Happy Holidays from the Staff at SVCC

EMPLOYING "TURTLE GOLF" SIMPSON QUIETLY DEFENDS HIS INVITATIONAL TITLE

Gary Simpson silenced the doubters who speculated he would go winless in 2007 by winning Sunday’s 2007 SVCC Invitational. After coming up empty earlier this year at the Interclub Championship, the Steeplechase, and the Tick open, the Groundskeeper found victory and the Fawkirk Trophy waiting for him on Champion’s Bridge at the SVCC.














The day was beautiful for mid November and the 10 person field was filled with past champions. Defending Invitational champ Simpson, current Fawkirk Trophy holder Zander Oldendorp, BCC Cup holder Bill Auld, 06 Steeplechase champ Derek Schulz, and past Tick Open champ Mike Rosenberg were all there.

Rober’ Auld returned from the European circuit to make his claim along with “Superstar” John Zimnoch, Pete “the Eagle” Johnson, and newcomer Jimmy Lawson. Tony D’anna, fresh off a senior tour event at Pebble Beach arrived late but was quickly on the course to make his mark. TD’s tardiness was all but forgotten when he introduced his dad Gerry who acted as his caddy and also provided words of encouragement to all those who competed this day. Thanks Gerry!































As the groups entered the stroke play round BCC Groundskeeper Simpson noted, “The pressure level is really elevated with the stroke play format. Every shot matters to everyone and we are not used to that in these tourneys.” And the fireworks started quickly on the first hole as the field feared that another “Madison Rookie” might prove troublesome. Jim Lawson refusing to take relief from the fence proceeded to sink a 40’ birdie chip to go 1 under. Not many other birdies were had in the first foursome that included Zander, Rober’, Mike and Jim. Zander would post the low score of the group with 1 birdie and 2 bogies for a 1 over 28.

The second group of Bill, Derek, G, JZ, and Pete where able to put up better scores than their group 1 counterparts. Bill led the group matching the course record with a 1 under 26 and Simpson finished right behind with even par 27. Derek posted a respectable 29.














So with the stroke play first round over the players convened at the Clubhouse anxious to see where they were to be seeded in the match play round. They were greeted with all the comfort foods of home when the SVCC staff of Karen and Barbara provided all with soups, sandwiches and hot mulled cider to help take the chill out of the crisp November air.

Ok-I’m full -back to Championship golf-what are the matches?

1 Bill Auld v 10 Jim Lawson
2 Gary Simpson v 9 Pete “The Eagle” Johnson
3 Zander Oldendorp v 8 Mike Rosenberg
4 Derek Schulz v 7 John Zimnoch
5 Rober’ Auld v 6 Tony D’anna

Match one was over early as the Coach beat the Captain when Bill dispatched Jimmy 5 and 4. At least they had time to revisit the clubhouse fare and grab belt at the bar.

The drama would begin in earnest in match 2. Defending Invt. champ Gary Simpson faced fellow BCC member Pete “the Eagle” Johnson. Simpson was heavily favored, but as they say “that’s why you play the games”. And after Johnson posted back to back birdies on #5 & #6 he found himself even with Simpson with 3 to play. Having aced #7 before in tournament play, “the Eagle” muttered to himself “I can win this thing-can I win this thing?” “But as quickly as Johnson rose, he fell and Simpson quietly closed him out winning #7 and #8 with pars. After the match Johnson lamented “I was this close!”














The match of the day was next when Mike Rosenberg saw an opportunity to enact some revenge by taking on Zander, with whom he was tied going into the last hole of the 07 Steeplechase. Rosenberg lost the championship on that day and many have felt that he has not been the same golfer since. The duo traded shots the entire round and Zander’s “miracle par” from the wooded rough on #4 was promptly dubbed “the shot of the tournament” and literally knocked Rosenberg to the ground as the hole was halved. How could Rosenberg compete with shots like that?

Well #7 would provide the canvas for Mike to answer that question himself. A dreadful tee shot left Rosenberg in the middle, and I mean the middle, of a blue spruce and questioning his ability to hold onto his 1up lead. The other contestants were seen shaking their heads. “Just take a drop, Mike. Please-you have no chance” said one. “He has no backswing-what’s he thinking” said another. The words of “this is a big mistake” were still floating in the air when Rosenberg ignited the crowd with a birdie chip that eclipsed any seen on this course before.














That put Mike 2 up with 2 to play and as they walked to #8 Zander stated “I don’t think 9 holes will be enough today.” He was right! With wins on #8 and #9 extra holes were needed to decide this epic match. Going back to #9 proved to be the second chance Mike needed and he advanced to the finals on the first extra hole. A match for the ages!

