Validation Cup – Validation Cup

Team “EnPhuego” led by Captain Ramirez win all three rounds of the matches in route to a Blazing 19-12 Victory in the 2022 Spring Validation Cup

ValidationCupTexas — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 18:27:31 +0000

Buchman, Dean, Griffin, and Martinez – Undefeated 3-0 in the Seventh VC.

Yes, we have now had two Validation Cups in a row with great golf weather. Two new teams with two new captains in 2022 as “WillPower” captained by Will Jenkines and “EnPhuego” captained by Stephen ‘PH’ Ramirez led 32 VC players into battle. As you will read below, there was great competition throughout all thirty-two matches coupled with excellent sportsmanship on full display by everyone.

Watters Creek was in great shape especially with the nice weather.

Special thanks to our “Fore Caddy” volunteers, Dan Thorne, Glenn Staley, Mike Brock, and Jordan Montague, who kept the matches moving both days. Here we go………….

Validation Cup #7 / May 21-22, 2022

Results of ALTERNATE SHOT MATCHES

Match One / Alternate Shot

Wanting to get their teams off to a fast start, the VC Captains sent out two strong teams to grab the “all important momentum” for the next thirty-one VC Matches. Carl Poposki & Chance Young of EnPhuego birdied holes 4,5, & 6 to shoot a 33 on the front nine at Watters Creek (which is probably the best nine-hole AS score in the VCs). This led to a robust “plus seven” win over the veteran team of Doug Ward & Buddy Ackerman. (7/6)

Match Two / Alternate Shot

WillPower bounced back in the second match of the morning with Mike Gold & Jason Johnston shooting a 35 on the front-nine with birdies on #7 & #8 to secure a “plus six” victory over EnPhuego’s Dion Carver & Mike Kohl. (6/5)

Match Three / Alternate Shot

Three VC veterans Vinnie Iglesias, Ric Rodriguez, and Ismael Ortiz along with VC rookie, David Castillo ran into trouble in this the third match of the morning. Maybe it was the early morning starting time or Frank’s exhaust fumes hanging over the entire front nine, no one will ever really know. The four gentlemen failed to follow the guidelines for Alternate Shot beginning on the first hole playing something resembling a “shamble format”. It was pointed out to the players on the fourth hole by Glenn Staley. The VC commissioner got out there by hole number six to pronounce their actions as “That’s Not Good”. The final decision was the first ever “DISQUALIFICATION” in Validation Cup History.

Match Four / Alternate Shot

WillPower continued their morning alternate shot win streak with a 3/1 victory by Joe Bissa & Bruce Sult. They won holes #16 & #17 for the win over Oscar Diaz & David Lake of EnPhuego.

Match Five / Alternate Shot

Captain Will Jenkines teamed up with Carl Griffith to make birdies on hole numbers 2, 3, 11 & 12 to overcome several double bogeys to win the third straight match in a row for WillPower. Brian Cano & Frank Mata used all their VC experience to hang in against all the birdies being thrown against them but fell 7/5 to the WillPower duo.

Match Six / Alternate Shot

Team EnPhuego began their comeback as Fred Buchman & Billy Martinez played well together in their 4/3 victory over Trey Wilkerson & Mike Allcorn. Fred & Billy birdied #15 then won #16 to secure this important victory for EnPhuego.

Match Seven / Alternate Shot

Captain Stephen ‘PH’ Ramirez teamed up with the Mark Dean III to birdie holes #3 and #12 in this match. But WillPower’s Emanuell Garibay & Kurt Liles had two birdies of their own before losing holes #16 & #17 in a 3/1 loss to Ramirez & Dean III for Team EnPhuego.

Match Eight / Alternate Shot

WillPower’s team of Vince Schlueter and Dean Boyd won the front nine despite losing the first two holes of the match to Donnie Griffin and Brian Warburton. The front nine was highlighted by Schlueter and Boyd winning four straight holes (#6, #7, #8, #9) to go up two up on the front nine. Donnie and Brian began chipping away at the lead winning holes #10, #12 and #15 to even up the match before winning the last two holes to flip the match for the last all-important point of the morning matches for EnPhuego.

Alternate Shot Totals – enPhuego — 4 WillPower — 3 (One DQ)

Results of Team Best Ball Matches

Match One / Team Best Ball

The match between the teams of Dion Carver & Mike Kohl versus Mike Gold & Jason Johnston had a total of seven birdies in it. Dion & Mike were up three after nine holes. They held on despite a furious rally by Gold & Johnston to win 2/1 for EnPhuego thanks to a dramatic birdie on #17.

Match Two / Team Best Ball

After the Saturday morning Disqualification, Ismael Ortiz & Ric Rodriguez came out gunning for redemption. They shot even par through 14 holes as a team to earn a 5/4 WillPower victory against Brian Cano & Vinnie Iglesias.

