The Sandbagger

For the second year in a row, and third time overall, Belleville’s Black Bear Ridge was the site of the annual Sandbagger competition. In a slight tweak to the normal routine, we played rounds on Sunday and Monday (with only a single overnight). This year, both rounds were played at the scenic — but bloody challenging — course. The weather proved spectacular, sunny and unseasonably warm both days, with highs of 24. Our stay in Carter House, on-site, was very comfortable and is destined to be repeated.

Due to the compressed timeframe, the targets/handicaps were established in advance, by yours truly – and, sadly, without the benefit of the usual banter-ridden Star Chamber. No blood was spilt. The complaining was kept to a minimum.

The first round (i.e., on the Sunday) proved interesting, with most struggling to adjust to the pace of the well-oiled greens. Brian Arbique came into the competition the best prepared, having already logged 43 rounds this year at his exclusive private club (Wildfire). It showed, as he proved the most consistent, carding an opening round 94, for a +2. Tying for the first round lead was three-time champ Ricky Cunliffe, who was steady as ever in notching a 2-over 97. Yours truly lurched to third position, at +3, with a scorecard line that read 45-53 – 98, proving – if there was any doubt – the diminishing returns of being over-refreshed on the golf course.

Brent Mooney was in 4th position after Round 1, carding a steady, but unspectacular (for him) 6-over 95.

Derrick Hockley’s 95 deserves honourable mention, but still left him out of the leader’s group, in 5th position after the first round, 7 shots back of his target (88).

Rounding out the also-rans, in order, were: Andrew Posthumus (102/+9), Andy del Castillo (108/+13) and the tragically unhip Jeff Mains (score unknown). Unfortunately, Jeff was dealing with a dodgy hip and thus only hitting off the tee intermittently.

For the final round, on the Monday, Brian and Rick went in tied, one stroke ahead of your beloved convenor. A rocky beginning to the round — i.e., Brian (6-8-7 start) and Rick (6-9-8 start) left your much-admired commissioner (a 5-7-5 start) in the lead as I stood, surprised and shaky, on the 4th tee. From that point, after Rick uncharacteristically crashed (trees) and burned (worms), it became a hole-by-hole battle between Brian and Jim. Squarehead went on a 5-hole tear of 3-5-4-5-5, while I, your recently-married pretender to the throne, scrambled and bullshitted my way to a 4-5-4-6-5 over the same stretch. The 9th hole, however, saw Brian nab a par, while I crashed to a triple bogey. As it turned out, Brian’s hot streak didn’t stop at 5 holes. In fact, he rarely showed any signs of folding, firing an steady, impressive 45 on the back 9. The former ketchup king went into the final hole with a three stroke lead and coasted to a 2 stroke win – crushing the spirits of your loyal Sandbagger commissioner.

Honourable mention should go to Andrew Posthumus for carding the low round of the weekend – a very solid 90 on the Sunday — enough to move him into 3rd place overall. Andrew’s failure to recognize the effect this score might have on next year’s target setting is a testament to his confidence. In the same vein, however, we will want to disregard Ricky’s blow-up in round 2 (a 17 stroke difference from his first round) and Brent’s somewhat similar slide (from a 95 to a 105). Both were dealing with significant challenges – in Rick’s case his bulging, bruised, broken bicep, in Brent’s his annoying cartmate. Regrettably, we suffered through the second round without the always-entertaining presence of Senor del Castillo, who didn’t make the bell due to an over-indulgence in sketchy scallops on the evening preceding our gathering.

With his victory, Brian joins an exclusive club of three time champions on the Sandbagger tour. Ricky Cunliffe and the (absent) 2022 Champ Steve McMahon are the only other three time champions in the now 28 year (!!) history of the event.

Congratulations, Brian, on a well-deserved victory! Respect is due.

A breakdown of the scores, and standings, by round, is below.

