On Saturday at Lost Marsh, the before round routine was pretty much the same for most of us Golfers Gone Wild. We arrived early to check out the grounds, hit the practice range and determine our matches.
What we forgot to do is say the Lord’s Prayer. You know the one, “Our father who art in heaven…..Forgive us of our trespasses as we forgive those…..” We should have said our prayers because missed fairways on this day created one of the most crucifying rounds GGW has ever experienced. We played an unforgiving beast of a course, a burial ground for mishit golf balls and spent an afternoon in Hell.
Located in Hammond, Indiana, Lost Marsh was carved from landfill surrounding Wolf Lake. It boasts a brand new Frank Lloyd Wright inspired clubhouse and a reconfigured 6000 yard layout. But, this course still severely penalizes any player who chooses the wrong club, fails to hit a straight ball or ignores the prevailing winds.
Only the TaylorMade Kid found any kind of forgiveness from the Golf Gods at Lost Marsh. TaylorMade Kid shot a 92 and seemed to be anointed with the best combination of distance control and course management skill. The Kid was the only Tour player with a raw score below 100. TaylorMade Kid won his fifth event of the season by three strokes and finished with a net 73.
The Rifleman beat back the effects of a night of demon drink and placed second with a net 76. Rifleman continues to amaze the GGW with his near ecclesiastical powers of physical recovery. Double D and Hawk finished in a tie for third with net 80. Let me repeat; Net 80. What kind of sinners are we to do so poorly? In fact, GGW Players combined to card a total of 24 holes with big numbers 8, 9, or 10. Other than that irreverent Kid, the remainder of the field, even choir boys like Kappatain Styles and Silent Assassin, were led astray and punished in a Golfer’s Purgatory.
The Tournament winner, TaylorMade Kid, also won the most skins on the day. Cadillac Blue won the first five skins with a birdie on #5. Rifleman won the next three with birdie on #8. The Kid’s birdie on #14 won the next six. Hawk and Quick Draw won two skins each.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at Lost Marsh. Three matches were played.
TaylorMade Kid (+9) toyed with Hawk before on winning on #17, 2&1. Lucky Lefty (+6) took Cadillac Blue for a Sunday drive with a 3&2 win. An All Square finish left undetermined any decision between Quick Draw (+2) and Double D.
Our next event is scheduled for August 1 at Joe Louis Golf Course in Riverdale. After the round at Lost Marsh, everyone should have been forced to say their Hail Mary’s. Saturday, we must to avoid another Hellish week and seek redemption from “The Champ”.
P.S. For those of you playing the drinking and name counting game at home, “Rifleman”.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Earl Jones scandal contains lessons
The Earl Jones scandal contains lessons
Philip Porado / July 17, 2009
RecommendEarl Jones, a former Montrealer who's now on the run, isn't one of you.
By all accounts, he's nothing more than a common thief.
Calling the man an advisor is like calling a mugger a funds transfer specialist, or the guy who knifes you a surgeon.
No, he's not an advisor: Except that the rules allowed him to say he was.
I've been talking to advisors since the story broke. There's universal anger that Jones got away with placing himself in their peer group. You should rightly consider his characterization by the media as a financial advisor or planner to be a slap in the face.
It demeans the time you spend gaining credentials, and then going through continuing education courses to stay current with the latest strategies to build and protect client wealth.
The so-called shingle theory is too permissive. The shingle's cracked. And we should all aspire to a future where some kind of mechanism stands in the way of people misrepresenting themselves. Anything less adds insult to the injury that's already been done to advisors' training, registration status, and professionalism.
It's frustrating that the regulators that sometimes pester you weren't able to catch Jones or monitor his activities — although this would have been impossible since he was never registered to transact investments business in the first place. And by all accounts never placed a trade.
Scandals like these hurt independent financial planners. They create a tricky dynamic for current clients, as well as prospects, by making them suspicious — and they indirectly benefit the banks as some consumers flee to the perceived security of large institutions with recognizable names.
To combat these suspicions, advisors need to put their best feet forward. Show the trophy case. Sit down with clients and explain how you're registered, how you're credentialed, who your dealer is, who your MGA is, and how audit trails and compliance regimens come into play to ensure you transact business correctly, and on the client's behalf.
Step up efforts to show how you're different. Start by making changes to your brochures and other collateral you give to clients. The first order of business should be to add the logos of your credentialing organizations, CFP, RFP and all the rest, with short text explanations of what those designations mean.
Further, call clients in to meetings and have a sit down to walk them through the basics of where all their funds are placed. Show them transactional records, and encourage them to ask questions with an eye toward shoring up trust before eroding suspicions can take hold.
No doubt you're also bitter about reports that Jones gained the bulk of his clients through referrals. So get prepared to talk to clients about basic financial literacy issues. And start these conversations by reinforcing the idea that if clients hear about returns that sound too good to be true, then they probably are.
Even the old Fair Dealing Model can come into play, since it serves as a primer to walk clients through the basics of how an advisor/client relationship is set up, and how a true fiduciary can be expected to interact with clients. While it's true the model was never adopted, the best advisors were already practicing most of what it preached. Now's a good time to show that off.
In times like these, advisors can serve themselves well by educating their public. Scandals make them wonder what it is you do for them. Don't be afraid to make it clear.
Sure, there's nothing more aggravating than to have to engage in damage control, when you yourself have done no damage.
But if you and your peers actively display your credentials, and call for codified professional standards, then you can create a future in which someone like Earl Jones would never dare to try and call himself an advisor.
(07/17/09)
Filed by Philip Porado, philip.porado@advisor.rogers.com
Originally published on Advisor.ca
Philip Porado / July 17, 2009
RecommendEarl Jones, a former Montrealer who's now on the run, isn't one of you.
