2014 Member – Guest Tournament
Written by Mike Cooney, Director of Golf.
The tenth annual Member-Guest Tournament at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club had a wonderful showing this year. There were 30 teams comprised of members and their invited guests visiting from as far away as Dublin, Ireland!
The tournament began with a practice round on Thursday, followed by a nine hole putting contest won by member, Dave Mears and his guest Tim Hume from Tampa. They shot a brilliant 2 under par 16 for the nine hole best ball competition. Once the putting contest was completed, the men enjoyed an exquisite steak and lobster dinner by the pool prepared by Chef Rick Alabaugh and his culinary team.
Photos from Thursday
The men participated in three nine hole matches on Friday, followed up by the fourth and final matches on Saturday. Each of the five flight winning teams qualified for the Overall “Shootout” which was played on holes 16, 17 & 18. The format for the “Shootout” is alternate shot.
It was an exciting finish this year by Tom Villella and his brother Frank (as his guest from Hollywood, Florida). They tied with O’Neal Sutton and his guest, David McLeod from Ocala. Both teams had to return to the 18th hole for a sudden victory playoff. O’Neal Sutton and David McLeod came out on top, defeating their opponents by one shot!
Listed below are this year’s flight winners:
- Augusta Flight: Noah Brindise – Brion McLaughlin
- Baltusrol Flight: Tom Alvey – Bob Cronin
- Muirfield Flight: O’Neal Sutton – David McLeod
- St. Andrews Flight: Dr. Stephen Pyles – Frank Lucente
- Royal Troon Flight: Tom Villella – Frank Villella