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Belleville’s challenging Black Bear Ridge and Trillium Wood were the sites of the 2022 Sandbagger Cup. For a later-than-usual gathering, the weather cooperated very nicely through the weekend. Highs of 19 and no precipitation were better than could be reasonably hoped for. Sunday’s round (at Trillium) included some strong winds but clearly nothing that couldn’t be handled by Steve McMahon, who, with this victory, has tied Ricky Cunliffe as a three time champion. In fact, you can start laying odds on Steve to win in 2031, since he has established a pattern of prevailing in the Sandbagger every 9 years (2004, 2013, 2022). Steve was low man after Saturday, firing a solid 97 on Black bear Ridge, which plays tough and has tricky, fast, undulating greens. Heaver went into the Sunday round with five golfers within 5 strokes but didn’t waver under the pressure at all, carding a 43-43 for an impressive 3-under target 86 in the Cup-clinching Sunday round, in the process expanding his lead as contenders failed to keep up the pace.

Having recently regained his Sandbagger Tour playing card, Doug Anderson was a popular returnee to competitive action and showed promise by registering one of the only two sub-target rounds of the weekend. Doug finished second, five strokes back of the leader and looks poised to make another solid run for his first major victory next year.

Congratulations, Steve, for a deserving – and popular – victory.

The 2022 results are as follows:

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Gents – I’m looking forward to seeing you all at next weekend’s Sandbagger.  Believe it or not, this will be the 27^th straight year for the tournament.  Of course, not everyone has been able to attend every year, but I’m pleased that we’re still at this so many years later.  We are 7 competitors this year, with an 8th, Bruce Murdock, hopefully able to join us for the Sunday round to provide on course entertainment. 

Info on Lodgings, Tee-times and Targets is provided below.

LODGINGS

Just a reminder that, for lodgings, you are going to the Best Western Belleville.  The price for the package of the 2 rounds of golf and 2 nights stay at the hotel including the breakfast, parking, wifi use and pool/hot tub use (bring your suits) along with the carts at the courses will be $389.28 per person (including all taxes and fees).  Doug – you will, as you know, pay the premium for the single room: $565.56. 

Room Assignments (because the Hotel wanted to attach names to rooms)

Richard Cunliffe + Jeffrey Mains

Steve McMahon + Graham Smith

James Anderson + Brent Mooney

Doug Anderson (single room)

GOLF –  Tee-Times and Foursomes

On Saturday, we play at Black Bear Ridge.  Our first tee-off is at 10:10.  

Group 1: 

Jim Anderson, Doug Anderson, Graham Smith

Group 2:

Rick Cunliffe, Steve McMahon, Brent Mooney, Jeff Mains

On Sunday, group 1 – aka the also-rans — will tee-off at 12:24, at Trillium Wood golf course.  Foursomes for that day will be determined by standings after Day 1.

TARGETS

I thought it might be worthwhile – and also hopefully entertaining – to get a head start on this year’s Star Chamber.  With that in mind, I’ve put down some prospective targets, based on a variety of factors,  which include, but are no means limited to: previous years’ performances (including score vs target and penalties for past wins), more recent play (Ricky’s on fire this year), injuries (special category for Graham, Doug, Jeff).  Other factors affecting these targets include age, favoritism, envy, jealousy, and rage.  

Remember that the goal is to give someone a target that leaves them with a plausible hope that they can achieve their target.  Usually, only one or two are under target, and not by much.  It’s reasonable that the target should be aspirational, not hopelessly challenging.  

With that in mind, consider the below a starting point for the discussion.  Let’s keep it civil.  Or not.

See y’all soon. 

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Gents – Brian Arbique has kindly offered to host us for Sandbagger 2019.

By coincidence — I’m sure — the last time Brian hosted, in 2005, he emerged victorious. (In fact, it is worth noting that Rick Cunliffe and Jeff Mains have won championships while hosting and playing on home courses.)

Driving distance to the cottage/course is about 2¾ hours from Ottawa taking Hwy 7 to Havelock and then going north for about 20 minutes. It is about 140km from Toronto.

