A GRAND FINALE

The 2011 SOS season came to a glorious close as a packed field of 112 players turned out at John's Island West in Vero Beach, Fl., for the Ralph Bogart Tournament -- and what was really a three-day bacchanal.

Chip Lutz (Seniors), Skip Snow (Super Seniors) and Dick McClear (Grand Masters) emerged triumphant after three days of fine play on the perfectly-manicured, Tom Fazio-designed J.I. West layout set in the dunes-land about two miles off the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to picture-perfect weather and playing conditions, and the usual John's Island amenities at their disposal, the SOS players also were treated to a beach-barbecue dinner at the stunning J.I. Beach Club on the eve of the final round. And a dozen wives or very close friends of SOS members enjoyed two days of golf on JI's South and North courses located along- side the ocean on the Club's main property.

In the Senior Division, Lutz took the first-round lead with his outstanding six-under-par 66, survived a relatively shaky -- for him -- second round of 76 and then returned a one-under par 71 in the final round to win by five shots over Randy Elliott and six over Rick Woulfe.

In the Super Seniors, the unflappable Mr. Snow rallied to victory as his final-round score of even-par 72 -- following earlier rounds of 74 and 76 -- and 54-hole score of 222 edged Pat Vincelli by one stroke. Denny Alexander finished in third place at 227.

In the Grand Masters, Boynton Beach-neighbors and Quail Ridge-members Dick McClear and Bob Harris waged almost a private battle for three days, with McClear finally emerging victorious with a score of 231 -- two shots better than Harris.

The last two rounds of the Bogart also incorporates better-ball competitions in both the Senior and the Super Senior Divisions, and the competition was tight both days. In the end, Steve Smyers and Bill Zylstra won the Seniors, and the aforementioned Skip Snow teamed with Bob Rogoff to win the Super Seniors.

The ultimate bottom line to the 2011 Bogey? A great time was had by all.

View the tournament results