LBI National - 12/8/23

It was a really nice return to LBI National GC (formerly Sea Oaks CC) and over 60 players tested the great layout last Friday. The temps stayed in the high 40’s and the cool weather linksters stayed loose, producing some pretty good scores on this great test of golf. Open Division low gross went to professional, Larry Silk from Larry’s Golf Hospital in Linwood, NJ as he made three birdies on the front nine enroute to a 33 and a winning total of 73….four birdies total. Dave Newkirk, playing out of the Running Deer GC paired a 13 handicap to his 81 for 68 and the win in Open net. In the Senior Division, Dave West combined nines of 35 and 39 for a winning gross total of 74 and the Exton, PA golfer took first gross. There was a four way tie for first at 2 under 70 in Senior net and in a playoff, Centerton’s Mark Wiley took the top spot. Mark made a four on the first playoff hole (#18) which beat the other three who made 5’s. The low scoring continued in the Super Senior Division (ages 66 & up) as Tom DiCinti continued his hot streak with the low gross win on 75. Tom is from Lookaway GC and has finished first SS gross three times in the current AWGL season. Howard Ennis handled the testy LBI Nat’l layout pretty well and lead the SS nets with a 2 under 70. Howard plays out the Centerton GC and shot a very good 88 to go with his 18 handicap. Larry Silk added to his winnings by getting his shot on the par three 4th hole to 6’ 4” and will collect closest to pin money. Sean Cooke from J. F. Bryne GC in Philly tucked it in to 12’ 2” to take the CTP win on #7. On hole #14, Dave West doubled down and increased his winnings with a shot that stopped 9’ 7” from the cup. Great shot making by the crew today at LBI.

The ”Christmas Scramble” is coming up next Friday 12/15 with a 10:00AM shotgun start at the Avalon GC. So far, you guys have done a great job of getting your teams together and we have 26 twosomes signed up, so far. In this event you may invite a non-member to play and the annual membership fee is waived…..all we need is a verifiable handicap. Following the Scramble we’ll be off a couple weeks for the holidays and regular AWGL season play will resume on 1/5/2024 at The Shore Club (formerly Wildwood CC).

Had a couple conversations about the length of the course for the Super Seniors and the consensus was that the Gold/Yellow tees were too long sometimes, especially for the “over 75 group”. We have a provision for the over 80 players enabling them to play the Red tees on the par fives. A suggestion was made that we consider lowering that age to 75. I don’t have any objection to that and would much appreciate your opinion/point of view on this subject. The main goal of the winter league is to provide an off-season competitive format that is enjoyable by a broad spectrum of players. Let me know what you think. Looking forward to seeing everyone at Avalon next Friday with donuts & coffee ready for you and please………Travel Safe!