VGC Minutes: Villages Golf Committee Documents
Villager Articles
Pinseekers October 14, 2022,
By: Jim White
On October 14th, starting just before 8:00 AM, twenty-one Pinseekers teed off from tee number one. Patrick McMordie took top honors with a net score of even par 36; good for four championship points and $4.00 in sweeps points. A lot of equity this week as three players tied for second at net one over par 37. Jim White, Lee Thompson, and Doug Canepa each raked in three championship points and $3.00 sweeps dollars. Third place at a net two over par 38 was Jim Keane earning two championship points and $2.00 in sweeps. In a crowded battle for the final place on the leaders’ podium, four players scored a net 40, four over par. They each earned one championship point and $1.00 in sweeps. The low putt winner, in a tie breaker is Doug Canepa with 17 Putts, giving him the “Wooden Putter” until he is dethroned.
November is quickly approaching; a reminder to all Pinseekers that we will not be contesting sweeps on November 11th and on November 25th. Your board members are working on special play formats for those two weeks. Information about these events will be coming to you soon.
More wisdom from Lee Trevino. “Golf is a game invented by the same people who think music comes out of a bagpipe.”
Pinseekers October 7, 2022,
By: Jim White
Fall is coming to the Villages. At least it’s trying to get here. Forecast for the coming week has the afternoons with temperatures staying in the mid-eighties through at least October 14th and possibly longer. No worry, unlike our fellow East Cost and Midwestern golfaholics, our golf season runs for the entire 12 months every year.
October 7th welcomed 18 Pinseekers to starting at Hole Number 10. Don Lee nearly “lapped the field” with a net 32, four under par, good for four Championship points and $4.00 in sweeps. In second, at even par 36, earning 3 championship points and $3.00 in sweeps was Tom Carson. Third place was grabbed by Martin Hoek with a one over par 37 and 2 Championship points with #2.00 Sweeps. Wrapping up the “victory stand” grouping was a five-way tie with Dick Henderson, Will Ector, Patrick McMordie, Larry Milligan and Jim Keane, each earning one championship point and $1.00 sweeps.
Wrapping up today with more wisdom from Arnold Palmer; “Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. It satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and, it is without a doubt, the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” Thank you, Arnie.
Pinseekers September 23, 2022,
By: Jim White
September 23rd another glorious day in The Villages. This was our week for starting on tee number 10 and playing the first three holes directly into the Sun. Makes it tough to follow you shot off the tee, but it is good to have three partners who will gladly help you know where your ball decided to fly.
We had twenty-one Pinseekers playing this day. The low net score was recorded by Patrick McMordie, posting a net 33, gaining 4 Champion Points and earning $4.00 in sweeps. Second place was earned by Jim Keane gaining 3points and $3.00 in sweeps with a Net 35; David Hathaway grabbed the third spot with a Net Par 36, this gets David $2.00 in sweeps and 2 Champion Points. Rounding out the top of our leader board was a tie with Frank Garcia and Martin Hoek both men earned $1.00 in Sweeps and 1 Champion Point.
For the putting contest we had a three-way tie with 15 putts. The Master of the Wooden Putter, Jack Bindon, is on vacation and I have decided to refer our tie breaker to him for deep consideration.
A correction to the September 16th Putting Contest. We announce the winners, David Hathaway and Don Minami with 16 putts tied and David was declared the winner after a tie breaker. A further review found that Richard Schroeder had an amazing fourteen putt day and is the winner of the wooden putter for September 16th.
A parting comment from Fuzzy Zoeller: “A lot of amateurs are terrified of going up against a player who is clearly better than they are. They never play their best because they aren’t comfortable. There’s one surefire way to get over that, and it’s to ask yourself, ‘what if I beat him?’ Imagine the possibility.”
Pinseekers September 9, 2022,
By: Jim White
“Golf is a game of inches; the most important are the six inches between your ears.” Arnold Palmer
Busy Friday for the Pinseekers on September 9. Our first two members hit from the 10th tee box at 7:45 followed by the rest of our group every 9 minutes until 9:30. This week saw 19 players compete for the weekly prize of $4.00 in sweeps cash for low handicap score and another competition for the “wooden putter” earned for the lowest cumulative putts for the day.
