The bags are packed.  The lockers are empty.  The course has healed.  The planes have left.  The 68^th Annual Weatherwax Member-Guest Golf Championship has been claimed.   Friendships are rekindled, new memories created and it is already time to wonder how it all happened.

Ken Ellis not only managed the largest field ever, but dealt with some unpredictable weather and unusually high-strung entertainers to reward us all with an efficient golf and social experience.  Every detail flowed easily.  Every mishap was anticipated.  Kenny, your hard work and experience let us play golf on a terrific course and socialize in real comfort.  It is safe to say that Wetaherwax participants played forward and partied on!  Thanks to Kenny!

John and Barbara Puig answered the call and rewarded us with a delicious evaluation party.  The setting was perfect, the barker well behaved and the refreshments endless.  What a treat!  Encore!  Many thanks to the Puigs.

Steve and Cindy Jensen had their game together.  The gifts will remind us all of SMC and the weekend.  The tees times and spacing allowed the rounds to proceed smoothly.  The correct decision was made on Sunday and the tournament concluded as well as it began.  Congratulations to the Jensen team!

David Hayes and Bob Johnson presented us with the finest greens we have ever putted.  The course was challenging but fair.  The fairways were flawless.  Unfortunately, we were left with no reasons for poor play.  Great job by David, Bob and crew!

There is plenty of evidence that John, Jimmy and Johnny were definitely on their game.  They hustled and bustled their way through round after round.  It was a pleasure to enjoy their standard and creative combos.  Even if the scores were not good, the results were excellent.  Way to go guys!

Mike and Chris provided terrific service.  The parties were throwbacks to yesteryear.  The staff was cordial and prompt.  Drinks and meals were presented in a timely and pleasant manner.  Everyone did the Meadows proud.  Wonderful job by all!

Peter Desmond and the SMC kitchen rocked!  Saturday was filled with challenges especially on top of Friday’s Puig blast.  The menu was super; the food was fresh and abundant.  The preparation was accented by the presentation.  Peter started with a good plan and then executed.  Thanks so much!

Now, when all the plans and services were completed to perfection, there was a golf tournament and a whole lot of conventional and unconventional socializing.  Regrettably, our social director and the social evaluation team have completed their initial review.  Results are posted below.

Meanwhile, thanks to all who made this Weatherwax the best ever!

“Wow!  Look at all the carts.  This is pretty cool.  Now, let me get this straight.  There are eight little golfing players and they are playing for that trophy which will be filled with champagne.  That’s pretty cool,” Renee drew a long sip from a very tall Johnny Rum Bob.  “Do you think they will share?”

“Um, they might.  Now remember, we shouldn’t talk while they are making their shots.”

“Yuh, I get that.  I know golfing.  I always wanted to be bunkered.”

“Really, hmm.  We’ll have to work on that.”

“Yes, we will!”  Renee smiled.  “Now let’s see, the eight golfers are going to play three holes and two will lose on each hole.  Then, those two go home and after three holes, there might a chip-off, and then we will have a winner and we will know who is passing the champagne.  Right?”

“Sort of.”

“How long ‘til the champagne?” 

“Not sure.”

“Well, can we visit John after sixteen?”  Renee drew a larger sip and smiled broadly.

“I think so.” 

“Goodie!  Now, who’s playing?

“Let’s see.  Jim Crane and his partner Roy Andersen.  They’ve been trying to win this thing for 30 years.”

“30 years!  I wasn’t born.  They look pretty good.”

“Uh, yuh.  They’re pretty good golfers too. Andersen made like a 30 foot putt on the last hole to knock out your pals Horsey and Jimbo.”

“That was mean,” Renee winked. “Horsey’s quite the performer.  He was at the songfest last night.  You know, until 3:00.”

“Probably right.  Let’s see, then there’s Dr. Jeff Rockmore, he’s a new member and John Zongrone, he’s from Voorheesville, or somewhere out there.  I hear they’re pretty good.  You’ve met Rockmore’s wife, Kristen.”

“Oh, yeah, the pretty one.  She’s sort of a jock.  She probably understands golfing.  I mean all the guys were talking to her.”

“Really, I hadn’t noticed.”

“Right, you didn’t notice,” Renee laughed.

“Well, then there’s Mike and Michael Hayes.  They shot 62 in the qualifier.”

