The Sandbagger

Long-suffering Sandbagger veteran Jeff Mains upped his game during a rain-soaked weekend in the Perth-Smiths Falls area yesterday.  Mains emerged as champion, after heading into the Sunday round in second place, one shot behind 2000 Champion Andrew Posthumus.

Steady rains during the weekend had taken its toll on the field.  Several of the less hardy didn’t even make it through the first round of competitive play, cutting out at the turn in Smiths Falls on Saturday to flee back to Ottawa as soon as the parking lot was in sight.  Through the years, Sandbaggers have endured snow, hail, high winds and driving rain.  The mid-round weather-related departures in 2015 were a first in the annals of Sandbagger competition, ensuring that the early-departed Doug Anderson, Lou Riccoboni and Blake Johnston will forever enjoy a special place in Sandbagger lore and Star Chamber deliberations!

The inclement weather continued through the evening on Saturday, causing further disruption to the field.

Jack Pantalone, Steve McMahon, Brian Bonnar, Andres del Castillo, Brian Joe and Greg Hodgins showed up at the Perth course on Sunday morning but — after observing the soaked terrain and the still steady rains — opted to bail out of the round rather than risk having to bail out their golf cart.  (Brian Joe and Greg Hodgins declared their withdrawals to be due to injuries rather than an aversion to a bit of moisture.)   Rick Cunliffe, Geoff Oliver, Derrick Hockley and John McKinnon never made it to the course, opting for tea time (at Ricky’s cottage) rather than tee-time.

So, with 13 of our 19 competitors implicitly acknowledging that — much like the little girls in the rhyme — they were made of sugar, a decimated field of 6 took to the course at 11 am on Sunday.

It should be noted that the sturdy six who made the bell for the Sunday round were all among the top ten in the field, proving that the spirit of competition was alive.  The group included Andrew Posthumus, who headed into the round with a slim one stroke lead over Jeff Mains; Greg Jarvis and Bruce Murdock (both starting the day 7 back of the leader); yours truly, whose 95 (please note)  in the opening round left me 10 back of the lead; and Mike Maidment (who sat 12 back).

We had the course to ourselves and were able to play as a six-some, another Sandbagger first.  It was fun playing as a group and the conditions made it even more of a memorable adventure.  The grounds were soggy, with every footstep eliciting moisture, but the course drained reasonably well and was in very good shape.  Andy Posthumus had a tee-shot that plugged impressively in front of the green on the par 3 15th and we all experienced fairway shots that skidded to early stops due to puddles but balls rolled true on the well-manicured (in fact, freshly-cut) greens.

Jeff Mains had never before played in such conditions – noting “why would I?” — but from the outset he had the eye of the tiger.  Demonstrating impressive focus Jeff hit fairway after fairway. Andy Posthumus made just a few mistakes on the front nine, but these were enough to allow the surging Mains to move into the lead.  On holes 3-4-5-6, Jeff beat Andy by a combined 5 strokes, straight up.   Greg Jarvis was striking the ball very well but, sensing that Jeff wasn’t going to implode, seemed to be showing the pressure of needing to be near-perfect in order to make up the gap.  As we approached the 10th tee, Jeff’s solid play had earned him a 5-stroke lead over Andrew Posthumus.  Jarvis had fallen 13 back by that point; Murdock (15), Maidment (20) and I (17) were all trailing badly.

It was at that point that Mother Nature seemed to signal her approval with  Jeff’s ascendance (and perhaps our fortitude).  The rains stopped, the sun emerged and the afternoon became entirely pleasant.  We slowly began to discard our layers of clothing and enjoy some warmth.

Some of our group capitalized better than others on the improved conditions.  The back nine featured some impressive displays of golf.  Greg Jarvis shot a fine 2-over 38 (to finish at 81).  Michael Maidment carded a 43 on the back nine (and, with a 90, had the second lowest round of the day).  Bruce Murdock fired a 44.   Andy Posthumus and I (please note) did not enjoy noteworthy back nines.

It was fitting that Jeff Mains earned the Pewter Mug in a year with such tough conditions.  Jeff had already proved he could endure tough condition after soldiering on in the 2014 competition despite incurring a hip injury on his first swing of competition.  Despite being in constant pain Jeff limped and lunged around the Smugglers Glen course, intent on staying in the game to enjoy some friendly banter and the company of friends.

