Here are our targets for 2016…agreement was reached with relative ease…(Past Sandbagger champions are indicated in brackets by year(s) of their glory)…
Anderson, Jim (1997, 2008)
Arbique, Brian (2005)
Cunliffe, Ricky (1999, 2009)
Jarvis, Greg (2006, 2012)
Maidment, Michael
Mains, Jeff (2015 CHAMP)
Mooney, Brent (1996)
Murdock, B (Bridesmaid 3x)
Ranger, Michel (2014)
93
97
96
79
84
111
86
96
82
Just to kick things off, here are the proposed 2016 targets – these are based on most recent targets, recent outcomes and a desire to establish more equity…let the moaning and whining begin…
Note: past Sandbagger champions are indicated in brackets by year(s) of their glory.
Anderson, Jim (1997, 2008)
Arbique, Brian (2005)
Cunliffe, Ricky (1999, 2009)
Jarvis, Greg (2006, 2012)
Maidment, Michael
Mains, Jeff (2015 CHAMP)
Mooney, Brent (1996)
Murdock, B (Bridesmaid 3x)
Ranger, Michel (2014)
93
97
96
79
83
109
86
96
82
Gents – a few notes re our 2016 Sandbagger.
First off, we have ten people confirmed, with the possibility that others (e.g., Brian Joe, David Oikle) may join us for part of the weekend.
Accommodations will be at the comfy cottages of Rick Cunliffe and Jeff Mains.
We will divvy up as follows:
Rick’s Cottage: Rick Cunliffe, Jim Anderson, Greg Jarvis, Bruce Murdock
Jeff’s Cottage*: Jeff Mains, Brian Arbique, Michael Maidment, Brent Mooney, Michel Ranger
As usual, we have a Bring Your Own Booze policy.
*Please Note: For those staying at Jeff’s cottage, due to a recent washing machine calamity, we also have a Bring Your Own Bedding policy. You are requested to bring sheets and/or sleeping bags — bringing your own bath towels would be wise, too.
The golf and dinner plans for the weekend are as follows…
Friday, September 16
Our warm-up round will be at Lombard Glen Golf Course, on Highway 15, just south of Smiths Falls (and 10-15 minutes from our two hosts’ cottages on Bass Lake). The rate is $50 for 18 holes + electric cart + dinner.
Our tee-times are at 1:46, 1:53 and 2:00pm.
Jim Anderson
Rick Cunliffe
Michael Maidment
Greg Jarvis
Michel Ranger
We will dine in the Lombard Glen clubhouse, which will serve as our congregation point for both those finishing their warm-up round and for those arriving between 6-8 pm. If you arrive before the Friday golfing gang have finished, order a drink and plot your Star Chamber strategy. Anyone arriving after 8 pm should check the clubhouse at Lombard Glen – if there is no sign of us, head directly to Rick’s cottage, where the Star Chamber will convene at about 9 pm.
Saturday, September 17
Breakfast in our respective cottages or at the course. UPDATE: Rick Cunliffe suggests we convene for breakfast at Peter’s Restaurant, 84 Gore St E, Perth. A 9:30 start to breakfast would allow time to get to the course and warm up.
We play at Timber Run, a rolling country course a few minutes north and west of Perth (Sandbaggers have played there once before). It will take no more than half an hour to get to Timber Run.
Tee-times are: 11:04, 11:12, 11:20. The groups are as follows.
Group 1 (The Sweet Swingers): 11:04
Greg Jarvis
Michael Maidment
Michel Ranger
Group 2 (The Pretenders): 11:12
Jim Anderson
Rick Cunliffe
Bruce Murdock
Group 3 (The Johnny Come Latelys): 11:20
Brian Arbique
Jeff Mains
Brent Mooney
Dinner on Saturday is at Jeff Mains’ cottage…he is preparing some fine tenderloin. Sous chefs welcome, as well as a clean-up crew. Contributions toward the cost of the dinner will be done on site.
Sunday, September 18
Breakfast in our respective cottages or at the course.
The final round for 2016 will be at Smiths Falls Golf and Country Club, home course of LPGA star Brooke Henderson, currently ranked #3 in the world. The shoulder season rate for golf+cart is $51 (total including tax, $57).
