Back row left to right: Bill Webster, Jim Hardwick, Mark Hojnacki, Ken Steinke (Pro), John Aronson, Dick Stanley, Peter Backer and Matt Kambic; front row: George Govier, Fred Schneider, Bob Eder, Dennis Marchand and Grant Farquhar. Not shown: Bruce Fink, Mick Borm and Jon Michels
Bob Edelblut
On the second and third of September the MPMGA and the SMGA battled for the right of ownership of the 2015 Ryder Cup. Each Men’s Club fielded a sixteen man team consisting of fifteen low handicap players and one professional for the two day competition. Our event followed a traditional Ryder Cup format. On day one at The SaddleBrooke Golf Club two man teams were formed who played a best ball nine hole match and an alternate shot nine hole match. On day two at The Preserve Golf Club all participants played an eighteen hole individual match.
Now for the good news! The MPMGA defeated the SMGA by a score of 17 1/2 to 14 1/2. On day one the score was 8 1/2 to 7 1/2 and on day two the score was 9 to 7. Both were in favor of the MPMGA. The narrow margin of our victory truly describes how close the competition was. Leading by one point after day one the MPMGA needed to score a total of 16 1/2 points to win the trophy. We won or tied nine of the sixteen matches on day two and not one was decided until the last hole. Unbelievable! To all our players we send a thank you for bringing the win streak of the SMGA to an end. To the following we offer a little extra praise for individual jobs well done. First, to Matt Kambic of the MPMGA and JR Salladay of the SMGA who each earned three points in the overall competition. Second, to Bob Eder, Peter Backer, Matt Kambic, Mick Borm, Bill Webster, Dick Stanley, Dennis Marchand, Mark Hojnacki and John Aronson who helped to secure our victory on day two. Congratulations again to all. By the way, Ken Steinke, many thanks for your continued support also.
The MPMGA was host for the tournament this year and lunch was enjoyed by all on the patio of the Preserve Restaurant after the conclusion of play. To all the food and beverage persons who made this day perfect we offer our thanks. It is safe to say that the passing of the trophy from Gus Pachis, Special Event Chairman of the SMGA, to Bob Eder, Captain and Special Event Chairman of the MPMGA, was the highlight of the luncheon. Again, thanks to all who worked so hard to make this year’s Ryder Cup so perfect.