Pajaro Valley Four Ball

If you're playing in the sold out Poppy Hills tournament, you might consider taking off the day before to play in the Pajaro Valley Four Ball event.  We always have a fun time at this well-maintained and under-appreciated course.  Afterwards, you can drive the 25 miles to Monterey for a relaxing evening and restful overnight stay before another great day of golf at Poppy.

Match Play "Final Four" Decided

The field started with 62 players and has been whittled down to 4 after four rounds of the Match Play Championship.  Please congratulate Jim Schlatter, Arn Cenedella, Ray Piontek and John Riley for winning their flights. The semi-finals and finals will be held this month and the results published in the May newsletter and on the website.

More Bang for Your Buck

In an on-going effort to provide value for your membership dollar, the Board of Directors has voted to increase the club's contribution to the prize fund for two day tournaments.  In the current scheme, your entry fee includes $9 for each tournament day.  Of that, $1 goes for the TOC at the end of the year and $1 goes towards paying entry fees for members who win NCGA qualifiers and go on to subsequent rounds at other courses.  That means $7 or $14 of your entry fee goes into the prize fund.

The club's contribution has historically been $6 for one day events and $8 for two day events making a total prize fund contribution of $13 and $22 per player.  The reasoning for the lower two day amount is lost somewhere in the club's history.  At the last board meeting, the directors voted to increase the club's outlay for two day events to $12.  This means the prize fund for future two day tournaments is increased to $26.

When you combine this prize increase with the free on-line tournament signups, you can see that the club is looking for ways to give you value for your yearly membership.  In coming months we will also  trial a new feature on the website that allows you to request tee times for a tournament.  Watch this newsletter for the formal announcement later this year.

2008 Invitational is Coming

It's not too early to think about the club's annual invitational event coming on Saturday, August 2.  Vice President Jim Mayer is working on the details and will be running the event this year.  Put that date on your calendar and look for more information in future newsletters.  Last year's event was sold out so plan on signing up early so you won't be left out.

2008 TOC Points Chase

Bob Kelley has vaulted into first place in the TOC points race with a 28 point lead over Adolfo Pina.  Bob Arends has moved into third place followed very closely by Dominic Ascani and Woody Maynard.  Once the Match Play Championship is complete, the standings should see a real shake up with all the points available in that event.