The Society of Seniors

To all members: Ken Bowden, one of our longtime members has published a book entitled "Teeing off". Ken has a storied history in golf publication from being the founding editor of Golf World to the editorial director of Golf Digest. Along the way he co-authored all of Jack Nicklaus' Books, most prominently the best-selling "Golf My Way." The book is published by Triumph Books and can be found at most national booksellers as well as Amazon.com . Ken has a keen insight into the game both as a player and a journalist and the book is excellent reading.

At the California State Senior Championship, SOS member Jeff Burda shot 65 (-6) in the final round to overtake Jim Knoll a SOS applicant for membership by one stroke.

Other SOS members finishing well, Robbie Thompson, Carl Selkirk, and Mark Miller.

With this win, Jeff Burda will seal and win the Northern California Golf Association Senior Player of the Year over Jim Knoll and Mark Miller placing 2nd and 3rd respectively.

More information is available for download

Ken Newlin is 2008 Honoree at Dave King Invitational Northern Virginia golfer, Ken Newlin from Nokesville, Va. was recognized as the 2008 Honoree of the national Dave King Invitational during it's annual dinner Monday night, July 28th, at the Evergreen Country Club.

Newlin joins a select list of distinguished past honorees to include Ralph Bogart, Robert Brownell, Eddie Johnston, Dr. Lewis Blakley, Jack Vardaman, Henry Kerfoot, Jim Kite, Tom Flory and Dr. Harry Cain.  The honorees are selected not only on their golfing achievements, but also for their contributions to the game, their character and their contributions to society.

Ken was recognized for his service and dedication to his country, first in the Air Force which he joined in 1953, and his subsequent long career supporting the nation's surveillance agencies.  In addition, Ken played in two U.S. Senior Amateurs, the 1988 U.S. Senior Open, and won the 1991 Virginia State Senior Championship and the 1985 Northern Virginia Amateur Championship.  Ken was supported at the dinner by his proud family.

We received the following news from Marv White, one of our members in Rapid City, SD.

Mike Brummer, (society of seniors member) on the way to scoring 68, makes a 7 on the par 4 first hole at The Golf Club at Red Rock, Rapid City, SD. At the par 4 7th (287 yards), Mike makes one; 7 on one; one on 7.

Long time member Neil Croonquist died in June in Scottsdale, AZ Neil was 86. In his long career he played in 18 USGA Amateurs and several Senior Amateurs. Neil won many championships in Minnesota, including two State Amateurs and at least four runner-ups in State Amateurs. He is survived by Betty, his wife of 65 years, three children and grandchildren.

The Society continues to grow and we currently have over 800 members. In order to better serve the overall membership we need involvement of all age groups especially some of our newer members. This requires planning, organization and commitment from individuals to ensure tournaments and the management of the Society continues for current and future members.

For our planning purposes, we are interested in identifying individuals who have an interest in serving the organization in the following capacities:

• Board member?
• Advisor to the Board?
• Committee member?

If you have an interest in serving in any of the following capacities please let us know your interest by e-mail (replys@societyofseniors.com).

Also, would you play in an event held in Arizona or California?

Thank you for involvement and loyalty to the organization.

Sadly we must report the death of Jim Hoefer, a long time Society member and co-founder of the National Senior-Junior tournament held annually at the Dye Preserve in Palm Beach, FL.

Jim was a friend to countless Society members, a regular participant in our events for over 20 years. His obituary can be found here.

To all members:  It is that time of year.  The delinquent dues list is down to the following men and they will be dropped from the rolls on June 30.  If you think some of them are not getting mail or have just forgotten please take the time to call them and remind them that the deadline is here.  Thanks.

• Bill Anderson
• Rick Bendall
• Don Bliss
• Bill Calfee
• Billy Clagett

• Jim Cleveland
• Tom Danluck
• Russ Jimeson
• Eb Luckel, Jr.
• Gary Menzel

• Johnny Moore
• John Powers
• Gary Shemano
• Steve Smith (NY)
• Donald White

To all members: A match has been arranged for Saturday, August 2, at Littlestone, a site near the British Senior Open Amateur at Royal Cinque Ports. A team of ten South Africans are matched up with a team of 10 English seniors who will be playing in the Sr Am, and they would like to make it a three-way with 10 Americans.

The venue is Littlestone and the date is Saturday, August 2, with foursomes in the morning and singles in the afternoon. Should be a good tune up for Deal. They are also going to do the same format at Sunningdale on Sunday, Aug 9, but I think most of the "Yanks" will be flying home by then.

Anyone with interest email johnbaldwingolf@yahoo.com. John will lead the American side and the competition should be interesting and rewarding.

It is my unfortunate duty to announce that Kay (Mrs. John) Kline passed away on May 23 in San Antonio, TX. Mrs Kline was well known to the membership of the Society and attended countless Society events during John's 25 year career with the Society. Her services will be conducted Friday, May 30 at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.

John's address is One Towers Park Lane, #912, San Antonio, TX 78209. Telephone (210) 820-0958 for those who wish to call or send condolences.

A complete obituary can be found here.

The Society just concluded two great events. The John Kline for Super Seniors at Barnsley Gardens experienced a bit of chilly weather the first two mornings, but, all in all, the players had a wonderful tournament which was climaxed by a sudden playoff won by Jerry Greenbaum over Spencer Sappington. Both players are former Dale Morey Stroke Play Champions and remain competitive in the over 65 category. Jack VanEss, the winner of our first Dale Morey Stroke Play took the prize in his first crack at the over 80 division. Jack is a living legend.

In the Tutwiler we have new champions. Tim Miller and Rick Bauch. Tim followed up his significant win in the Florida Seniors with a fine contribution to the team's come from behind two stroke victory in the Tutwiler. Tied for second were defending champions Bob Kulp and Paul Simson along with former champions Alan Foster and Jerry Greenbaum. In the Super Senior Division the team of Dave King and Phil Saylor won on the first extra hole when Saylor hit his third shot on the par five inside of two feet. The runners-up were Rich Anderson and Bob Wernick as Wernick was unable to hole a ten foot putt to extend the match. Full field scores for both events are elsewhere on the website.

One of our members called in yesterday and informed us that he had developed shingles about 4 months ago. Since that time he has been unable to play golf and is enduring constant pain. It is known to us that many other Society Members have contracted Shingles in the past and many have suffered greatly.

The member told me that 50% of people over 50 who had chickenpox in their history are likely to develop shingles as they grow older. There is a vaccine, however, that greatly limits the risk, and the member strongly recommends that you consult your medical doctor about it as soon as possible.

I have attached an excerpt from the CDC to add additional credibility to the recommendation and I hope you men will take it to heart. If we stop or limit one case of shingles in our membership it will be worth it.

On a brighter note, the applications for the Kline and Tutwiler events are now posted and available for downloading from this web site. You can also register online for both events.