After a week of days so hot that one could barely walk from the house to the car without breaking a sweat, Friday’s weather was slightly cooler, not reaching the century mark until after we had all turned in our scorecards.
The low net score for this week was posted by Martin Hoek, with a net 35 strokes, good for 4 Championship Points, and $4.00 in sweeps credit at the Pro Shop. 2nd place was Don Lee, posting a net 36, earning 3 points and $3.00 in sweeps. At net 1 over par 37, Ron Speer gained 2 points and $2.00 sweeps. Coming in fourth place, a 3-way tie, with Doug Canepa, Mike Filarski, and Leighton Horio each posting a Net 3 over par 39; this earned each of them 1 point and $1.00 sweeps.
After coming off the course we headed to Montgomery Center for a Burger and Hot Dog Party. Great thanks to Mike Filarski who served as our grill master and several members, along with President Lee Thompson’s wife, “She’s not a golfer,” Pam, who worked on the set up and cleanup for our event. We had 21 Pinseekers and another 15 spouses and guests for an excellent turnout of 36. Good food, good drinks, good people, and a fantastic experience. All the members introduced themselves and their guests to the group. Amazingly, there were a significant number of members who had or would soon be in celebration of 60 years of marriage. Congratulations to those significant others who tolerate a golfer as a spouse. See the picture of our assembled members, spouses, and friends.
Pinseekers 2022 BBQ, – Members, Spouses, and Friends
Pinseekers September 2, 2022
By: Jim White
Friday morning, September 2nd was a terrific day to play golf. Twenty Pinseekers joined other Villagers in an eight am, shotgun start. Nice cool marine layer stretching from the east foothills back across Silicon Valley keeping the starting temperature at a cool, yet comfortable level. Bye the time we had all finished our third hole, many of the players had removed their light jackets or sweatshirts, and it was another very warm day for the remaining six holes.
As we started and finished on three separate tees, the executive board decided that it would not be fair to use this day’s scores for yearend championship points or for our weekly and monthly putting contest. Just go out, hit the ball, and have a good time.
Today, September 9th, is the “Annual” Pinseekers BBQ following the last foursome turning in their scorecards to the Pro Shop. This is an opportunity to relax with our fellow Pinseekers and our significant others to talk about golf and get to know each other on a more personal level.
I’m constantly remembering a TV ad from several years ago where the husband says, “I may not play golf very well…” and his wife says, smiling, “That’s right, dear, you don’t play golf very well.” The husband continues, “…but I want to keep playing golf, not very well, for a long, long time.”
The above, I believe, is reflective of a quote from the Dali Lama; “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”
Pinseekers August 26, 2022,
In August 26, Twenty Pinseekers teed headed off from the 10th tee. It was another glorious day for golf with the morning fog disappearing by the time our final group hit their first shot.
Unlike the other the previous weeks, only one player beat net par. Larry Chin, with a net score of 34 and a gross of 45. Larry earned 4 Championship points and $4.00 sweeps, in second was last week’s champion, Patrick McMordie, with a net 37, good for 3 points and $3.00 In 3rd place was Jim White with a net 38, pulling in 2 points and 2 sweeps points. Finishing out the leaderboard was a six-way tie for 4th place, each carding a score of net 39; for their efforts, David Hathaway, Martin Hoek, Leighton Horio, Jim Keane, Don Lee, and John Mueller each receive 1 championship point and $1.00 sweeps. The low putt score for this week was Dick Schroeder with thirteen putts.
Our August Putting winner, cumulative low putts for the four weeks, is a tie with John Mueller and Jack Bindon (see Picture,) having a total of 64 putts; that’s only 16 putts per week. John and Jack will each receive a bottle of wine from the Pinseekers. Congratulations to both of you for your putting skills consistency.
As we have completed our first two months of the 2022-2023 season, the top of the Championship Points standings is led by Patrick McMordie, with 16 points, Martin Hoek, 15 pts, Jack Bindon and Don Lee each with 11 points.
A reminder to all Pinseekers. Our Annual BBQ is scheduled for Friday, September 9th at noon. We will be using the Montgomery Center Meeting room and Grilling area. All Pinseekers are invited to bring your wife or significant other. If you are willing to help with the grilling, the food prep, or the clean-up, this President, Lee Thompson. This is an opportunity to socialize with our entire group, not just those who play in your foursome each week. Burgers, hot dogs, sides and beverages will be provided.
