill Rose (72) won fourth place in another card off. McKinney and Gary Paden took home the closest to the pin honors and Andy Rose and Renee Jorgensen had the long drives.
Sunday money went to Andy Rose (67), Coburn (69), Benevento (69) and McKinney (70). Closest to the pin winners were Dick Watson and Basil Perch and long drives went to Jim Pescatore and Janice McKinney.
Participants enjoyed a great change from last year's cold weather--mid to high 60s, plenty of sun and minimal winds. The group enjoyed a wonderful evening of food, fellowship and drink at Tom & Janice's Sun City home on Saturday evening.
All and all, a great start to the 2008 MBGFR season! Thanks to Tom and Janice McKinney and Jim Brock for hosting this event.

Engles & Leehong Claim Finale Title

Geary Engles and partner Clay Leehong combined for a net 62 at Carmel Valley Ranch and a net 65 at Bayonet to run away with the best ball title at the MBGFR's December Finale. Their 127 was seven strokes better than second place finishers Phil Hornburg and Steve Dwelle (134). Third place went to Jim Pescatore and Jon Swedberg (135), fourth to Terry Trotter and Al Sherman (136) and fifth place went to Steve Horvath and Bill Dalhamer (137).
With Engles and Leehong taking the first place daily money, the rest of the field battled for second place. At Carmel Valley Ranch, the Hornburg-Dwelle team (65) was second, Trotter-Sherman (66) third, Pescatore-Swedberg (67) fourth and Kenn Freel and Steve Covell (67) fifth. At Bayonet on Saturday, second went to Dick Trotter and Gary Paden (68), third to Pescatore-Swedberg (68), fourth to Hornburg-Dwelle (69) and fifth to Horvath-Dalhamer (70).
The field played the tournament in very windy and cold conditions both days. A highlight of the event was Jim Pescatore's first hole in one on Friday on Carmel Valley Ranch's 7th. Jim used a sand wedge on the 105 yard hole. Jim's hole in one was a highlight for the rest of the field since he purchased drinks in the bar following the round. The tab? $320. Congratulations Jim!

MBGFR Dominates At Horseshoe Bay

MBGFR members won three of the four divisions at the 13th annual USGFR National Tournament held Sept. 27 - Oct. 1 at Horseshoe Bay, Texas. The MBGFR was once again well represented at the tournament with 23 members and guests participating. Players suffered through demanding courses and hot and humid weather but the post-golf events more than made up for the difficult playing conditions. The Marble Falls Rotary Club hosted the event and scheduled great tours for the non golfers as well as a Texas BBQ, Mexican Fiesta, Opening Cocktail party and putting contest and the awards banquet. MBGFR winners appear below. Daily closest to the pin contests were held and MBGFR winners included Mike Laughlin, Larry Benevento, Renee Jorgensen (twice!), Terry Trotter, Dick Trotter and Kenn Freel. MBGFR members and guests attending included Larry and Erlene Benevento, Jim and Susan Brock, Fred and Karen Crummey, Bill Dalhamer, Kenn Freel and Judith Wolfe, Steve Horvath, Renee Jorgensen, Mike and Lynn Laughlin, Tom and Janice McKinney, Mark Shepard, John VanDeVeer and Karen Smith, Dick Trotter, Terry and Paula Trotter and Bob and Julie Wyrick. Next year's USGFR National Championships are scheduled for Sept. 14-17 at the Brudenell River Resort on Prince Edward Island, Canada. See additional information on The Championships page.

Additional Photos are available on the Photo Gallery page.

Mike Laughlin accepts the tournament Low Gross award.




Steve Horvath won First Place in Division One.




Bob Wyrick accepts the Division One Second Place award.
 

Kenn Freel won First Place in Division Three.




Karen Smith, a guest of Tom and Janice McKinney, accepts the First Place Award in Division Four. Karen also teamed with partner Bob Blum of Greensburg, PA to win third place in the tournament team competition.
 

Laughlin And Long Win In Reno

Gary Long and Mike Laughlin were the overall Reno low net and low gross winners.

Mike Laughlin fired rounds of 73 and 79 to claim low gross honors at our August two day tournament in Reno. Gary Long was fourth low net at Red Hawk on Friday but came back on Saturday at Lakeridge with a net 69 to claim the overall low net money.
Tom McKinney took second low gross money and Steve Horvath was second low net. Gary Paden was third.
Friday winners included Horvath, second low gross, McKinney (65) low net, Paden, second low net and third place went to Fred Scott. Closest to the pin honors on Friday went to McKinney and Laughlin.
On Saturday, Horvath again picked up second low gross honors. Second low net went to Paden, third to McKinney and fourth to Larry Rambaud. Laughlin was again closest to the pin and Anne Johnson took closest to the pin money on Lakeridge's signature 15th hole (and she made the putt!)
The group enjoyed cocktails hosted by Tom McKinney and Gary Paden and then a group dinner at The Nugget on Friday evening. The 16 players enjoyed warm weather and clear skies for the event although the wind picked up on Saturday at Lakeridge and scores went up accordingly!
Thanks to Anne Johnson and Gary Paden for hosting this event!