“That’s good right?”

“Yes, Renee, that’s good.  And the last team is Darryl Teal and Jay Doyle.  You met them last night.  You talked with their wives.”

“Not as much as you.”

“I didn’t know we were keeping score on that.  But, yes, we talked.”

“Anyway,” Renee sipped on, “you’re right. They are fun.  That Jay, he’s got a little of the devil in him.  And, Darryl, he’s sorta cute.”

“Interesting.  Hmm, well, they’re teeing off now, so let’s watch.”

“Does that mean shut up?”

“No, it means let’s watch.”

The eight players played forward.

“Hey, that Mike Hayes, his wife is expecting again right?  Is that why he hit it a lot further than the others?  And look, there are no places to get bunkered on this hole.”

“That’s right.  But, there’s a creek in front of the green.”

“Why would anyone go there?

“Good question.  I wouldn’t ask Crane or Doyle that right now.”

“Oh look.  Mikey hit it on the green, right near Darryl the stud.  I’m getting a little confused about this stroke thing and why some of them aren’t on the green and some are.  It’s not like tv, is it?”

“No, on tv, the gallery is quiet.  But, really it is just as exciting, maybe more.”

“Some of them seem nervous, and look Jay just picked up his ball.  Eww, and what did Darryl just do?  Uh Oh.  He looks cranky.   It looks like they’re out.  I can’t believe that little putt.”

“Uh, Renee, we might not mention that again, okay?”

“Okay, I won’t say anything.  This is sorta fun.  Let’s go see Johnny, then we can watch more.”  The cart moved to the top of the hill.  “LOOK!  BUNKERS!  I hope someone gets bunkered!  Cool!”

“Easy Reneee.  Call Johnny, tell him we’ll be right there for more rum mixes. You don’t want to miss the bunker play.”

When they returned Renee had a planters punch in each hand.  “Wow, Mikey hit another good one!  And look, three golfers are bunkered!  That is so cool.”

“Umm, they are probably not as happy about it as you are.  Please don’t cheer.  Now, they’re getting ready to hit.  Take a sip.”

Renee watched with interest.  “Some of them did pretty well, didn’t they?”

“Yes, Renee.”

“And now watch Mikey,” she sipped again.  “What was that?  The ball, it hit… it stopped… then it like ran backwards… down that big hill.  Is that, is that fair?  Why did that happen?”

“I wouldn’t ask him right now.  Maybe in a couple months.”

“Look there are balls in the valley.  Why do they have their putters?  I thought those were for the green.  I think they are going to putt up the hill.  That’s a little funky.  Oh look, look what happened to Jimmy.  It’s rolling back down.  That’s so cute.  It’s right back where he started.  Ummm, does that count as a real shot?”

“Yes, yes that counts.  You might not want to be so loud right now.  I… I wouldn’t ask about that one either.”

“Well, everyone is here.  It’s not like a secret.”  Renee looked concerned, then suddenly smiled.  “Oh look, there’s Mr. Expose himself, Kenny.  He’s sorta cute.”

“Well, you could talk to him about that.  Now, they’re going to putt.  Please keep it down.”

“Okay.  Hey, Mikey’s father is putting first.  Wow, he’s not doing too well.  That’s a long way.  How far?

“Uh, forty feet, down hill, going to move right to left.”

“Ah, a shifty one.  I get it.  Look, it looks slow.  Barely rolling.  Look, it’s getting closer.  Going faster.  Hey, it… it looks… oh my God!  It went in!  Mikey’s Dad knocked it in!  Cool!”  Renee raised her cup.  “Way to go Mikey’s Dad!  I like his pink shirt too!”  She sat down and successfully drained her punch.  “We need to see Johnny,” she sang.

“Soon, soon right after 18.”

“Oh, look. Mike senior and Johnny Z hit into that long grass on the left?  Doesn’t that make it harder?”

“Shh, keep it down.  They’re tired, and, you know, doing the best they can.  If you can’t say something nice…” 

“I know, I know.  Is that Fescue Grass like being bunkered?” 

“Well, it is.  Actually it might be worse.”

“Or better,” Renee giggled.  “It might be better.  Let’s go over there and see.”

“No, I don’t think so.  We might not be appreciated.”

