By Troy Mullane, Tournament Chairperson, Past President SDGCSA.

If you were unable to attend the recently completed Annual Invitational tournament held at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club you missed one of the best days I can remember in a long time. From the very beginning when driving into the club we were all treated to one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. The recently renovated clubhouse combined with a historic golf course filled with character and majestic Eucalyptus trees creates for a setting that is euphoric for any golfer. All in attendance were immediately spoiled by a mouthwatering carne asada lunch in a casual setting that felt comfortable and allowed for greeting and networking.

The golf tournament followed and the golf course was set up perfectly playing tough but fair, the course was in absolutely magnificent condition! After completion of the tournament we gathered at the outdoor patio overlooking the 18th hole for some great appetizers, drinks and conversation. We were then treated to a first class steak dinner and some very tasty deserts. The following is a summary of all golf awards for the tournament.

• 1st Place Superintendent Low Gross (the Bull Trophy): Kevin Kienast, CGCS from Aviara who grinded out a 79 on a tough track and beat out all Superintendents for the low gross.
• 1st Place Superintendent Low Net: Mike Rosales of Carmel Mountain Ranch who won in a card off shooting a 74
  (Sandy Clark, CGCS was announced the winner but he informed us of a mistake in his scoring, thanks for the honesty Sandy)
• 1st Place Superintendent/Pro Net: Paul Zaremba and his Pro Ed Espinoza from Oceanside Golf Course who won in a card off shooting a 67. (They were defending champions and held on to their title)
• 1st Place Professional Flight: Gary Sowinski of Morgan Run who shot a low gross of 75 and beat out all other Pros!
• 1st Place Team Low Gross: the Team from Barona including Sandy Clark, CGCS, Pro Don King, Adam Reyes and Kevin Ward. They shot a team low gross of 144
• 1st Place Team Low Net: This award was dominated by a team of ringers from West Coast Turf including Ben Koehler, Ryan Stover, Brad Holder and Grant Wingate. They shot a team low gross of 131.
• The Long Drive Pro award went to Jeff Sampson of Emerald Isle
• The Long Drive Amateur went to whom else but Dave Buckles of Mission Trails.
• The Closest to the Pin Pro went to Jim Higgens of Admiral Baker.
• The Closest to the Pin Amateur went to Adam Reyes of Barona.

Special thanks go out to everyone at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, especially Tim Barrier, CGCS for all his assistance in helping to set up the tournament and to his incredible golf course maintenance staff who obviously has been mentored by the ultimate professional in our industry Tim, and the golf course shows it! I would also like to thank General Manager, Steve Nordstrom, and the entire RSFGC membership and staff for welcoming us to their golf club and allowing us to have a remarkable day.

Thanks could not be forgotten to all our Diamond Sponsors (Bayer, Caremuse USA, Simplot Partners, Syngenta, Turf Maker, and Water Tech Ag) who through their sponsorship directly fund many of the first-class amenities associated with this tournament. Thanks to Mark Grund who in conjunction with Eagle One Golf Products donates the signage and flags for the event. Mark works tirelessly for our Association and was also awarded the Affiliate of the year award that night at dinner and he is very deserving! Thanks to the entire board and especially Brenda for all their help and support, we have a great team on our Board and it is an honor and a pleasure to work together with all of them.

And last but not least thanks to YOU, our membership, for attending events and supporting our great association. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year looks like there is a good possibility we will be at Fairbanks Ranch for another stellar event!