Entries Tagged as 'Sandbagger Chronicles'

SB XVIII (2013)

Recap:

We tried out a new location for Sandbagger XVIII.  With accommodations for 16, a beautiful deck and lots of living space, everyone was in favour of making the Canada Club on the Big Rideau in years to come.

Because we all had to scatter off to different points we didn’t get to celebrate Steve McMahon‘s victory properly.  We can do that in 2014 if he’ll grace us with his presence — by throwing him in the Big Rideau on Friday night.

Steve’s victory was both hard-earned and strategic.  It was quite a remarkable effort on the fairways and greens but perhaps even more noteworthy was his performance during Friday evening’s Star Chamber.  Steve’s effort began at about 9:30 pm. He was ably assisted by Michel “the Shiv” Ranger and Che del Castillo. 

Interestingly, the knife man and the socialist rebel did most of the heavy lifting, always presenting “evidence” as to why a Sandbagger’s target should be ratcheted further downward.  Whenever the blindsided defendant or his supporters seemed on the verge of reversing the trend set by Shiv and Che, Steve would chime in with a witty quip that either distracted attention or reminded people of who they didn’t want to win.  

 
As as result, the target scores for 2013 had reached an all-time low, without any evidence presented in the Star Chamber to support the epidemic of optimism regarding people’s capabilities on the course.  (indeed, the “optimism” turned out to be just a thin coat of well-wishing applied over a coating otherwise recognizable as a strong desire to screw your neighbour).

The unholy alliance proved very useful for Steve, but Che, who has a soft heart to go with that impressive mind and golden voice, became ridden with guilt.  Senor del Castillo succumbed to demons, suffering nightmares about the blood he had spilled.  He turned into a tragi-comedy on the golf course.  After a summer of swinging the clubs like a pro (and taking money off his friends), Andy carded 107 and 115 to finish dead last, with an accumulated score of 222.  The best that can be said is that we know his conscience, if not his swing, is still intact.

 
After being the front-man for the vicious assault on fellow sandbaggers, the Shiv (aka Michel Ranger) fared somewhat better, but could only manage a 5th place showing. Despite recording the second-lowest accumulated score (177), Michel was 15 over his target.  It occurred to me, at some point, that the Shiv’s attitude may have been affected by the fact his target was somewhat (perhaps unreasonably?) harsh. But perhaps I’m being too generous. Maybe he’s just a mean bastard.

 
Brian Joe came in a commendable second, moving up from 4th going into the final round. Brian pretended to be put off at the thought of winning, feeling himself still a bit of an interloper. With another season or two under his belt, he will feel justified in taking the coveted Cup home.

Not surprisingly, the ever-steady Derrick Hockley played well, shooting 92 and 97, to finish third, just 13 over his target.  He was heard to swear on several occasions, including at poor Rick who had the audacity to be in the way of Hawk’s laser-like 250-yard drive on hole #1 on Sunday.

It’s probably a good time to mention that last year’s champ, Greg Jarvis, went into this event with a punishing target of 75 but managed to stay competitive by carding a 79 on Day one.  Unfortunately, he played like Sergio Garcia (or Che del Castillo) on Sunday and folded like a cheap pup tent, dropping from 2nd place to 8th.  Greg can still lay claim to having recorded the lowest accumulated score (170) – for all that that’s worth.

Now that we’ve covered the leaders, I’ll run briefly through the also rans — my apologies to anyone who believes they were done a disservice by my lack of colour commentary regarding their undoubtedly impressive skills.  I invite y’all to submit anecdotes about the highs and lows and habits of these Sandbaggers, as well as the leaders I’ve already mentioned.

Richard Hogeveen finished 4th at +14, with an accumulated score of 200. Rich can take solace in having won $52 in the blind skins game on Sunday. Less solace in the fact that some people scattered before paying him…

Michel the Shiv, as mentioned, finished 5th, at +15, with an accumulated score of 177.

Ricky Cunliffe finished 6th, at +17, with an accumulated score of 199.  He’s getting too good.

Yours truly finished 7th, at +19, with an accumulated score of 193. Worth noting that I told you all I would shoot 96. I averaged 96.5. Trust me next time. Really.

