Cape Region Golf Year in Review–2014
December 26, 2014
This column marks the end of its sixteenth year of publication in this fine newspaper. The past year also included several golf highlights in the Cape Region.
January—Rookery Golf co-owner and course superintendent Chris Adkins describes the tree cutting and planting schedule for Rookery South and North. Rehoboth Beach Country Club celebrates the part-year transfer of Head Golf Professional Charlie Schuyler to Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters. I fly to Orlando for the PGA Merchandise Show.
February—Several Cape Region connections are also found at the PGA Show. Hole-in-One insurance explains how car dealers handle the risk of an ace at a charity tournament. The Morrison family is improving the American Classic Golf Club for the upcoming season and beyond.
March—I attend my first USGA Handicap Seminar. The Cape Henlopen High School Viking golf team begins its practice sessions for the 2014 season, delayed by snow. Football goal posts are involved. The first match is postponed by weather, naturally.
April—The Vikings win the first two matches of the year against Laurel and Lake Forest. The Cape squad is then stampeded by the Riders of Caesar Rodney. The kids bounce back with wins over Delmar and Delmarva Christian, and play their best golf in a two-stroke loss to Sussex Tech. They then beat Indian River, Milford, Polytech, Seaford, and Smyrna. I participate in the Golf Writers’ Association of America tournament at Pinehurst, NC.
May—Local golf clubs begin their tournament and weekly competition schedule. The Vikings win against Sussex Central and Woodbridge. The first annual Rookery Cup competition is a success. The Cape golf team finishes the season with a 12-2 record with their win over Dover High, and finish in 9th place in the state high school golf championships at Maple Dale. The First Tee Program schedules a training session at Rookery South June 2.
June—Mason Jones earns all-conference honors. Cape golf coach Claudio Smarrelli is elected Henlopen Conference Coach of the Year for 2014. The Rehoboth Beach Junior Open takes over RBCC June 16. DSGA Scholarship Fund winners are announced at the event. Nick DelCampo makes his first hole-in-one, after only 55 years of trying. Several Cape golf team members make the Henlopen Academic All Conference list.
July—Cape Region clubs participate in the USGA’s “Play 9 Day” initiative. Local clubs also hold their major events, such as the Kings Creek CC Men’s Invitational, the Sussex Pines club championships, the RBCC Member/Guest tournament, and the RBCC Ladies Black and Gold Tournament. I discuss some challenging layouts we played during the spring Conlon Brothers Tour of Pinehurst, NC.
August—I play 18 holes with 2004 Senior British Open champion Pete Oakley and Rookery North golf pro Kyle Deas. A new tournament honors the memory of Wesley College golf standout Andrew Geyer. The Lett’s Play Golf tournament at KCCC is a success once again. RBCC is pleased with their summer Junior Golf program. The RBCC ladies host a large crowd for the annual Member-Guest tournament. The 8th annual Patriot Golf Day is set for Labor Day Weekend.
September—Joe Zingaro scores a rare eagle on the par-4 7th hole at Rookery South. Local clubs hold their championships and announce the winners. My first golf lesson in many years is an eye-opener, thanks to video replay.
October—Carole Schagrin makes a hole-in-one during the last 2014 Twilight Golf event at Rehoboth Beach CC. The fall charity golf tournament schedule is in full swing. The University of Delaware Women’s Golf team holds its second annual invitational tournament at Rehoboth Beach CC.
November—“The Short Game” is a new and well-done golf documentary. I report on a new Rife Putter, courtesy of the club makers. Forty golfers play a fundraiser tournament for the Cape High baseball team, and mostly freeze. Local Christmas gift opportunities for Black Friday are discussed.
December—Playing wet winter golf has its advantages, if you’re prepared for the experience. I provide another handy guide of golf gifts to avoid giving.
Thanks for reading! I look forward to another year of writing about Cape Region golf.