Match Three / Team Best Ball

In a tremendous match, Joe Bissa & Bruce Sult battled all afternoon against Frank Mata & Brian Warburton. Bruce birdied number nine to even the match. Only to see Frank & Brian go two up going into #17 where Bruce once again birdied to bring the deficit to one down for WillPower. Playing the always tough eighteenth hole, all four players made pars giving EnPhuego the 1/0 victory.

Match Four / Team Best Ball

Doug Ward & Buddy Ackerman were determined to avenge their morning loss in alternate shot. The team of Oscar Diaz & David Lake gave battle but found themselves down three after the front nine. Doug & Buddy stayed in control on the back to give WillPower a much-needed 3/1 victory.

Match Five / Team Best Ball

This match turned out to be the only “all square” result on Saturday which was contrary to the other Validation Cups. The WillPower team of Vince Schlueter & Dean Boyd jumped out on the first three holes to immediately go up three and were up four after nine holes. Captain Stephen ‘PH’ Ramirez had three birdies to lead the comeback alongside Chance Young. PH & Chance went into #18 one down until Chance made a dramatic birdie to even up the match in which neither team deserved to lose.

Match Six / Team Best Ball

Billy Martinez & David Castillo put three birdies on the board against Mike Allcorn & Trey Wilkerson who also played well throughout the match. Billy and David were just too tough that afternoon posting a 3/2 win for EnPhuego and giving David Castillo his first VC point.

Match Seven / Team Best Ball

In another well played Best Ball Match, Emanuell Garibay & Kurt Liles took the team of Carl Poposki & the Mark Dean III all the way to the eighteenth hole. Kurt won #17 to push the match to eighteen. But Carl & Mark both made pars for a hard fought 2/0 win for EnPhuego.

Match Eight / Team Best Ball

After winning their morning match, Captain Will Jenkines & Carl Griffith faced a difficult draw against Fred Buchman & Donnie Griffin. Birdies on #2, #7, #9 had Fred & Donnie up two after nine holes. On the back nine, Fred & Donnie poured it on winning four holes in a row for the third Best Ball victory in a row for EnPhuego on Saturday afternoon with a 6/4 victory.

Team Best Ball Totals – EnPhuego — 5.5 WillPower — 2.5

Alternate Shot Totals – EnPhuego — 4 WillPower — 3 (One DQ)

Saturday Final Totals – EnPhuego — 9.5 WillPower — 5.5 (One DQ)

Results of Sunday Singles Matches (5/16/22)

Match One / Singles

Billy Martinez vs. Ric Rodriguez

Billy birdies #1 in route to shooting even par on the front nine and even par through fourteen holes to defeat Ric for a 5/4 win and the first point for EnPhuego Sunday.

Billy went undefeated 3-0 in this our seventh Validation Cup.

Match Two / Singles

David Castillo vs. Doug Ward

In a very even match between VC veteran Doug Ward, and VC rookie David Castillo, producing a lot of pars and bogeys with no birdies. David rallied on the front nine after being down three thru seven holes. The wily veteran Doug won #15 & #16 to get the 3/2 win and first Sunday point for WillPower.

Match Three / Singles

Dion Carver vs. Joe Bissa

Dion put an excellent score of 35 up on the front nine to take a big lead over Joe. Dion didn’t let up on the back nine finishing even par thru fifteen holes resulting in a 4/3 win for EnPhuego.

Match Four / Singles

Mike Kohl vs. Carl Griffith

Mike went up two early on the front nine only to see Carl come back to make it all square going into the back nine. Carl won sixteen to go one up and then birdied the always difficult eighteenth hole for his second straight singles match upset. This kept the team score even after the first four matches Sunday morning.

Match Five / Singles

Brian Warburton vs. Jason Johnston

Brian and Jason traded blows all the way to the eighteenth hole. It began with Brian winning three of the first five holes on the back nine after being one down at the turn. Jason responded by winning #15, #16, & #17 to retake the lead. Brian’s bogey on #18 evened the match up with a half point for each team. Jason’s VC Singles record now stands at 3-0-1. All Square. Warburton finished 2-0-1 in this Validation Cup.

Match Six / Singles

Frank Mata vs. Mike Allcorn

In a battle between high school friends, Frank won the first three holes. True to VC history, Mike battled back to be only one down going into #10. Frank then reeled off three straight wins to produce a 4/3 win and point for EnPhuego. Frank is now tied for on the third most all-time VC points list with 11 points.

Match Seven / Singles

Brian Cano vs. Ismael Ortiz

Ismael lost the first hole to Brain but charged ahead winning six of the next eight holes to go up five up at the turn. Braian won #10 & #11 to cut into the lead. Ismael responded by winning #14 & #15 for a 5/4 victory for the WillPower point column.