That left the 4/7 match of Derek and JZ and the 5/6 match of Rober’ and Tony to fill out the field for the finals. Both matches were characterized by big leads and comebacks as Derek went down 3 to JZ but managed to win 5 holes in a row to beat the stunned underdog.














Old friends TD and Rober’ fought courageously and birdies were need to win the first three holes. But when Rober’ bogied #5 Tony was 2 up and in position to punch his ticket to the finals. But Rober’ didn’t bring his prized fedora to go home that quick and forged ahead with wins and #6 and #7 to bring the match all square going into #8. Ultimately TD bounced back and closed out the match winning #8 with par halving the ninth to win 1 up.














So with the sun setting and the temperature dropping, the finalists of Bill, Gary, Mike, Derek and Tony set out to see whose name would be the next to be etched on the Fawkirk. When the entire group got a point on #1, the gallery knew they were going to be watching a battle. Impressively 3 were able to birdie #2 and Bill, Gary and Derek went 1 up on Mike and TD. Continuing on many holes were halved and Rosenberg had the only outright win on #6. Bill went scoreless on holes 5-8 while TD and Mike couldn’t muster much more and all had faded out of contention.



















As the field approached #9 it suddenly became apparent that an old familiar face was again in position to take another title. Quietly, an adjective never before used to describe him, “the Groundskeeper” stood poised to reclaim his place in the winners circle. Derek down 1 was the only one now who could catch Big G. But without a notable highlight on the day, barely beating the 9 seed in match play, Simpson halved his eighth hole of the day at #9 and won the 2007 Invitational Championship at the SVCC!!

“Slow and steady-Turtle Golf” was my mantra today” said Simpson after the win, “Slow and steady.” And when all was said and done Simpson had defended his Invitational title, got his name on the Fawkirk trophy for the 4th time and with uncharacteristic calm silenced his critics who said the pack had caught up with him.

And as Steeplechase champion Zander Oldendorp presented Simpson the Fawkirk Trophy on Champion’s Bridge and he put on the Plaid Jacket, the rest of the tour golfers were asking a question they had hoped they might never need to ask again.

“How we gonna stop Simpson?”

SVCC Announces Date For 2007 Invitational

The Steeple View Country Club has announced that the date for the 2007 Invitational golf tournament shall be held on November 11th.

This tournament is unique in that it forgoes the Simpson Modified scoring system for the first two rounds. Constestants play a stroke play preliminary round to make the top ten and establish their seeding in the Match Play second round. The 5 winners from each match will then play the final round using the familiar Simpson Modified scoring system.

Tickets are availble in advance from the SVCC box office or available at the door.

Victory Tastes Sweet For SVCC Captain

The captain of the SVCC, Bill Auld, finally tasted championship victory at last Sunday's Bernardsville CC sponsored "Tick Open". The BCC Groundskeeper Gary Simpson remarked "Billy Jo no longer holds the title of best player to have not won a championship!"

When asked about his victory Auld said "Some may say it's only backyard golf, but I won’t soon forget the roar of the crowd and the raised arms of the other players! That's great-everyone's rooting for each other." Adding that finally drinking from the BCC Cup "was not too shabby either."

The BCC put on another class event with her usual charm, as it welcomed back open championship golf after a 1year hiatus. The course-as always challenging and beautiful- and the day-pristine.

All constestants and spectators left anxiously awaiting their return to these hallowed grounds of golf.

For a full writeup of the event please visit http://bcc-groundskeeeper.blogspot.com/

SVCC Membership Seeks BCC Cup at Saturday's BCC Tick Open

The SVCC membership has its sights set on the BCC Cup given out by the BCC each year to the winner of the Tick Open. Members scheduled to vie for the championship are Bill Auld, Rober' Auld, Tony D'anna and Derek Schulz.

The Rivalry between the two clubs has really started to come to a boil. This As evidenced by SVCC member TD who stated he went into the Steeplechase expecting the friendly camaraderie that he has become accustomed to all these years. "What I found was really quite different and in the finals I felt like Derek Jeter coming to the plate at Fenway. All that was missing was someone throwing a beer on me.” said D'anna.

With regards to D'anna's much publicized "chin music" in the Steeplechase Finals, spectator Barbara Cicero noted that "Mr. D'anna really sent a message -almost like a warning shot across the bow of the BCC gallery".

“If that’s the game they want, then that’s the game they will get”, said D’Anna. “Going to the BCC for the Tick will be a homecoming of sorts for us. The last time we left there it was as Interclub champions. Other than the SVCC, I don’t think we’re more comfortable on any other course.”

This proves the SVCC-BCC rivalry has reached new heights. It should provide for some interesting fireworks at this Saturday's Tick Open .

