the BCC Cup Back in Groundskeeper's Hands

The Groundskeeper, Gary Simpson, wrestled back ownership of his club's trophy the BCC cup, from SVCC captain, Bill Auld who had held it for nearly a year.

"I had my time with the BCC cup and it looked nice on the clubhouse mantle of the SVCC, but Gary earned it back today for his club. Well deserved." said Auld.

Derek "the Hitman" Schulz did his best to keep the trophy in the SVCC family but fell just short taking second.

And the year of Backyard Golf has concluded. What wil '09 have in store?


For a full Tick open writeup visit-
http://bcc-groundskeeper.blogspot.com/

SVCC Members to go Tick Hunting

Several SVCC members will be headed off to the hills of the Bernardsville Country Club on October 26th for this year's final major- "The Tick Open". SVCC Captain, Bill Auld says although he is the defending champion he feels there are plenty of members within his own club that are "playing much better than I am right now. I wouldn't be surprised if one of our guys will take the crown."

Some say it could be Tony D'anna. After working hard on his game all season TD has taken the month off to rest up for The Tick. "It's time" is all he had to offer as he shied away from the media blitz that always builds up for an event such as this.

With a gritty determination that has served him well on the professional tour, "Invitational" runner up, Robert Auld, stated he is "more focused than ever for the task at hand", adding "at this stage of my career I feel I am running out of opportunities to land a major."

The BCC members will certainly be poised to bring the trophy back to their club and most analysts feel that the winner will come from the BCC. Backyard Golf Digest staff writer Hack McDugan says "It's hard to bet against Gary Simpson, coming off a 'Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach' performance at last month's 'Invitational'. If its not him safe money would be on one of the many talented home course players."

But everyone wants a shot at the year's last major and perhaps a dark horse from one of the various other clubs will sneak in and stake a claim.

That's why the play the game! See you on October 26th.

BLOWOUT!!!!

One word can describe the 2008 SVCC Invitational golf tournament held on September 21st 2008. That word is “Blowout”. Gary Simpson, always a favorite to win any backyard golf tournament, was literally unstoppable. Before the day would end Simpson would have set a new course record, recorded a first ever Finals Round hoop in one and own the FAWKIRK trophy for an extraordinary 6th time.














9 other combatants would take the charge of battling Simpson, whose name has been etched on the FAWKIRK 5 previous times. Bill Auld, still in possession of the BCC cup, would battle. Rober’ Auld thought he may have the game and the garb to take control. BCC members can always be dangerous and we had 4 on this day-Simpson of course, Jeff “no nicknames please” Drietlein, Mike “the Reverend” Rosenberg, Esq., and Pete “the Eagle” Johnson. Tony D’anna now corporately sponsored by Praxinet brought gifts and a low handicap to the fray. Former FAWKIRK winner Derek Schulz had reinforcements - bringing along his brother Troy who was quickly titled the “Darkhorse”. And finally backyard golf saw the return of “Superstar” Johnny Z to the championship golf arena.




















The Invitational offers an alternative format to the normal backyard golf scoring system. Round One would be stroke play to determine Round Two match play pairings. The winner of the Round Two matches would face off in a Finals Round that would use the customary Simpson Modified Scoring System.
















Simpson would make his mark early. Real early! He actually showed up to the course 1 hour before it opened as opposed to his customary one hour after it was supposed to start. The early practice and yardage quantifying done by the BCC captain paid off early as he shattered the course record in Round 1 by scoring a 5 under 22. Derek and Tony came in to the clubhouse with even par 27’s followed by the Aulds-Bill at 29 and Rober’ at 30. Troy and Pete would be next with 32’s followed by Jeff’s 33, Mikes 35 and JZ’s 36.



















The 2 v 9 Round 2 match of Derek and Mike, familiar combatants on the SVCC grounds proved to be the tightest of the day. It all came down to #9 after Mike evened up the match with par on 8. The two were close after the tee shot and extra holes was a safe bet at this point. Mike's shot-pretty close. Derek's shot-chip-up-and in for a 2 and just like that Mike was done.



