Jeff has improved considerably over the years.  He has never played more than ten rounds in a year and holds a Sandbagger record for the most rounds over 120.  But, in the fading summer of 2015, Jeff fired back-to-back 115’s in conditions adverse enough to send 13 Sandbaggers scurrying for safety.  Though he buckled slightly under the pressure of the lead, Jeff held on to earn a well-deserved Sandbagger championship.  With a ten stroke margin of victory over second place Andy Posthumus, Jeff would have won even if his target had been 4 strokes lower.  And, I would wager Jeff’s score would have been at least 3-4 strokes lower had the weather been hospitable.

All-in-all, despite the weather, the 20th Sandbagger was yet another fun and memorable weekend.  Thank you to Rick Cunliffe and Jeff Mains for hosting us at their fine cottages.  Bass Lake is a popular stop on the Sandbagger tour.  Staying in the area gives us an opportunity to play some challenging courses, the cottages allow for plenty of opportunity for socializing and the meals are always fine.  Thank you to everyone for coming out and to those who helped out on the meals.  I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible again in 2016.

Congratulations, again, to Jeff Mains, 2015 Sandbagger Champion!

2015 Final Standings:

Mains

Posthumus

Jarvis

Murdock

Anderson

Maidment

115

94

82

96

95

91

115

106

81

96

97

90

-6

+4

+5

+6

+14

+15

Withdrawn (aka “the sugar-babies”): Doug Anderson, Lou Riccoboni, Blake Johnston, Rick Cunliffe, Geoff Oliver, Derrick Hockley, John McKinnon, Jack Pantalone, Steve McMahon, Brian Bonnar, Andres del Castillo, Brian Joe, Greg Hodgins.

The Sturdy Six, including 2015 Champion Jeff Mains

Tags: Results, Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XX by Sandbagger Commissioner
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Weather on Saturday was, to put it mildly, inclement.  So much so that Doug Anderson, Lou Riccoboni and Blake Johnston all took their leave after 9 holes.  David Oikle (filling in for Brian Arbique) impressed us by showing up despite the rain but scattered off immediately after playing 18.  As a result, we will have 16 for Sunday.

When you arrive at Perth golf course tell pro James Paterson that you’re with the Sandbagger group; a special rate has been set up.

Tee times are at:  10:41, 10:49, 10:57, 11:05. (10:33 will be handed back in due to the drop-outs.)

The groupings have been assembled based on standings. Groupings and scores going into the final round are as follows:

Group 1: 10:41 am

Cunliffe, Ricky (14, Target 90)
Hodgins, Greg (12, Target 98)
McMahon, Steve 11, Target 85)
Joe, Brian (9, Target 92)

Group 2: 10:49 am

del Castillo, Andrés (9, Target 90)
Bonnar, Brian (8, Target 97)
Maidment, Michael (8, Target 83)
Anderson, Jim (6, Target 89)

Group 3: 10:57 am

Pantalone, Jack (5, Target 94)
McKinnon, John ( 5, Target 83)
Murdock, Bruce (3, Target 93)
Jarvis, Greg (3, Target 79)

Group 4: 11:05 am

Oliver, Geoff (1, Target 87)
Hockley, Derrick (-1, Target 88)
Mains, Jeff (-3, Target 118)
Posthumus, Andrew (-4, Target 98)

Good luck to everyone!

Tags: Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XX by Sandbagger Commissioner
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The 2015 Star Chamber all started so pleasantly.

Though our 2014 Champion, Michel Ranger, was off examining dykes somewhere in Holland, he took the time to send us an eloquent toast to be read by yours truly. Michel’s goal was to initiate a new tradition: the Star Chamber Champions’ Toast, a fine idea that shouldn’t have taken 20 years to be adopted. Let’s give credit to Michel for kickstarting this and keep it going.  

Mr. Ranger also established a second fine tradition which future champions should continue to honour.  He graciously provided some Dutch Champagne (aka Heineken) – thank you Michel!

In his toast, Michel thanked our hosts, saluted past champions and added a tribute to the recently passed Henry Mains, whose wonderful cottage is accommodating 12 of our crew this year. May he rest in peace.

We then began the round of target setting, with a tenuous agreement to be civilized and to set targets that were reasonable aspirations for each competitor (credit to Blake Johnston for suggesting “aspirational”).  While there was the usual whinging, posturing, bluffing/lying and negotiating, for the most part the group was respecting this approach.