Brian’s cottage has 1 king, 3 queens, 1 double and 2 singles as well as two extremely comfortable couches. Brian assures me that it can easily sleep 9 with no spooning. He also has numerous cots and enough additional space to expand sleeping capacity to 12-16 as necessary. And, for those who snore, there is also ample space for an RV or tent trailer. 🙂

Brian is examining two possible weekends: Sept 7-8 or Sept 14-15. I suspect we will end up on the latter. The lake will still be warm and usable at that time of year. We will dine at the cottage.

We will golf at www.golfwildfire.com, which is “located in the heart of Ontario’s picturesque Kawartha cottage country”. The course is on the south side of Stoney Lake exactly 14 minutes from Brian’s cottage. The course is top-notch (ranked #73 by ScoreGolf), scenic and forgiving. 

Guest fee packages are $100 each which represents a $25 discount off regular guest fees. Cart charge ($25/cart) is extra…but it is also a very walkable course should people prefer (many members choose to walk).  Given accommodation is free and we’re not using restaurants, hopefully this is workable for most.

Brian won’t be able to confirm tee-times until the tee-sheets are available in the spring but he says there should not be an issue blocking 4-5 consecutive times on either of those weekends.

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Over the years of Sandbagger competition, Jeff Mains has earned himself many titles. Aside from Host (multiple occasions, much appreciated), he has been called: Most Honest Golfer; Most Entertaining Golf Partner; Most Distracting Golf Partner: Most Persevering Golfer; Most Improved Golfer; Sandbagger Champion; and now, Repeat Champion.

Jeff was the only one among the dozen 2018 competitors to have played Owl’s Head and Orford and his home course knowledge, coupled with his improved play, carried him to victory for the second time in four years. In fact, Jeff (target: 111) was the only golfer to finish under par versus his target, coming in at -1, after carding rounds of 109 and 112 for the weekend.

Let’s give credit where credit is due: after recording an jaw-dropping sextuple bogey 10 on his first hole of the tournament, Jeff could have been excused for folding up his tent (metaphorically) and switching his focus to his plans for providing an excellent evening meal. Instead, he sucked it up, regained his form and went 5, 5 on his next took holes, before stumbling to a quadruple bogey 9 on the fourth hole. But, he showed impressive fortitude and persevered mightily, giving us all something to draw upon when next (and inevitably) we find ourselves faltering. Though Jeff went 57-55 on Sunday, giving up just one stroke to his target, he made things interesting at the end by closing with a triple and a quadruple at Orford, giving a glimmer of hope to his chasers.

Finishing a commendable second in the tournament was Mike Maidment (target: 87), whose 93 at Orford on Sunday put him at a disappointing +6 for the day, moving him to +3 for the tournament. Mike was good in his final round, though not as solid as he was on Saturday and not sharp enough to overtake Jeff. For the day, Mike went 47-46, carding 3 pars, 10 bogeys, 4 doubles and one triple bogey. Unfortunately (for Mike, at least), a double bogey on #17 effectively sunk his hopes. There’s no shame in finishing second, but the fans would have appreciated more drama and Mike’s (ahem) choke on 17 left them in their seats.

Greg Hodgins came into the final round in 3rd place, three shots back, and finished in 3rd place, five shots back. Greg (target: 98) faltered on the front nine, opening with a triple and turning the corner with a 54. Greg did improve his form on the back nine, firing a 48, but closed his round with a triple bogey on 18 at a moment when a par would have put a heap of unwanted pressure on Jeff Mains.

So, that’s the top three: how did the rest of us also-rans fare on Sunday at Orford?

Brian Joe (target: 93) came into the day in 4th, and finished 4th, going out in 46 and coming home in 47, putting him at even for the day and +5 for the weekend. Brian has got game and has been in the top five on multiple occasions. Once he gets comfortable embracing the burden of his ‘unfair’ target, we will see him sipping from the Pewter Mug.

Derrick Hockley (target: 86) came into the day in 7th, and moved up a few notches to 5th, going out in 43 and coming home in 44, putting him at +1 for the day and +8 for the weekend. Though he carded 4 double bogeys, Derrick’s 87 — which also included two birdies — was undoubtedly a lot more satisfying than his opening round 93.