Although he would win 2 and 1, Tony D’anna had his hands full with Jeff “no nicknames please” Dreitlien in the 3 v 8 match. Jeff quickly pounced on TD’s bogey on #1 to go 1 up. It was not until #5 “The Chipmunk” that TD would take a lead. But the best shot ever seen at the SVCC, to this point (foreshadow alert), would take place on #7 as Jeff tried to extend the match.

In a place familiar to great shots by BCC members-most notably The Eagle’s hoop in one at the ’07 Steeplechase and Mike Rosenberg’s “Blue Spruce Miracle” from last year’s Invitational-#7 “the Pheasant” would again see a shot unlike any other. Jeff Dreitlien would ignite a roar from the gallery that some say is still echoing in the hills of Hunterdon County. Needing to win the hole, Mr. Dreitlein, from within the Blue spruce, positioned his back towards the hole and proceed to strike the ball with a decending backhand stroke that landed in the heart of the hoop. The shot already is known within the vernacular of sport simply as “The Backhand”.

But TD, ever the fighter, was able to gain his composure and closed out the match with birdie on #8.
















Rober’ would also make the finals in a SVCC-BCC matchup and 2 up win vs Pete “the Eagle”. Rober’ managed to be on top in the end when it counted in the see-saw battle that had almost as many holes won with bogey as with birdie.

Billy Jo and the Big G rounded out the final’s field. Troy had trouble getting his long game down to the size of the SVCC course and fell to Bill 4 and 2. Johnny Z showed some rust but also faced a hot Simpson and he also fell 4 and 2.














So the Finals were set. Simpson, Auld, Auld, Derek and TD. And again Simpson started early. A birdie on #1 “Barn Swallow” was not what the rest of the field wanted to see. Others had a chance to halve the whole with him but Rober’s shot would not stay and TD landed a bit short.

The rest of the finalists knew to have any chance they could not let Simpson win the next hole and go up 4 points after 2 holes. Someone had to step up.

And remember that foreshadow alert about the best shot ever seen at the SVCC. Well here it is.

And someone did step up, unfortunately for the rest of field that someone was Simpson. Having honors the Big G teed up first on the downhill 95 yard second hole “the Buck”. With an easy swing of his wedge Simpson launched his shot in the air and when it came down the splash of the sand and the thumbs up from the gallery effectively signaled the end of the tournament after only 2 holes played. Simpson would later say, “I kinda knew I had that shot”.





















Deflated, but valiant in their efforts, the remaining golfers tried to match the feat to halve the hole. Incredibly TD and Bill tries came within 3 feet of the task. But as close as they were to the hoop they were equally as close to being eliminated. Simpson had just gone up 4 points with 3 shots after 2 holes.

Rober and Derek continued to fight but could only halve the next 3 holes-2 of them also shared with G. A birdie at 6 and another at 7 finished the Blowout of 2008. I dare say never before has a championship backyard golf event been finished with 2 holes still to play.


The day was a magical one for Mr. Simpson. And as the sun set, and the champagne was popped and the Plaid Jacket was presented along with the fabled FAWKIRK trophy to Simpson- the SVCC had one more trick up its sleeve. Seeing a majestic balloon floating peacefully overhead the SVCC staff of Karen and Barbara saw an opportunity to end the day with the pageantry it so deserved. They convinced the pilot of the aeronautical marvel, the size of which nearly approached that of Gary's now inflated head, to land gracefully on the hallowed grounds of the SVCC providing a peacefully sublime and colorful end to a great golf tournament.















And never one to miss an opportunity to make that moment his own- Simpson of course hammed it up for the camera!

WHO WILL HAVE WHAT IT TAKES ON SUNDAY?

2008 Invitational to be Competed on Sept 21st

The Steeple View C.C. announces that the 2008 Invitational Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday September 21st.

Ode to a Simpson, or Haven't I Heard This One Before?