Tee-times are: 10:48, 10:57, 11:06.
Groupings will be determined based on positioning, with the also-rans going early and the leaders teeing off last.
Best of luck to everyone.
Friday’s warm-up round (September 16) will be at Lombard Glen Golf Course, on Highway 15, just south of Smiths Falls (and 10-15 minutes from our two hosts’ cottages on Bass Lake).
Since we have rarely had much more than 60% turn out for the warm-up round, I have booked three foursomes. This can, however, be adjusted.
Our tee-times are at 1:46, 1:53 and 2:00pm.
The rate is a paltry $50 for 18 holes + electric cart + dinner.
The clubhouse at Lombard Glen will serve as our congregation point for both those finishing their warm=up round and for those arriving between 6-8 pm. If you arrive before the Friday golfing gang have finished, order a drink and plot your Star Chamber strategy. Anyone arriving after 8 pm should check the clubhouse at Lombard Glen – if there is no sign of us, head directly to Rick’s cottage, where the Star Chamber will convene at about 9 pm.
I would be grateful if you could take the time to let me know about your interest in playing on Friday and taking advantage of the dinner deal. Please respond using the comment section below.
Here is who I believe has confirmed for Sandbagger golf so far…please keep your responses coming in (and correct me if I am wrong).
Jim Anderson (in for Friday round)
Rick Cunliffe (in for Friday round)
Michael Maidment (in for Friday round)
Greg Jarvis (in for Friday round)
Michel Ranger (in for Friday round)
Brian Arbique (arriving Saturday morning?)
Jeff Mains
Brent Mooney (arriving Saturday morning)
Bruce Murdock
Andrew Posthumus (arriving Saturday morning)
Brian Joe and David Oikle may join us for part of the weekend.
The following have expressed their regret about not being able to attend this year: Doug Anderson, Brian Bonnar, Andy del Castillo, Derrick Hockley, Geoff Oliver, Greg Hodgins, Richard Hogeveen, Blake Johnston, Guy LaFramboise, John McKinnon, Steve McMahon, Jack Pantalone, Lou Riccoboni, Graham Smith. You will all be missed. We hope to see you in 2017.
Gentlemen, start your engines (and polish your clubs). After much delay — admittedly due only to distractions affecting yours truly — we are now confirmed for our time and venue for the 21st edition of the storied Sandbagger Championship.
Jeff Mains has been preparing to defend his title and hopes to face a more robust field than he vanquished in 2015. As some will recall (with embarrassment, I hope) the field for the final round last year was seriously depleted, when a half dozen or so Sandbaggers (made of sugar?) opted to stay by a warm fire rather than brave the harsh mid-September elements. (Did I just hear someone cough “wusses”?)
The September 17-18 weekend is when we will gather, once again, at beautiful Bass Lake. I have reserved tee-times for as many as five foursomes and will need confirmations as soon as possible.
On Saturday, September 17, we will tee-off at Timber Run, a rolling country course a few minutes north and west of Perth (Sandbaggers have played there once before). The first tee-off on September 17 is at 11:04 am. Subsequent tee-times are: 11:12, 11:20, 11:28, 11:36
Sunday’s final round is at Smiths Falls Golf and Country Club, home course of Brooke Henderson, recently an LPGA major championship winner and currently ranked #3 in the world. Tee-times at Smiths Falls on Sunday are: 10:30, 10:39, 10:48, 10:57, 11:06.
We will, as usual, arrange a warm-up round for anyone able to play Friday afternoon.
The lodgings will be provided by defending champ Jeff Mains and two-time champion Ricky Cunliffe. We will all be expected to pitch in with cooking and clean-up. Rick proposes to bbq burgers on Friday at his place on Bass Lake. If you want something other than burgers, you are welcome to put it on the bbq (and tend to it). Jeff Mains is ruminating about preparing a beef tenderloin for Saturday night.
Please confirm with me as soon as possible that you intend to attend – or that you will regret missing our annual gathering.
Please use the comment section below this post to signal your delight at being able to confirm.
Smiths Falls GC Scorecard
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
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!
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
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
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