Match Eight / Singles

Captain Stephen ‘PH” Ramirez vs. Emanuell Garibay

Another classic back and forth match between PH and Emanuell who held a one up lead after nine holes. The match stayed that way until Captain Ramirez took charge winning holes #16, #17, & #18 to post an important point for his team with a 2/0 win.

At this halfway point in the matches, EnPhuego stood at 4.5 points against WillPower’s 3.5 points.

Match Nine / Singles

Oscar Diaz vs. Buddy Ackerman

Buddy won holes #8 & #9 to go two up and increased the lead to three after twelve holes. Oscar stormed back to reduce his deficit to only one taking the match all the eighteenth hole. Both players made par on #18 with Buddy claiming the 1/0 victory and point to tie up the Sunday match totals for WillPower. Buddy is now tied for third on the all-time VC list with 11 points.

Match Ten / Singles

Carl Poposki vs. Kurt Liles

The front nine was another back-and-forth match between Carl & Kurt with Carl taking a one up lead. Carl played well on the back nine to earn EnPhuego a 4/3 victory.

Carl went undefeated this VC with three victories driving his all-time best VC point total to 13 points which makes him number one.

Match Eleven / Singles

Vinnie Iglesias vs. Mike Gold

Mike jumped out to an immediate plus four lead until Vinnie won #8 & #9 to be only two down at the turn. The players exchanged punches on the back nine until Mike won #13 & “eagled #14” to produce a much-needed 4/3 WillPower victory.

Match Twelve / Singles

Chance Young vs. Bruce Sult

There were several birdies made by Chance and Bruce in this match. Chance’s score of 39 produced a two-plus lead at the turn. Team EnPhuego got a 4/2 win thanks to Chance’s strong play.

Chance went 2-0-1 to go undefeated in this seventh Validation Cup and now sits alone in second place with twelve all time Validation Cup points.

Match Thirteen / Singles

David Lake vs. Trey Wilkerson

Team WillPower needed a victory and Trey stepped up putting three birdies on the board. Trey was up four after the front nine. David battled back taking the match all the way to the seventeenth hole until Tray was able to post a 2/1 win for WillPower.

Match Fourteen / Singles

Fred Buchman vs. Captain Will Jenkines

It’s a strange world we live in when Fred and WillJ are paired against each other for a third straight time (in a blind draw). Fred won the first two holes and Captain WillJ then won the next two holes. Fred took a two-up lead after nine building it to a plus three after #14 for a 3/2 EnPhuego point. Fred got revenge for his 2021 singles loss and went undefeated in this seventh VC at 3-0.

Match Fifteen / Singles

Mark Dean III vs. Vince Schlueter

Lots of birdies by both men in this match-up with Mark going one up at the turn. Vince kept the deficit at one all the way thru #13. Only to see Mark record three straight birdies on #14, #15, & #16 for a 3/2 EnPhuego point.

Mark went undefeated at 3-0 in this seventh Validation Cup (and his first VC).

Match Sixteen / Singles

Donnie Griffin vs. Dean Boyd

Dean jumped out to a quick lead on the front until Donnie bounced back to go two up at the turn. Donnie kept his foot on the pedal to keep the pressure on Dean and then finished with a birdie on #16 to secure a 4/2 win for EnPhuego.

Donnie went undefeated at 3-0 in this seventh Validation Cup.

Final Single Match Totals enPhuego – 9.5 WillPower – 6.5

Saturday Final Totals – EnPhuego — 9.5 WillPower — 5.5

VC #7 Spring Final Totals EnPhuego 19 WillPower 12

Congratulations to

“EnPhuego” & Captain Stephen “PH’ Ramirez

Captain Ackerman Leads His Team to Victory for an “All Square” 2021 Validation Cup / Dion Carver and Carl Poposki Go Undefeated

ValidationCupTexas — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 16:14:30 +0000

Captain Ackerman Leads His Team to Victory for an “All Square” 2021 Validation Cup /

Dion Carver and Carl Poposki Go Undefeated

Buddy’s Ballers had to wait three months before they could get payback for their 17-10 loss to GHIN ‘n Deuce in the spring Validation Cup. The Baller’s thought the final score was a lot closer when they looked at their number of one-point losses in the singles matches.

GHIN ‘n Deuce was sounding confident and looking for the sweep to go undefeated as a team in the VC this year. (Plus, they had worked out their unform issues.)

Both teams got to play in the cooler October temperatures during the entire weekend. Turned out to be the best weather the Validation Cup has been played to date in without the usual massive amounts of rainfall. The Watters Creek course was in great shape.