By all accounts, he's nothing more than a common thief.
Calling the man an advisor is like calling a mugger a funds transfer specialist, or the guy who knifes you a surgeon.
No, he's not an advisor: Except that the rules allowed him to say he was.
I've been talking to advisors since the story broke. There's universal anger that Jones got away with placing himself in their peer group. You should rightly consider his characterization by the media as a financial advisor or planner to be a slap in the face.
It demeans the time you spend gaining credentials, and then going through continuing education courses to stay current with the latest strategies to build and protect client wealth.
The so-called shingle theory is too permissive. The shingle's cracked. And we should all aspire to a future where some kind of mechanism stands in the way of people misrepresenting themselves. Anything less adds insult to the injury that's already been done to advisors' training, registration status, and professionalism.
It's frustrating that the regulators that sometimes pester you weren't able to catch Jones or monitor his activities — although this would have been impossible since he was never registered to transact investments business in the first place. And by all accounts never placed a trade.
Scandals like these hurt independent financial planners. They create a tricky dynamic for current clients, as well as prospects, by making them suspicious — and they indirectly benefit the banks as some consumers flee to the perceived security of large institutions with recognizable names.
To combat these suspicions, advisors need to put their best feet forward. Show the trophy case. Sit down with clients and explain how you're registered, how you're credentialed, who your dealer is, who your MGA is, and how audit trails and compliance regimens come into play to ensure you transact business correctly, and on the client's behalf.
Step up efforts to show how you're different. Start by making changes to your brochures and other collateral you give to clients. The first order of business should be to add the logos of your credentialing organizations, CFP, RFP and all the rest, with short text explanations of what those designations mean.
Further, call clients in to meetings and have a sit down to walk them through the basics of where all their funds are placed. Show them transactional records, and encourage them to ask questions with an eye toward shoring up trust before eroding suspicions can take hold.
No doubt you're also bitter about reports that Jones gained the bulk of his clients through referrals. So get prepared to talk to clients about basic financial literacy issues. And start these conversations by reinforcing the idea that if clients hear about returns that sound too good to be true, then they probably are.
Even the old Fair Dealing Model can come into play, since it serves as a primer to walk clients through the basics of how an advisor/client relationship is set up, and how a true fiduciary can be expected to interact with clients. While it's true the model was never adopted, the best advisors were already practicing most of what it preached. Now's a good time to show that off.
In times like these, advisors can serve themselves well by educating their public. Scandals make them wonder what it is you do for them. Don't be afraid to make it clear.
Sure, there's nothing more aggravating than to have to engage in damage control, when you yourself have done no damage.
But if you and your peers actively display your credentials, and call for codified professional standards, then you can create a future in which someone like Earl Jones would never dare to try and call himself an advisor.
(07/17/09)
Filed by Philip Porado, philip.porado@advisor.rogers.com
Originally published on Advisor.ca
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
New York and Washington Different Rates up and Down!
By AMY HOAK
WASHINGTON -- Rates on fixed-rate home mortgages rose this week, as recent housing indicators suggest that the worst of the housing downturn may have passed, Freddie Mac's chief economist said Thursday.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.20% for the week ended July 23, up from 5.14% last week, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey of conforming mortgages. The mortgage averaged 6.63% a year ago.
WASHINGTON -- Rates on fixed-rate home mortgages rose this week, as recent housing indicators suggest that the worst of the housing downturn may have passed, Freddie Mac's chief economist said Thursday.
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.20% for the week ended July 23, up from 5.14% last week, according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey of conforming mortgages. The mortgage averaged 6.63% a year ago.
Mortgage Rates Increase to 5.20%
Which one is it. Crazy right? Wall Street Journal says mortgage rates increase, but Market watch that is also run by the wall street journal says that mortgage rates decrease. Just stop it!!!!!!
Bankrate: Fixed mortgage rates retreat - MarketWatch
NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped to 5.55% from 5.58% a week ago, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey released Thursday. The average 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was 4.89%, down from 4.93% last week. The average jumbo 30-year fixed rate declined to 6.49%. Adjustable mortgage rates were mixed, with the average one-year ARM rising to 5.23% and the five-year ARM falling to 4.93%.
Bankrate: Fixed mortgage rates retreat - MarketWatch
Posted using ShareThis
Bankrate: Fixed mortgage rates retreat - MarketWatch
Posted using ShareThis
Sergei Fedorov: Financial adviser swiped $43M
Sergei Fedorov: Financial adviser swiped $43M
By M.L. Elrick, Detroit Free Press
For nearly 20 years, former Red Wing great Sergei Fedorov has victimized opponents with slick skating and a deadly shot.
Now he says he is the victim, swindled out of $43 million by a Grosse Pointe Shores man entrusted to manage his money.
In a lawsuit expected to be filed Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court, Fedorov accuses Joseph Zada of embezzling the money during the past 11 years. Describing Fedorov as "a Russian-born individual who has limited knowledge of and experience in investment, legal and financial matters," the lawsuit says Zada "by deceit and fraud worked his way into the confidence of Fedorov."
Zada challenged on Wednesday the amount Fedorov says he gave him, and denied trying to scam him. And he said it was a loan, not an investment.
Zada acknowledged agreeing to pay Fedorov $60 million earlier this year to resolve the matter. Fedorov's suit says the money was never paid.
"It is my intent to make whole and hopefully we can resolve this," Zada said. "I still believe we can still be friends."
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Michigan | ESPN | Sergei Fedorov | Anna Kournikova
Fedorov is not Zada's only problem. Former friends and business associates in Michigan and Florida, where Zada is active in equestrian pursuits, have filed lawsuits claiming Zada cheated them out of millions.
