Top Gun - Bob Page rallies for the trophy

In a tight contest over the first 9 holes, Bob Page, George Gomes, Steve Moriarty, and Rod Riqueros advanced to the second round. On the back 9, Bob and George built up a small margin over Steve and Rod. George used a par, bogey, bogey, par run over holes 12-15, to put some distance between himself and Bob. However, a bogey by Mr. Page on the 16th hole garnered him 6 points to pull back within striking distance. It wasn't until the final putt sank for par on number 18 that Bob pulled back in the lead and claimed his first Top Gun Trophy. Congratulations Bob!

Playoffs Day 2 - Team 4 Repeats!

Team 4 completed one of the most difficult achievements in all of golf; winning the Twiliite Golf League Championship two years in a row!

Day 2 Summary (by Steve Moriarty):

Team 3 was a very worthy opponent. Captain Bob stacked the lineup by leading off with a double dose of Lazaruk (Tim and Justin) going head to head with Team 4’s Day 1 and 2 lead-off duo Dan Schettler and Steve Moriarty. Despite a blistering 38 (1 bogey, 8 pars) by the elder Lazaruk, and both of Team 4’s golfers going under handicap, the two parings ended even with 18 points each.

The second foursome consisted of Team 3’s Long Hitting duo of Bob Page and Dave Conde (watch your back when you are on the 9^th Tee and they are behind you!) against veteran ball strikers Mark Westall and Chet Jadhaw. While Mark got off to a hot start, Bob closed the gap as Mark faded late in the round and ended up tied at 9. Chet on the other hand, used his smooth and consistent stroke (and Artie’s old golf clubs) to shoot his second best round in 10 weeks. Playoff pressure; not Chet, like they say in P90X “bring it!” All in all, Team 3 picked up 6 additional points in this match.

Taking advantage of the live scoring method, Team 3’s final group knew the championship was on the line and they had to perform at the top of their games. Team 3 sent out Brian Bligh and Tom “the slump is over” Chippendale. Both Brian and Tom drove, chipped and putted to a combined -11 (to their handicaps) and 23 points! It took strong rounds by both rookie and German import Frank Streller and 3^rd year player Jacob Mariant just to keep Team 4 afloat. Jacob shot a career best 49 (-6) while Frank felt the pressure all day from Brian’s -6 and came in at -1. Jacob and Frank combined for 13 points.

After some quick math, with the 8 point advantage from Day 1, we figured out that Team 4 would indeed repeat as champions with a Day 2 loss of 56 – 52, but a two day total and victory of 110 – 106.

Congratulations to all of the members of Teams 3 and 4 for a fun season.

Low round - 38 (Tim Lazaruk)

Sandbaggers of the Week, Day 2 - Brian Bligh and Jacob Mariant (net score: 31)

Playoffs Day 1 - Team 4 takes the lead

It was a fun, sunny day at the ol' Moffett Field. Jeff Schnur came out in good form, posting a low 41, but Chet Jadhaw and Rico Conti (with a major bounceback performance) held off the Team 3 powerhouse with matching 48s (-4 and -5 with respect to their respective handicaps).

Team 4 leads now 58-50, but the Lazaruk boys are lurking, waiting for their chance to turn the tide. It should be a fun 2nd day of playoff golf. Stay tuned to the website this evening. We will attempt to have live updates rolling.

Low round - 41 (Jeff Schnur)

Sandbagger of the Week, Day 1 - Jeff Schnur (net score: 31)

Week 18 - Team 4 is back in the playoffs

Team 4 did not want to rely too much on others, instead opting to rush headlong into the playoffs where they will face the 1st half winners, Team 3, in an effort to defend their championship.

Scores were way down across the board with the usual Moffett wind taking the evening off. In what must be a record, there was a 5-way tie for the low round. Dave Conde captured the coveted Sandbagger award by shooting 6 under his handicap.

Low round - 44 (Dae Joh, Rod Riqueros, Jung Lee, Dave Conde, Dan Schettler)

Sandbaggers of the Week - Dave Conde (net score: 31)

Week 17 - Who will win? Stay tuned...

Bob Page matches Justin Lazaruk and Steve Pitt from earlier in the year, carding a net 29 (8 under par!). Meanwhile, the playoff race is wide open. Team 4 currently leads by 6 over Team 2, but Team 1 is only 11 points behind and can control some of their destiny as they face Team 4 in the final week. Team 4 holds the tie-breaker over Team 2, but Team 2 holds the tie-breaker over Team 1. Separated by 11 and facing each other, there can be no tie between Teams 1 and 4. Maybe I should get a Twilite Golf League twitter account to live blog the final match!

Low round - 40 (Bob Page)

Sandbaggers of the Week - Bob Page (net score: 29)

Week 16 - Team 4 jumps into the lead

Four players from Team 4 scored better than their handicap to capitalize on another strong shorthanded performance from Team 1 (this time over Team 2). Two weeks to go and its neck-and-neck-and-neck.