Blake Johnston (target: 97) wasn’t happy with his opening round 106 (+9) but shook off the rust and redeemed himself on Sunday. He came into the day in 10th, and moved up four spots to 6th, going out in 49 and coming home in 50, putting him at +2 for the day and +11 for the weekend.

Andres (Sergio) del Castillo (target: 91) came into the day in 5th, but showed the effects of the Saturday evening festivities as he slid to 7th. Andy went out in 50 and came home in 49, putting him at an unhappy +8 for the day and +14 for the weekend. This fan favourite will prevail someday.

As the second most maligned Sandbagger champion, yours truly (target: 91) came into the day tied for a lamentable 11th. I managed to climb a few spots to finish in 8th, largely due to a blistering (for me) 43 on the front nine. Yes, I crashed and came home with a 52 but, if the concussion doesn’t lead to permanent impairment, I will choose to recall the front half of my final round. I ended up at +4 for the day and +15 for the weekend.

Greg Jarvis (target: 77) came into the day tied for 11th — due to his shocking opening round 88 (+11) — but redeemed himself somewhat by shooting an 82, the low score of the day, a great round for most but still a +5 for Greg. Greg, Sandbagger Champion in 2006 and 2012, went out in a mediocre (for him) 44 but turned it around and came home with an impressive 38, leaving him tied for 9th, at +16, on the weekend.

2000 Champion Geoff Oliver (target: 86) came into the day tied for 5th, but tumbled to a tie for 9th, after carding a surprising 96. Geoff’s front nine 51 included a three hole stretch where the former champion was a stunning 11 over par. He was much sharper on the back nine, coming home in 45, but still had a triple bogey marring his scorecard. Geoff finished at +10 for the day and +16 for the weekend.

Michel Ranger (target: 81) came into the day tied for 7th, but tumbled to an 11th place finish. The 2014 champion went out in 45 (despite carding a quad) and came home in 48, putting him at +12 for the day and +19 for the weekend.

Analyst Johnny Miller has ventured the opinion that three-time Champion Ricky Cunliffe (target: 94) buckled under the pressure of his lowest ever target. CedRick came into the day tied for 7th, but tumbled to a 12th place finish, after going out in 53 and coming home in 55. His final round 108 put him at +14 for the day and +21 for the weekend. But, Rick was still a winner: he enjoyed the fine meals, the revelry, the camaraderie and, maybe most impactfully, the fact he wasn’t hosting.

Jeff – congratulations on your well-deserved victory and thank you, again, for hosting us at Lake Stukely and delivering such a fine meal on Saturday evening. We hope all the effort was worth it!

A table showing the Final Results for 2018 is below.

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It was a beautiful day at Owl’s Head for day one of Sandbagger XXIII.  Just as in Malone last year, it was cool but sunny and it warmed up nicely as the afternoon progressed.  The course was in great shape (unlike my game).

Mike Maidment, the best player never to win the Sandbagger, was in great form, going 43-41, 3 strokes under his target, all while playing under the pressure of a big stakes skins game (or maybe it reduced pressure because he knew he’d be fleecing the suckers he played with).  Four Sandbaggers had lower targets than Mike, but none carded a lower score.  The greens were fast and sloped — provoking much cursing — but Mike never faltered with his putter.   Jeff Mains fought off some early struggles — in the form of an opening hole 9! — to put himself just one shot off Maidment’s lead.  Greg Hodgins, another Sandbagger who has yet to (legally) sip from the Pewter Mug, fired a 98, right on his target, leaving him just 3 back of the leader.

Brian Joe whined and moaned his way into the leader’s group for the closing round.  Brian’s complaints were already falling on deaf ears during the Star Chamber.  Now that he is in the top 4, perhaps the mute button will permanently deployed?

If Messrs Maidment, Mains and Hodgins falter, there are a lot of ‘Baggers waiting to pounce.  After the top three, the next six golfers are grouped closely, separated by only two strokes.  That group includes 3-time winner Ricky Cunliffe, defending champ Derrick Hockley, past champions Geoff Oliver and Michel Ranger.  Brian Joe and Andy del Castillo (former lead singer of Eight Seconds) both of whom have not hoisted the mug, are also lurking.

