Renaissance Cup results

[Tom_Doak]

Congratulations to the team of Max Caulkins (Ballyneal) and Jim O'Neal (The Meadow Club), who defeated the host team of Al Geiberger (Mr. 59) and Ted Lennon in the final match to win the Renaissance Cup on Monday at Stone Eagle.

Congrats also to the team of Bruce Hepner and Stuart Smith who took the champions to the last hole of the semifinals and almost pulled an improbable upset; to Heather Wood and Ann Levine who shot a net 59 to win the consolation bracket on Monday; and to Nationwide Tour player Michael Walton who shot 65 (with a bogey on the first hole) to set the course record.

I was really pleased with how the course played ... it has come a long way in the two weeks since opening day ... and with the excited reception it got from the field.  A lot of people thought I shouldn't take that job because the site was so severe, and I am happy that we proved them wrong!

[Jeff_Mingay]

Congrats Tom!

The aerial photos of Stone Eagle I've seen, showing all that short grass and melded fairways, make the course look very, very interesting; particularly for a course in the desert.

I can't wait to see it in person someday soon.

Cheers,

[Patrick_Mucci]

Tom Doak,

Is this like saying:

"Sorry you missed a great party,
Your invitation must have been lost in the mail ?"

[JWL]

Patrick
That's the way I read it..LOL!

TD
Congrats on the new course.   It looks terrific from the photos I've seen and I do hope to see it , up close and personal, soon in the new year.

[Tom_Doak]

Pat:

I did think about not posting anything about the event since no one from GCA was there ... but after John Kavanaugh posted two weeks ago that it was going to happen and wondering who was invited, I thought I ought to post the results.

I can't believe how tough a ticket the Cup has become.  For the first couple of events we invited all of our golfing friends; but with the match play format and some of the private clubs which allow us to play, we are limited to 32 teams, and we can't even include some great friends we've known for years.  Of the eight finalist teams, all eight included either a client (past or present) or the green chairman of a club we consult at.  

I imagine it will be even  more difficult to get in, if we play at Sebonack next fall.  Your interest and Jim Lipe's are duly noted.  

[Mike Hendren]

Tom,

Stuart Smith from Nashville's Hillwood?

Mike

[Tom_Doak]

Mike:  Yes, that Stuart Smith.  Bruce Hepner has been consulting at Hillwood for years and is good friends with Stuart.  Stuart is a great player -- obviously, if Bruce was still alive in the semifinals.

[Mike Hendren]

Tom,

Smith was a great player at Tennessee and if I call correctly won the state am or open at Hillwood back in the 80's.  Tremendous long-iron player.

Also, is E. E. "Bubber" Johnson considered to be the architect of record at Hillwood?  If so, not a bad routing for a golf professional.  I took a lesson from him late in his life and do not remember a nicer gentleman.  

[John Kirk]

Ballyneal members the world 'round are brimming with pride after this weekend's triumph.  Congrats to brother Jim and big Max, not to mention master shaper and project manager Bruce Hepner.

Just another testament to Ballyneal's legacy as a stern overall test of golf, and a proving ground for great champions.  The years spent grooming their games at this linksland wonder enabled Max and Jim to prevail in the harsh conditions found only in the Coachella Valley in December.

The perpetual Renaissance Cup trophy will be encased in the back seat of a maroon pickup truck for all members to enjoy and admire until the great Caulkins/O'Neal team defends at Sebonack next fall.

 

[SPDB]

Just another testament to Ballyneal's legacy as a stern overall test of golf, and a proving ground for great champions.  The years spent grooming their games at this linksland wonder enabled Max and Jim to prevail in the harsh conditions found only in the Coachella Valley in December.
 

[John Kavanaugh]

Pat:

I did think about not posting anything about the event since no one from GCA was there ... but after John Kavanaugh posted two weeks ago that it was going to happen and wondering who was invited, I thought I ought to post the results.

Tom,

Who is this brother guy of yours I'm hearing about...I think me and him might make a great team at one of your upcoming and maybe not so full events..

[Tom_Doak]

John:

My lone brother David lives in Tucson (like your own brother) and is an archaeologist there.  You would have fun playing golf with him, but he wouldn't be much help in contending for the trophy ... he plays about once a year now.

[John Kirk]

SPDB,

Just being silly.  Attempting to be funny with completely off the wall remarks.

[John Kavanaugh]

John:

My lone brother David lives in Tucson (like your own brother) and is an archaeologist there.  You would have fun playing golf with him, but he wouldn't be much help in contending for the trophy ... he plays about once a year now.

Trophy..I don't need no stinking trophy.   Archaeologist, screw you..I wanna meet your brother.   Thank God my brother is only an architect..cause if he was an archaeologist I'd be way out of prime time in the family hierarchy...