Caddyshack League competition underway – by Brad Cone

 

After a cold long winter that seemed to never want to end, the 12 members of the Caddyshack golf league finally arrived at Saratoga Lake Golf Club in Stillwater on Wednesday excited to begin their first night of the 2014 season!

Opening night is typically marked by players trying to "knock the rust off", but father-son duo Bill and Brad Cone wasted no time announcing themselves as serious contenders for the league title. Brad bagged outstanding birdies on the treacherous par-4 10th, lengthy par-4 12th, and dogleg par-4 16th en route to the lowest gross score of the night: a three-over-par 40! On the strength of that score (combined with a steady 44 net 38 from Bill), the Cone boys dominated their match and won an exceptional nine out of a possible 11 points.

First-year partners Bruce Bailey and Jim Decker also made a splash on opening night. Bruce, a rookie to league competition, tallied three pars en route to a solid 45 net 38 on the par-36 back nine. Meanwhile, Jim's round was highlighted by pars on three of the last four holes as he posted a strong 46 net 36. Jim also earned the title of "Player of the Week" as he was the only player to post a net score (actual score minus handicap) of even par or better. With those rounds, the twosome cruised in their match capturing eight points and jumping to second place in the standings.

After making the playoffs in both of their years as partners in the Par-Tee league, Tyler Colvin and Joe Ryan picked up right where they left off with a huge eight-point night on Wednesday. After dropping the first hole (due to an impressive par from their opponent and league rookie Troy Gleason), the power pair reeled off victories or ties on the remaining eight holes. Joe led the onslaught, snaring a league-high five pars en route to a nice eight-over-par 44 net 38.

Joe's big night didn't end there, however, as he also won the inaugural closest to the pin contest. Joe nestled his tee shot to an impressive nine feet on the downhill par-3 14th to take home the $10 prize. Cone Tire & Auto Sales sponsored Joe's award.

And with that, the 2014 season is officially underway. It promises to be an unforgettable year as the Caddyshackers embark on a four-month march to the inaugural league championship. Tune in here each week as the "original 12" etch their names into the first chapter of the league record book!

Standings

Pos.

Team

Pts

1

Cone/Cone

9

2

Bailey/Decker

8

2

Colvin/Ryan

8

4

Colvin/Stone

3

4

Mott/Gleason

3

6

Herrington/Benson

2