“Well, at least two of them aren’t in there.  And, look at Mikey.  He’s way down there.  Mikey hits it a long way.”

“Yuh, he’s a big hitter.”

“Oh, Mikey’s big.  I like that.” 

“Don’t we all?  Now, keep it down.”

“Mikey’s Dad and Johnny Z aren’t doing very well.  They’re not even up to Mikey yet.  But, Dr.  Jeff, with the jock wife, he did pretty well.  He’s down at the bottom in two.”

“Right, shh.  Big Mikey’s going to hit.”

Renee watched.  Mikey struck it clean.  The ball sailed high and kept sailing.  “Hey, watch out,”  Renee shrieked.  “Look, oh my.  That man just fell down.”

“I’ll say.  He looked like he’d been shot.  Gosh, I hope everybody’s okay.  At least there are some Doctors around.”

“Yes, where’s that cute Doctor Bill, or Doctor Derek, my new buddy?”

“I think they are over at the range, or maybe on the putting green. Let’s get a closer look at the victim.”

“Oh, look at Mikey,” Renee purred.  “He’s worried about that poor man lying on the ground. Oh, he’s running to see how he is.  That’s so cute!”

“Renee, he’s worried about… uh oh!  It’s… it’s… the club cardiologist!  This is serious.” 

“Oh, look!  Johnny sent out a bag of ice.  The doctor’s hand is all swollen.  Ewww!”  Renee turned away.  “And look, look where Mikey’s ball is.  That looks ugly I think Dr. Jeff and Johnny Z are going to win.”

“Well Dr. Jeff made a nice chip.  If he makes that putt, they’ll win.”

“Then we can have champagne.  And, I’d like to see some bunkers”

“Uh, okay Renee.  Now watch the putt.”

Dr.  Jeff sizes up putt & trophy

The first annual Weatherwax Golf Tournament was won by the very dapper Happy H.  Porter and his formidable partner Alex Ransom in the year 1940.  Playing with H. F. Roy, Porter won again in 1946.  Porter was not only dapper but extremely well connected to horse racing.  There were many reasons Happy was happy and they were not all golf! 

 Current SMC member Brooks Barvoets is the only participant to have won the tourney four times.  His victories span 24 years.  Proud to know you, Brooks!

There have been four father-son winners.  The first was W.B. Stevens with son Chuck in 1953.  This was long before our lovable lefty developed his unique jump-shot putting stroke, which has since been passed on to his old pal, Herbert S. Ellis, an enrollee but non contender in this year’s event.  The second family win were the Terry McGuirks, a media-based Irish dance team, in 1991.  The third father-son victors were another Irish tag team featuring Pat and Shaun Mahoney in 1997 followed by Mike and Kevin Bette in 2001.  Moms are asked to note that families who play together, stay together! 

In 1989, Zac Passaretti invited his guest Jared Abbruzzese and they waltzed to a popular victory that necessitated the immediate creation of a handicap committee.  The team of Max Alley and Colton Hand scored double victories in the late 90′s requiring scrutiny and “double sercet probabtion” by the handicap committee, whose past chair, Dr. Bill DeLuca is currently under the same observation.  The golf committe has now completely computerized and implemented remote access with Herb as the self-appointed arbiter.  The committee reports that a third Alley-Hand victory could well result in an AMA inquiry to verify that Alley-Hand actually are licensed physicians and do practice medicine at least once a week.

Last year, youth could not be denied.  Zac Abbruzzese and Mr. A. Reid of Florida won their flight, then the preliminary shootout and finally the championship.  Thankfully, the kids have reached the age where young ladies have a certain magnetic attraction (easy Sherrie) and have opted to weekend off campus.   Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Other past notable winners were three time winner, Bob Happ and Paul Novak, who won the event in the very serious evaluation years 1983 – 1985.  These wins sparked tourney organizers to reconsider and limit the evaluation system.  Happ promptly left town headed for greener stomping grounds.  He was replaced by the popular Tom Cox, who has participated in many events, but who endorsed actual work as essential to his career development.

Harry “The Horse” Wood won the Weatherwax three times; twice with the undeniable Emil Mackay and once with Mr. Ping, Peter Campbell.  Harry left SMC shortly after developing a rather serious case of the chipping yips, which were directly attributed to an overdose of Tallcottisms.  With Mike Daniels playing left handed, Dave Tallcott managed to single-handedly defeat Harry and Peter winning our1982 event.