Early bonanza sealed Fedorov's trust
The year 1998 was a big one for Fedorov.
He signed one of the most lucrative contracts in hockey history — a $38-million, 6-year deal.
He and the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup.
He was often spotted with teenage tennis sensation Anna Kournikova — widely considered one of the most beautiful women in the world.
And he met Zada.
Things started out well enough. A mutual friend who worked at a metro Detroit Porsche dealership, where Fedorov and Zada were customers, introduced them, said Marc Beginin, Fedorov's attorney.
Fedorov invested some money with Zada. Before long, he received "a substantial return," Beginin said.
Based on that early success, Fedorov entrusted Zada with additional loot earned over the course of his stellar NHL career. In all, the Russian-born hockey superstar gave Zada more than $43 million, according to a lawsuit Beginin said he was filing Thursday. An advance copy of the suit was provided to the Free Press.
The trust between the men was so strong that Fedorov never received any paperwork documenting his investment's performance.
"Whenever Fedorov inquired about the entrusted assets, Zada, acting in concert with others, intentionally lied to Fedorov, provided Fedorov with false information and engaged in other fraud and deceptions," the suit says, adding that when Fedorov asked for his money, Zada did not return it.
Making a deal
On March 6, however, Zada and Fedorov struck a deal that called for Zada to pay Fedorov $60 million within 45 days to resolve their dispute.
The one thing that Fedorov and Zada agree on is that the $60 million was never paid.
"I'm absolutely not debating that money is owed," Zada told the Free Press during a phone conversation Wednesday, acknowledging the agreement with Fedorov.
But Zada, who has a Lake Shore Drive home in Grosse Pointe Shores, said the money Fedorov gave him was not an investment, it was a loan.
"Sergei has been, and I am hopeful soon will be again, an amazing and necessary presence of friendship in my life," Zada wrote in an e-mail. "He has always been there for me as I have been for him and I truly do appreciate him. Although things may be uncomfortable given the circumstances, my commitment to him has not and will not waiver.
"Due to circumstances beyond my control, there have been delays in repaying obligations to him. However, they are just that, 'delays.' Those delays do not change the fact that, one, I am doing everything humanly possible to correct this situation; two, repayment is imminent, and three, I hope to soon permanently repair our relationship. I remain focused on fully resolving this issue."
Beginin, Fedorov's attorney, countered: "Sergei is, of course, open to being paid back all of the substantial amount of funds involved in this matter."
Despite the millions of dollars at stake, Fedorov is not likely to miss any meals.
On June 25, he signed a 2-year deal with Metallurg Magnitogorsk that is believed to be worth $4 million a year, ESPN reported. The Russian team plays in the Continental Hockey League, also known as the KHL, which features dozens of former NHL players and a few aging stars.
Fedorov, 39, was not available for comment because he is overseas preparing for the upcoming KHL season.
Although he is the most well-known person to sue Zada, he is far from the only one.
During the past 14 months, eight individuals and businesses have sued Zada in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeking millions they say Zada owed them. Only a couple of the cases have been resolved.
Zada also has drawn the anger of former friends and business associates in Florida, where he is so passionate about horses that he sponsors equestrian events.
Ron Davis, a filmmaker whose documentary Pageant follows five men competing in the Miss Gay America contest, has begun work on a film about his relationship with Zada.
Called Riches to Rags, it details how Zada allegedly ripped off friends for millions of dollars.
"He claims that I loaned him money and that our friends loaned him money," Davis said. "Why would you lend your richest friend money? That doesn't make sense.?… He came to us with a business venture."
Good intentions
Although Davis said he feels betrayed by Zada — who he estimates owes him about $1.8?million — he said he does not believe Zada set out to cheat him.
"I can't believe in my heart of hearts he set out to do this," Davis said. "Somewhere along the way something went wrong."
Zada, who calls some of the Florida accusations "orchestrated character assassinations," created a website —www.zadaresponds.com— to counter certain allegations.
On the site, he writes: "Ron Davis and I have a business dispute and he has opted to resort to melodrama, hoped-for embarrassment and slander instead of testing his claim for money in a court of law."
Two other former Zada friends, Robert Dover and Robert Ross, claim Zada owed them $4 million each. The men's attorney, Don Dufresne, said Zada agreed to pay them the money, but never did. So they sued him. The case ended with settlements in which Zada agreed to pay the men unspecified amounts, according to Palm Beach County, Fla., court records.
Dufresne said Zada has yet to pay the money.
Dufresne, who said he has sued Zada on behalf of other clients, added: "Joe Zada appears to have a successful track record of getting people to trust him."
Zada, though, citing "a sad time in our economy," asked for patience.
"It is circumstances, certainly not my intent, that have kept me from keeping my obligations," he told the Free Press on Wednesday. "I am absolutely confident in myself and resolution of my situation, and I will make right any legitimate debt that I do owe."
The Detroit Free Press is owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY
© Copyright 2007 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
By M.L. Elrick, Detroit Free Press
For nearly 20 years, former Red Wing great Sergei Fedorov has victimized opponents with slick skating and a deadly shot.
Now he says he is the victim, swindled out of $43 million by a Grosse Pointe Shores man entrusted to manage his money.
In a lawsuit expected to be filed Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court, Fedorov accuses Joseph Zada of embezzling the money during the past 11 years. Describing Fedorov as "a Russian-born individual who has limited knowledge of and experience in investment, legal and financial matters," the lawsuit says Zada "by deceit and fraud worked his way into the confidence of Fedorov."
Zada challenged on Wednesday the amount Fedorov says he gave him, and denied trying to scam him. And he said it was a loan, not an investment.