Greg Jarvis, as mentioned, finished 8th, at +20, with an accumulated score of 170.

Andy Posthumus finished 9th, at +23, with an accumulated score of 209.  This past champion is still rehabbing from his heart attack. The cigars are chock full of medicine.

Greg Hodgins finished 10th, at +24, with an accumulated score of 210. Greg has a deceptive swing. It looks great.

Sweet Lou Riccoboni finished 11th, at +25, with an accumulated score of 199. Lou was sleep deprived due to Mia, his then 3 month old daughter. He’ll shoot in the 80s next year. Mark my words.

Geoff Oliver — he coulda’ been a contender, but was pulled down by his playing partners (see next two finishers) finished 12th, at +35, with an accumulated score of 197.

Bruce “the Anvil” Murdock (one of Geoff Oliver’s two burdens on Sunday) finished 13th, at +41, with an accumulated score of 219. Bruce was shooting the lights out with mid-80s all through August. As a consequence, he played like he was in the dark in September.

Andy “Che” del Castillo finished 14th, with an accumulated score of 222. With a +44, Andy’s nickname should perhaps be revised to match that of another lefty who liked to stir drinks — Reggie Jackson!

We regret that Michael Maidment was unable to compete but appreciated his attendance and look forward to his return next year.  Keep in mind that he is now running Ottawa’s Food Bank if you’re ever looking for a worthwhile charity.

Thank you to all those who consistently took on kitchen and barbecuing responsibilities. It seemed liked Greg Jarvis, Andy Posthumus, Rich Hogeveen, Ricky and Greg Hodgins were constantly busy (forgive me if I neglected to mention anyone worthy). The food was excellent. The $150 for accommodations, two dinners and two breakfasts was the most efficient deal we’ve ever managed. I think I heard a chorus of recommendations to return and I believe it was clear that two Sandbaggers, in particular, want to return to the scene of Saturday’s carnage: Bruce Murdock wants another crack at the Perth course (111) and Andy del Castillo (107) wants to duke it out with the Perth course’s charming assistant pro.

Send some photos if you’ve got them.  I’ll create a gallery as there is for the 2011 Sandbagger (check it out here).

Congratulations again to the very worthy 2013 Sandbagger Cup winner, Steve McMahon.

Until next time.

Cheers gents.

 

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    Tags: Results, Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XVIII by Sandbagger Commissioner
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    SB XVII (2012)

    Gents: After a late, but exhaustive search, I’ve found us an interesting new venue for this year.  We’ll be playing in Bay of Quinte territory, ideally situated between Ottawa and Toronto. I’ve booked a warm-up round on the Friday afternoon and morning rounds on each of the Saturday and Sunday, the latter with a thoroughly decent start time of 10:30.

    Consecutive foursomes are booked as follows:

    Friday, September 21, Trillium Wood Golf Course: 1:30pm, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00

    Saturday, September 22, Bay of Quinte Golf Course: 9:34am, 9:44, 9:54, 10:04

    Sunday, September 23, Black Bear Golf Course: 10:30am, 10:40, 10:50, 11:00

    We will be staying at the Best Western Belleville (387 North Front Street, Belleville Ontario, K8P 3C8). The total cost is $317.95 per person + tax. This price includes hot breakfast in the morning, access to the indoor pool, hot tub, green fees, and power carts. To confirm your room and your tee-off spot, please call the hotel (1-613-969-1112) and provide your credit card number (indicate that you are with the Sandbagger group). Once you have done that, please flip me an email so that I can keep track of numbers.

    If you’re not going to be available for one or more rounds or nights, the price will be even lower.  Just please be sure to let them and me know.

    Directions: 

    From: Toronto Travel East on Highway 401. In Belleville, Take the second interchange, Highway 62 South, exit 543A. BEST WESTERN Belleville is on your left at the lights.

    From: Montreal/Ottawa Travel West on Highway 401. In Belleville, Take the second interchange, Highway 62 South, exit 543A and take a right on highway 62. BEST WESTERN Belleville is on your left at the lights.

