Monterey Golf Trip
April 28-29, 2004
Bayonet & Poppy Hills

Since we decided to put together a two-day trip down to the Monterey peninsula, it has become our premier golf tournament. The fact that we have played at the Fort Ord and Poppy Hills all three years had been a fantastic draw.

We played at the Bayonet course on the first day and it was in spectacular condition. The Bayonet course had hosted mini tour events and qualifiers for the U.S. Open. Since playing here for the first time, two years ago, I have grown to love this course. It is a very difficult course, and you wonder if you even have a fairway to hit from the tees. Often, if you hit the ball into the woods, your only shot was sideways. Although, getting to the greens was difficult for many, their troubles only started when they reached the very fast and undulating greens.

Only a handful of our membership shot net scores under par, and most were shot by the B flight. Bob Jackson, who was our medalist, shot 79 to tie for the early lead in the A flight with Phil Leanio following two strokes back. Long time member and traveling golfer, Ray Zanini, was tied with Phil. There were three outstanding scores shot in the B flight. Bill Kneis shot a personal best net 63 to edge out Terry Smerdel, who shot under 100 for the very first time. Terry was fairly confident he was the leader but could only muster a second place. Al Lee finished in third place with a net 67.

On the second day, the weather was beautiful while on the practice tee, but by the time we started, the wind began to blow and by the back nine it was gusting up to 30 mph. Poppy Hills is still considered a world class layout and once again it lived up to its reputation. The course was in great condition and the layout is wonderful.

Poppy Hills has a 138 slope rating and with the wind blowing it is extremely difficult. Bruce Navarret played an outstanding round. His net 63 vaulted him from the pack into a second place finish in the B flight. While he was shooting this great round, Bill Kneis had a solid second round of net 71 to hold onto first place. Nice two rounds Bill, good to see you in the winners circle. Smerdel finished in third place with a 139 total for the two days. Bob Jackson followed up his solid play at Bayonet with 77, net 69 at Poppy Hills. His two day total of 140 was two shots better than Phil Leanio’s 142. Phil was a picture of consistency with two net 71’s. Ray Zanini was one stroke back with net 143. Ray complained to me that he was playing poorly, but played fairly well. Considering the difficulty of the courses and the conditions, all of our winners played very well.

Silverado North Corse
May 14, 2004

Silverado has always been our two top tournaments in our rotation. It has always been the best tourney for our golf club. In recent years, it has taken a back seat to the Monterey trip. In an effort to boost attendance, we invited the S.F.P.D. to join us in helping to raise money for Issac Espinoza’s family. Sue Hart was the driving force behind much of the organizing, including the fundraising. We would especially like to mention the generosity of the San Francisco Fire Credit Union and the Police Credit Union. Also, we would like to mention the great support from our golf club members. Due to a miscommunication between the two departments, we didn’t get the turn out from the police golf clubs that we had hoped for. We know with proper communications, the police officers would have gladly supported such a worthy cause. We will work to improve the lines of communications at future events.

Silverado’s North course had some renovations done last year and this year it was in fantastic condition. Along with perfect weather, the course was primed for some good scores.

In the A flight, Bob Jackson’s 73 was the days best score and resulted in a tie with long time member Tom Smith with an net 67. Bob is looking like the favorite to win the club trophy, but it is a long season. Tom Kiernan and Arnie Lee tied for third palce with net 69’s.

Every year, the B flight is very competitive with multiple contenders. Big Dave Thompson claimed he would be a contender this year. If he plays like he did at Silverado, look out! Dave shot 83 net 63 to earn first place. Bill Downing shot a fine net 65, and in most tournaments his score would win, but a second place was the best he could muster. Ramon Chea was very pleased with his best round at Silverado to earn him third place.

We also had an informal competition between the Fire and Police golf clubs. We were able to win handily because we had a larger pool of golfers to draw on. I am sure in the future it will be a closer competition. Thanks again for everyone’s support for Issac Espinoza’s family, and thank you Suzie for the great job you did.

Chardonnay Golf Club
July 13, 2004
1030 Start Times

We have scheduled Chardonnay for the last three years. The last two, we played at the Shakespeare course, but this year we are playing the Vineyards course. This is a great course and another great layout. We have 48 spots available, so sign up early.

Hiddenbrooke
August 2, 2004
1230 Shotgun

Last year we were fortunate to book Hiddenbrooke in August. We hope to get a better turn out at this outstanding golf course. Please come and play this course if you haven’t played here before. I personally think this is the best course in our schedule. As usual, guest are welcome. Again, please sign up early.

Presidio
August 30, 2004
1000 Start Times

The summer months are usually the worst weather months in San Francisco. This year we tried to schedule Presidio closer to Indian Summer. Hopefully we will have a classic Indian Summer weather for this event. We have 60 times for Presidio and have sold out the last two years. Just a reminder, the golf line number is 415-822-9500. Call early to reserve your spot.

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