Friday, February 22, 2008

Encinitas Ranch Golf Club 

Yes we ended up playing !  The weather was wet, but enough players did show to start the outing.  We had 2 groups of 3 players who all decided to brave the elements.  Careful watch of the Doppler radar in the club house indicated that the weather would clear and that the rain would stop.   The prediction that the rain would stop was right.  We hoped it would clear after 45 min, but it didn’t stop until noon.   We all went off the white tees shortly after 8:00a.  The course marshall (or player assistants) said  we were “crazy” to play, but there was enough zeal and anticipation to play by the 6 players.  A few guys were motivated to test out  their golf rain gear.  Mike Haug was dressed head to toe in his rain attire.  Newby had a rain jacket and umbrella.  Darryn Prince could not wait to play even though he only had an umbrella.   

So off we went and what an adventure we had.  The first 2 holes were fine, playing in the light rain.  The umbrellas worked well, and our “dry” towels, kept our carts dried.  But by the fourth hole, the winds picked up, umbrellas were being inverted, and the rain began to blow sideways.  By the 6^th hole, we were all trying to survive the wet and cold, as the rain became heavier, and the wind stronger.  Curtis Chan lost a club on the 7^th hole as his totally soaked golf glove could no longer grip his 7 iron.  As he competed his swing, his club slipped from his grip and took flight. Fortunately, Darryn saw the club helicopter into the canyon north of hole #16, and they were able to carefully climb down the ridge to retrieve the club.   

Group 1 golfers, were being paced by Mike Haug who was playing great in the rain.  His rain gear was working well and even after 9 holes, he felt dry and was ready for the next nine.  Bob Newby was soaked to the core and the wind chill was making him shiver.  John Jensen, was keeping pace with Mike Haug and was delighted that his game was intact, despite the poor elements. 

Group 2 golfers were being battered and the rain was getting the upper hand.  By the time they got to the 10^th hole, it was determined that the day’s golf event would be limited to the first 9 holes.  After all players, were informed of this decision, there was a sigh of relief on the majority of the players.  Mike Haug ( in his rain gear) said he wanted to play and continue to finish the full round.  Jensen, being the great playing partner he is, agreed and the two of them continued through the heavy rain and gusty winds. 

Congratulations to Kent Coykendall who handled the 9 holes in the tough conditions and posted a 4 over par for a total 40.  Mike Haug posted a 42 for second place.  In the Net scoring, congratulations go to John Jensen who seems to play well in wind and rain.  John posted a net 35.5 for the 9 holes. 

Special acknowledgements go to our  two golf warriors Mike Haug and John Jensen who didn’t give up and kept playing despite the 40 mph gusts, and the sideways whipping rain.  Mike professes that the rain gear really kept him dry as he was able to finish his round and posted a gross score 83.  John on the other hand just kept playing like a mad man and somehow posted a 97 gross score. He did admit he was quite cold and wet as he warmed up in the club house.  Way to GO guys!!!!    The course marshals still can’t believe you both kept playing in that rain !!! 

Quest for the 2008 Seacoast Cup - This year will be full of fun times on the golf course.  We have added a new dimension to our club’s monthly event play by having Match Play events beginning September 2008.  We will be taking the top 8 spots on our Seacoast points leader board and set up match play until we have a final winner to be declared our club champion.  So in order to make it to the top positions, come out and participate and play.  Points may be  earned in the following categories: both gross and net stroke play, team stroke play, and also in net skins.  

Remember only those players who have an official SCGA or USGA golf index qualify for low net play and compete in Seacoast Christian Golf Club Points System.   Players who participate in our events who do not have an official golf index / handicap, may be assigned a course handicap and may participate and qualify for team net play or for net skin play.  For information on how to obtain an official golf index contact Curtis Chan and visit : Membership and SCGA. 

Below are the results of our 9 hole blustery day competition.  Note that players course handicap were adjusted for the 9 holes played.

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Results

Skins Game

In our regular skins report here are the following players who won skins for this round.  To win a skin you must have the sole lowest net score amongst the field of players. 

Leader Board -  Our leader board is led by Kent Coykendall.

Next Outing - Our next outing has been scheduled for Friday, March 14, 2007.

SCGA Reports - An added look to our club's web site is a link to the Southern California Golfer's Association's  (SCGA) web reports webpage about our club - Seacoast Christian Golf Club.  To view click on Club SCGA Reports.

To view our yearly calendar and other news events of our club visit our main web page at: Seacoast Christian Golf Club

Any questions or comments can be addressed to Curtis Chan at: CurtisChanDDS@aol.com or to Bob Newby at: bnewby@seacoast-church.org