For Blake Johnston, the tension of standing over a Sandbagger putt was more than his shaky nerves could handle, proving that absences from competitive play can seriously hinder performance.  Greg Jarvis, on the other hand, never misses a competition.  It’s not clear what put him off his game – was his 11-over 88 a result of being intimidated by Jeff Mains’ booming drives? or was it the way Jeff Mains drives a cart?  Having failed to convince us during the Star Chamber, Greg is undoubtedly already positioning himself for a 5 stroke increase to his target for 2019.  He plays the long game…   All I can say about yours truly is that I hit about six really good shots today.  Well, maybe five.

Name

Maidment

Mains

Hodgins

Joe

del Castillo

Oliver

Ranger

Hockley

Cunliffe

Johnston

Jarvis

Anderson

Tgt

87

111

98

93

91

86

81

86

94

97

77

91

Rd 1

84

109

98

98

97

92

88

93

101

106

88

102

+/-

-3

-2

E

+5

+6

+6

+7

+7

+7

+9

+11

+11

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• LODGINGS: We will be fortunate enough to be staying at Jeff Mains’ cottage, on Lake Stukely.  (Directions are in a bullet further down.)
• COSTS: Please bring $50 for Jeff.  This will cover Saturday dinner, 2 breakfasts, cleaning lady, snack foods.  BYOB !!
• OTHER FEES: Past champions who have not yet received or paid for their beautiful and high quality Sandbagger Champion golf shirt should pack accordingly.  I will bring your shirts.  You should bring payment.  The privilege of being in the Champions Club is both Priceless AND $70. Think of it as like owning a Green Jacket.   Only nicer.
• BEDDING/TOWELS: Please BYO sleeping bags and towels to cut down on laundry load for Jeff.  Remembering to act on this modest request will relieve Jeff (and others?) of hours of work.
• CLOTHING: Jeff encourages people to bring bathing suits.
• DIRECTIONS: For those of you who will rely on GPS, the address is: 12 chemin de la Ferme, Eastman, Quebec, J0E 1P0.  Don’t let road signage throw you off; Jeff’s chalet is actually about 8 km from Eastman.  Jeff notes that most mapping systems will suggest drivers bypass Montreal by taking highway #30.  Sounds good to me.  My research shows a travel time of 3h15 (320 km) from Ottawa, on the route skirting south of Montreal.
• CONTACT INFO: If you are lost (or just lonely), Jeff’s cell is 514 891-1238.  The phone number for the chalet is 450 297-3608.
• STAR CHAMBER: We will gather on Friday evening for the Star Chamber.  8 pm start.  Be there or be screwed.  Those absent will be dealt with first.  Just kidding.  Maybe.
• ATTENDEES: At this point, I have the following 13 people confirmed: Meself, Rick Cunliffe, Andy del Castillo, Greg Hodgins, Derrick Hockley (defending Sandbagger champion), Greg Jarvis, Brian Joe, Blake Johnston, Guy Laframboise (area resident, local knowledge advantage), Michael Maidment, Jeff Mains, Geoff Oliver, Michel Ranger.  There may yet be an addition or two.
• CARPOOLING: Ride-sharing is encouraged.  Note that 11 of 13 attendees are from Ottawa.  Find a buddy or two to share the driving.  Help fight climate change.
• GOLF – SATURDAY: Our first official round  begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, at Owl’s Head Golf Course.  Tee times are: 10:00, 10:08, 10:16 and 10:24.  The address is: 181 CH. OWL’S HEAD, Mansonville (Québec) Canada, J0E 1X0.  The phone number for the course is: 1 800 363-3342.  77.50$ taxes included per person (includes cart).
• GOLF – SUNDAY: The closing (i.e., championship) round on Sunday is at Club de golf du Mont Orford.  Tee times are at 10:16, 10:24, 10:32 and 10:40.  The address is: 3074, Chemin du Parc Orford (Québec) J1X 7A2.  Phone number for the course is: 1 866-673-6731.
• GOLF – FRIDAY: As usual, for those who are able to get away early, a Friday afternoon warm-up is a possibility.  Jeff recommends CHÂTEAU-BROMONT, as it is a nice course that is en route to your final destination (i.e., about half an hour west of his chalet).   Looks like green fees are $30 after 2 pm (cart would be extra).  I am not yet sure if I can play on Friday, but I am aware of several (Andy, Blake, Michael) who are inclined.  Please let me and others know if a game comes together.  If I can make it, I will.