A couple of closing comments from Tiger Woods:
“If you hit a bad shot, you have to get over it, right there and then, so you can get focused on the next one.” And, “If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at.”
Pinseekers August 19, 2022
By: Jim White
Twenty-one Pinseekers teed off on August 19. Another glorious morning in this place we are so fortunate to call home. At the end of the day, our sharpshooter and creator of the weekly putting contest, Jack Bindon received the wooden putter for his fourteen putts including one “zero putt” scoring a birdie from 101 yards out. Nice strike, Jack.
When the dust had cleared, and all scorecards were submitted to the Pro Shop our leaderboard was topped by Patrick McMordie with a 3 under par net 33 earning 4 points and $4.00 sweeps. Also, under par, tied for second with net 35, were Mike Filarski and Doug Canepa; Mike and Doug each earned 3 points and $3.00 sweeps. Another two-way tie, for third at net 37 was Leighton Horio and Don Lee. Each earning 2 Championship points and $2 sweeps. Rounding out the top of the leaderboard was a three-way tie with Jack Bindon, Lee Thompson, and Ron Speer. Their fourth-place tie earned each of them 1 point and $!.00.
We are always looking for men who would like to join a group but don’t have the time or energy to play in eighteen-hole mini tournaments on a regular basis. We play nine holes every Friday morning; April to November starting at 8:00 AM and December through March first foursome goes off at noon. Go to our website at www.pinseekers.vgcc.club. At the home page top menu, click on JOIN, and complete the membership application. An alternative is to ask at the Pro Shop desk or contact one of our club officers for a printed form to complete by hand.
Finally, a word of wisdom from Gary Player, winner of nine majors, to all of us who chase a little ball around a big green meadow: “The more you practice, the luckier you get.”
Pinseekers August 19, 2022, Villager
By: Jim White
August 12th, saw twenty Pinseekers tee off from hole number 10. This time of year, the first three holes of the back nine play right into the morning sun. Some of us struggle to follow the ball flight. Fortunately, every foursome has at least one person who can still track the shots, even into the morning sun. With twenty players, eight finished “in the money:” Tied for first with a net score of 34, Leighton Horio and Lee Thompson, each earned 4 Champion points and $4.00 in sweeps; alone, in second place at net 35 was Don Lee, with 3 Champion points and $3.00 in sweeps; tied for third was Patrick McMordie and Martin Hoek, both carded net par, 36 and received 2 Champion points and $2.00 in Sweeps; squeezing into a very crowded victory stand found three players tied for fourth, John Mueller, Mike Falarski, and Tom Carson, earning 1 Champion point and $1.00 sweeps each. This week’s putting champion was Jim White with 15 putts, no 3 putts for Jim.
Omitted from last week’s report was that Jack Bindon had scored Net 36, par, for three consecutive weeks. Sadly, that streak, as all streaks, unless you’re Joey Chestnut, San Jose’s hot dog eating World Champion, has come to an end. Don’t be too sure that Jack won’t soon be chasing another streak
After the last putt on the 18th hole and all scorecards were given to the pro shop, the Pinseekers Board of Directors met to discuss the club calendar for the remainder of 2022 and for 2023 Also discussed was the need to verify our membership for referral to the VGCC management to allow for the confirming of our right to be a Club and to set the automatic annual dues collection for members. Also decided, effective 8/12/2022 for the rest of 2022, new members fees will be $12.50, reverting to $25.00 on January 1, 2023. Reinstatement of prior members will remain at $25.00.
To conduct our membership confirmation, Vice President, Ron Speer, will be contacting each of our rostered members to verify your continued interest to being a part of the Pinseekers. Never forget, the most important rule in our group; quoting Tomas Hertel of the Sharks Hockey Club, “Must Have Fun, always.”
