Men’s Golf July 15 and 18 Results

On July 15, 13 golfers of the Leisure World Golf League contested in two flights the 5,800-yard, par-71 Willowick Golf Course in Santa Ana. It was warm but overcast at the start of the round. The course is still uneven in the fairways but has been well watered. Although the course has no water hazards, there are several grass bunkers and sand traps, plus undulating greens. The golfers find this course a significant challenge due to its overall length and long par-4s. With decent playing conditions, eight of the 13 scores were at or under par and the course conceded five birdies.

All scores are net (gross minus handicap). A Flight handicaps are 0-19, while B Flight handicaps are 20 and over.

A Flight: First place: Tim Looney, a terrific 7 under 64, plus three birdies; second: Sam Choi, a well-played 2 under 69, plus closest to the pin on the 140-yard, par-3 hole No. 12; third: Jim Goltra, a nice 1 under 70, plus a birdie, fewest putts, and closest to the pin on the 140-yard par-3, hole No. 4; fourth: Gary Stivers, a good even par 71; fifth: Dave LaCascia, a hard-fought 1 over 72; sixth: tie between Fujio Norihiro, Clay Fischer, with a birdie, Gene Vesely, and Bill McKusky.

B Flight: First place: tie between Digna Vesely and Lowell Goltra, a super 4 under 67; second: Tom Ross, a solid 1 under 70, plus fewest putts; third: Bob Munn, at 3 over 74.

On July 18, 14 golfers of the Leisure World Golf League challenged the 5,800-yard, par-70 Riverview Golf Course in Santa Ana. It was a lovely and sunny morning that warmed up dramatically by rounds end.

Riverview has numerous sand traps, undulating greens, significant elevation changes throughout, and several large water hazards including the entire riverbed of the Santa Ana River. The golfers appreciate the consistently good playing environment making it enjoyable for all players. However, even with the good conditions only three of the 14 scores were at or under par and only three birdies were carded.

A Flight: First place: Dave LaCascia, a really well-played 6 under 64; second: tie between Larry Hillhouse, with two birdies, Chris Lankford, and Clay Fischer, with a birdie, a terrific even par 70; third: Sam Choi, a hard fought 2 over 72, plus fewest putts and closest to the pin on the 95-yard, par-3, hole No. 9; fourth: Gene Vesely, at 3 over 73 plus closest to the pin on the 140-yard, par-3 hole No. 2; fifth: tie between Gary Stivers and Bill McKusky.

B Flight: First place: tie between Ron Jackson, plus fewest putts, and Bill Zurn, at a hard-fought 1 over 71; second: Lowell Goltra, a nice 2 over 72: third: Fujio Norihiro; fourth: tie between Digna Vesely and Bob Munn.

A special incentive was included this week if a golfer could land on hole No. 14’s green (over 140 yards all over a yawning chasm) and then par the hole. Only Lankford and Norihiro accomplished this task.

The Monday and Friday Golf Leagues play at four local courses, all within 15–20 minutes of Leisure World. The courses are often full, so advance reservations are available via a sign-up sheet at each round.

There is a prize pool for each round that players are not obligated to enter. Rewards are given for low net and fewest putts in each flight, birdies and closest to the pin on two par-3 holes. holes-in-one and eagles (2 under par), although infrequent, are generously rewarded.

Those interested in joining the league can contact Gary Stivers at (714) 313-3697 or Dave LaCascia at (801) 674-5975.

–Dave LaCascia