August 20, 2008.
Steeple View CC


The period of mourning was over. The SVCC captain was finally ready to be interviewed about the 2008 Steeplechase. As I sat down with him he related the stories of that day, July 20th 2008, and his continued wait to have his name etched on his own trophy.

The following is a paraphrased version of that conversation:


It was hot, the pool was cool and the 4th Steeplechase Championship was smokin’!!!















All 3 former champions were in the field- 05’ Champ Simpson, ’06 Champ Schulz and ’07 Champ Zander. The rest of the field? It representation was as impressive as it was diverse.

Pennsylvania lent its favorite son Vic Shine to the hills of SVCC.















UDGA poster boy Tom Lapinski was there.

The BCC contingent of Dreitlein and the Eagle? . . .check! No Rosenberg?? hmmm.















The Capt Billy Jo. Lurking, hoping for an engravers submission this year.

And a first. A corporate sponsored duo from Celgene Corp. Greg Russotti and Alfredo D’addio.














Finally- with fire in their eyes-Rober’ Auld and Tony D-both recently named in Backyard Golf Digest's-best players to have never won a major.

12 contestants.
Only one can be champion.

Three groups of 4 would start off the first round of play. Each past Steeplechase champion would get the honor of leading a group and thus be separated in the first round.

Group One saw the defending champion Zander Oldendorp go against the BCC’s eagle of choice, Pete and the Dynamic Doctor Duo of “Doctor Tom” and Greg “the Doctor” Russotti. The gallery whispered as the group left the first tee box that Zander should dominate his group. Russotti was still considered a rookie, Doctor Tom had never made a final and “the Eagle” usually reserves his greatness for individual holes that could further enhance his “hoop-in-one” master status.

But that’s why the play the game and the Z-man would have his hands full. The Dynamic Doctor Duo would take the first three holes. Z did manage birdie on 4 but the buzz around the course was Doctor Tom’s 9 points in the first group. Z was a distant second with 4 points, barely ahead of Greg’s 3 and Pete’s 2.

Group 2 had ’06 champ Derek Schulz with Rober’, Vic Shine and Alfredo D’addio. “Uncle” Vic, intending to leave his mark on the SVCC in his first tournament started par/birdie and the leader after 2. Alfredo, ever the competitor, needed just 7 holes to recover from the night before, recording 2 pts with pars on 8&9. Rober’ himself needed a few holes to get started scoring in 4 of the final 6 to finish with 5pts. But Derek led the group with his usual solid play- pointing on 6,7,8&9 to lead the group with 8 points.

Group 3 led by the Groundskeeper-Gary Simpson was a tough one on paper. Joining G was 2 time defending BCC Cup holder Bill, SVCC low handicapper Tony D, and “King” Jeffery the “8th” Dreitlein. And the group was-dare I say-en fuego!! 7 birdies out of the nine holes played (much to the chagrin of TD who parred 8 holes). Bill nearly assured a final berth early on with 8 points in the first 5 holes. Gary-slow to start-gained ground with 7 points in the last 5. Jeff true to his new nickname, birdied the 8th for his 2 points. And somehow TD’s 1 point on #1 was all he could muster as his ticket on the par train could not keep up with the birdie express.

But before round 2 on to the clubhouse we go. And according to Derek “the hospitality was impeccable. Thanks Karen and Barb.” The pool was also a favorite spot, with many contestants taking a swim to cool down their core temp on this smoking hot day.















Round Two, somewhat unremarkable in its par display, was still interesting as players scrambled to claim a spot in the final. Bill topped his 8pt first round with 10 in the second. Rober’ and Gary checked their ticket to the final group each with impressive 9pt second rounds. Derek ever consistent on his home course scored 8pts matching his first round score and Tom proved it was no fluke with 6pts and an entrance pass to his first final round grouping. That meant defending “Chase” champ was gone as well as TD, who had his high hopes melted in the hot July sun.