Your board is also considering social activities for the current Fiscal Year: We have set September 9th as a tentative date for a Pinseekers “Cook Out” for members and significant others. Board members will be contacting you very soon to invite you and to confirm your desire to attend. Over the remaining months of this season, we will have six days of “no sweeps.” We are considering having “special” playing conditions on some or all of those dates, such as playing from the 2/3 combination tees, or playing twosome or foursome best ball with teams made by balancing the different handicaps. Let your board members know how you feel about some alternate playing formats. Finally, we are exploring a return of the mixer we had earlier this year with the Swingers and reviving the mixer with the Ironmen. If you have any other ideas, please share them with any Lee, Ron, Jack, Dick, or Jim, and we will see what we can create.
Pinseekers August 12, 2022, Villager
By: Jim White
August 5th, we had 19 of our 20 tee slots reserved, unfortunately, two of our members had to withdraw at the last moment due to unexpected circumstances. With only 17 players teeing off a good day was, as always, had by all.
Back on top, for the second time in 5 weeks was Martin Hoek. Martin earned four championship points and $4.00 in sweeps. In a three-way tie for second place, we had Jack Bindon, Jim Keane, and Lee Thompson, each of these players gained three championship points and $3.00 in sweeps. Third place was claimed by last years champion, Don Lee, raking in two points and $2.00 sweeps. In the fourth position was Chuck Benjamin winning one champion point and $1.00 in sweeps. For icing on the cake the putting contest winner with 15 putts was Richard Schroeder. To all of you, well done. The rest of us are going to be clamoring to reach that victory stand next Friday.
As we slowly creep up in age, we sometimes forget that the best way to improve our game, or even maintain our game is to practice. I remember a story I first heard when I was in my twenties about Arnold Palmer on the putting green between rounds of a tournament. He was hitting putt after putt from three to five feet, over and over. A fan approached and asked, “Mr. Palmer, why does a man like you continue to hit so many short puts on the practice green?” Arnie looked up, smiled, and said, “How do you think a man like me gets to be a man like me?” and he went back to his practicing. We’ll never be Arnie, but we can always keep looking for that one, two or three stroke improvement in our game. Reducing our puts is a good start.
Winner Results for Friday August 6, 2022
| Net Score | Points | Sweep $$ | ||
| 1st | Martin Hoek | 35 | 4 | 4.00 |
| 2nd T | Jack Bindon | 36 | 3 | 3.00 |
| 2nd T | Jim Keane | 36 | 3 | 3.00 |
| 2nd T | Lee Thompson | 36 | 3 | 3.00 |
| 3rd | Don Lee | 37 | 2 | 2.00 |
| 4th | Chuck Benjamin | 38 | 1 | 1.00 |
Note: Jack Bindon has carded a Net 36 (par) for three consecutive weeks
August 6, 2022, Villager
By: Jim White
July 29th was another glorious morning in this Paradise known as The Villages Golf and Country Club. Eighteen members started at tee number 10 under a comfortably warm and sunny weather. By days end, the top of the leader board was claimed by Patrick McMordie with a net 31 good for 4 championship points and $4.00 in sweeps winnings. Runner up was claimed by Chuck Benjamin using only 13 putts enroute to a net 35, two points and $2.00 sweeps. Jack Bindon, shooting a net 36 grabbed third place, 2 champion points and $2.00 in sweeps. In fourth spot for the day, Martin Hoek carded a net 37, earning 1 point and $1.00 for sweeps. As July ended and we move into August, Our Year to date Club Champion points leaders are: Martin Hoek with 8 points, Jack Bindon and Patrick McMordie with 7 points and Ron Speer with 5 points.
July had only three “mini tournaments.” The month concluded with a tie between Jack Bindon and Chuck Benjamin for cumulative least putts at 53. The tie was resolved by declaring Chuck the top putter due to his amazing 13 putts on the 29th.
Off the course, President Lee Thompson reports that the revisions and amendments to our “Playing Rules” have been approved by unanimous vote of the members. You should see the new rules posted on our website. On the home page pull down the “Play Golf” tab and click on the “Rules of Play.” Local (VGCC) rules of golf are on the same “pull down tab” then click on “VGCC Local Rules.”
Treasurer, Jack Bindon reports that our expected budget for the rest of the current year is comprised of anticipated receipts of $975.00 and expenses of $1075.00. This $100 shortfall can be easily remedied by recruitment of just four new members in addition to the four that Jack is anticipating. Let’s go gentlemen, tell your friends about a great way to meet new friends and have a terrific time at this paradise we call home.