Low round - 43 (Leo Wang)

Sandbaggers of the Week - Joe Davis and Brian Bligh (net score: 32)

Week 15 - Team 1 pushes hard to keep up in the standings

Team 1 was missing a player but still managed 40 points to keep their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, Tim Lazaruk turns in a round of even par, his second in as many years in league play.

Low round - 37 (Tim Lazaruk)

Sandbagger of the Week - Tim Lazaruk (net score: 32)

Week 14 - Team 2 builds up their lead

In other news, the Lazaruk battle was even after 6, but the wisdom of many golfing years prevailed as Tim parred the final 3 holes to win by 4 in a straight-up match.

Low round - 40 (Tim Lazaruk)

Sandbagger of the Week - Jung Lee (net score: 31)

Week 13 - My handicap doesn't define me

Justin Lazaruk turns in a Tim Lazaruk imitation with a round of just 2 over par. Someone should see if those guys are related.

Low round - 39 (Justin Lazaruk)

Sandbagger of the Week - Justin Lazaruk (net score: 29!)

Week 12 - Team 2 comes storming back

A 60-point performance from Team 2, led by JY's big-time 17-point take-down, brings them rolling back into the playoff mix.

Low round - 42 (JY Lee and Soojin Choi)

Sandbagger of the Week - Tom Watzka (net score: 32)

Week 11 - Team 4 takes an early lead

Low round - 43 (Mike Stasio)

Sandbagger of the Week - Bob McArthur (net score: 32)

Week 10 - All square after one

Week 1 of the 2nd half saw all 4 teams come in at even. Best out of 8 now I guess.

Low round - 43 (Artie Schleifer)

Sandbaggers of the Week - Bob Page and Steve Moriarty (net score: 33)

Week 9 - Team 3 takes the first half of the season in dominant fashion

After a dominant week 7, Team 3 coasted to a win, 32 points ahead of second place Team 2.

Low round - 41 (Soojin Choi)

Sandbagger of the Week - Soojin Choi (net score: 33)

Week 8 - Inter-group competition drives down scores

The super foursome of Brian Nakamoto, George Gomes, Tim Lazaruk, and Tony Brown had an epic battle, with three rounds at 43 and Tim at the low score of 42. As a group there were 3 birdies, 9 pars, 22 bogeys, and just 2 double bogeys. On paper, it looked like great back and forth competition, with Tim sinking a birdie on the final hole to claim the bragging rights for the day. The group ahead of them were witness only to the hooting and hollering characteristic of a tense, fun and friendly contest.

David Kim also posted a 42 to share low round honors with Tim for the second week in a row. Dae Joh and George Gomes are our sandbaggers this week, shooting 4 better than their handicaps.

Low round - 42 (David Kim and Tim Lazaruk)

Sandbaggers of the Week - Dae Joh and George Gomes (net score: 33)

We have a designated handicap system for the ranking of difficulty on each individual hole. I was curious how this actually compared to the league stats this year to date. Those results can be found below. For reference, the handicap systems ranks the holes from hardest to easiest as: 3, 9, 1, 2, 6, 4, 8, 5, 7. The biggest differences I see are that number 5 ranks the 4th hardest in our league (compared to 2nd easiest by handicap) and that number 6 is the second easiest (compared to 5th hardest by handicap). Let your captains know if there are any other general statistics you'd like to see here.

Week 7 - Pleasant weather for a stroll

David Kim and Tim Lazaruk both shot 41 to claim the low round. Justin Lazaruk was the sandbagger this week, shooting 4 better than his handicap and also provided several words of encouragement to his father, Tim, such as "you need to hit it farther". I'm certain that these helpful tips are what propelled Tim to grab a share of the supremely-coveted low-round virtual award

Low round - 41 (David Kim and Tim Lazaruk)

Sandbagger of the Week - Justin Lazaruk (net score: 33)

Week 6 - Was that hail?

The storm looked like it cleared out before the first group teed off. However, as the final groups were tackling the exposed run of holes 6 and 7, an angry cloud swept over the course and dropped heavy drops of water, some of which were possibly frozen. The wind howled and the sun disappeared. Gloom abounded. It lasted just 5-10 minutes but it was miserable. Except if you were winding down through the protection of the tree-lined 9th fairway. Then it was just a fun oddity.

Soojin Choi posted the low round this week and Joe Davis continued his comeback tour with another sandbagger performance.

Low round - 42 (Soojin Choi)

Sandbagger of the Week - Joe Davis (net score: 33)

* Side note * The team captains noticed some handicaps were not getting adjusted properly for the new players. An old formula was being used that waited for 5 complete rounds before throwing out the initial guess for new players. This has been reduced to 3 rounds, with the highest score thrown out, to be in accordance with the league rules printed on this site. Handicaps have been adjusted to accommodate this change.

Week 5 - Team 2 making a push

Since the first week, Team 3 has been building a sizable lead in the standings. This week marks the first time that they were not above even scoring. Team 2 took advantage of this with their best scoring week of the season, gaining 12 points on the leaders. Still more work to be done, but with 4 weeks left, there is plenty of opportunity out there.

