Seacoast Christian GC, October 20 /27 , 2023
– The Crossings @ Carlsbad –
-The Field-
Tee Times & Pairings
We had 32 players in the field up for Friday, October 20, 2023 to have our 13th Event of our Seacoast Christian GC season at The Crossings at Carlsbad GC, Carlsbad, California. Unfortunately a calendar mix up took place and our event had to be postponed until the following week for Friday, October 27. A very small group of 8 players were accommodated to play on October 20, 2023 so the golf committee held the “Championship Finals” for our semi finalist to have their matches competed. The “Player’s Cup” players would compete on Friday, Oct 27, 2023. A big thank you to all for their patience and understanding and accommodations in getting both day’s events done. The golf committee would like to apologize to any of you that had to deal with inconvenience or changes in your golf schedule due to these changes.
Today’s event involved players being matched up in “Match Play” according to their seeded positions on our playoff season leader board. Our top 2 remaining players in the Championship Cup Bracket will squared off in the The Finals Championship Match Play playoff. Those players who are in the “Player’s Bracket” will match up to earn 200 points for a winning match. Tie matches will split the points. Also points would be earned in our normal LOW GROSS / LOW NET / LOW NET Skins , as well as pin competitions. Today’s scoring points will be at a season high of 500 for a 1st place position.
Current Champion – 2022 Seacoast Cup Winner
-Ross Mitchell-
The Finals – Championship Match
(winner becomes our 2023 Seacoast Cup Champion)
Scott Crockett vs. Bill Miller
Battle for 3rd Place
A Big Congratulations to our Winners as some great golf was on display today. Here are the results.
Flight “A” Low Gross Winner: Ted Clinite (82)
Flight “B” Low Gross Winner : Dave Stapleton (82)
Flight ” C” Low Gross Winner: John Casey (92)
Flight ” D” Low Gross Winner: Mike Yorkey (150)
Today’s Overall Low Net Winner: Dave Stapleton (69)
SCORE CARD
– 2023 Championship Finals Match –
Pre Match Notes: Both players showed up 1 hour before the tee time to warm up their swings at the range and to get in some putting practice on the putting greens. A sense of nervousness could be detected as each player was concentrating on what was to happen. Bill Miller admitted that he still can’t believe he is here in the final championship match. It’s been a world wind of golf events these past 2 months, and Bill admits he’s gotten some breaks, and putts that somehow found the bottom of the cup these past rounds. Scott has been steady these past years in his golf game. Last year he played himself to become the “Player’s Cup 2022 Champion” and now feels that this year may be his time as he’s arrived finally to the final round. He reports that he’s ready for the match and feels that he’s got another good round in him today. Bill feels he’s has a slight edge as he has 11 strokes on Scott, but Scott is a consistent golfer and doesn’t make too many mistakes. Bill knows every stroke counts and he’ll need all the help he can get today. This match will be tough to call as both players have great potential to win. It’s going to be a battle of who can minimize their mistakes and who can overcome “pressure cooker” golf.
Recap : Scott Miller vs. Bill Miller (+11)
Front Nine – Both players got off to a shaky start as getting on the green in regulation in the “foggy” weather was a challenge. By the time they both got to hole #3, the score was TIED. A double bogey for Bill Miller on hole #3 gave Scott the early 1 UP lead, but then Bill tied Scott on the following par 3 hole and with his stroke he was able to TIE the match. One #5 was a bust for Bill has he scored in double digits, and Scott began to take the momentum as he had a 2 UP lead after hole #6. but then Scott found himself in trouble as he fell into double digit scoring and Bill cut the lead to just 1 UP. By the time hole 9 was complete, the match was ALL TIED going into the back nine.
Back Nine – both players now sensed the tension and competitive juices began to flow. Both players kept their drives on the fairway and their short game skills kept both players in the hunt for pars and tap in bogeys. Bill got a 1 UP lead which he kept for several holes up until the short Par 3 #14hole when he double bogeyed and gave up his lead. The All Tied match continued until hole #16, when Bill floundered on the par 5 #15 and Scott was able to take a 1 Up lead. The fireworks then went off when both players skillfully placed their tee shots on #17 (Par 3) within 10 feet of the cup from 145 yards. A thrilling sight to see was when both players sand their birdie putts taking the match to the final hole. Hole #18 is where champions are made as the hard to reach par 4 stood in in front of both players. Scott successfully placed his drive down the middle, while Bill sliced his drive which found the lateral hazard. This rattled Bill as he knew he had to make a miracle shot to win the hole. Scott played it safe and make sure he didn’t loose his ball to the canyon and tapped out for his double bogey to win the hole and the match at 2 UP.
Both players had a great time competing today, but Scott Crockett came out on top to become the 2023 Seacoast Cup Champion. Congratulations !!!
Scott Crockett
– 2023 Seacoast Cup Champion-
Post Match Interviews: Bill Miller was given the opportunity to speak to the media after the round and he politely explained “I was ready for this match as I’ve been on a winning streak these past months. It’s hard for me to realize that I made it this far, but I’ll take it as I had to take on several great golfers who have single digit handicap golf skills. I somehow came out on top in a few close matches as I’ve learned to get myself off the tee and to trust my short game skills. But today, I missed a couple of crucial shots off the tee which cost me dearly. Scott is a great competitor and today he deserved the win as he matched my scoring as he had to give me eleven stokes today. His great chips and putts came at the right time. Scott surely played like a champion today and deserved the win. I’m happy for him…but I’ll be back next year !”