Finally, words of wisdom from an unknown LPGA golfer in a mixer round. “Are we playing by men’s rules today, or do we count every putt?”
Keep it in the short grass and have fun!
July 1, 2022
By: Jim White
We’re Back!! Following last Friday’s day off from golf, the Pinseekers returned the course for our weekly nine-hole mini tournament. The morning temperature, when our first groups teed up, was in the high fifties. The overcast soon lifted and, when our last foursome came off the 18th green, the temperature had risen to a quite comfortable 80 degrees. A reminder to all, on days when we do not have sweeps cards printed by James, in the pro shop, we need to remember to print our name clearly on the card, sign the card, and have a playing partner “attest” to your score.
July 1st began a new year for the Pinseekers. Let the ball fly and we’ll see who becomes our Club Champion at the end of June, 2023. Sixteen Pinseekers teed up on hole ten. As the sand settled, and the last ball dropped in the cup we saw our first week results: Doug Canepa with a net 35, good for 4 championship points, emerged as the leader; close behind with a net 36 tie, each earning 3 points, were Tom Carson and Evan Marks. In a third-place tie, Patrick McMordie and Don Minami with net 37, good for 2 points each. Finally, in a day loaded with tie scores, Jack Bindon and Richard Henderson each posted a net 39 tying for fourth and 1 point each. Our putting winner for this week is Will Ector; Will’s 15 putts earned custody of the Wooden Putter Trophy until next week’s winner takes possession. Good job Will.
July 8th, we play our regular foursomes from tee number three with first tee time at 7:54.
On Friday, July 15th we will not play, stepping aside for the 54th Annual Evergreen Invitational. Regular play will resume on July 22nd.
Just a parting thought, a couple of board members had a chat during the last week regarding days that we are not playing due to a tournament. How many members would be interested in travel to a reasonably inexpensive golf course in the Silicon Valley or even as far as Monterey or Livermore. Many courses have excellent Senior and/or veteran discounts that would allow for a day of fellowship while experiencing a new golf venue. If you’re interested talk with Jim White, Ron Speer, or Lee Thompson. Currently not a plan, but a thought to broaden our golfing camaraderie. As we said in the Air Force, “let’s run it up the flagpole and see if anybody salutes.”
6-24-2022
By Jim White
The Women’s 18 Hole Association Invitational Tournament has filled the course with Flamingos and other tropical delights, it was, for sure, an Island Festival. As a result, no golf for Pinseekers on Friday, June 24th.
On Wednesday, June 22nd the Pinseekers held their annual meeting and luncheon ` enjoyed their meals paid for by the Pinseekers treasury. Secretary, Jack Bindon, gave his final report, as did outgoing treasurer, John Mueller. A new Board of Directors was elected: President, Lee Thompson; Vice President, Ron Speer; Secretary, Jim White; Treasurer, Jack Bindon; Event Chair, Dick Frey. We also welcomed eight new members who have joined since June, 2021.
The outgoing Board of Directors: Mario Silva, President; Leighton Horio, Vice President; John Mueller, Treasurer; Jack Bindon, Secretary; and Events Chair, Dick Frey were warmly thanked for their leadership.
Our 2021-2022 “Club Champion” plaque was awarded to Don Lee. He also received a golf bag donated by Larry Chin. Don won the “low putt trophy” and a bottle of Livermore Valley Red Wine for the least number of putts in the month of June. Member Larry Chin donated a second golf bag to be awarded to the winner of one of our future events. A big thank you, Larry, for your generosity.
Friday, July 1st. we return to regular play starting at 7:54; as of “deadline” we still have five of our 20 tee time allocation unfilled.
One final reminder, golfers add the most strokes to their gross score when they are inside 100 yards. “Drive for Show, Putt for Dough!”
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March 19, 2021
By Jack Bindon
How do you spell WIMP? The weather gods frowned on us this last Friday. It wasn’t supposed to rain… but it did. As a result the group I was in packed it in after 6 holes since it didn’t look like it was going to get any better and the rain was pretty steady and chilly. That’s the bad news. There were 10 of us signed up and accordingly, though our group posted no scores for not finishing/picking up, the “event” was officially payable for real $s. The hardy souls that did finish and winning those real $s are:
First place with a nice net 34 was Don Lee winning 10 points.