Zada acknowledged agreeing to pay Fedorov $60 million earlier this year to resolve the matter. Fedorov's suit says the money was never paid.
"It is my intent to make whole and hopefully we can resolve this," Zada said. "I still believe we can still be friends."
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Michigan | ESPN | Sergei Fedorov | Anna Kournikova
Fedorov is not Zada's only problem. Former friends and business associates in Michigan and Florida, where Zada is active in equestrian pursuits, have filed lawsuits claiming Zada cheated them out of millions.
Early bonanza sealed Fedorov's trust
The year 1998 was a big one for Fedorov.
He signed one of the most lucrative contracts in hockey history — a $38-million, 6-year deal.
He and the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup.
He was often spotted with teenage tennis sensation Anna Kournikova — widely considered one of the most beautiful women in the world.
And he met Zada.
Things started out well enough. A mutual friend who worked at a metro Detroit Porsche dealership, where Fedorov and Zada were customers, introduced them, said Marc Beginin, Fedorov's attorney.
Fedorov invested some money with Zada. Before long, he received "a substantial return," Beginin said.
Based on that early success, Fedorov entrusted Zada with additional loot earned over the course of his stellar NHL career. In all, the Russian-born hockey superstar gave Zada more than $43 million, according to a lawsuit Beginin said he was filing Thursday. An advance copy of the suit was provided to the Free Press.
The trust between the men was so strong that Fedorov never received any paperwork documenting his investment's performance.
"Whenever Fedorov inquired about the entrusted assets, Zada, acting in concert with others, intentionally lied to Fedorov, provided Fedorov with false information and engaged in other fraud and deceptions," the suit says, adding that when Fedorov asked for his money, Zada did not return it.
Making a deal
On March 6, however, Zada and Fedorov struck a deal that called for Zada to pay Fedorov $60 million within 45 days to resolve their dispute.
The one thing that Fedorov and Zada agree on is that the $60 million was never paid.
"I'm absolutely not debating that money is owed," Zada told the Free Press during a phone conversation Wednesday, acknowledging the agreement with Fedorov.
But Zada, who has a Lake Shore Drive home in Grosse Pointe Shores, said the money Fedorov gave him was not an investment, it was a loan.
"Sergei has been, and I am hopeful soon will be again, an amazing and necessary presence of friendship in my life," Zada wrote in an e-mail. "He has always been there for me as I have been for him and I truly do appreciate him. Although things may be uncomfortable given the circumstances, my commitment to him has not and will not waiver.
"Due to circumstances beyond my control, there have been delays in repaying obligations to him. However, they are just that, 'delays.' Those delays do not change the fact that, one, I am doing everything humanly possible to correct this situation; two, repayment is imminent, and three, I hope to soon permanently repair our relationship. I remain focused on fully resolving this issue."
Beginin, Fedorov's attorney, countered: "Sergei is, of course, open to being paid back all of the substantial amount of funds involved in this matter."
Despite the millions of dollars at stake, Fedorov is not likely to miss any meals.
On June 25, he signed a 2-year deal with Metallurg Magnitogorsk that is believed to be worth $4 million a year, ESPN reported. The Russian team plays in the Continental Hockey League, also known as the KHL, which features dozens of former NHL players and a few aging stars.
Fedorov, 39, was not available for comment because he is overseas preparing for the upcoming KHL season.
Although he is the most well-known person to sue Zada, he is far from the only one.
During the past 14 months, eight individuals and businesses have sued Zada in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeking millions they say Zada owed them. Only a couple of the cases have been resolved.
Zada also has drawn the anger of former friends and business associates in Florida, where he is so passionate about horses that he sponsors equestrian events.
Ron Davis, a filmmaker whose documentary Pageant follows five men competing in the Miss Gay America contest, has begun work on a film about his relationship with Zada.
Called Riches to Rags, it details how Zada allegedly ripped off friends for millions of dollars.
"He claims that I loaned him money and that our friends loaned him money," Davis said. "Why would you lend your richest friend money? That doesn't make sense.?… He came to us with a business venture."
Good intentions
Although Davis said he feels betrayed by Zada — who he estimates owes him about $1.8?million — he said he does not believe Zada set out to cheat him.
"I can't believe in my heart of hearts he set out to do this," Davis said. "Somewhere along the way something went wrong."
Zada, who calls some of the Florida accusations "orchestrated character assassinations," created a website —www.zadaresponds.com— to counter certain allegations.
On the site, he writes: "Ron Davis and I have a business dispute and he has opted to resort to melodrama, hoped-for embarrassment and slander instead of testing his claim for money in a court of law."
Two other former Zada friends, Robert Dover and Robert Ross, claim Zada owed them $4 million each. The men's attorney, Don Dufresne, said Zada agreed to pay them the money, but never did. So they sued him. The case ended with settlements in which Zada agreed to pay the men unspecified amounts, according to Palm Beach County, Fla., court records.
Dufresne said Zada has yet to pay the money.
Dufresne, who said he has sued Zada on behalf of other clients, added: "Joe Zada appears to have a successful track record of getting people to trust him."
Zada, though, citing "a sad time in our economy," asked for patience.
"It is circumstances, certainly not my intent, that have kept me from keeping my obligations," he told the Free Press on Wednesday. "I am absolutely confident in myself and resolution of my situation, and I will make right any legitimate debt that I do owe."
The Detroit Free Press is owned by Gannett, parent company of USA TODAY
© Copyright 2007 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Event No.15: Cadillac Blue Breakthrough at River Oaks * Posted by Nate on July 15, 2009 at 6:18pm
One would think a mid-season round at a familiar, relatively short course should yield some of the best scores of the year. Not True. Last Sunday afternoon, July 12 at River Oaks Golf Course Golfers Gone Wild recorded some of the highest scores in our history as a group.