H. S. Ellis has won the tourney twice.  His first victory (1969) was with esteemed physician Ken Higgins, the husband of one of Herb’s high school sweethearts (yes, Monica, they did have real high schools then!).   Herb won again in 2005 with partner Peter Spitalny, who, like most of Herb’s partners, barely came into play.  More importantly, Annmarie has graciously hosted the evaluation party on numerous occasions, and Herb has continuously auctioned our inadequacies during Friday’s libations.  Many thanks to Annmarie and Herb.

For  years, it was the tourney tradition to evaluate at the residence of Brooks and Mary Barvoets, who generously offered their residence off the second fairway.  That cozy post-qualifying walk took a lot of mystery out of the parking situation and made for memorable evenings and conversations on the walk back to the Friday evening steak roast, a bypassed tradition.  Kudos to Mary and Brooks!

As homage has been paid to past winners, it is interesting to note this year’s non-participants.  Kevin and Betsy O’Haire are re-writing the great American novel this weekend, while Jerry, Zac and Joe are busy developing their Travers plans. 

Dave Oberting is dancing but is still reeling from Manning handicap issues, while his partner, Skippy, is sticking to his assertion that only his eldest daughter can tolerate him for three days.  Bella agrees.  Unbelievably, Joesph B. Carr was unable to find a partner. 

Apparently, the young Hellers are expecting and Heller-Hosner seniors are not getting along.  Gallery favorite, Chris Lyons, is dancing but has opted for greener pastures.  Handicap experts and former partners report this to be flawed judgment, but we all look forward to Cindy Lee’s Saturday rumba.

It has been reported that Bernard F. Connors no longer participates in matches where the leverage of an air-press is not respected.  Hence, he is off to his island retreat.  Much to his surprise, his family is staying in Albany, but has agreed to pack his bags.

Most notably absent is perennial club champion and revered Green Chair David Hayes, whose entry at the Troy Invitational should not be taken as a response to member’s critiques.  By Sunday eve, all contenders will most certainly have connected their successes and failures to the Green Committee.  It is amazing how much better we all swing, putt and score when David and Bob Johnson do it our way.  Bob, please note that there is still time to fill the creek on 16 and demolish the upper level of the 18^th green!

Gentlemen, the course is ready, the 68 year old trophy is waiting, and it is time to play forward!                    

Welcome to the 2008 Weatherwax Member – Guest Golf Tournament.  This annual event is designed to promote good sport in a sociable atmosphere.  This year’s blast should be no exception beginning with a qualifying round on Friday, followed by an evaluation party of the entries preceding Saturday’s 27 grueling holes and dinner dance leading to a Sunday filled with competition and celebration. 

This weekend is designed to challenge the golf swing while providing a social endurance test whose reality would compete with the Survivor series.  As usual it is not only a question of who will win the tourney but also a question of who will win the weekend.  For, despite all the preparation and countless hours logged on the range, most of the entrants are probably better qualified for an audition with Dancing with The Stars than for a Golf Station boot camp.

Chairman Ellis has been busy filling your golf and social calendar.  He extends every courtesy as well as a reminder that appropriate clothing is recommended at least until such time as he, himself, exercises his Clintonian rite of Executive Privilege and begins to discard assorted articles.  Please advise female guests that the social evaluation team does not detract points for appropriately determining this a good time to call it a night.

In the past, some players have chosen overnight accommodations on the seating benches near the first tee.  Neither club management nor the Green Committee holds responsibility for controlling mower noise levels.  They do remind that sand traps and greens are reserved for play, but former chairman, Donald Clough, reports that the tennis umpire chairs, north of the clubhouse, are tested and deemed suitable for overnight accommodations, while the old skeet shack remains one of his personal favorites.  No reservations please!

Regardless of your swing plain, the lightness of your feet, or your golf or social handicap, be assured Schuyler Meadows will do its best to insure there are no bounds for your weekend thrills and enjoyment.  Play forward please!  

2008 Weatherwax – Participants

Max Alley  -  Colton Hand – Two time winners with flight reservations!

John Bennett – Michael LaFrank – In search of a wing and coverage!

Mike Bette – Joe Corless – Construction putting makes long weekend!

Edward Bogdan – Phil Iovieno – Legalese you to death!