It kicked off with past champions Steve McMahon (85) and Brian Bonnar (97) each being granted very achievable targets.  Jack Pantalone’s 94 seems like a soft target, as well.  Though he claims to have only played four rounds this year there was no one on hand to make a liar of him and he was given the benefit of the doubt.  People were being nice.

As the charitable atmosphere continued, Derrick Hockley, one of the finest golfers who has yet to win the Pewter Mug, was granted a thoroughly achievable 88.  Put some money on him.

Greg Hodgins and Andrew Posthumus had respectable targets of 98 hung on them.  Both are proud enough to want us to believe they are capable of aspiring to sub-100 rounds.

Michael Maidment shot a 76 earlier this year in South Carolina (foolishly letting the world know by posting it on Facebook).  Despite this, an act of charity occurred and he escaped with a target of 83. Or maybe I’m hanging too much on that one round of Mike’s.

Ricky, who, just like in 2014, is playing some of the best golf in his life, seemed to feel his target of 90 was unfair but, given that he beat that score at least three times this summer – on the very courses we will be playing -, he should be considering himself fortunate to have targets that he so recently proved he can hit.  Jeff Mains also set a personal best earlier this year.  With his target bumped back up a few notches (to 118), he may capture his first Pewter Mug.

John McKinnon (83), another fine golfer, lied about being a Royal Ottawa member.  For his sins, he was going to be saddled with an 81, however he was granted some relief for having being one of the evening’s chefs.  Past champion Geoff Oliver (87) was similarly treated with kid gloves out of gratitude.

Here’s a phrase clipped from 2014 and entirely appropriate again this year: “Greg Jarvis can never be discounted, due to his skill and consistency, but living up to the 79 target is quite a task. If he pulls it off this year, his target will be mired in the low 70’s for the rest of the decade.”  Enough said.

Had Doug Anderson not slept through the Star Chamber his target would have been 97.  In fact, it was 97 until some uncharitable Sandbagger posited the theory that no one not present to defend themselves or explain why they should be given a reasonable chance of winning should be treated so well.  His revised target of 95 is thoroughly achievable but it is fair to say that Doug is a Jekyll and Hyde golfer (like so many of us) and almost as capable of shooting 89 as he is of shooting 105.

Bruce Murdock’s 93 would have been appropriate a few years ago but he, too, suffered from putting personal needs (his son Jack’s 8th birthday) ahead of appearance at the Star Chamber.

Brian Joe ,who was also absent, has struggled with injuries of late.  Andres, acting as his proxy, managed to secure him a target of 92 which Brian could easily have exceeded a year or two ago.  If Brian wins, he will owe it to Andy.

The three who consistently took money off of me during skins competition this past summer — Andy del Castillo, Lou Riccoboni and Blake Johnston — all seemed quite content to allow themselves to be pegged with targets of 90 (though Blake suggested it was pride that prevented him from arguing for a higher target).  I can tell you from costly first-hand experience that, when they’re on, Andy and Lou can easily go low 80’s.  And, Blake Johnston shot 85 in competitive skins play just two weeks ago.  It’s not too mentally challenging to aspire to something that was so recently achieved. These three no doubt left the Star Chamber smirking.

Which brings us to your hard-working Sandbagger Commissioner.  This is where the pleasantries ended.  Somehow, despite losing money to these three amigos all summer, my target was pegged at 89, just a notch lower than those who beat me regularly.  No one spoke up on my behalf.  When I challenged the three highway robbers — Lou, Andy and Blake — to accept the same target as I, they went mute.   I will try to let this travesty of justice inspire me to exceed my skill.  If this approach fails, as is likely, I will pursue revenge in 2016.

In conclusion, let’s all keep in mind that very few, if any, of us will hit or beat their aspirational targets two days in a row.  I think its safe to say that most people have at least a shot at winning in 2015.

In my view, the winner is going to be one of the following: John McKinnon, Geoff Oliver, Derrick Hockley, Andy del Castillo., Mike Maidment, Rick Cunliffe, Lou Riccoboni. Five of those seven would be saluted as first-time winners.

Good luck to everyone.

