Golf Committee
We note with sadness the passing of Joe Young on 17 August. Joe was a regular with the Monday-Wednesday-Friday senior men’s group and beloved of many of us who knew him and enjoyed his company on the golf course. He was a true gentleman and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
The unfortunate condition of the golf course since mid-July has forced the postponement of the Men’s and Ladies’ Club Championship until October 11-12, as well as several other events (see the Pro Shop section of this Newsletter for the revised calendar of events for the remainder of the golf season). In addition, the Men’s Match Play Championship is being extended so matches can be held under more playable conditions. Two “add-on” tourneys, the Men’s Two-Man 6-6-6 tournament, and the 19-Man Shootout, are unlikely to be played this year because of course conditions.
On a brighter note, we do have some good news to report.
Spectacular Golf by Juniors: Shane Ghigliotty & Clayton Bunting
At the Salisbury Rotary Ninth Annual Junior Golf Championship, Sussex Pines had two big winners. In the boys 13-14 year old division, Shane Ghigliotty finished first with a 76. In the boys 15-18 year old division, Clayton Bunting finished first with a 74. Congratulations to two great athletes and potential future champions!
Tommy Ellison Challenges Amory Davis at DSGA Open Championship
Tommy Ellison, a Bethany Beach resident, senior at the University of Delaware, and a member off Sussex Pines, was great competition for Amory Davis of the DuPont Country Club and Bidermann Golf Club.
On the third round of the DSGA Open Championship at The Peninsula Golf Club in Long Neck, Tommy was on the move when he birdied the par-3 fifth hole and eagled the par-5 seventh hole to get 5-under for the tournament. At that point in the tournament Tommy and Amory were tied in score. Tommy finished the tournament tied for third place with a score of 215. This was an excellent showing, and we offer our congratulations to future-pro Tommy Ellison as well.
Men’s President’s Cup Winner for 2008
Congratulations to David Layfield of Millsboro who won the Men’s Presidents Cup Tournament on June 28-29.
Men’s Senior Club Championship for 2008
Congratulations to Barry Kasprow of Millsboro who won the Men’s Senior Club Championship on August 16-17.
Ladies’ South Atlantic Division Championship
Congratulations to Terry Daisey, Shirley Rider, Sara Jane Beckwith, and Sandy Bunting who finished with 2nd place gross, and 8th place net in the division championship held in Southern Pines, NC. See 18-hole ladies section for more details.
Holes-In-One
John Coleman – May 4, 2008 --- Sussex Pines Hole #3
John Kennedy – June 4, 2008 --- Bear Trap Hole #4 (Kodiak)
(John’s first Hole-In-One)
Henry Hehir – August 11, 2008 --- Marsh Island Hole #3
Congratulations to all!
As of this writing, we are all hopeful that the golf course will recover and we will have some decent playing conditions in the fall. Let’s hope so, and let’s enjoy the typically fine fall golfing weather.
Barry Kasprow, Golf Chairman
with numerous contributions from
Sandy Bunting. SPLGA President
SUSSEX PINES NEWS LETTER FROM THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
Golf Course and Greens
Hello everyone. As everyone knows, this has been a horrible summer for the course. We lost most of our greens due to a heavy downpour (4” of rain in three days) and high temps. We have consulted with a USGA agronomist, Mr. Darin Brevard, and are implementing his suggestions to restore the greens. Copies of his report are available in the front lobby of the clubhouse and on our web site.
I would like to thank everyone who showed support and understanding during these hard times. We have had bad luck so far. Our irrigation power supply melted and had to be repaired right away.
As I write this, efforts are underway to fix the problem. We have begun an extensive seeding and aerification project on the greens, tees, and fairways. Unfortunately, we lost all power to the irrigation pump station on the first day of the project (this has since been repaired). I am very confident that by the time that this is read, we will see a dramatic improvement with our course. This will be a short-term fix. OUR GREENS NEED DRAINAGE INSTALLED!
I understand that this will be costly; however, it is a lot less expensive than re-construction. Turf loss has been going on for years here at Sussex Pines (although not as bad as this year) and it is time for the problem to be repaired vs. swept under the rug. When the golf course is in unplayable condition, every department suffers. Less people come here so less people eat at the restaurant and spend money in the pro shop.
With this fact in mind, why would you cut the maintenance department budget and capital improvements? I would like to leave everyone with that thought.
Harry Wanner
Sussex Pines Golf Course Superintendent
Ladies Golf Group
Tuesday evening at 5:30
This is for any one that would like to golf but can't really commit to a weekly schedule.
It's lots of fun and you are never sure who will be there!
You don't need to call anyone to confirm your attendance but you also have to be understanding if you are the only golfer that shows.
Last year we had between 2 - 6 players on any given Tuesday.