Second place with a net 36 was Richard Petroski winning 8 points.
Third place with a net 41 was Lee Thompson, winning 6 points.
Let’s hope this next Friday will show some improvement since will officially be in SPRING.. The condition of the greens after punching and sanding will result in the automatic two putt rule. This means that if your ball IS ON THE PUTTING SURFACE, try the putt. If unsuccessful pick up the ball and record one more putt for your final score. Also, clean the sand from your ball before trying that putt because the sand will affect your putt in a bad way. Remember to place your ball in an “un-punched” surface if it has come to rest in a punch hole.
March 12, 2021
By Jack Bindon
Once again the weather gods have smiled on us last Friday. It warmed up just in time for us to play, maybe a little bundled up but still the warm day of the week. Also, we had 12 players on the course so John, our treasurer will be hitting the bank at the end of the month for every winning pay off. Speaking of winners, we had only three this week…. No ties. The winners are:
First place goes to Richard Petroski for his net 34, worth 10 points.
Second place we have Don Lee for his net 35 worth 8 points.
Third place goes to Lee Thompson for his net 37 and 6 points.
Remember, each winner is also awarded $s equal to the points they won.
After consulting our head pro regarding the max allowable score on any hole he indicated it was up to each club to set their own standard. I next checked with our Club President and found that PINSEEKERS have historically set the limit to double the par score on each hole. This means a max of 6 on par 3s and 10 on par 5s. If you pick up your ball on any hole be sure to mark an X along side that score, highlighting the fact that the ball was picked up. This limitation has been followed to speed up play. It does open the issue whether any player that picked up his ball at the max score is eligible for prize placement. This will be discussed by the club board to evaluate fairness in our weekly competition.
Adjustments will also need to be made when scores are posted in the GHIN system.
March 5, 2021
By Jack Bindon
Good weather and more good news. We had 11 players on the 5th so the treasurer will be bankrolling some of us again this week. Our winners are:
First place, John Mueller with a net 34 worth 10 points and $10.
Second place Jack Bindon with a net 35 for 8 points and $8.
Third place we have a 3 way tie between Bob Iacopi, Leighton Horio and Martin Hoek, all with net 38, for $6 each.
As I promised I have the current point totals through the 5th of March.
Drum roll…. First place by a good margin is Tak Okabe with 104 points.
In second place we have Richard Petroski with 76 points and a very close third place we have Leighton Horio with 74 points. Mario Silva, our President, has indicated we will be running totals through the first of June, ending our season at that point. If this changes I will let everyone know.
February 26, 2021
By Jack Bindon
The weather Gods are still shining on us, so no rain and some sunshine. We had 11 players on Friday, the 26th so there will be another hit on the treasury. We had some ties again this week.
First place we had a tie between Richard Petroski and Don Lee, both with net 34.
Second place we had another tie between Lee Thompson and Leighton Horio, both with net 35.
Third place went to Martin Hoek with a net 36.
I always wait until Sunday to prepare the article for the Villager to allow everyone to get their scores to me. This avoids having to make corrections and perhaps a second missile to Kory, our patient editor. The total $ earned during February amounted to $130.00. W-2s will be in the mail soon.
February 19, 2021
By Jack Bindon
The semi-Sun still seems to be shining on Friday…. No rain. We had 11 players show up and finish their 9 holes, this time on the back nine. We had some good scores and some bad scores, as always. We will only talk about the good scores. For the first time in my recollection Martin Hoek came out on top. Here is the summary:
First place, Martin Hoek with a net 35. Good going Martin.
Second place, we had a three-way tie between Mike McNitt, Leighton Horio and Don Lee, all with net 37.
Third place goes to Tak Okabe who shot a net 38.
All net scores were calculated using current 9 hole handicaps. I will bring the Championship point totals up to date in a global email to everyone later. Since we had 11 players all winners will be awarded $s for their winning effort.
February 12, 2021
By Jack Bindon
The sun finally showed itself late in the round but it was soon enough for some good scores. My first day back, I wasn’t one of them. It’s hard to come back from a triple bogie on the first hole.
Our weekly winners with some very fine scores were:
First place. Leighton Horio with an excellent net 32.