Anderson, Doug
Anderson, Jim (1997, 2008)
Bonnar, Brian (2001)
Cunliffe, Ricky (1999, 2009)
del Castillo, Andrés
Hockley, Derrick
Hodgins, Greg
Jarvis, Greg (2006, 2012)
Joe, Brian
Johnston, Blake
Maidment, Michael
Mains, Jeff
McKinnon, John
McMahon, Steve (2004, 2013)
Murdock, Bruce
Oliver, Geoff (2000)
Pantalone, Jack
Posthumus, Andrew (2010)
Riccoboni, Lou

95
89
97
90
90
88
98
79
92
90
83
118
83
85
93
87
94
98
90

Tags: Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XX, Targets by Sandbagger Commissioner
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When you arrive at Smiths Falls golf course tell pro Adam Miller that you’re with the Sandbagger group; a special rate has been set up.

The groupings have been carefully assembled, to separate out people who may have played together on Friday and to ensure each foursome has the honour of playing with a past champion.

Tee times and groupings for play on Saturday, September 12 are as follows:

Group 1: 10:00 am

Cunliffe, Ricky (1999 and 2009 Champion)
Mains, Jeff
Pantalone, Jack
Posthumus, Andrew (2010 Champion)

Group 2: 10:09 am

Bonnar, Brian (2001 Champion)
McKinnon, John
Murdock, Bruce
Riccoboni, Lou

Group 3: 10:18 am

Anderson, Doug
Anderson, Jim (1997 and 2008 Champion)
Hockley, Derrick
Oliver, Geoff (2000 Champion)

Group 4: 10:27 am

del Castillo, Andrés (click here to see videos!)
Joe, Brian
Maidment, Michael
McMahon, Steve (2004 and 2013 Champion)

Group 5: 10:36 am

Hodgins, Greg
Jarvis, Greg (2006 and 2012 Champion)
Johnston, Blake
Oikle, Dave

Tags: Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XX by Sandbagger Commissioner
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As usual, we have a relaxed round scheduled for Friday for those who are available and in need up a tune-up.

The first group will tee off at 1:30 pm, at Lombard Glen. Subsequent groups are booked immediately after.

We have 12 confirmed, in the following groups:

Group 1:

Cunliffe, Rick
Jarvis, Greg
McKinnon, John
Oliver, Geoff

Group 2:

Anderson, Doug
Hockley, Derrick
Hodgins, Greg
Maidment, Michael

Group 3:

Anderson, Jim
del Castillo, Andres
Johnston, Blake
Riccoboni, Lou

Tags: Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XX by Sandbagger Commissioner
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Note below there are some slight updating of the room assignments and directions (now including links to maps).

1. Room assignments.

Rick’s cottage (7): Doug Anderson, Jim Anderson, Rick Cunliffe, Greg Jarvis, John McKinnon, Geoff Oliver, Derrick Hockley.

Jeff’s cottage (12): Brian Bonnar, Andy del Castillo, Greg Hodgins, Brian Joe, Blake Johnston, Michael Maidment, Jeff Mains, Steve McMahon, Bruce Murdock, Jack Pantalone, Andrew Posthumus, Lou Riccoboni.

2. Friday plan. Some of us will be golfing at Lombard Glen Friday afternoon, finishing between 6 and 6:30 pm before heading to Rick Cunliffe’s cottage, which is 15 minutes away, on the north-west shore of Bass Lake. Even those who will be staying at Jeff Mains’ cottage (on the south shore of Bass Lake) should plan to convene at Rick’s for dinner and the Star Chamber. (Depending on when you might be arriving Jeff may be at his place prior to going to Rick’s, allowing some to ‘check-in’ early.)

3. Directions.  (Both cottages are on Bass Lake and can be found on the same Google Map.)

Rick’s cottage is on the west shore of Bass Lake.  Find it on Google Maps at: 35 B4 Rd, Lombardy, ON K0G 1L0. Rick’s is reached off of Highway 15 by turning right onto Rideau Ferry Road, then turning left onto Old Kingston Road, and finally turning left onto Road B4.  Please drive slowly on the dirt road.

Jeff’s cottage is on the east shore of Bass Lake. Find it on Google Maps at: 6 B9 Rd, Lombardy, ON K0G 1L0.    Jeff’s is reached off of Highway 15 by turning right onto Otter Lake Road, then turning right onto Road B9.  Stay right at each junction, the cottage is at the end of B9.

4. Friday dinner. Dinner at Rick’s, prior to the Star Chamber, will be served at approximately 8 pm. Past champion Geoff Oliver and returning Sandbagger John McKinnon have kindly taken responsibility for planning and providing the Friday meal.

5. What to bring (aside from your A games). To ease the laundry burden for our two hosts, please bring the following: sleeping bags or bed linens, pillows, towels. If you forget any of this, you will be forgiven (and ok), but it will help if you can bring these items.  Bring a bathing suit.

