LW Men’s Golf League

Eight golfers of the Leisure World Men’s Golf League competed at the par 70, 5,800 yard River View Golf Course in Santa Ana on May 9. The weather was sunny and warm throughout, and it was a lovely morning to play golf.

Greens and fairways were in excellent shape, and with great weather and no wind, it was expected that scoring would be good. Four of the six players scored net below par and there were six birdies—three by Sam Choi, two by Jim Goltra, and one by Clay Fischer. Jim Goltra also scored a rare eagle (2 under par) on the 467 yard par 5 15th hole by sinking a 30-foot putt from the fringe after two very accurate shots from the tee and fairway.

Gary Stivers, Dave LaCascia and Duke Park had fewest putts. Goltra was closest to the pin on the 140 yard par 3 second hole, and Sam Choi was closest on the 100 yard par 3 ninth.

Winners: (net score: gross minus handicap) A flight winners: Stivers, 5 under par 65, first place; LaCascia and Sam Choi, 4 under 66, second; Goltra, even par 70, third; Jae Choi, fourth.

B flight winners: Park, first place; Bob Munn, second.

On May 12, 13 members and a guest visited the par 71 Meadowlark Golf Course in Huntington Beach. This course, at 5,600 yards, has many elevation changes, abundant water, and several small turtleback greens. It is a challenge for all levels of golfer.

The weather was initially warm and partly sunny but became overcast and cool as the game progressed. The sun made an appearance toward the end of the round, but there was still not much warmth due to a persistent breeze that became quite strong over the last five holes. The course was in good shape but due to difficult playing conditions only seven of the golfers shot net at or under par.

There were three birdies: one each by Jim Goltra, Sam Choi and Chris Lankford. Goltra had fewest putts in the A flight and Duke Park had fewest in the B. Closest to the pin on the 140 yard par 3 third hole was Bob Munn, and Choi was closest on the 140 yard par 3—all into the wind—16th.

A flight winners: Larry Hillhouse and Dave LaCascia, 4 under 67, first place; Goltra and Choi, 1 under 70, second; Stivers, third; Lankford and Fujio Norihiro, fourth.

B flight winners: Scott Slade, 5 under 66, first place; Munn, 3 under 68, second; Sergio Borbon, 1 under 70, third; Bill McKusky, fourth; Park and Dom Bautista, fifth.

The Monday and Friday golf leagues play at four local courses, all within 15-20 minutes of Leisure World. These courses are always quite full, so advance league reservations are required with a sign-up sheet available at each round.

There is a prize pool for each round that players are not obligated to enter. Rewards are given for low net in each flight, birdies, closest to the pin on two par threes, and for the lowest number of putts in each flight. Holes-in-one and eagles (two under par) are generously rewarded. Those interested in playing can contact Gary Stivers at 714-313-3697 or Dave LaCascia at 801-674-5975.

—Dave LaCascia The Men's Club Spring Picnic will be May 28 at the Clubhouse 1 picnic area at 1 p.m. Dinner will be a barbecue. Cost is $10 per person.