Second place, DAVID COOK was close behind with a net 34.
Third place, don LEE finished with a very good net 35.
I’m finding the weather here to be a drastic change from the desert. I felt like I was dressing to go ice fishing. That’s my excuse for a not so good start but, hopefully, I’ll get acclimated. The new strict protocol for 3-somes is going to be a challenge in registration each week. I understand this is being dictated by the County so don’t throw rocks at the staff. I’m sure they are as frustrated as we are… but somehow the message needs to get to the County to ease up. We have been advocating a rotation of players together so we get to know each other better. This sign up procedure goes in the face of that. We have some work to do!
February 5, 2021
By Jack Bindon
The weather Gods have been smiling on us lately and it is bringing out some of us who were in hibernation. We had 15 players on the 5th so some real money is in the offing. Our week’s winners are:
First place, John Mueller with a net 34 by himself.
Second place, we have a tie between Frank Garcia, Don Lee, and Martin Hoek, all with net 36.
Third place goes to Leighton Horio for his net 38.
Not sure how long this fair weather will last but I hope for a while since I will be back with you soon.
September 25, 2020
By Jack Bindon
The weather Gods are still shining on us, so no rain and some sunshine. We had 11 players on Friday, the 26th so there will be another hit on the treasury. We had some ties again this week.
First place we had a tie between Richard Petroski and Don Lee, both with net 34.
Second place we had another tie between Lee Thompson and Leighton Horio, both with net 35.
Third place went to Martin Hoek with a net 36.
I always wait until Sunday to prepare the article for the Villager to allow everyone to get their scores to me. This avoids having to make corrections and perhaps a second missile to Kory, our patient editor. The total $ earned during February amounted to $130.00. W-2s will be in the mail soon.
Calling all PINSEEKERS! We need to get at least 8 or 10 players to sign up with the pro shop for an informal “tournament”. Scott has indicated that if we can get that many to play he will set aside 2 tee times for us on a Tuesday morning event. Soooooo, now is your chance to get in the swing of things and play with other members of the choir. Mostly for bragging rights but that is better than nothing, which is what we are looking at right now. This will get the ball rolling for what we might put together in the near future.
WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!!!!
September 17, 2020
By Jack Bindon
The topic this week is SLOW PLAY. If you have succeeded in getting a Tuesday AM tee time for 9 holes you need to be aware that you are probably sandwiched between a couple ladies groups possibly more than one. THEY PLAY fast! We need to do the same. There were several complaints that we were playing too slow today from the groups behind us. The solution to this is: PLAY READY GOLF! This means that if there is open space ahead of you with no danger of hitting into someone, go ahead and play your shot. Don’t wait for the person who is “away” to play their ball. The second thing is if you have finished the hole, move on to the next tee box and don’t stand around waiting for that last person to finish. This holds everyone up and it is not being rude. If we can’t maintain a good pace of play we may encounter some restricted play.
August 14, 2020
By Jack Bindon
OK, how many of you have heard “Oh Man, I barely touched that Ball”. Followed by “STOOOOOP!”. Yes, me too. That after an easy looking downhill putt of 4’ that missed, followed by a 7’ putt coming back. The greens are speeding up guys and I noticed this morning as I headed toward the clubhouse at 6:30 AM, they are rolling them. The moral to this story is, try to stay below the hole on your approach shot. The greens are still a little soft so they will hold a shot, but try to make that shot finish below the hole.
One more time with emphasis, practice those 4’ and 5’ downhill puts each day before you start your round. Get the feel for the green’s speed. If you are able to master that your day will go much better.
August 7, 2020
By Jack Bindon
The good weather is holding so no excuses guys! It appears that we can’t get early tee times on Tuesday morning more than a week ahead. Since we all are unable to play as a group, I’m not sure why the Tuesday morning tee times are “blocked” off. Go into The Villages Chelsea and you will see what I mean. Sooner or later things should open up for our weekly competition so keep practicing. Last week I made a case for managing your way around the course with a little planning. That “Yardage Guide” is still available in the pro shop so …….. if you have a spare $9 laying around, (left over from your Poker winnings), invest in the best deal in town and study it. There is more information than you really need at this point but all of the green data, grid # for the day, slope of the putting surface and sand trap location will be of great assistance. AND, just a suggestion, practice, practice and more practice. Soon we will be in completion so be ready, (putting green, chipping greens with a little “beach” time in the bunkers). This not to say that the driving range isn’t helpful as well for alignment and club “calibration”.