And Buddy’s Ballers came out on fire that Saturday morning.

RESULTS from the October 16th – VC Team Matches Match One Team Best Ball –

The first “Best Ball” match of the morning had the VC Captains squaring off against each other. Buddy Ackerman and Jordan Montague each had a bridie on the front nine for a four-up lead thru nine holes. John Stephens and Emanuell Garibay, who birdied #12, fought back on the back nine. Ackerman’s birdie on #14 led the Ballers to a 4/3 victory.

Match Two Team Best Ball –

Another marque match involving the low handicappers facing off against one another. It was Billy Martinez (2) and Glenn Staley playing against the team of Donnie Griffin (2) and Doug Ward. While Billy and Donnie played to their handicaps, Glenn and Doug made numerous contributions as this was the only match of the morning to go all the way to the eighteenth hole. All square

heading to seventeen, Glenn won the crucial number one handicap hole while Billy made par on #18 to secure a 1/0 victory for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Three Team Best Ball –

Kurt Liles and Carl Griffith ran into a buzz saw in the team of Chance Young and Will Jenkines, who dominated the Par Three holes winning all four of them. WillJ had two birdies teaming up with Chance for a 4/2 win for Buddy’s Ballers.

Match Four Team Best Ball –

The scorecard for this match had the team of Jason Johnston and Corey Lehmen leading by one from hole #7 all the way to hole #14. That’s when the Ballers went to work as Dion Carver birdied #15 to square the match. Then Mike Allcorn took over winning #16 and #17 to put another point in the win column for Buddy’s Ballers.

Match Five Team Best Ball –

The GHIN ‘n Deuce team of Fred Buchman and Trey Wilkerson won the first hole with Fred’s par and never trailed in their 2/1 win over Brad Ausdemore and Ismael Ortiz. Fred and Trey “brother in lawed” well getting to a three up lead several times during the match before Trey closed out the win on seventeen.

Match Six Team Best Ball –

In a match full of former VC Captains, Bruce Sult and Carl Poposki were paired up against Frank Mata and Brian Cano. Concentrating on keeping the ball in play, Bruce and Carl made a couple of birdies between them to put Frank and Brian away for the biggest margin of victory in the morning best ball matches for a 6/5 victory.

Match Seven Team Best Ball –

The captains picked two steady teams to represent them in the always crucial anchor match of the morning. It featured Ric Rodriguez and Joe Bissa versus Stephen “PH” Ramirez and Vince Iglesias. Joe birdied #1, Ric birdied #2, and then then they teamed up to both birdie #7 and #12. On the other holes, Ric made putt after putt to earn a 5/4 win to wrap up a very successful

Saturday morning for Buddy’s Ballers, who earned a 5-2 lead over GHIN ‘n Deuce.

RESULTS from October 16th – VC Alternate Shot Matches

Match One Team Alternate Shot –

The afternoon Alternate Shot matches began with Frank Mata and Brian Cano winning the first hole of their match against Donnie Griffin and Doug Ward. The Ballers comeback began immediately on the second hole and then Donnie & Doug birdied the always difficult sixth hole. Donnie and Doug won the first match of the afternoon 3/2.

Match Two Team Alternate Shot –

VC newcomers Emanuell Garibay and Corey Lehman drew Will Jenkines and Chance Young in a match that would go all the way to the eighteenth hole. WJ and Chance birdied #2 only to see the newcomers birdie #3. Both teams birdied #9 with Emanuell and Corey being one up thru the first nine holes. They led by as much as two holes after fifteen but lost #16 & #17 to have it all tied up going to the tee box on Eighteen. (Leading up to hole #15 was a huge trend this VC as the last three holes at WC proved to be pivotal in several matches.) Both teams made par on #18 for a half point.

Match Three Team Alternate Shot –

Vince Iglesias and Stephen “PH” Ramirez came out in the afternoon “making putts” to win four of the first five holes in their match against Jordan Montague and Buddy Ackerman. Vinnie and PH birdied #2 and #10 to cruise to a 6/5 victory for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Four Team Alternate Shot –

“Bolognia Sandwiches” were an unlikely source of energy and strength for Bruce Sult and Carl Poposki against Fred Buchman and Glenn Staley. Bruce made several crucial putts as they birdied #3 and #11. Bruce and Big Funky C went on to win the first three holes on the back nine on their way to a 3/2 win for Buddy’s Ballers.

Match Five Team Alternate Shot –

Mike Allcorn and Dion Carver won the first five holes including birdies on #2 and #3 against the team of Kurt Liles and Carl Griffith. Mike and Dion won for the second time this Saturday cruising to the “second biggest margin of victory” in VC history with a 8/7 victory.