And as is the custom, back to Karen and Barb and the Clubhouse. Food, water, water, and more water . . . and probably a rum and coke. (hindsight tells me, the SVCC captain should ban rum and coke-that troublesome elixir!!) Many thanks to those who donated to the memorial fund for Pop in the 50/50 to benefit Pancreatic Cancer research!! Well done boys.

















Many of the eliminated competitors were quickly off to the pool and perhaps a dip would have been the better choice for three of our finalists. Bill, Rober’ and Tom would never get going in the final and combined for 4 points. Combined I say.

And as a deflated Bill ran to the engraver to steal any of the available letters he had that spelled Simpson, Gary and Derek would battle in what would become an epic 2 man race.

Each hole in the final was either won or tied by one of these 2 combatants. 5 birdies won holes-as it should be in the finals.
Both men started strong-tied with 4 points apiece after 4 holes. Then Simpson went Birdie/Birdie on 5 and 6, tightening the screws on Derek with 3 to play. But Derek never one to give up, especially at “the Chase”, birdies #7 and halves #8.


















So it’s down to 2 players, 1 hole- (right here?) with Rober’, Tom, and Bill having been mathematically eliminated after #6 (and to be truthful, really much earlier than that). All eyes were on the two past champions.

Derek down 1 had the honors. Smack!! Long and right.

Then Gary. Smack!! Short and left.

Advantage-who knows??

Derek shot #2. Flop shot . . .gutsy . . . and look its headed right in to . . .no thru the hoop and beyond.

Gary shot #2. Now needs only par to win.
Tension? Maybe.

And then again maybe not!!! 2 inches from the hoop!!!! And the subsequent tap-in sealed the victory.

Simpson wins his second Steeplechase and his 5th major victory at the SVCC!!!!

Congratulations you son of a . . .!! Till next time.



































In a related story-the official SVCC engraver confirmed that he is out of P’s and is unable to inscribe Simpson, so by rule, the course architect’s name goes on the FAWKIRK instead.

I wonder who that may be???

SVCC Announces The '08 Steeplechase to be Held July 20th

The FAWKIRK trophy is up for grabs once again.
Who will answer the call on July 20th?

SVCC/ BCC Duel in Tightly Played Interclub

The drama and pageantry that is the Interclub Championships was as evident as was the teal blue sky dotted with white cotton clouds that provided the backdrop to the day’s event. Yes the SVCC and the BCC met again to engage in friendly battle for the second year in a row in a quest for the coveted Quantus Certanimus.


The tournament, some have called the “Backyard Brawl”, is more of a celebration of what the world of backyard golf has become. “To be able to compete with the founders and the club that started it all is an opportunity most athletes will never experience. Imagine playing a game of hoops with James Naismith. That’s what it’s like when we compete with the BCC” said SVCC captain, Bill Auld. The backyard golf tour did in fact start in 1995 in the hills of the Bernardsville C.C. when the Groundskeeper, Gary Simpson, offered a chance to win the now retired “Troy” Trophy. And with the emergence of the SVCC in 2003 the tour schedule expanded to include as many as 7 sanctioned events including the 4 majors.

But in recent years the personification of what backyard golf has become is the Interclub Championships. The brainchild of the Groundskeeper and the Captain, the Interclub is the opportunity to play for the team as opposed to seeking personal glory. It has proven to be the example of sportsmanship and comeraderie to the world of sport. And with each club exchanging with the other the very turf they play on with the hopes that it will literally grow a tangible connection, the Interclub has also been the opportunity to display the rich ceremony of backyard golf.

The arrival of the contestants indicated the games were about to begin. The SVCC, holders of the Quantus Certanimus, were to be represented by capt Bill Auld, Rober’ Auld, Tony “TD” D’anna and Derek Schulz. The BCC rostered was comprised of Gary the “Groundskeeper” Simpson, Mike Rosenberg, Jeff Dreitlein and Pete “the Eagle” Johnson. And the drama started even before the first shot was hit. The BCC Groundskeeper took his time to counter the lineup presented by the SVCC. “I had a definite strategy. I wanted to stay close and strike in the singles matches” said the Groundskeeper.