July 31, 2020
By Jack Bindon
Today’s article is all about planning your shots. If you have been watching golf on TV you will have seen the player and his cady discussing where to place the shots, what club to use to get there using what I would guess is a pin sheet. Do you know that the Villages has one of those? We call it a Yardage Book. The one I have was published in 2013 and cost 8 dollars. It is full of useful information such as the slope of the greens, pin locations along with the hole layout. Each green diagram has a grid layout out and each zone is numbered. To break the “code” all you need to do is observe the pin position number that is posted on the first and 10th tees. That number will tell you where the flag is located on each green for that day. The rest is up to you in making the final shot to the green. If each member of the choir has one of these booklets you already know all of this stuff. The amount of information is more than needed at this point so concentrate on the green layout, it’s slope and pin position. All of our greens are very flat but everyone is sloped to some degree. If you don’t have one of these yardage guides check with the Pro Shop, it may still be available and a good investment.
I’m reminded of an item of golf lore about Ben Hogan. He was playing in a major tournament at Pebble Beach. The wind was blowing a gale and most players were hitting short irons on that par three (#7), most in the water or into unplayable lies. He stepped up to the tee and hit his shot using his putter. It went down the hill, rolled into the front bunker, followed by a great sand shot near the pin and walked off with a par. The game is all about how many not how you get there.
We all hope the “real competition” will start sometime in the future so practice as often as you can and augment that with play on the short nine course. It is GREAT practice for that short game.
12 March 2020
A new star is rising in the Pinseekers Men’s Long Nine golf group. Tuesday March 3rd–another beautiful day in the high 70s–found Bob Iacopi in the money for the fourth time in the last six weeks with a very nice net 33, trailing only Dick Frey who had a GREAT net 31! Right behind in third place with net 34s were David Cook, Mike Falarski and Roy Wash. Finishing out the top four slots were Don Lee and Captain Hook with net 35s. Congratulations to all!
By Tim Short
8 March 2020
How ’bout that weather! On a beautiful spring-like day (74 degrees), six Pinseekers made it into the top four sweeps slots. Captain Hook continued his winning ways, finishing in first place with a net 33. Bob Iacopi was in second at net 35, with Frank Garcia and Ron Speer tying for third at net 36. We had another tie for fourth place with Gus Warmerdam and Mario Silva turning in net 37s.
Congratulations to all!
By Tim Short
27 February 2020
Tuesday 2/18 was a special day for Pinseekers as we held the first mixer of the year with our Ironmen (short nine) friends and neighbors. From all reports, it was a great success.
Pinseekers winners were led by Greg Stewart in first place at net 32, followed by Mike Falarski and Bob Iacopi with net 34s. Captain Hook and Leighton Horio tied for third at net 35, with Frank Garcia finishing fourth at net 36.
Our Ironmen guests were led by Victor Hong at net 21, Al Bruno at net 26 and Charlie Wilson at net 31. Wow! Congratulations to all!
By Tim Short
19 December 2019:
The days may getting colder, but the competition for the big $ in the Pinseekers Men’s Long Nine sweeps is really heating up. Tuesday 12/10 saw 8 players tightly bunched in the top 4 slots, led by Lee Leonard’s net 33. Leighton Horio and Greg Stewart were close behind at net 34, then Don Lee at 36, followed by Roy Wash, Lawrence Chin, Martin Hoek and Frank Garcia in a 4-way tie at 37. Congratulations to all!
By Tim Short
28 November 2019:
“Lots of winners in the Pinseekers men’s long 9 sweeps on Tuesday 11/19. The parade was led by Tak Okabe, Bob Iacopi and Frank Garcia in first place with net 35s. Lawrence Chin was 2nd at 36, Richard Petrosky 3rd at 37, with four players–Roy Wash, Martin Hoek, John Eige and Gus Warmerdam–finishing 4th at 38. Congratulations to all!
By Tim Short
Villages Golf Committee:
VGCC Minutes
November 2018 GCC Report to VGC