Mike Stasio had his 3rd round of 42 this year to finally seize the low round prize while 3 people tied for the sandbagger award, including Team 1 captain, Joe Davis, in his triumphant return!

Low round - 42 (Mike Stasio)

Sandbaggers of the Week - George Gomes, Bruce Ritzi, and Joe Davis (net score: 34)

Week 4 - Sandbagging

Poor new comers Frank and Bruce ran into some heavy duty sand-bagging this week. Unfortunately for Bruce, this was his second week in a row going up against someone far outplaying their normal ways. It's not always like this Bruce, I swear. Phil shot 7 strokes better than his handicap against Frank, but still was not able to grab SBOTW honors, as Steve Pitt shot 8 strokes better than his handicap to also claim the low round virtual trophy. Nice rounds Steve and Phil.

Low round - 41 (Steve Pitt)

Sandbagger of the Week - Steve Pitt (net score: 29)

Week 3 - Harmless looking little sphere

To master such a tiny ball, should not be very hard at all. But my desires the ball refuses, and does exactly as it chooses (Ode to Golf - Allan Berman)

New-comer David Kim and old-timer Soojin Choi shot the low rounds this week. Mr. Moriarty dominated his match while shooting 7 under his handicap to claim the SBOTW. You guys know how to get that ball to do what you want!

Low round - 42 (David Kim and Soojin Choi)

Sandbagger of the Week - Steve Moriarty (net score: 30)

Week 2 - How was it?

Nobody is required to do anything. This is just an opportunity to utilize your creativity or an outlet to put your thoughts into the universe. If you are out playing and notice something fun or slightly out of the ordinary or just anything you want others to know about, please email me one or two or three lines, an image, short poem or any content really. I can't guarantee that it will be posted here, but I will try my best to make sure it does without overcrowding the website.

Low round honors go to Rod and Brian this week, and Rod takes home the sandbagger virtual trophy. Looked like a tough week. Only 3 people shot better than their handicap.

Low round - 45 (Rod Riqueros and Brian Nakamoto)

Sandbagger of the Week - Rod Riqueros (net score: 35)

Week 1 - Wet and miserable

Perhaps you think that there is no way life could be terrible while you are on the golf course. I may not agree with that sentiment anymore. A fine spring day quickly turned into a deluge as some heavy clouds decided to camp over Moffett Field, solely for the duration of approximately 9 holes. Clothes became drenched and a cool breeze tested your ability to shiver for warmth. Gloves became useless for gripping the club and every vibration from each mishit rung your hands free of pleasant sensation. Bob even resorted to using a towel for extra grip on the club. To all of our new players, please don't be discouraged by that weather. It was not normal.

Tim and Steve definitely felt the elements but made sure to not let it affect their game. Both players tied for lowest net score and Tim walked away carding a two-over 39. Nice work guys!

Low round - 39 (Tim Lazaruk)

Sandbaggers of the Week - Tim Lazaruk and Steve Vigil (net score: 34)

Obscure rules corner

14-3. Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment; Abnormal Use of Equipment

Rule 14-3 governs the use of equipment and devices (including electronic devices) that might assist a player in making a specific stroke or generally in his play. Golf is a challenging game in which success should depend on the judgement, skills and abilities of the player. This principle guides the USGA in determining whether the use of any item is in breach of Rule 14-3. For detailed specifications and interpretations on the conformity of equipment and devices under Rule 14-3 and the process for consultation and submission regarding equipment and devices, see Appendix IV.

Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment, or use any equipment in an abnormal manner:

a. That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or

b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play; or

c. That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:

(i) gloves may be worn provided that they are plain gloves;

(ii) resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used; and

(iii) a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.

2018 is here

Hello Twilite League members. Welcome to a new season of extraordinary personalities trying to to hit a little white (or yellow or pink or other) ball into a ridiculously small hole in the ground. Of course we always try to do it with one swing but that hardly ever seems to work. There is still no single designated commissioner to replace the wonderful Dennis Anderson, as we using a commission by committee approach (self-nominations are welcome). The 4 team captains will work together to make rulings, pay the bills, update the website, and address any concerns from league members.

Scoring style is the same as last year, where a match play format is used with each hole worth 2 points. The player with the lowest score (adjusted for handicaps) wins the 2 points for that hole. Halving the hole (ending with tie scores after adjustment) means that each player gets 1 point.

The season is 18 weeks long. At the end of each 9 week period, the team with the most points will qualify for the playoffs at the end of the season. If the team that won the 1st 9-week period, also wins the 2nd 9-week period, the team with the 2nd most points over the entire 18-week schedule will qualify for the playoffs. (Note: the league rules concerning the playoff format still describes the system used last year. Stayed tuned for updates on that format after the team captains get together to discuss it).

This Monday (3/12) is our first day on the course. Have fun out there!