    Tags: Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XVII by Sandbagger Commissioner
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    Sandbagger XVII – Belleville, Ontario, September 22-23, 2012

    Gents: After a late, but exhaustive search, I’ve found us an interesting new venue for this year.  We’ll be playing in Bay of Quinte territory, ideally situated between Ottawa and Toronto. I’ve booked a warm-up round on the Friday afternoon and morning rounds on each of the Saturday and Sunday, the latter with a thoroughly decent start time of 10:30. Consecutive foursomes are booked as follows: Friday, September 21 Trillium Wood Golf Course1:30pm, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00 Saturday, September 22 Bay of Quinte Golf Course9:34am, 9:44, 9:54, 10:04 Sunday, September 23 Course10:30am, 10:40, 10:50, 11:00 We will be staying at the Best Western Belleville (387 North Front Street, Belleville Ontario, K8P 3C8). The total cost is $317.95 per The BetsBets are placed directly on the free online Roulette table, which has squares numbered from 0 to 36 (the inside bets) plus some other special squares (the outside bets). person tax. This price includes hot breakfast in the morning, access to the indoor pool, hot tub, online pokies golf green fees, and power carts. To confirm your room and your tee-off spot, please call the hotel (1-613-969-1112) and provide your The betting exchange an internet-based online casino operator Betfair Australia has signed a unique three-year best online casino australia deal which will discover their whereabouts end up being the flagship which are more popular equine racing event here. credit card number (indicate that you are with casino online the Sandbagger group). Once you have done that, please flip me an email so that I can keep track of numbers. If you’re not going to be available for one or more rounds or nights, the price will be even lower.  Just please be sure to let them and me know. Directions: From: Toronto Travel East on Highway 401. In Belleville, Take the second interchange, Highway 62 South, exit 543A. BEST WESTERN Belleville is on your left at the lights. From: Montreal/Ottawa Travel West on Highway 401. In Belleville, Take the second interchange, Highway 62 South, exit 543A and take a right on highway 62. BEST WESTERN Belleville is on your left at the lights.

    Tags: Sandbagger XVIII by Sandbagger Commissioner
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    SB XVII (2012) Tee-times and attendance info

    Consecutive foursomes are booked as follows:

    Friday, September 21
    Trillium Wood Golf Course
    1:30pm, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00

    Saturday, September 22
    Bay of Quinte Golf Course
    9:34am, 9:44, 9:54, 10:04

    Sunday, September 23
    Black Bear Ridge Golf Course
    10:30am, 10:40, 10:50, 11:00

    We will be staying at the Best Western Belleville (387 North Front Street, Belleville Ontario, K8P 3C8). The total cost is $317.95 per person tax. This price includes hot breakfast in the morning, access to the indoor pool, hot tub, golf green fees, and power carts. To confirm your room But as West revealed at Cannes on Tuesday, the couple’s wedding plans were thrown off track when Annie Leibovitz pulled out of photographing the wedding the best-horoscope.com before. and your tee-off spot, please call the hotel (1-613-969-1112) and provide your credit card number (indicate that you are with the Sandbagger group). Once you have done that, please flip me an email so that I can keep track of numbers. If you’re not going to be available for one or more rounds or nights, the price will be even lower.  Just please be sure to let them and me know.

     

    Status of invitees:

    Confirmed (8): Jim Anderson, Brian Arbique, Rick Cunliffe, Andy del Castillo, Greg Jarvis, Steve McMahon, Jack Pantalone, Michel Ranger

    Still to be confirmed (10): Doug Anderson, Brian Bonnar, Brian Boychuk (2011 Champion), Brian Joe, Blake Johnston, Guy Laframboise, Bruce Murdock, Geoff Oliver, Andrew Posthumus, Lou Riccoboni

    Rejecting the opportunity (6): Derrick Hockley, Greg Hodgins, Richard Hogeveen, Dave Keon, Jr., Jeff Mains, Brent Mooney

    In the twilight zone: Graham Smith (were it ever thus)

    Tags: Sandbagger XVII by admin
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    2011 Memories

    My most vivid memory is of Brian Arbique who, after hiding my wallet under my golf bag in the back of the cart, proceeds to grab the wheel of our golf cart and recklessly steer our cart into another golf cart (claiming that there was absolutely enough room for us to pass the other cart), causing me to suffer pain and suffering (whiplash), and destroying a golf club (driver) in the said other cart, much to the chagrin of the French-Canadian women in the said other cart.