Match Six Team Alternate Shot –

Captain Stephens reunited the team of Billy Martinez and Jason Johnston as a team to go up against Buddy’s team of Joe Bissa and Ric Rodriguez. Billy and Jason won holes four, five, and birdied number six to take a commanding lead. Playing steady “Par Golf” the rest of the way, Billy and Jason earned an important 4/3 win and another point for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Seven Team Alternate Shot –

Talk about Fireworks, the anchor match saw a ton of them. Not one, not two, not three, but SEVEN birdies in the alternate shot format is just spectacular golf from John Stephens and Trey Wilkerson. Brad Ausdemore and Ismael Ortiz shot a solid team score of 37 on the front nine. John and Trey’s score of 33 was just too much and don’t forget their seven total birdies in a 5/4 win. More importantly for GHIN ‘n Deuce, this point evened the afternoon’s Alternate Shot matches at 3.5 points for each squad.

Despite the tie in the afternoon, Buddy’s Ballers took a three-point lead (8.5 to 5.5) into Sunday’s singles matches thanks to their numerous strong performances in the morning’s best ball competition.

RESULTS from the October 17th – VC Singles Matches

Match One Singles —

VC Captains always want to get off to a fast start with their first picks to allow good news to spark momentum throughout the rest of the lineup. Billy

Martinez and Joe Bissa drew the opening assignments. This was an exceptional back and forth match that went all the way to the eighteenth hole. Joe was plus two after fifteen holes, only to see Billy win #16 and #18 to earn a half point for each team. Billy finished this VC at 2-0-1.

Match Two Singles –

In a little-known VC historical fact, Jason Johnston has played in “three VC singles matches winning all three matches”. Jordan Montague drew this pairing. Jordan played well birding number six, but a strong back nine by Jason produced a 3/2 singles victory and the first full point of the day for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Three Singles –

Dion Carver, a Captain’s pick, and Stephen “PH” Ramirez played an interesting match. Dion hit a ton of greens from everywhere winning three holes in a row twice on both nines. Dion’s 5/4 victory produced the first full point of the day for Buddy’s Ballers. The win moved Dion to 3-0 in this VC (and win half the pot in their team’s private undefeated pool).

Match Four Singles –

Mike Allcorn also had an opportunity to go undefeated, but Vince Iglesias had a lot to say about Mike’s quest. Vinnie’s clubs did the talking with birdies on #2, #3, and #11 to go along with four consecutive wins on holes nine thru twelve. A solid 5/4 win and point for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

(All four players gave their opponents lots of props for the tremendous sportsmanship and love of golf on full display for the four hours of competition.)

Match Five Singles –

Frank Mata and Brad Ausdemore squared off with Frank holding the lead after the front nine at plus three. Brad battled back to even the match after fifteen holes. Winning sixteen and seventeen, Brad produced a “FLIP / critical turnaround” point in the team competition with this exciting 2/1 win.

Match Six Singles –

Fred Buchman and Ismael Ortiz battled each other in match six. Fred jumped off early to go up three on the front nine. Ismael whittled it to a one down

deficit only to see Fred go another run himself for a 5/3 win for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Seven Singles –

At the halfway point, GHIN ‘n Deuce had made up two points on their three- point deficit going into singles thanks to Brian Cano’s 1/0 win against Bruce Sult. The former VC Captains were all even after sixteen holes with “four lead changes” up to that point. Cano won the always important seventeenth hole and made par on eighteen to secure the win.

With seven matches to go, GHIN ‘n Deuce had shaved Buddy’s Ballers lead down to one point.

Match Eight Singles –

See Below

Match Nine Singles –

Kurt Liles and Doug Ward went at it in the ninth match. Right off the bat, Doug won the first five holes. Doug kept doing what Doug does ‘Hitting his Ball Down the Middle” for a 7/5 singles victory. Doug’s victory started a run of five singles victories out of six matches for Buddy’s Ballers to turn the tide in the last seven matches back in their favor.

Match Ten Singles –

In what has been called “the Upset of this VC”, Carl Griffith took down his good friend Ric Rodriguez. Carl shot 38 on the front nine to take a four-up lead. Ric worked hard cutting the deficit down to two twice on the back. Fireball, a VC rookie, won #17 for the 3/1 upset victory and point for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Eleven Singles –

Chance Young was matched up against VC newcomer Corey Lehman. This was yet another back-and-forth match that was all square thru fifteen holes. Chance won sixteen and seventeen for an important Ballers’ point with a 2/1 singles victory to finish this VC without a loss at 2-0-1.

Match Twelve Singles –

Future VC Captain Will Jenkines drew the third VC rookie, Emanuell Garibay. The two competitors were all even after eight holes until WJ won the ninth to go one up. Winning four of the next five holes on the back cemented a 3/2 win for WJ and the Ballers. (WJ also finished without a loss at 2-0-1.)

