Esplanade Golf and Country Club played host to the first winter series event of the 2017-2018 season. The new golf course tested players with some very undulating and challenging greens.
Michael Basinski came out firing on Saturday with an even-par, 72. In a unique situation because play was suspended on Saturday, Basinski was actually the only Mid-Amateur to finish on Saturday, meaning he teed off his second round with no idea how his competitors stood. As it would turn out, Brian Polick was nipping at Basinski's heels with a 73 in the first round. Baskinski would keep it going on Sunday as the wind blistered players. His 75 was the third lowest in the flight on Sunday, and Basinski would finish with a four shot victory.
The Senior flight saw a number of impressive scores come in on Saturday, led by David Tassell and his one-under, 71. A host of others remained in close competition as four players spent the night within four shots of Tassell. One of those within four, John Vaccaro turned in the lowest score of the day for the second round at 71. Tassell would go on to shoot 75 in the second round, leaving the two players tied at the top. After both players parred the first playoff hole, they went back to 18 and Tassell left no doubt as he birdied the difficult 18th, playing with a twenty mph crosswind.
In the Super-Senior Division, John McCreary bested the difficult, wet conditions on Saturday to post the lone under-par round of the day for his flight. McCreary's 71 put him in a great spot going into Sunday, two ahead of Jerry Young and three ahead of Bob Casamento and Carey Watson. McCreary played steady golf on Sunday as well as he posted a 75, assuring that someone would have to play stellar golf to catch him. Carey Watson did everything he could, but couldn't quite muster enough birdies as he shot 74 on Sunday to finish two behind McCreary.
The Winter Series is for players 25 years and older and runs from late October through early March. Players will compete in one of three age divisions (25-54, 55-64 and 65 & Over) based on their age for the final event. A season long points list is kept through the winter earning players exemptions into several 2017 FSGA State Championships. The next stop in the Winter Series is Grand Harbor Golf & Beach Club in Vero Beach on November 12-13.
Individual Event - Gross Only (No Handicaps)
Eligibility
Entries are open to male amateur golfers who are age 25 or older as of February 27, 2018 and a Regular or Foundation Member of the FSGA.
Entry Fees & Prizes
- $160 ($170 - members who do not have an active FSGA/GHIN Handicap).
- Late entries will be accepted subject to a $10 late entry fee should the entrant gain acceptance into the field.
- Age-group Champions at each event will receive a commemorative award. Gift certificates (totaling approximately $30 per-player in the field) will be awarded to the top finishers in each age group.
Tee Times
- Round 1 - 12:00 PM off of the 1st and 10th tees.
- Round 2 - 8:30 AM shotgun start
Individual Age Divisions & Yardages
There are three age divisions; Mid-Amateur (25-54), Senior (55-64) and Super-Senior (65 & above). Each player must compete in the age division commensurate with their age as of February 27, 2018. Competitors may not elect to play in a different age division or from a different tee than designated.
- Mid-Amateur (25-54) plays approximately 6,700 yards
- Senior (55-64) plays approximately 6,400 yards
- Super-Senior (65 & above) approximately 6,100 yards
**After the first round, each age division may be flighted based on the number of competitors and/or the range of scores.
Practice Rounds & Cost
Practice rounds are available one week prior to the event on a space available basis. Practice rounds are restricted until after 12:00 PM on weekends. To arrange your practice round please call the club at (239) 494-8020. The cost of a practice round is $40 plus tax.
Host Hotel
There is currently no host hotel for this event.
Maximum Field Size
Individual events - 84 players