6. Booze. Please bring your own. We could also use 2-3 additional coolers. Any volunteers?

7. Saturday breakfast. Sandbaggers will eat at their respective cottages before heading to Smiths Falls Golf Course (first group tees off at 10 am, course is approximately 20 minutes away).

8. Saturday dinner. We will dine at Jeff Mains’ Bass Lake cottage. Jeff is planning a beef tenderloin. Michael Maidment has volunteered to assist.  If you want to volunteer for a sous-chef role, speak up.

9. Sunday breakfast. Subject to confirming with the golf course, I think we will have our Sunday breakfast all together at the Perth Golf Course. Tee-off is at 10:30, which gives us plenty of time to ‘check-out’ of our rooms, get to the course (15 minutes), eat and hit some balls.

10. Financial matters: I am collecting nothing in advance. Everyone is to pay for their own golf (rates are very good and include carts). Please remember to bring some cash because I will collect a modest amount from each of you to cover the food we will use at the two cottages (remember to BYOB). I’ll do some tallying when the bills are in but you should expect the assessment to be in the range of $60-$70 each, which is a fine price for two nights accommodation, two dinners and one breakfast. (Note: they did not, of course, request this but I am budgeting for about $10 of each person’s assessment to be used to cover golf for Rick and Jeff, our two hosts.)

Tags: Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XX by Sandbagger Commissioner
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Update on Sandbagger XX:

Good day, gents. I have one significant, regrettable loss and two welcome additions to report, as well as some details on start times.

Michel Ranger, 2014 Sandbagger Champion (and author of a record-setting 74 in his Sunday round) has been called away on business.  He will be in Europe for a month.  Michel is very upset about not being able to be with us to defend his title.  He has been spending much of the past few weeks spinning some of us his tales of woe about how his game had gone downhill.  I didn’t see much evidence of a decline in his skills, which suggests that his impressive Star Chamber skills were still being exercised.

Though we have lost Michel, we have two additional competitors joining us: Geoff Oliver (2000 Champion) and John McKinnon (a ‘made man’ in Ricky’s Hinton Avenue mafia and a past Sandbagger). This gives us our biggest field ever and — with 20 competitors — puts a nice twist on our 20th year.

As usual, we have a relaxed round scheduled for Friday for those who are available and in need up a tune-up. The first group will tee off at 1:30 pm, at Lombard Glen. Subsequent groups are booked immediately after. The following 12 are confirmed:

Anderson, Doug
Anderson, Jim
Cunliffe, Rick
del Castillo, Andres
Hockley, Derrick
Hodgins, Greg
Jarvis, Greg
Johnston, Blake
Maidment, Michael
McKinnon, John
Oliver, Geoff
Riccoboni, Lou

If you want to golf in the warm-up round but don’t see your name above, or if I have you booked in error, please let me know.

For the weekend’s competition, we are booked at Smiths Falls (LPGA superstar rookie Brooke Henderson’s home course) on Saturday and at Perth Links O’Tay for Sunday.

Tee times on Saturday, September 12 are at: 10:00, 10:09, 10:18, 10:27, 10:36 (tell pro Adam Miller that you’re with the Sandbagger group; a special rate has been set up)

Tee times on Sunday, September 13 are at: 10:33, 10:41, 10:49, 10:57, 11:05

The following 2015 Sandbagger competitors will be vying to take home our precious Pewter Mug:

Anderson, Doug
Anderson, Jim (1997 and 2008 Champion)
Arbique, Brian (2005 Champion)
Bonnar, Brian (2001 Champion)
Cunliffe, Ricky (1999 and 2009 Champion)
del Castillo, Andrés (click here to see videos!)
Hockley, Derrick
Hodgins, Greg
Jarvis, Greg (2006 and 2012 Champion)
Joe, Brian (Sunday round TBC)
Johnston, Blake
Maidment, Michael
Mains, Jeff
McKinnon, John
McMahon, Steve (2004 and 2013 Champion)
Murdock, Bruce (bridesmaid revisited)
Oliver, Geoff (2000 Champion)
Pantalone, Jack
Posthumus, Andrew (2010 Champion)
Riccoboni, Lou

Friday’s dinner will be at about 7:30 pm. We’ll dine at the cottages on Saturday night as well. Stay tuned for details regarding dinners, Star Chamber and accommodation plans.

Tags: Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XX by Sandbagger Commissioner
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