James Brodie – James Brodie – Mug hunters look for more!

Charles Buchanan – Dennis Buchan – conservatives need to rally

Jim Clark lll – Andy Anderson – Let the good times roll!!

Tom Cox – Dick Dorgan – long time no see – Better at ACC

Jim Crane – Roy Andersen – always there in the lobby

Bill DeLuca – Chad DeLuca – settled in, team to beat, putting solved

Hiland Doolittle – Hiland Doolittle Jr. – Much a doo about nothing!

Herb Ellis – Peter Ellis – dial-in a putting grip and stroke!

Ken Ellis – Art Berry – best dressed, briefly!

Angelo Fiacco – Carl Fiacco – New entry wants silver

John Hayes – Tim Magner – Better at Little League, dinner dance!

Michael Hayes Sr – Michael Hayes Jr – Put the time clock on these guys!

Rick Heller – Pete Hosner – Have won but arriving is an issues!

Eric King – Kevin McCoy – good mix, grip wallet!

Paul Kreienberg – Bill Kreienberg – Sweet swings, in the running

Fritz Langer – Bob Ozols – The Big Easy goes down quickly

Dan Lanzetta – Gary Hoffman – You think you got it rough!

Ron Lanzetta – Partner traded for a player to be named later   

Tony Loupessis – Jon Fremonte – serious peppy chick issues

Kevin Lynch – Paul Hart – Lid over cup!  Dyslexic green reader

Pat Mahoney – Shaun Mahoney – late finishers with island personalities!

John Malicki – John Williams – Playing well, known to fade

Tom Marusak – Michael Murphy – pull shutters, turn out lights!

Tim McGinn – Matthew Rogers – Florida scramblers, pressure on guest!

Richard Miller Jr – Stuart Bevan – favorite team to play!

Gary Mittleman – John Mezger – Old pals try again!

Darroch Moores – Dan Kotlow – Cross swingers spray from either side!

Steve Noble – Greg Grande – perennial contenders, ready to run!

Greg Oberting – Steve Owens – Grain, corn, and high strung damsels!

Mark O’Callaghan – John O’Callaghan – looking for consistency

John O’Connor – Michael Matson – sweet swingers with credentials

Mike Pappas – Bill Melchionni – long ball team, upset ready

Steve Pinheiro – Dale Clark – short take away, solid stroke, big numbers

John Puig – Wayne Tymosko – Party distractions, back issues

James Puleo II – Tim Esmay – Zip fly, close mouth, check pockets!

Jim Riccardi – Bob Peck – lotsa talk and drink, just a little golf

Jeff Rockmore – John Zongrone – Energetic fillies in the barn

Guy Roemer – Travis Roemer – Chipping issues but working it out

Bill Schaefer – Rick Coyle – good soft shoe, not much in the rough

Brian Sheppeck – C McGinty – Long off tee, then rescue clubs

David Smith – Rob Golden – Like their ponies, streaky

Jimmy Striker – Peter Meckler – Needs a week of Tuesdays

Darryl Teal – Jay Doyle – going for second leg.

Greg Teal – Chris Falvey – Always good show, driver sprayers

Dale Thuillez – Dan Canniff – Watch out for unknown, rabbit ears?

Dan Walsh – Joe Heister – air-pressed while looking for satellite link

Patrick Whelan – Harry Odabashian – Another cardiologist with strokes

Gary Wood – Richard D’Ascoli – spurts of brilliance, periods of despair

1.     What hole is the most difficult par on the course?

2.     If Jerry’s 15th tee is in play, which hole is the easiest par on the course?

3.      Have you ever been air-pressed?

4.      SMC has an oft-time champion who chips one-handed.  Describe the most unusual golfer you have competed against.

5.      Please state your plan to revise the evaluations at pre-tourney parties for Manning and Weatherwax?    

Thank you for comments and happy flop shotting! 

Guy with a short ball needs help!   Desperately seeking 15 – 50 yards.  Game is hard enough without battling your inadequacies.  Seems to defeat the purpose of a relaxing round.   Body has left to right orientation but swing has me turning right to left.  It’s so confusing!  If you have a practical or theoretical solution to my problem, feel free to offer welcome advice. I am coachable and desperate!   Comments please!

                                                                       Short Ball!!

The Doo