Another Great EWG Day at SVCC

The Executive Women's Golf Association had their second annual "Nine and Wine" event at the SVCC on Tuesday September 4th. The Greenskeeper showed the way on the #1 Tee and then sent the EWG group of Penny, Bev, Judy, Jan, Laurie, and Marcie off in search of birdies. Much revelry could be heard from the clubhouse as the group attacked the course with their usual enthusiam.


By the time Sharon arrived for the post round festivities the Steeple View C.C. had itself a new Ladies Course Record, as Bev posted an impressive 34 to take the honors on this day. Marcie posted a somewhat higher score but still took home some hardware given out by our host Penny.

The Staff at the SVCC would like to thank all those who participated in the 2nd EWG Day at the Steeple View Country Club. Hope to see you in '08.

Rookie Oldendorp Wins 2007 Steeplechase!!

The SVCC course seemed to be in fine shape even tho its Greenskeeper was in the hospital for hornet stings a mere 15hrs earlier while preparing the course. A few new holes and different layout welcomed those who started to arrive at the clubhouse. Setting up to be a vintage day just like the wine brought by Casa del Bombardero proprietor Tony D’anna. A special Chilean Malbec with a Steeplechase label. Thanks Anthony!! The weather-not so great but that was not going to stop the 13 contestants from going after the prized Fawkirk Trophy.

The players-Bill Auld the Greenskeeper of course, the two past Steeplechase champions in Derek Schulz and Gary Simpson, SVCC members Rober’ Auld and Tony D’anna, the BCC contingent of Jeff Dreitlien, Pete “The Eagle (foreshadow alert) Johnson, and Mike Rosenberg, UDGA members Tommy and Adam Lapinski, #20 Bobby Calvano and the new guys-the rookies from Madison Alfredo D’addio and Zander Oldendorp. What a field!!

Group 1 started with Defending Steeplechase champion Derek Schulz all but guaranteeing his place in the finals after the first round with an almost unheard of 13 points, leaving Rober’ to comment “He was rolling in birdie after birdie. He just gave us no chance”

History would say that Group 2 would surely be led by 2005 Steeplechase Champion and BCC Groundskeeper Gary Simpson. But wait, that blur that just past was none other than Mike Rosenberg. With 10 points Rosenberg let Simpson and Tommy know he wasn’t passing the puck on this day. Impressive!

Group 3 saw Tony D and the rookie Oldendorp battle it out each winning three holes outright and tying the other 3 to give them first round totals of 9pts. Bobby Calvano thought he had a beautiful birdie on hole 6 for 2 points but found out from the rules committee that in fact mulligans given for hitting the poolhouse are not actually allowed in tournament play.

Then Group 4 had what looked like another BCC member making a buzz. Dreitlein led after 4 holes with 4points. Another rookie D’addio got rooked with many shots bouncing in and out of the hoop. Then with Adam posting 5 points before it was over the Greenskeeper Bill new that to make the finals he had to put up some points of his own and finished strong to lead the group with 8pts.

After some food in the clubhouse provided by the SVCC staff-sausage and peppers, hoagies, chicken, tomatoes and mozerralla, and did somebody say blueberry pie (maybe later), the groups were ready for round 2. With a slight drizzle the next round started with a powerhouse threesome all needing points to make it to the finals-Tony, Rober’ and Gary. Tony proved triumphant leading the group with 8 to Rober’s 6. Would Simpson’s birdie on #9 and 5points be enough for the Groundskeeper? The next group saw Zander and, look at this, young Adam battling each other with 8pts. But by far the highlight of this threesome was Pete “the Eagle” Johnson’s hoop in one on the #1 handicap hole #7 “the Pheasant”. I guess he has the right nickname. Mike Rosenberg put himself into the finals by winning his group with 9 points and a two round total of 19. Madison rookie Alfredo saved some face and posted 5 points in the round. The final group of the preliminary rounds had Schulz and the Greenskeeper Bill, Bob and Tom. Certainly Schulz could not keep up the pace. Well actually he did, matching his first round 13 for a staggering total of 26pts. Bill went to the final three holes with 10 points all while knowing Adam had at least 13. Bill needed points and a chance on 7 for 1 of them rolled out back of the hoop by one revolution. One point on eight helped so birdie was needed on 9. Adam’s dad Tommy helped the youngster by tying Bill with par. Just like that it was over for the Greenskeeper.

So as the rain fell the finals were set. Ok let’s do the math- Defending Champ Schulz-well of course with 26points-has to be a record. Mike Rosenberg in second place with 19 points and TD with 17 had battled in some finals before so not entirely unexpected. But what’s this- the rookie Zander and the youngster Adam make the finals! Well played. Ok that’s 1,2,3,4,5. Where is Simpson? Where’s our host? Alas, the two course owners were left only to watch and caddy their respective membership on this final round.