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October 1 was a beautiful, sunny Sunday, with fall colours beginning to show on Malone’s rolling mountainsides.  It was a picturesque setting for the final round of our 22nd Sandbagger.

The 2017 group, before teeing off for the final round.

Derrick Hockley, who was there for the inaugural Sandbagger in 1996 (also held in Malone), was the only remaining original (and recurring) participant never to have lofted our storied Pewter Mug.  He was our version of Greg Norman – i.e., the best golfer never to have hoisted the trophy.   Hawk’s patience finally paid off today as he held on against a surging Jeff Mains (2015 Champ) to win his first Sandbagger Cup.

Reigning Champ Ricky gives Hawk the coveted Pewter Mug while your humble Commish prepares to bestow him with a winners’ jersey

Hawk came into the Sunday with a 7 stroke lead.  Only ‘Captain Saturday’ (as Bruce Murdock was dubbed on the first tee by Rick Cunliffe) has ever squandered a comparable lead.  Thanks to a steady closing round in which the leader nailed his target, Hawk finally overcame his years of frustration, (almost) coasting to victory, and finally ending his long journey to the winner’s circle.

It is worth noting that 2015 Sandbagger Champion Jeff Mains mounted a spirited effort that, while ultimately falling short, betrayed that the ageing champ still has some fire in his belly.  Jeff’s strong front nine moved him within spitting distance of Hawk’s lead, and he sustained the pace on holes 10 and 11 (a birdie, 2) before crash-landing to earth with a series of triple bogeys and a bonus quad.  He finished tied for 2nd, 7 strokes back.

2nd place finisher Jeff Mains hits an approach shot on the final hole

Andrew Posthumus finished in a very respectable tie for 2nd, going 94-95 on the weekend.  Andy’s prodigious drives were the stuff of legend (not just in his own mind) but his short game betrayed some rust, not to say insufficient skill.

Defending Champion Rick Cunliffe acquitted himself well, firmly cementing his status as a fellow who deserves a low-to-mid 90s target…notwithstanding his suggestions to the contrary.  Ricky shot 95 on day 1, leaving him tied for fourth coming into Sunday; though he slipped to a 98 in the final round, it was a truly remarkable feat considering his performance at Donovan’s on Saturday night.  As virtually everyone can attest, Rick is the most improved golfer on the circuit.  If he could just learn to putt, he’d be high 80s, low 90s golfer.  Alas, those days working the jackhammer have taken their toll.

Your humble Commish had proposed a 93 target — knowing my game better than any of you — but had to settle for a 91.  I fired an unimpressively steady 95-95 to finish 5th.   I had plenty of decent shots and holes, but intermittent triple bogeys plagued me.  And par 3s.  I hate all par 3s.

Geoff Oliver had come into the weekend nursing a sore elbow. He had provoked much good-natured ribbing by proposing a target of 99, and finished 6th at +12, after closing with a 96.  Somehow, Geoff remained convinced that his proposed 99 target was justified, even though my math finds that he would have finished in first, four strokes ahead of Hawk if we had let Geoff have his way. Nice try, Geoff.  That elbow didn’t look too painful when you were launching those majestic 275 yard drives!

Perennial runner-up Bruce Murdock came into the Sunday with dreams of putting a fourth bridesmaid’s dress in his closet (he had all but given up on catching Hawk), but ran into a wee hiccup (or wast that a choke?) when he carded a 12 on a modestly difficult front nine par 4.  Bruce went 94-104, further demonstrating that ‘Captain Saturday’ is an apropos moniker.