Match EIGHT Singles –

Two good friends, Glenn Staley and Carl Poposki, squared off in what turned out to be a crucial match. It went all the way to eighteen and turned out to be the 15th point to secure the VC Trophy. Carl went up three thru seven holes, but Glenn won the next two holes to be down only one at the turn. Carl went up two thru sixteen, but Glenn won seventeen once again. Neither player would like to talk about how they played eighteen. Carl, a Captain’s pick, gutted it out on #18 for the winning VC point for Buddy’s Ballers in front of a large crowd under the shade of the tree drinking cold Coors Lites. (Carl also went undefeated at 3-0 joining Dion Carver as the winners of the private Buddy’s Ballers’ pool.)

Match Thirteen Singles –

Captain Buddy Ackerman faced off against Trey Wilkerson in the next to last match of the day. Trey jumped out to an early two up lead only to see Buddy rebound to take a one up lead after nine holes. The back nine saw good golf until Buddy won that hole (seventeen again) to win 2/1 and the final point this day for his team. Plus, Buddy had the satisfaction knowing his Captain’s Picks Carl, Jordan, and Dion (to replace those who could not play in October) went 7-2.

Match Fourteen Singles –

The anchor match had Captain John Stephens going against Donnie Griffin. The match was even after nine holes. Donnie then won the next three holes to go up three. Despite hearing the other team had more than enough points to take the VC trophy back, Stephens kept playing – making a birdie on seventeen to win the last match 2/0.

BUDDY’S BALLERS – 16 points GHIN ‘n Deuce – 12 points

Congratulations to both teams and both Captains for an excellent competition and tremendous sportsmanship throughout the weekend.

2021 ended in a tie between the two teams.

Let the debate begin over many cold beers as to who the better team was this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Captain Stephens Goes Undefeated leading GHIN ‘n Deuce to a Rousing Victory / Jason Johnston goes undefeated 3-0 in the Fifth VC

ValidationCupTexas — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 01:47:00 +0000

The teams, GHIN ‘n Deuce and Buddy’s Ballers, were all tied up in May of 2021 after the Saturday fourteen team matches. Unfortunately, the Singles got rained out last May with a three-inch rain downpour on Watters Creek. All twenty-six players committed and showed up for the replay on Saturday July 24^th.

Experts and long-time observers were predicting a very close outcome for the thirteen singles matches with maybe a one-point margin of victory between the evenly matched teams. They were to be proven wrong by GHIN ‘n Deuce on July 24^th.

Match One –

The first match was much closer than the final result as Will Jenkines and Fred Buchman each shot in the seventies. WillJ birdied number seven to help take a three-up lead on the front nine. Then WillJ held on to win the day’s first point for Buddy’s Ballers 3/2.

Match Two –

The winner of the second match never hit a driver during his sixteen-hole match as he proudly told everyone all afternoon (after six beers). Plus, Vince Schlueter hit a bunch of greens to take a big early lead in defeating Chance Young 3/2 for the first GHIN ’n Deuce point of the day.

Match Three –

Captain Buddy Ackerman birdied number three on his way to shooting a 77 in route to a 4/3 victory over Kurt Liles. Unbeknownst to everyone at Watters Creek at the time, that was to be the last full point victory Saturday for Buddy’s Ballers. As Captain Ackerman’s team would only half two of the remaining ten matches.

Match Four –

Brian Warburton and Joe Bissa battled all the way to eighteen, which Brian won to earn a half a point. Joe won the first four holes of the match, but Brian threw two birdies on the card and then won #17 and & #18 to half the match.

Match Five –

Three of the next four matches turned out to be “Plus One” victories for GHIN ‘n Deuce. Twice during the Doug Ward / Mike Brock singles match, Brock opened a three plus lead. Doug kept battling back forcing Brock to win #17 and make par on #18 to secure the 1/0 win and the full point for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Six –

In yet another match that went back and forth all morning, neither Stephen “PH” Ramirez or Ric Rodriguez had their best stuff till the back nine. Certainly, was stunned to see both players have a “snowman” on their scorecard for the fourth hole. PH won #17 and #18 for a very significant 1/0 win and full point for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Seven –

Frank Mata jumped out to a “plus five” lead after six holes against Ismael Ortiz. But Ismael battled back (between Frankie’s puffs) to be just two down thru fourteen holes. Frank won number fifteen to regain control of the match and earn a 2/1 victory for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Eight –

Neither player played well on the front nine with Jason Johnston opening a two-hole lead. Mike Kohl fought back from that deficit to be only one down thru fourteen holes. Jason was able to play steady, strong golf over the next four holes to secure yet another 1/0 victory for GHIN ‘n Deuce. The win made Jason Johnston 3-0 for this Validation Cup. Congratulations!!!