River Oaks from the back tees plays less than 6000 yards, but there is OB on almost every hole. Significant water hazards come into play on 9 holes, there are forced carries and tree lined alleys requiring straight drives on back nine holes, #10 through #18. Also, with rain during the week, the uncut rough was thicker than normal.
Nine of twelve players shot 100 or more. Only one player finished under net par. That player with a tournament win breakthrough was Cadillac Blue.
Cadillac Blue shot a net 69 and easily won the event by 5 strokes. Blue parlayed monster drives and second shots to card birdies on two par 5s, #8 and #11. Cadillac, first to post a score, idled in neutral as remaining players hit the finish line reporting unusually high, over net par scores. However, Hawk used consistent ball striking to finish second with net 74. Way Cool and Lucky Lefty both shot well enough to tie for third with net 76.
The Gambler won the most skins on the day. Warnell won 7 skins, most on a key par on #6. Cadillac Blue’s birdies led to his winning 6 skins. Medicine Man, Lucky Lefty, Kappatain Styles, Double D and Country Strong all won 1 skin each. Country Strong with 45 total skins this season extended his lead to 5.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at River Oaks. Every player was into the action and six matches were played.
Lucky Lefty (+10) recovered from four holes down to finish ALL SQUARE with Medicine Man. Cadillac Blue (+2) did a quick drive by hit on Rifleman, 5&4. Hawk (-5) swooped down and ate up Quick Draw, 4&3. Quick Draw and Rifleman became the 4th and 5th players eliminated as 2009 Match Play Champion.
Way Cool (-1) definitely defeated Double D, 3&1. The Gambler (-5) beat long odds with Country Strong, and won 2 up. TaylorMade Kid (+1) fashioned a 1 up win over Kappatain Styles. Tight to the end, the match-up of undefeated was not settled until #18. Now with a record of 6-0-0, TaylorMade Kid remains the No. 1 Match Play Championship contender. One of you 50+ adults needs to beat that Kid.
Our next event is scheduled for Saturday at Silver Lakes in Orland Park. Last Sunday afternoon, Cadillac Blue easily lapped the field to win his first tournament of the season. Curry becomes the 8th player to win on Tour this season. Now that Cadillac Blue has made the breakthrough, will be the next GGW winner be Blue or You?
River Oaks from the back tees plays less than 6000 yards, but there is OB on almost every hole. Significant water hazards come into play on 9 holes, there are forced carries and tree lined alleys requiring straight drives on back nine holes, #10 through #18. Also, with rain during the week, the uncut rough was thicker than normal.
Nine of twelve players shot 100 or more. Only one player finished under net par. That player with a tournament win breakthrough was Cadillac Blue.
Cadillac Blue shot a net 69 and easily won the event by 5 strokes. Blue parlayed monster drives and second shots to card birdies on two par 5s, #8 and #11. Cadillac, first to post a score, idled in neutral as remaining players hit the finish line reporting unusually high, over net par scores. However, Hawk used consistent ball striking to finish second with net 74. Way Cool and Lucky Lefty both shot well enough to tie for third with net 76.
The Gambler won the most skins on the day. Warnell won 7 skins, most on a key par on #6. Cadillac Blue’s birdies led to his winning 6 skins. Medicine Man, Lucky Lefty, Kappatain Styles, Double D and Country Strong all won 1 skin each. Country Strong with 45 total skins this season extended his lead to 5.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at River Oaks. Every player was into the action and six matches were played.
Lucky Lefty (+10) recovered from four holes down to finish ALL SQUARE with Medicine Man. Cadillac Blue (+2) did a quick drive by hit on Rifleman, 5&4. Hawk (-5) swooped down and ate up Quick Draw, 4&3. Quick Draw and Rifleman became the 4th and 5th players eliminated as 2009 Match Play Champion.
Way Cool (-1) definitely defeated Double D, 3&1. The Gambler (-5) beat long odds with Country Strong, and won 2 up. TaylorMade Kid (+1) fashioned a 1 up win over Kappatain Styles. Tight to the end, the match-up of undefeated was not settled until #18. Now with a record of 6-0-0, TaylorMade Kid remains the No. 1 Match Play Championship contender. One of you 50+ adults needs to beat that Kid.
Our next event is scheduled for Saturday at Silver Lakes in Orland Park. Last Sunday afternoon, Cadillac Blue easily lapped the field to win his first tournament of the season. Curry becomes the 8th player to win on Tour this season. Now that Cadillac Blue has made the breakthrough, will be the next GGW winner be Blue or You?
Event No. 15. Cadillac Blue
One would think a mid-season round at a familiar, relatively short course should yield some of the best scores of the year. Not True. Last Sunday afternoon, July 12 at River Oaks Golf Course Golfers Gone Wild recorded some of the highest scores in our history as a group.
River Oaks from the back tees plays less than 6000 yards, but there is OB on almost every hole. Significant water hazards come into play on 9 holes, there are forced carries and tree lined alleys requiring straight drives on back nine holes, #10 through #18. Also, with rain during the week, the uncut rough was thicker than normal.
Nine of twelve players shot 100 or more. Only one player finished under net par. That player with a tournament win breakthrough was Cadillac Blue.
Cadillac Blue shot a net 69 and easily won the event by 5 strokes. Blue parlayed monster drives and second shots to card birdies on two par 5s, #8 and #11. Cadillac, first to post a score, idled in neutral as remaining players hit the finish line reporting unusually high, over net par scores. However, Hawk used consistent ball striking to finish second with net 74. Way Cool and Lucky Lefty both shot well enough to tie for third with net 76.
