By the Handicapper IV
Mark Franks did not let jet lag stop him from leading the group at the Brambley Golf League this week, held at the 12-hole Ocean City Municipal Golf Course. Mark’s transcontinental flight arrived home late the previous evening, and we weren’t even expecting him for our early morning gathering. He not only made it on time on minimal sleep but shook off the cobwebs to shot a 41, his best round of the year, to win the Overall Low Gross competition. Mark’s round featured his usual trademark of consistency garnering eight pars for the winning round. Not to be overlooked was the fine play of Rich Hawthorne who shot a 43 and Toni Herting who rejoined us after a year’s hiatus to shoot a 44.
In the other divisions, Derek Rearden’s consistent play earned him the Flight B Low Gross title with a 50. In the Ladies division, Mary Hughes returned to form to claim the Ladies Low Gross title with a fine round of 47, narrowly edging out JoAnn Bonanni by a single stroke. Jean Bush excelled in the Senior Division, winning the Low Gross title with a remarkable round of 48, which she started strong with a birdie on the first hole.
In the Low Net competition, John Master and Ron Herman both shot net scores of 35 to share the Low Net Flight A honors. Mike Bravoco, a new addition to the league this year, celebrated his first win with a net score of 36 to secure the Low Net Flight B honors. Congratulations, Mike! The Ladies Division saw intense competition, with Helene Weathers finishing with a net score of 31, six strokes under her handicap, to secure the Flight B Low Net award. JoAnn Bonanni claimed second place with a net score of 35, and JoAnna Johns and Liz Dykie tied for third with a net score of 36. In the Senior Division, Walt Thompson shot three strokes under his handicap to win the Low Net title with a net score of 34, followed by Elaine Rearden and Arlen Gottschall win at 37.
Birdies were rare this week, but the golfers who managed to score them included Carmine Bonanni, JoAnn Bonanni, Jean Bush, and Rich Hawthorne. Players who shot in the forties this week included Mark Franks, Rich Hawthorne, Toni Herting, John Master, Ron Herman, Mary Hughes, JoAnn Bonanni, Tom Bowman, Jean Bush, Carmine Bonanni, and Joe Karwowski. Closest to the pin honors went to Toni Herting, whose tee shot landed just 4’5” from the pin on Hole #12. Additionally, Ron Bush added to the excitement with a chip-in par on Hole 12, an excellent way to finish the round.
The Brambley Golf League extends a warm welcome back to returning players Jean Bush, Ron Bush, Bill Gardner, Toni Herting, Nancy Ryan, and Joe Landi. We also welcome new player Tom Downam. The league plays every Monday at 8 a.m. and is still accepting new players for the season. Membership Chairperson Jeanne Robinson will be at the scorer’s table every Monday morning to sign up new members.