Scott Crockett was found smiling ear to ear when we finally caught up with him to ask him about his thoughts about his win today…“I’m so humbly happy that I won the cup today. My hat goes out to Bill as he gave it his best and I held him off. I know I earned my way into the playoffs , but I made the best of my opportunities these past 3 rounds and made it to the top. I’m one of the old guys and had to beat another old guy to get the job done today. Bill took down several good players in our golf league and I was fully aware that he has the potential to pull out the great shots. That’s exactly what we saw on hole #17…to see him putt out for birdie to tie me was unbelievable. He didn’t have any quit in him. But finally he opened the door on #18 and all I had to do is take care of business. I’m so relieved that it’s now all over and I succeeded to be come Champion !”
NOTE: the above account is the onsite media reporter’s account of the match and is purely meant to provide info, entertainment value, and perspective of what took place during the match. Complete accuracy and actual thoughts of each player during the round is purely speculative, but done to the best ability of the reporter. There is no intention to demean nor question players’ character or thought process.
2023 Championship Consolation Match
(battle for 3rd Place)
Recap: Ebin Smith vs. John Riggs (+15) –
Both players brought their best game for the day as they both started their day on the range. The foggy weather and cloudy conditions did make it hard to see early tee shots, and where balls were landing. But Ebin got an early lead as John showed signs of struggle in his game today. By the 5th hole, Ebin carved out a 3 UP lead and felt good about his game. But John kept his composure and found a way to TIE the match by the end of the front nine. Going into the back nine, Ebin reorganized his mental thoughts on his game and parred the challenging hole #10. John pulled his drive and couldn’t recover so Ebin had a 1 UP lead. Then on the 11th hole, John battled back and score a par (net birdie) to TIE the match. Ebin came right back with a great birdie to take a 1UP lead on #12. But Ebin quickly gave up the lead scoring the dreaded “snowman” and letting John back into the match. With the matched all TIE going in to #14, Ebin successfully made par, which John missed his putt to score bogey and Ebin again took a 1Up lead. The next two par 5 holes took their tolls on John’s game as Ebin hung in there and was able to win both holes and take a 3 Up lead and close the match 3 and 2.
Post Match Interviews: John was asked as to what happened today on the course…. ” I was not playing well today, and it seemed like I couldn’t get anything to go my way. I made only a couple of pars today, and that won’t get the job done against a good player like Ebin. He played well and despite the fact that he game me +15 strokes, I didn’t take advantage of my opportunities. I didn’t have the “A” game which you need when you get to this deep into the playoffs. At least I can be proud that I finished 4th in the standings. I’ll have to take this experience and build on it for next year.
Ebin Smith shared his thoughts on today’s match “I’ve worked hard on my game this year and today I knew I had to showcase my “A” game. Having to give +15 strokes to John meant I had to be on my game. John didn’t seem to have his normal stuff today, and that kind of gave me an open door to the win. When he tried to make a move, I was there to play my game. I’ve been in his shoes and can only let him know that sometimes that ‘s what this crazy golf game will do you. I’m grateful for his sportsmanship and his competitive spirit. I’m sure he’ll be back as a better golfer next year.
NOTE: the above account is the onsite media reporter’s account of the match and is purely meant to provide info, entertainment value, and perspective of what took place during the match. Complete accuracy and actual thoughts of each player during the round is purely speculative, but done to the best ability of the reporter. There is no intention to demean nor question players’ character or thought process.
Player’s Cup Bracket – Match Play Score Cards
-Low Gross / Low Net – Points-
GREAT SCORING / NET SKINS / PIN COMPETITION WINNERS
Recap Event 13 – We had 32 golfers showed up to play the challenging The Crossings at Carlsbad GC. We did have to play our event over 2 days as we had to split up the field. Our finalist played their Championship Finals Match play to determine our club champion. A big congratulations to Scott Crockett for pulling out the win to become our 2023 Seacoast Cup Champion.
In the Player’s Cup Bracket, there was tight race for the “Player’s Cup Champion 2023″…Dave Stapleton was successful in pulling out a match win and posting low gross / low net scores, along with a few pins to take the “Player’s Cup Champion” honor. Several other players had their chances but competitive golf is fully of surprises and turns. Honorable mentions of players who gave it “their all” this season and are living with the “could of, should of, would of” sayings at this point are: Ted Clinite, Rhett Dahle, and Paul Deveau. With 4 events left in the playoffs, these players all had a chance to rise to the occasion, but during one or two of the playoff rounds they came out short. Its back to the drawing board on the driving range to revamp your game and swing so you can be ready for the next 2023 golf season !!
As we come to the end of our golf season, remember it’s just a game where we try our best to be the best we can be at this great game. Some days you’ll have it, and some days you don’t. But in the end, its the time with friends, and memories of being together and having a great time with one another which really counts.
There’s still more golf to be played for the remainder of the year with our: President’s Cup (November 17 – at Riverwalk GC) and Winter Event (December 8 – St. Marks (now Links @ Lakehouse) GC. Then our 2024 Season begins.
-The Winners on the Leader Board –
Championship Finals – The Crossings @ Carlsbad GC – October 2023
Our next event will be Friday, November 17, 2023. We be playing our annual “President’s Cup” /Lunch of Champions event at Riverwalk GC. The cost is $99 / player. Tee times begin at 7:00a. Reply back on this email to get a spot in the field. Field is limited to 28 players.
Points will also at the end of the golf season will be converted to “President’s Cup Raffle Tickets.” All the points earned by players will be converted on the November 17, 2023 (Event 14) when we divide the field into two teams. President’s Cup format will be played and final points will be added to player’s score. Those points will then be converted to raffle tickets which will then be drawn for many golf prizes: golf apparel, golf equipment, golf outings, golf bags, etc. So come on out to enjoy the fun / competition / prizes for our November 17 event.
Reply back to the email to get your spot.
The Current Leader Board
The Leader Board
Previous Month’s Standings