The Gambler won the most skins on the day. Warnell won 7 skins, most on a key par on #6. Cadillac Blue’s birdies led to his winning 6 skins. Medicine Man, Lucky Lefty, Kappatain Styles, Double D and Country Strong all won 1 skin each. Country Strong with 45 total skins this season extended his lead to 5.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at River Oaks. Every player was into the action and six matches were played.
Lucky Lefty (+10) recovered from four holes down to finish ALL SQUARE with Medicine Man. Cadillac Blue (+2) did a quick drive by hit on Rifleman, 5&4. Hawk (-5) swooped down and ate up Quick Draw, 4&3. Quick Draw and Rifleman became the 4th and 5th players eliminated as 2009 Match Play Champion.
Way Cool (-1) definitely defeated Double D, 3&1. The Gambler (-5) beat long odds with Country Strong, and won 2 up. TaylorMade Kid (+1) fashioned a 1 up win over Kappatain Styles. Tight to the end, the match-up of undefeated was not settled until #18. Now with a record of 6-0-0, TaylorMade Kid remains the No. 1 Match Play Championship contender. One of you 50+ adults needs to beat that Kid.
Our next event is scheduled for Saturday at Silver Lakes in Orland Park. Last Sunday afternoon, Cadillac Blue easily lapped the field to win his first tournament of the season. Curry becomes the 8th player to win on Tour this season. Now that Cadillac Blue has made the breakthrough, will be the next GGW winner be Blue or You?
River Oaks from the back tees plays less than 6000 yards, but there is OB on almost every hole. Significant water hazards come into play on 9 holes, there are forced carries and tree lined alleys requiring straight drives on back nine holes, #10 through #18. Also, with rain during the week, the uncut rough was thicker than normal.
Nine of twelve players shot 100 or more. Only one player finished under net par. That player with a tournament win breakthrough was Cadillac Blue.
Cadillac Blue shot a net 69 and easily won the event by 5 strokes. Blue parlayed monster drives and second shots to card birdies on two par 5s, #8 and #11. Cadillac, first to post a score, idled in neutral as remaining players hit the finish line reporting unusually high, over net par scores. However, Hawk used consistent ball striking to finish second with net 74. Way Cool and Lucky Lefty both shot well enough to tie for third with net 76.
The Gambler won the most skins on the day. Warnell won 7 skins, most on a key par on #6. Cadillac Blue’s birdies led to his winning 6 skins. Medicine Man, Lucky Lefty, Kappatain Styles, Double D and Country Strong all won 1 skin each. Country Strong with 45 total skins this season extended his lead to 5.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at River Oaks. Every player was into the action and six matches were played.
Lucky Lefty (+10) recovered from four holes down to finish ALL SQUARE with Medicine Man. Cadillac Blue (+2) did a quick drive by hit on Rifleman, 5&4. Hawk (-5) swooped down and ate up Quick Draw, 4&3. Quick Draw and Rifleman became the 4th and 5th players eliminated as 2009 Match Play Champion.
Way Cool (-1) definitely defeated Double D, 3&1. The Gambler (-5) beat long odds with Country Strong, and won 2 up. TaylorMade Kid (+1) fashioned a 1 up win over Kappatain Styles. Tight to the end, the match-up of undefeated was not settled until #18. Now with a record of 6-0-0, TaylorMade Kid remains the No. 1 Match Play Championship contender. One of you 50+ adults needs to beat that Kid.
Our next event is scheduled for Saturday at Silver Lakes in Orland Park. Last Sunday afternoon, Cadillac Blue easily lapped the field to win his first tournament of the season. Curry becomes the 8th player to win on Tour this season. Now that Cadillac Blue has made the breakthrough, will be the next GGW winner be Blue or You?
Friday, July 17, 2009
Michael Jackson’s music touched us all - Kansas City Star
Great article by Jason Whitlock.
Michael Jackson’s music touched us all - Kansas City Star
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Friday, July 10, 2009
Event No.13: Lefty Uses PING to Power Win at Cinder Ridge
On Friday, July 3, the GGW Tour made its annual trek to Wilmington, Illinois to play the former rock quarry turned golf course, Cinder Ridge.
After scoring with relative ease last week, Cinder Ridge proved once again to be a tough but fair test for even the most skilled among us Golfers Gone Wild. Several holes required strategic placement of tee shots and approaches to well-guarded greens. Every hole had out-of-bounds on either the left or right. And many had OB on both sides. There were even two holes, #7 and #18 with water hazards crossing the fairways.
Lucky Lefty won the tournament by less than a single stroke. Lefty, powered by a new set of PING fairway woods, avoided trouble on almost every hole and managed his way around the course to a low round 69 net.
Country Strong and The Gambler shot well on the day and tied for second, both with two under par 70 net.
Lefty was also the skins leader on the day with 8. Miller made a key late birdie on #16, a tight tough par 3 with water in front and bunkers on all sides with out of bounds left and right. Quick Draw continued to be in the money every time out, no matter how he shoots the rest of his round. Quick Draw with a birdie on #7, won 4 skins. TaylorMade Kid and Kappatain Styles won 2 each. Country Strong and the Gambler each won one.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at Cinder Ridge. Four matches were played. Lower handicap favorites won them all.
Kappatain Styles (+2) proved better than Quick Draw winning a tight match 1 up. TaylorMade Kid (+8) chilled Way Cool, 3&1. Country Strong (+6) shot down the Rifleman 6&5. And The Gambler (+7) killed off Silent Assassin 5&3. With his third loss, Sam is eliminated and cannot win the Match Play Championship.