After the selection process was over the cow bell signified the start of play. The Best Ball round was first and the BCC countered the SVCC pair of Rober’ and Derek with Gary and Jeff. The second group saw SVCC team of Bill and Tony squaring off against Mike and Pete. And the BCC started quick, winning 2 of the first three holes. Derek and Rober’ fought them off halving the next five but fell 2 and 1. The first two points of the day went to the BCC.

Bill and Tony sought to even the score for the SVCC. Birdie on #1 put them 1up. #2 looked like a lock for the SVCC when Bill scored an apparent hoop in one. But it was not to be –just outside upon further review and Pete managed to get his own birdie to halve the whole. Solid play by the SVCC team in the remainder of the round allowed them to indeed get the win and bring the score even at 2 heading into Round 2 Alternate shot pairs matches.

Building on their momentum, Bill and Derek paired up for the SVCC and were able to knock off Jeff and Pete of the BCC. Derek’s hoop-in-one, the second of his career in tournament play, on #5 made it hard for the BCC to get back into the match and they subsequently lost 3 and 2.


That left Gary and Mike needing the victory to give the BCC the tie the groundskeeper needed if his plan was to take effect. And they did not disappoint their membership, managing to pull off a gutsy 2 and 1 victory. The match was even after five holes. A par on #6 put BCC up 1 and both squads bogied the difficult #7. Tee shots on #8 favored the BCC but Tony put his team in contention with a nice approach just a few feet short of the hoop. The BCC was in with three as Rober’ lined up his shot. And as backyard golf has proven, no shot is a gimme. A tuft of grass held up the shot giving the BCC their 2 points and the tie going into the Singles round. SVCC captain consoled a distraught Rober’ by saying “Even though you didn’t come up with the win, you took on Simpson in both rounds. That was big for us-we are even and have a chance at this thing.”

On to the singles matches!! “The singles round proved to be the most difficult” the Groundskeeper would say regarding setting up his matches. He eventually countered Derek with Pete in the first match, pitted Mike and Rober’ in the second, took on Bill himself in the third and left Jeff to fend off Tony in the final match.














Derek was able to defeat Pete “the Eagle” 5 and 3 with a steady dose of pars after an opening birdie. With SVCC now up 2 points it was on to Mike and Rober’ in match 2. And Rober’ again hit a buzz saw losing 4 and 3 as Mike birdied four of the six holes played. A well played match by Rosenberg-one many will not soon forget. But would it be enough?














With the tournament again tied, this time at 6 points a piece. Simpson’s plan was working. Even if Jeff were to lose to the SVCC’s low handicapper Tony, all Gary would have to do is beat SVCC captain Bill to extend the tournament to a Captain's select overtime match.

Tony and Jeff grinded out their singles match with nary a birdie between them. Jeff managed bogie on #4 and it was enough to bring the match in range-down one with 5 to play. Tony knew what the match meant to the SVCC and was able to shut the door quicker than Jeff had opened it winning #5 & #6 while pushing #7 for the 3 and 2 win.














Although the outcome of Tony/Jeff was not final until #7 Gary had to play as if Jeff may fall to his more experienced competitor. This meant the Gary/ Bill match would turn out to be an important one in a very tight competition. When Bill blew a chance to halve #1 with a poor chip, Gary had the 1up lead. Bill would later say, “I knew at that moment I had to play to win and not just keep up with the Groundskeeper. I have not yet beat him head to head in my backyard. Now was the time.” Bill delivered with a birdie to tie the match on #2 and another on #3 to go 1up. Pars by both on #4 and 5 followed and when Gary stepped up to #6 he was ready to even the match. But in what can only be described as uncharacteristic for the Groundskeeper, his tee shot on # 6 nearly hit the “Coop” in front of him and nestled behind a blue spruce with no shot to the green. Bill’s tee shot on the other hand was a mere 5 feet away from the hoop which he birdied to go 2up with three to go.

