Men’s Golf League
May 10 was a cool, overcast and windy morning. Despite such poor weather conditions, 11 men of the Men’s Golf League teed off early at David L. Baker Golf Course in Fountain Valley. The par-62, 4,000-yard course provides plenty of tests, with abundant water and tricky, undulating greens. This week the tees, fairways and greens were again in great condition; eight players scored below par, plus there were six birdies.
All scores are net (actual score minus handicap). A Flight handicaps range from 0-20; B flight is higher than 20.
A Flight Winners: First place: Larry Hillhouse, with a fine 7 under 55; second: tie between Fujio Norihiro, Paul Cose and Gary Stivers, 4 under 58; third: Jim Goltra, even par 62. Cose had two birdies, and Stivers, Norihiro and Goltra each had one. Hillhouse was closest to the pin on the 100yard, par-3 third hole, and Stivers was closest on the 130-yard, par-3 12th hole. Hillhouse and Cose tied for fewest putts.
B Flight Winners: First place: tie between Gene Vesely and Bob Munn, 5 under 57; second: Lowell Goltra. Vesely had a birdie, and Munn had fewest putts.
On May 14, the Riverview Golf Club in Santa Ana welcomed nine men, one woman and two guests, Ron Summer and Bob Meripol. The par-70, 5,800yard course with yawning water hazards and strategically placed sand traps was green, lush and in great condition. The weather was sunny, warm and mostly calm throughout the morning.
Many of the fairways play parallel to or cross the Santa Ana River, which is currently fairly dry. Playing these holes can be a challenge that tests not only the golfer’s skill, but also his or her ability to manage many sloping fairways and green placements. The golfers accepted the obstacles, and six of the 12 rounds were under par, plus there were six birdies.
A Flight Winners: First place: tie between Dave LaCascia and Bill McKusky, a terrific 9 under 61; second: Norihiro, 1 under 69; third: Stivers, even par 70; fourth: Jim Goltra, 1 over 71. McKusky had fewest putts, and LaCascia was closest to the pin on both the 140-yard, par-3 second hole and the 100-yard, par-3 ninth hole. LaCascia had two birdies; Norihiro and Stivers had one each.
B Flight Winners: First place: Tom Ross, a very nice 7 under 63; second: Lowell Goltra, 3 under 67, plus fewest putts; third: Liz Meripol, 2 over 72; fourth: Munn. Ross and Ballard tied for fewest putts, while Goltra and Munn each had a birdie.
In general, masks are required at the pro shops, but are optional while waiting to tee off. No masks are required on the putting greens, driving range or the course itself.
LW Men’s Club membership is not required, and friends, ladies, spouses and family are all welcome to play and/or join. There is a prize pool for each round that players are not obligated to enter. Prizes are awarded for low gross in each flight, birdies, closest to the pin on two par-3s, and lowest number of putts in each flight. Holes-in-One and eagles, although infrequent, are generously rewarded. If interested, contact McKusky (562) 430-8618 or LaCascia (801) 674-5975.
—Dave LaCascia