Match Nine –

Buddy’s Ballers got its last bit of good news when the “Italian Stallion” Oscar Diaz fought Billy Martinez (the heavy Favorite) to a draw by winning the last two holes of the match. Oscar played the Par Fives and the stroke holes very well for the half point victory. Billy Martinez finished this VC 2-0-1.

Match Ten –

Dean Boyd maintained a two-hole lead through the first six holes of his singles match against Vince Iglesias. Then Vinnie turned it on winning seven, eight, and nine to head into the back nine with a one up lead. Vinnie extended his lead to “plus four” to withstand a furious comeback by Dean to secure a 2/0 win and full point for GHIN ‘n Deuce. Vince Iglesias finished this VC 2-0-1.

Match Eleven –

Unbeknownst to everyone at the time (word of the day), the eleventh singles match was going to turn out to be the VC point clincher for GHIN ‘n Deuce. Trey Wilkerson was up to the task jumping out to a three-up lead on the front nine against Tom Young. Trey had three birdies on the day for the biggest victory of the day 5/4 plus winning the clinching VC point for his team.

Match Twelve –

In a rematch of the singles match between our 2020 VC Captains, Brain Cano and Bruce Sult clashed yet once again. Cano jumped out to a two-plus lead on the front nine and built upon his lead on the back nine. Cano gained retribution for his 2020 singles loss to Bruce with a convincing 4/2 win for GHIN ‘n Deuce.

Match Thirteen –

Captain John Stephens and Donnie Griffin had a donnybrook of a battle in the last singles match of the day. All square thru fourteen holes, Stephens won number fifteen and then birdied seventeen for a 2/1 win and the last point in a decisive 17-10 win for GHIN ‘n Deuce to capture the coveted Validation Cup!!!! John Stephens finished this VC 3-0. Congratulations Captain!!!

Great Sportsmanship was on Display by Both Teams throughout this Extended Validation Cup. Says a lot when all twenty-six players show up nine weeks later to finish this VC the right way with 100% participation.

GHIN ‘n Deuce’s 17 – 10 victory matched the seven point victory by “Team Mata” in October of 2019, VC II!!!

RESULTS from the May 16, 2021 — VC team matches—-

Match One Singles –

Because we had twenty-six VC players, a singles match was played before the six team best ball matches began. Saturday at Watters Creek saw great golf weather all day.

Captain John Stephens took an early lead to take the all-important first point of the fifth VC with a solid 3/2 victory over Will Jenkines.

Match Two Team Best Ball—

The first “Best Ball” match of the morning saw VC veterans Stephen “PH” Ramirez and Vince Iglesias facing off against Bruce Sult and Donnie Griffin who won the front nine plus one. During a tense back nine, PH & Vinnie won the 17^th hole to even the match and then held on to earn a half point for each side.

Match Three Team Best Ball –

Chance Young and Ric Rodriguez combined for six birdies to beat Mike Brock and Fred Buchman for the first VC point for Buddy’s Ballers with a 4/3 victory.

Match Four Team Best Ball –

In another great match that went all the way to the eighteenth hole, Joe Bissa won Holes #17 and #18 with Mike Kohl to defeat Brian Cano / Brian Warburton 1/0 for Buddy’s Ballers. Joe and Mike won the match despite the two Brians having a five to two advantage in birdies.

Match Five Team Best Ball –

The eighteenth hole saw more action as a terrific match between Ismael Ortiz and Oscar Diaz versus Vince Schlueter alongside Kurt Liles went all the way there. Vince and Kurt battled back from a three-hole deficit thru thirteen holes with three birdies in a row only to lose 1/0 due to Ismael’s excellent par on the eighteenth.

Match Six Team Best Ball –

Dean Boyd and Tom Young continued the momentum for Buddy’s Ballers with a 2/1 victory over the new team of Frank Mata / Trey Wilkerson. Dean and Tom had three birdies together to build a four-hole lead thru twelve holes despite four birdies from Frank and Trey.

Match Seven Team Best Ball –

In a crucial match for GHIN ‘n Deuce Saturday morning, Billy Martinez and Jason Johnston stepped up to defeat the veteran VC team of Buddy Ackerman / Doug Ward 3/2 to win the first best ball point for their team. Jason had key birdies on #13 and #14 to swing the match over to his side to wrap up the morning’s competition with a 4.5 to 2.5 lead for Buddy’s Ballers.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON Results for Team Alternate Shot –

Match One Singles –

GHIN ‘n Deuce needed a fast start in the afternoon. Vince Iglesias delivered that victory with a strong 4/3 singles showing against Oscar Diaz.