Two-time winner Greg Jarvis deployed a cunning(?) strategy.  After an impressive 3 over 75 on Saturday that nonetheless left him a dismaying 11 shots behind, he opted to use Sunday’s round to position himself for 2018 by bogeying as many holes as he could manage.  His 78-88 left him in the 8th and final position, 16 over his target through two rounds and a full 24 behind the leader.  Greg has already been in touch, pointing out that his target needs to be adjusted upward for next year’s competition.  All in favour?

Name

Hockley

Mains

Posthumus

Cunliffe

Anderson

Oliver

Murdock

Jarvis

Target

90

114

95

93

91

87

92

75

Sat

82

113

94

95

95

90

94

78

+/-

-8

-1

-1

+2

+2

+3

+2

+3

Sun

90

111

95

98

95

96

104

88

Final

-8

-4

-1

+7

+8

+12

+14

+16

The 2017 group, in all their assembled royal blue glory, following the final round.

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It was a beautiful day on Malone’s East Course. Cool, but sunny and it warmed up nicely as the afternoon progressed. Six of the eight in the 2017 crew played 27 holes. (The Jeff/Geoff duo opted to get some ice cream and then go for a nap.)  Players were allowed to substitute the final 9 holes of the day for their front nine.

Derrick Hockley, the best player never to win the Sandbagger (with apologies to Murdock), fought off some early struggles, shot a 39 on the back nine, and after posting a 43 in his second lap of the front 9 (displacing a 48 in his first trip through the front) emerged from the day with a healthy lead. The other seven competitors are grouped within 5 shots, but the closest two trail Hawk by 7 strokes.

Name

Hockley

Mains

Posthumus

Murdock

Cunliffe

Jarvis

Oliver

Anderson

Tgt

90

114

95

92

93

75

87

91

Rd 1

82

113

94

94

95

78

90

95

+/-

-8

-1

-1

+2

+2

+3

+3

+4

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We have assembled in Malone, NY, for the 22nd Sandbagger.

The Star Chamber took place last night at Mo’s Diner.  Since we are just 8, we tried something new this year. Each Sandbagger was given a piece of paper and wrote their proposed target on the front and then everyone else’s proposed targets on the back. Your commissioner then went player by player, reading out proposed targets, sparking considerable laughter, and sometimes downright derision.

The most outrageous was past champion Geoff Oliver’s request for a 99, a stratospheric target that was seven strokes higher than any of the proposed targets for him put forward by other Sandbaggers.  Geoff doubled down on the insanity by proposing an outrageous 81 for your humble Commish.

Andrew Posthumus showed great respect for 3x champion Ricky by proposing Rick take a target of 84.

The targets for 2017 are as follows.  Note: past Sandbagger champions are indicated in brackets by year(s) of their glory.

Anderson, Jim (’97, ’08)
Cunliffe, Ricky (’99, ’09, ’16)
Hockley, Derrick
Jarvis, Greg (’06, ’12)
Mains, Jeff (’15)
Murdock, B (Bridesmaid 3x)
Oliver, Geoff (’96)
Posthumus, Andrew (’14)

91
93
90
75
114
92
87
95

Some patterns become evident when we examine the proposed targets for each player, as put forward by their fellow Sandbaggers, along with (in red) each Sandbagger’s own proposal for their target and (in blue) the final targets they were given.

Anderson, Jim: 81, 88, 90, 90, 90, 90, 91, 92, 93
Cunliffe, Ricky: 84, 90, 90, 90, 92, 93, 93, 97, 98
Hockley, Derrick: 86, 87, 87, 88, 89, 90, 90, 90, 98
Jarvis, Greg: 73, 75, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 82, 83
Mains, Jeff: 100, 105, 107, 110, 114, 114, 115, 115, 115
Murdock, Bruce: 90, 92, 92, 92, 92, 93, 94, 95, 95
Oliver, Geoff: 83, 86, 86, 87, 90, 90, 90, 92, 99
Posthumus, Andrew: 90, 95, 95, 96, 97, 98, 98, 101, 103

Ricky contemplating (his final moments with) the Sandbagger trophy

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