    My other vivid memory (walking in on said Brian Arbique in the washroom while he was sitting on the toilet and allegedly fingering his Playbook) is, regrettably, another equally vivid and painful memory….Fortunately, there is no photographic evidence of either incident.

    Tags: Sandbagger XVI by Jack Pantalone
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    Brian Boychuk, 2011 Champion, a true Sandbagger

    SunRidge Canyon, 03Nov11 (Jeff Mains missing)

    SunRidge Canyon, 03Nov11 (Jeff Mains missing)

    The Sandbagger competition began in 1996. We have had many champions who fit the above description to a tee. Perhaps the most notorious was Michael Holmes who came out as a rookie in 1998, proclaimed himself a 105-type golfer and then proceeded to fire a blistering, “career-best” 87 at Royal Laurentian. He lives on in infamy, but dared not return the following year.

    The Sandbagger champion for 2011 was a similarly (un)worthy winner. Were it not for the fact he is a roguishly charming cheat, whose frayed cargo pants and Arnold Palmer loop swing were always good for a laugh, Brian Boychuk would undoubtedly have been tarred and feathered for having sandbagged his way to a comfortable victory.

    Tags: Photos, Results, Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XVI by Sandbagger Commissioner
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    SB XVI (2011)

    The Sandbagger 2011 group - Front row (l to r): Derrick Hockley, Greg Jarvis, Brian Arbique, Jeff Mains, Andres del Castillo Back row (l to r): Richard Hogeveen, Jim Anderson, Andrew Posthumus, Graham Smith, Rick Cunliffe, Jack Pantalone, Brian Boychuk

    Sandbagger 2011: The entire Scottsdale group
    Front row (l to r): Derrick Hockley, Greg Jarvis, Brian Arbique, Jeff Mains, Andres del Castillo
    Back row (l to r): Richard Hogeveen, Jim Anderson, Andrew Posthumus, Graham Smith, Rick Cunliffe, Jack Pantalone, Brian Boychuk

    To commemorate the fact that we have lurched, limped, tinted (Brent: where were you?) and grumbled our way to the half century mark (notable exception: Rich Hogeveen, who was limping much earlier but nonetheless looks just 40) we took the Sandbagger to the southern United States.

    Eleven Sandbagger veterans and one under-age rookie (49-year old Brian Boychuk, more later) assembled in Fountain Hills, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona.  To protect us from the abuses of the american legal system, Jack Pantalone was lured from retirement.  As it turns out, Ricky was on his best behaviour and there was no need to find a bail bondsman and schedule a quick court date.  Jack took good advantage of the unexpectedly free time by shopping, cooking and cleaning. We are grateful to Jack, and especially Rick, for their notable sacrifices for the greater good.

    Notable storylines from 2011 include:

    • Greg Jarvis’s daily 100 mph race to the golf course after his “inner GPS” failed him. Apparently, he managed to avoid being charged for vehicle damage caused by white-knuckled fingers dug deep into the plush leather.
    • Meat, meat and more meat. Colons are still recovering.
    Sandbagger 2011: The entire Scottsdale group Front row (l to r): Derrick Hockley, Greg Jarvis, Brian Arbique, Jeff Mains, Andres del Castillo Back row (l to r): Richard Hogeveen, Jim Anderson, Andrew Posthumus, Graham Smith, Rick Cunliffe, Jack Pantalone, Brian Boychuk

    Sandbagger 2011: The entire group
    Front row (l to r): Derrick Hockley, Greg Jarvis, Brian Arbique, Jeff Mains, Andres del Castillo
    Back row (l to r): Richard Hogeveen, Jim Anderson, Andrew Posthumus, Graham Smith, Rick Cunliffe, Jack Pantalone, Brian Boychuk

     

    Tags: Sandbagger Chronicles, Sandbagger XVI by Sandbagger Commissioner
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