Match Two Team Alternate Shot –

Captain Stephens took Trey Wilkerson under his wing as they shot a team score of 74 with two birdies in the Alternate Shot format to win 2/0 over Chance Young and Will Jenkines.

Match Three Team Alternate Shot –

After a productive talk with Ismael Ortiz and Ric Rodriguez about ‘keeping up with the group in front of you”, Buddy’s Ballers team set a quick pace with three birdies rolling to a decisive 9/7 win over Brian Warburton and Stephen “PH” Ramirez.

Match Four Team Alternate Shot –

With a Team score of 73 and two birdies in the alternate shot format, Bruce Sult and Donnie Griffin defeated Kurt Liles and Mike Brock 6/4 for the second point of the afternoon for Buddy’s Ballers.

Match Five Team Alternate Shot –

Dean Boyd and Tom Young went two up after two birdies then went two down on the back nine against Fred Buchman and Vince Schlueter. Shooting even par over the last four holes, Dean and Tom rallied to even the match against Fred and Vince. Each team earned a half point for their teams.

Match Six Team Alternate Shot –

Coming down the stretch the two teams were tied up in these afternoon matches with two matches still out on the course. Frank Mata and Brian Cano shot a terrific alternate shot team score of 75 to earn a full point for GHIN ‘N Deuce with a 3/2 victory over Doug Ward and Captain Buddy Ackerman.

Match Seven Team Alternate Shot –

The last match of the day was a back-and-forth competition between Billy Martinez / Jason Johnston and Joe Bissa / Mike Kohl. Billy and Jason birdied #5 and #6 to go three up thru the front nine. JoeB and MikeK immediately birdied #10, #11, and #14 to square the match up. Billy and Jason were too strong winning #16 and #17 for a 2/1 victory to give GHIN ‘n Deuce a 4.5 to 2.5 total in the afternoon.

The Validation Cup Saturday ended just as it started in the morning all tied up 7-7 after fourteen intense matches.

CANO is the HERO — WINS LAST TWO HOLES to TIE the MATCH

ValidationCupTexas — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 02:44:50 +0000

Validation Cup #1 / May 2019

History Lesson / Blast from the Past — the First VC which ended in a tie.

Please note – the first VC only had a total of 12 players

The first Captains were Oscar Diaz and Frank Mata.

The first VC did not have an alternate shot competition due to heavy rain.

We had to play holes 1-12, then 1-6 again to finish 18 holes on Sunday.

The hero of this first VC was Brain Cano who mounted a huge comeback in the last singles match of the day.

Despite the weather raining out the Saturday afternoon alternate shot matches, it was a great Validation Cup weekend.

No griping, no complaining, no disputes, and no fights which speaks volumes about the level of sportsmanship on display by all involved.

The golf course staff went out of their way to accommodate us and helped make the event a success. Thanks to Matt Sipko and to Mark Stephenson at WC. We’re sure Mark enjoyed the six pitchers of beer, ten Coors Lites, and sixteen shots of tequila.

Saturday Best Ball

Match Two — Carl / Oscar defeated Frank / Brian 4&3 (Team Oscar)

Strong play by Oscar led to the win.

Match Three — Doug / Buddy defeated Stephens / Bruce 4&2 (Team Frank)

Strong play by Doug on the front and Buddy’s birdies on #14 & #15.

Match One — Jordan / Glenn TIED Vince / PH (Halved)

With Jordan’s birdie on #18, the match was halved with good play during the match from all four players. Best Match of Saturday!

Sunday Singles Matches

Match Two — John (9) vs. Doug (9) John Stephens wins the first point on Sunday with a 5&3 victory. (Team Oscar)

Match Six — Frank (9) vs Vince (6) Frank goes up early winning 4&3. (Team Frank)

Match One — Jordan (7) vs Bruce (12) The match went all the way to seventeen, Jordan wins 2&1 to go undefeated (1-0-1). (Team Frank)

Match Three — Carl (9) vs Buddy (9) Carl goes undefeated (2-0-0) winning a back-and-forth match 2&1. (Team Oscar)

Match Four — Glenn (10) vs PH (10) PH took the early lead in the match winning 2&1 to go undefeated (1-0-1). (Team Oscar)

Match Five — Oscar (9) vs Brian (12) “The match of the day.” Brian goes up four. Oscar battles back to go up one with two to play. Brian wins the last two holes for Team Frank ending the Validation Cup in a tie. (Team Frank)

It was an ugly picture…..the two captains kissing each other instead of their sisters. 4 ½ to 4 ½ points for each VC team.

We are shooting for this coming October for VC II with the same awesome captains (Frank & Oscar) and as many players as we can possibly attract.

Would like to have sixteen players instead of twelve this time.

Congratulations to all.

Eric Chamberlain