Early on in the round you could feel the friendly rivalry between the SVCC and the BCC. The gallery was more active than in the past tournaments. None of those who failed to qualify left the course. SVCC’s D’anna scores first with birdie on #1. BCC’s Rosenberg splits #2 with Zander with birdie. Rosenberg again birdie on #3 for 2points. Wow! Where’s Derek-here he is birdie on #5. Game on my friends!! Adam splits on #7 with Mike and Zander while Tony sends some chin music to the BCC gallery. Can you believe it all 5 combatants still have a chance with 2 holes remaining! Derek stays pace with Zander by parring # 8 setting up the drama on #9 “Bullfrog”.

Mike and Zander with 5 each. Derek one back with 4. Tony needs outright win with his 3 points and now Adam can only play the spoiler.
Tee shots- Zander way off behind Champion’s bridge-uh oh.
Adam missed left.
Mike and Derek ok and hey much better than Zander.
Tony on the green below the hole-just how they teach it.

Zander’s 2nd gets close-uh oh! Mike and Adam not so good.
The table is set for Tony to tie things up. His birdie attempt looks good but goes long.
Derek in for par needs Zander to miss his par chip for his chance to defend.
But not today-The Rookie Zander Oldendorp hits the center of the hoop and finishes with 6 points the title of 2007 Steeplechase Champion and the right to have his name etched on the historic Fawkirk Trophy. Congratulations!!!

Many thanks to the golfers and spectators who attended the tournament and made it an “event”.

-the SVCC staff
Bill, Karen, Barbara and Penny.

SVCC Announces 2007 Steeplechase To Be Held Sunday August 19th

SVCC WINS INAGURAL "INTERCLUB CHAMPIONSHIP"!!

THE SVCC beat THE BCC 10-6 to win the inagural "INTERCLUB CHAMPIONSHIP" and the beautiful "QUANTUS CERTAMINUS" trophy.

Many thanks to the BCC for putting on this historic tournament and showcasing its picturesque course in the rolling hills of Bernardsville. "A first class event put on by a first class country club" said Derek Schulz of the SVCC.

Things did not look well for The SVCC as it went down 4-0 after the first two pairs matches. Behind the dominating play of Jeff Dreitlein, he and his partner Gary Simpson of the BCC beat the SVCC's Billy Jo Auld and Derek Schulz 3 and 1. Then the BCC's Mike Rosenberg and Pete "the Eagle" Johnson dispatched of the SVCC's Rober' Auld and Tony D'anna 3 and 2.

So that meant that 5 of the remaining 12 points were all that were needed by the BCC to keep the "QC" trophy home in the BCC clubhouse.

The break must have done the SVCC well and they regrouped to take the next two pairs matches and even the score at 4 apiece. B.Auld and Schulz beat Simpson and Dreitlein in the alternate shot 1up and R.Auld and D'anna beat Rosenberg and the Eagle 2 and 1.

All even then to start the singles matches and things were looking promising for the BCC as Simpson defeated Billy Jo 4 and 3. But the SVCC swept the last three matches to take the trophy and the title of "Interclub Champion". D'anna took Rosenberg 3 and 2, Schulz got ahead of the Eagle and won 5 and 3 and Rober' dispatched the first round hero Dreitlein 5 and 3.

When asked what it means to win this event in its inagural year SVCC captain Billy Jo said "Well it means alot to the SVCC. The BCC is such an established club and we look to emulate their success. This is the first step towards that. The BCC, they had a formidable lineup, and I am proud of my guys. We will cherish this victory and we are proud to be able to take it home to our membership."

So the manifesto set out by the BCC Groundskeeper to"Have Fun" was accomplished with good golf, good sportmanship and above all good comraderie.

BCC-we'll see you in '08 at the SVCC!!

SVCC ANNOUNCES LINUEP FOR 2007 INTERCLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

Rivals

Tony's turn with FAWKIRK

Views from SVCC

Aerial View

Deep Rough

First ever Hoop-in-ones. The same pairing on the same hole. #3- "the Hawk". Derek & JZ

Hole #1-"the Fox"

Hole # 6 "the Buck"

2006 INVITATIONAL

06 Invitational Commerative Poster

The Field

2006 Invitational Champion- Gary Simpson

2006 Steeplechase

2006 Steeplechase Champion- Derek Schulz

2005 Steeplechase

Final Scorecard

2005 Steeplechase Commerative Poster
The Field

2005 Steeplechase Champion-Gary Simpson