THE WINNING COUPLES (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): JANE AND BRIAN WARD, CATHY AND WAYNE PIPER, SHERRY AND TOM TRIPTOW
When we hear two by two, we may be reminded of the story of Noah’s ark. Or we may hear two by two and realize that it is time for the annual Sabal Springs Couples’ Golf Tournament. On Friday, April 4, and Saturday, April 5, 36 couples teed off for the event, which is sometimes referred to as the “Divorce Tournament” because it involves two days of golf with the same two competitors as a team testing their skills as partners sometimes as spouses or in some cases as “golf only” spouses. As you can imagine, there may be some stress involved in the competition especially if one or the other, or, heaven forbid both team members are having an off day of golf. But, in the end, everyone has a good time sharing many laughs and maybe a few groans with finger-pointing to place blame for an errant shot. All good-natured fun to be sure.
This year the 36 couples competed in three flights according to their combined team handicap. Day one’s round was an alternate shot format where both team members teed off and the best shot was chosen to play. If the gentleman hit that particular shot, the lady must then hit the second shot and so on until the ball is in the hole. After day one, the leaders in the clubhouse were Scott and Patsy Clark in the “A” flight, Wayne and Cathy Piper in the “B” flight, and John Barnes and Joy Melin in the “C” flight.
Day two was played as a scramble where both team members teed off and the best shot was chosen to play. Both team members then hit their ball from that spot and, again, the best shot was chosen. Play continued until the ball was in the hole. And on day two, two of the flights saw a change in leadership with come from behind winners in the “A” flight and the “C” flight.
The winners were as follows:
“A” Flight 1st Place — Brian and Jane Ward
2nd Place — Scott and Patsy Clark
3rd Place — Don and Joyce Rhodes
“B” Flight 1st Place — Wayne and Cathy Piper
2nd Place — Roger and Charley Frantz
3rd Place — Dave and Robin Fritz
“C” Flight 1st Place — Tom and Sherry Triptow
2nd Place — John Barnes and Joy Melin
3rd Place — Bob Hawkins and Beth Zes
Special thanks to Dave Fritz who organized this, his final tournament, as he is retiring from the position. Everyone appreciates all of the hard work involved in doing that job. Thanks also to Linda Sholette, Mark and Mary Richard, and Dave and Robin Fritz for setting up the room for post-tournament festivities. Congratulations to all of the winners.