Golfers Gone Wild Tournament Director will sanction a second event Independence Day weekend. On Sunday, the Tour returns for a second time this year to University Golf Course. University is reported to be Lucky Lefty’s “home” course. He shouldn’t need the power from new PINGs to score well on that course. Regardless, the GGW will try to prevent a Lucky winning streak.
After scoring with relative ease last week, Cinder Ridge proved once again to be a tough but fair test for even the most skilled among us Golfers Gone Wild. Several holes required strategic placement of tee shots and approaches to well-guarded greens. Every hole had out-of-bounds on either the left or right. And many had OB on both sides. There were even two holes, #7 and #18 with water hazards crossing the fairways.
Lucky Lefty won the tournament by less than a single stroke. Lefty, powered by a new set of PING fairway woods, avoided trouble on almost every hole and managed his way around the course to a low round 69 net.
Country Strong and The Gambler shot well on the day and tied for second, both with two under par 70 net.
Lefty was also the skins leader on the day with 8. Miller made a key late birdie on #16, a tight tough par 3 with water in front and bunkers on all sides with out of bounds left and right. Quick Draw continued to be in the money every time out, no matter how he shoots the rest of his round. Quick Draw with a birdie on #7, won 4 skins. TaylorMade Kid and Kappatain Styles won 2 each. Country Strong and the Gambler each won one.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at Cinder Ridge. Four matches were played. Lower handicap favorites won them all.
Kappatain Styles (+2) proved better than Quick Draw winning a tight match 1 up. TaylorMade Kid (+8) chilled Way Cool, 3&1. Country Strong (+6) shot down the Rifleman 6&5. And The Gambler (+7) killed off Silent Assassin 5&3. With his third loss, Sam is eliminated and cannot win the Match Play Championship.
Golfers Gone Wild Tournament Director will sanction a second event Independence Day weekend. On Sunday, the Tour returns for a second time this year to University Golf Course. University is reported to be Lucky Lefty’s “home” course. He shouldn’t need the power from new PINGs to score well on that course. Regardless, the GGW will try to prevent a Lucky winning streak.
Event No.14: Quick Draw Wins Independence Day Shoot Out
For GGW, a round of Golf is like barbeques and fireworks, an Independence Day tradition. Over this past three day weekend, Golfers Gone Wild scheduled two sanctioned tournaments on Friday and Sunday. The Golf Gods provided some compensation for early season bad weather with perfect weather both tournament days (even though rain showers marred the actual 4th of July outdoor activities with our families).
Friday we took a long hour drive to Cinder Ridge in Wilmington, Illinois. But on Sunday, GGW made a quick trip practically down the street to play a quick round at familiar University Golf Course in Richton Park. The tournament winner at University was Quick Draw with a 64 net.
Quick Draw won a tight shoot out over Kappatain Styles, winning by a little more than 1 stroke. K Styles set off fireworks after shooting a personal record low 86; and easily had the early clubhouse lead. But Quick Draw soon checked in with a remarkable 88 to take the net tournament. TaylorMade Kid, in the middle of a contentious match, still shot well and carded an 87 for third place.
TaylorMade Kid also won an impressive 11 skins on the day. Taylor was the only player to make par on the long and tough #11 par 3. Competitive GGW players had pushed all holes to that point. Kappatain Styles won the final 5 skins with key pars at #15 and #18. Quick Draw won 2 skins on the day.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at University Golf Course. Three matches were played.
Kappatain Styles (+4) on his best day beat Cadillac Blue on his worst, 9&8. This (mis)match was over early and barely lasted through the turn. Cadillac Blue became the third player eliminated from the Match Play Championship. Quick Draw (+2) barbequed Way Cool, 4&3. TaylorMade Kid (0) out-fought, litigated and finally ruled over The Gambler, 6&5. With a record of 5-0-0, The Kid remains the No. 1 Match Play Championship contender.
This Sunday, July 12, Golfers Gone Wild Tour will make its next stop at River Oaks Golf Course in Calumet City. Quick Draw won his first tournament of the season Independence Day weekend. Perry survived the fireworks from K Styles. Gunn is now the 7th player to win on Tour this season. Always a long hitter, add accuracy and short game consistency, Quick Draw becomes another weekly threat in the GGW lineup.
Friday we took a long hour drive to Cinder Ridge in Wilmington, Illinois. But on Sunday, GGW made a quick trip practically down the street to play a quick round at familiar University Golf Course in Richton Park. The tournament winner at University was Quick Draw with a 64 net.
Quick Draw won a tight shoot out over Kappatain Styles, winning by a little more than 1 stroke. K Styles set off fireworks after shooting a personal record low 86; and easily had the early clubhouse lead. But Quick Draw soon checked in with a remarkable 88 to take the net tournament. TaylorMade Kid, in the middle of a contentious match, still shot well and carded an 87 for third place.
TaylorMade Kid also won an impressive 11 skins on the day. Taylor was the only player to make par on the long and tough #11 par 3. Competitive GGW players had pushed all holes to that point. Kappatain Styles won the final 5 skins with key pars at #15 and #18. Quick Draw won 2 skins on the day.
GGW Match Play Competition continued at University Golf Course. Three matches were played.
Kappatain Styles (+4) on his best day beat Cadillac Blue on his worst, 9&8. This (mis)match was over early and barely lasted through the turn. Cadillac Blue became the third player eliminated from the Match Play Championship. Quick Draw (+2) barbequed Way Cool, 4&3. TaylorMade Kid (0) out-fought, litigated and finally ruled over The Gambler, 6&5. With a record of 5-0-0, The Kid remains the No. 1 Match Play Championship contender.