#7, the most difficult hole on the course if your nickname is not “the Eagle,” was next. Bill’s tee shot was not great but ok-off the green to the left. Gary struck his shot and its trajectory was vintage Groundskeeper, heading right toward the pin. But Derek, playing the role of spotter, alerted the competitors that he in fact over shot the hole. “Damn!” uttered the disappointed G. 2nd shots-Bill close 1-1/2 yards right of the hole. G-forced to take a drop looking for the miracle par. Backswing-contact-follow through and . . . .it’s got a chance. But no the ball ends up below the hoop with a tap in for 4. As described earlier, in the midst of all this Jeff is hanging on in his match with Tony. He needs to win #7 to stay in it but Tony gets his three and concedes Jeff’s three for the match win.

All the SVCC needs now is for Bill to halve the whole, dormie the match, and as a result guarantee the 1 point needed for the SVCC victory. And with a clear, crisp swing he hoops it, going 2 up with 2 to play. Realizing the Quantus Certanimus is now guaranteed, The SVCC captain concedes the final 2 holes to his rival captain the in a show of sportsmanship in keeping with the Interclub history.


And so it came to an end. The SVCC had retained the trophy but both clubs looked forward to the return to the clubhouse. There we could find out what the event was really about. The SVCC and the BCC hanging out, eating dinner and conversing with the clubhouse staff of Karen and Barbara who had done so much to make this tournament an event. There were stories to be told of the days competition, there were pictures to be taken to mark the occasion, and even songs to be sung as the golfers performed a resounding rendition of Happy Birthday to Barbara on this her birthday.

Ah yes, the drama and pageantry that is the Interclub championships.

THE SAGA CONTINUES

SVCC Captain Retains BCC Cup-Wins April Fools Open

SVCC Captain-"Billy Jo" as he is known at the BCC, defended his 07' Tick Open Championship by narrowly winning the BCC '08 April Fools Open on Saturday.

"Billy Jo" would like to personally thank the BCC and its membership for another first class tournament.


The BCC-truly a gem in the world of lawn golf.

for a complete writeup of the day's event please go to
http://bcc-groundskeeeper.blogspot.com/

2007 Player of the Year Awarded to Trophy's Namesake

The player of the year "Hotz" Trophy was awarded to none other than its nameshake Irma Hotz for the 2007 season. There were so many memorable moments in the 2007 season-Championships by Zander and Gary in the Steeplechase and Invitational respectively, Pete"the Eagle's" hoop in one, Rosenberg's remarkable "blue spruce" birdie, the attack of the Hornets, and the SVCC's Interclub victory to name a few. But when you look at the criteria for awarding the trophy the winner became clear to the selection committee.

The criteria for the award is to note that person or persons who provided the most memorable moment or moments of the 2007 SVCC season. The award can be given out for the most accomplished player of the season but can also be awarded for a specific moment, a specific shot or other remarkable happening that advanced the name and prestige of the Steeple View Country Club.

It is within the last line of that criteria that we find our winner ". . . or other remarkable happening that advanced the name and pretsige of the Steeple View Country Club." Ms. Hotz graciously allowed the expansion of the grounds of the SVCC with use of her corral. In so doing the course was beautified, the layout was strengthened and spirit of the SVCC was enriched with her genorousity.

So lets all cheer the winner of the 2007 Hotz Trophy, our good neighbor, Ms. Irma Hotz!!!

2007 Player of the Year Voting Open

2008 has arrived but there still is some business to take care of for the 2007 season. The Hotz Trophy still has to be given out to the SVCC 2007 Player of the Year.

The criteria for the award is to note that person or persons who provided the most memorable moment or moments of the 2007 SVCC season. The award can be given out for the most accomplished player of the season but can also be awarded for a specific moment, a specific shot or other remarkable happening that advanced the name and prestige of the Steeple View Country Club.

Nominations are now being accepted.