This Sunday, July 12, Golfers Gone Wild Tour will make its next stop at River Oaks Golf Course in Calumet City. Quick Draw won his first tournament of the season Independence Day weekend. Perry survived the fireworks from K Styles. Gunn is now the 7th player to win on Tour this season. Always a long hitter, add accuracy and short game consistency, Quick Draw becomes another weekly threat in the GGW lineup.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Week 12: GGW Smokes Woodbine * Posted by Nate on July 1, 2009 at 3:08pm
After three straight weeks of tough golf tests (at Glenwoodie, Heritage Bluffs and Cog Hill), Woodbine Golf Course represented a much easier challenge for Golfers Gone Wild.
Woodbine is a course with well manicured greens that roll true, few mature trees and fewer sand bunkers. And, Woodbine had several holes where the rough was cut low enough to be almost indistinguishable from its wide fairways.
Early tee times on Saturday, June 27 allowed play in moderate temperatures with little wind. Players took advantage of the simple (68.2 rating) layout. Woodbine had penalty out-of-bounds on just 6 holes and significant water hazard on only 6 others.
The GGW smoked this easy course with all players in the field finishing net par or better, including two players who broke the GGW record for low net on this same day. Leading a very competitive field was the TaylorMade Kid who emerged victorious; finishing at nine over, 79.
TaylorMade Kid shot a ridiculously low net 58. Cadillac Blue was close behind in second, with a net 59. Both broke the GGW low net scoring record. Quick Draw and Double D also placed in the money, tied for third place, shooting net 63s.
But even the remaining competition was stiff. The Gambler shot a net 64, Lucky Lefty 66, Country Strong 67, Rifleman 69 and Grade A was even par 70 net. Long hitters disregarded dog legs and shot directly at greens on par 5s. All players consistently burned fairways and fired at lightly protected greens.
Quick Draw was the skins leader on the day. Perry parlayed a key par on #9 and birdie on #11 to win 10 skins. TaylorMade Kid won 4, Double D and Country Strong won 2 skins each.
Match Play Competition continued at Woodbine. Results of four matches did not eliminate any additional players; as all four losers were tagged with only their first defeat.
TaylorMade Kid (+6) outgunned Rifleman, 4&3. Now, undefeated in three matches, Taylor takes over designation as the No. 1 contender for the Championship title. In other matches, Cadillac Blue (-2) ran down Quick Draw, 2 up. The Gambler (+6) refused to give Grade A a pass, 2&1. Country Strong (0) stuffed the Hawk 6&5.
After Woodbine, handicaps for several players have dropped significantly. Send a thank you to the interim Tournament Director for the mid-season course break and confidence builder.
It’s going to be much tougher next week as the GGW Tour stops at Cinder Ridge in Wilmington, Illinois. Loose drivers, who could recover at Woodbine, will be OB at Cinder Ridge. Long hitters, who hit over trees at Woodbine, will be punished if they come up short at Cinder Ridge. Simple short game chips, will be much more difficult from Cinder Ridge’s green side rough.
TaylorMade Kid is hot, having now won 4 of 12 Tour events. Weather is warming and most golfers are playing better. The GGW smoked Woodbine. This Friday, we plan to reduce Cinder Ridge to ashes, too.
Be There.
Woodbine is a course with well manicured greens that roll true, few mature trees and fewer sand bunkers. And, Woodbine had several holes where the rough was cut low enough to be almost indistinguishable from its wide fairways.
Early tee times on Saturday, June 27 allowed play in moderate temperatures with little wind. Players took advantage of the simple (68.2 rating) layout. Woodbine had penalty out-of-bounds on just 6 holes and significant water hazard on only 6 others.
The GGW smoked this easy course with all players in the field finishing net par or better, including two players who broke the GGW record for low net on this same day. Leading a very competitive field was the TaylorMade Kid who emerged victorious; finishing at nine over, 79.
TaylorMade Kid shot a ridiculously low net 58. Cadillac Blue was close behind in second, with a net 59. Both broke the GGW low net scoring record. Quick Draw and Double D also placed in the money, tied for third place, shooting net 63s.
But even the remaining competition was stiff. The Gambler shot a net 64, Lucky Lefty 66, Country Strong 67, Rifleman 69 and Grade A was even par 70 net. Long hitters disregarded dog legs and shot directly at greens on par 5s. All players consistently burned fairways and fired at lightly protected greens.
Quick Draw was the skins leader on the day. Perry parlayed a key par on #9 and birdie on #11 to win 10 skins. TaylorMade Kid won 4, Double D and Country Strong won 2 skins each.
Match Play Competition continued at Woodbine. Results of four matches did not eliminate any additional players; as all four losers were tagged with only their first defeat.
TaylorMade Kid (+6) outgunned Rifleman, 4&3. Now, undefeated in three matches, Taylor takes over designation as the No. 1 contender for the Championship title. In other matches, Cadillac Blue (-2) ran down Quick Draw, 2 up. The Gambler (+6) refused to give Grade A a pass, 2&1. Country Strong (0) stuffed the Hawk 6&5.
After Woodbine, handicaps for several players have dropped significantly. Send a thank you to the interim Tournament Director for the mid-season course break and confidence builder.
It’s going to be much tougher next week as the GGW Tour stops at Cinder Ridge in Wilmington, Illinois. Loose drivers, who could recover at Woodbine, will be OB at Cinder Ridge. Long hitters, who hit over trees at Woodbine, will be punished if they come up short at Cinder Ridge. Simple short game chips, will be much more difficult from Cinder Ridge’s green side rough.
TaylorMade Kid is hot, having now won 4 of 12 Tour events. Weather is warming and most golfers are playing better. The GGW smoked Woodbine. This Friday, we plan to reduce Cinder Ridge to ashes, too.
Be There.
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