The Society of Seniors

Dues Payment

Gentlemen: It is March 1 and we have 52 members who have not yet paid their dues. For a list of these members please go here.

Global Golf Post

There is a new online publication called Global Golf Post which premiers this month and will hit your inbox each Monday with comprehensive golf news from all around the world. Subscription is free for Society of Seniors members. You will be looking for this every Monday. The content will be much better than anything you have seen to date. Sign up today!

Spring Classic

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. - Chip Lutz of Reading, Pa., Don Edwards of nearby Hobe Sound and Bob Hughett of Green Valley, Ariz., were the winners Thursday in the Society of Seniors' second annual Spring Classic at the Santa Lucia River Club.

Lutz switched to a long putter after the second round and closed with a four under pare 68 for 224, winning the senior division for ages 55-64 by five shots. It was his third victory since turning 55 in January, his second in this area.

Like Lutz, Edwards earned his first Society title, the super seniors flight for ages 65 and older, edging defending age group champion Rich Anderson of Bloomington, Minn., 75 to 76 the final round and 227-228 for the 54-hole route.

In a separate event for players 75 and older, Bob Hughett beat a handful of entrants on 83-258. It was Hughett's second Society title. He teamed with Bill Feehan to win the 2006 Ed Tutwiler Memorial Four-Ball at Daniel Island Club in Charleston, S.C.

Lutz, an attorney who specializes in title insurance, won the Golfweek Senior Championship at the Doral Resort in suburban Miami on Jan. 17 and teamed with Chip Lange to capture the senior division of the International Four-Ball on Feb. 21 at The Fox Club in Palm City.

"I really putted poorly the first two days here," said Lutz, who made but one birdie during back-to-back 78s and trailed by five shots heading into the final round. But a late-afternoon practice session Wednesday with former U.S. Senior Amateur champion Mike Bell produced dramatic results.

"It's the first time I have used the long putter in competition," a 47-inch Yes model, Lutz said. "Mike helped me a lot with grip, tempo and other techniques," Lutz added. He used two different standard length, 34-inch putters the first two days, making one birdie. He scored three birdies and a bogey on each nine Thursday.

Edwards made two birdies and six bogeys on the back nine, which he played first, then settled down with a birdie and eight pars coming home the front. He had two eagles Wednesday, sinking a 20-foot putt after reaching the green in two at the par-5 third and holing a 90-yard second shot at the par-4 18th.

"I drove the ball extremely well all week, especially today," Edwards said. "I never hit a ball out of play with my driver. "I'm very happy to win my first Society of Seniors title."

Bill Bonney

Bill Bonney of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away on February 18. Bill was a Connecticut Native who played football at the University of Virginia and was inducted into the UV Hall of Fame. He spend many years as a manager for the First Republic Corp. of America. Bill won many golf championships in the Northeast, the Carolinas, and made an annual pilgrimage to Ireland where he won several senior events. In 1998 Bill teamed with Jerry Greenbaum to win the SOS Tutwiler 4-ball at Orchid Island and The Windsor Club in Vero Beach. Bill is survived by his wife Eleanor, four sons and one daughter. To view the full obituary click here.

National Senior Junior

President Mark Mulvoy teamed with David Brookreson in the Legends division of the National Senior Junior Championship at The Dye Preserve in Jupiter, FL. The team of Mulvoy-Brookreson was a wire-to-wire winner in the event. The Legends Division is new this year and requires that at least one player be over 65. Also, Bill Zylstra, the GOLFWEEK Senior Player of the Year in 2008 and 2009, resumed his winning ways by capturing the first event of the year at the Riverwood Invitational. Full field scores can be found here.

28th Annual Ralph Bogart

Two Michigan golfers were the biggest winners December 17 in the Society of Seniors’ 28th annual Ralph Bogart Invitational at the Verandah Club.

Bill Zylstra of Plymouth won the senior division, ages 55-64, for the second time in three years, closing with 74-212. He was the leader the first two days on rounds of 70-68. Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C., shot 70 the final round to charge into second, a stroke short at 213. Zylstra also captured the Bogart in 2007 at TwinEagles in Naples, his only other Society of Seniors title.

In the super seniors flight for players 65 years and older, Claud Johnston of Ann Arbor, who turned 73 Monday, earned his first Society victory by posting 70 the final round for 215. Brodie Baker of Bermuda Run, N.C., the first and second round leader, slipped to second on 75-217.

In the four-ball, an informal 36-hole competition which paired up the lowest and highest scorers after the first round, the winners were Mike Bell, Indianapolis, Ind., and Jack Richey, Winter Park, Fla., seniors, 132; and Baker and Jim Bianco, Las Vegas, Nev., super seniors, 135.

Bill Zylstra, by winning, captured the GOLFWEEK Player of the Year title, and Rich Anderson was victorious in the Super Senior category for the year. Congratulations to both of these men.

To see full results go the the "events" section and scroll down to the Ralph Bogart event in December.

Happy Holidays to all of you.

Fordie Pitts

Fordie Pitts, age 79, a respected SOS member and New England Champion golfer passed away last week in Massachusetts. Here are two nice articles about Fordie: Boston Globe | Boston.com

Vinny Giles

Quail Ridge Golf and Country Club in Boynton Beach, FL. is the home course of the Society of Seniors. On January 27, 2010, Quail Ridge is honoring Vinny Giles for winning the 2009 USGA Senior Amateur in addition to his prior win in the USGA 1972 Amateur and his other legendary golf accomplishments.

Vinny is also one of only four men to win both the USGA Senior and the Dale Morey championship. The occasion is the 2010 Quail Ridge Sports Hall of Fame ceremony. Cocktails and heavy Hors d'oeuvres beginning at 6:30 with the ceremony at 7:30. Cost is $26 ++ ($33.02). Any Society Member who wishes to attend is invited. Jacket and tie is requested.

In addition, long-time Society Member Bob Hardy will be inducted into the Quail Ridge Hall of Fame, recognizing his long career as a champion golfer and former SEC quarterback.

If you wish to attend call or email John Harrigan at least 4 days in advance. You can pay by bringing a check to the Club or mailing to John. His phone is (612)991-1271 and his email is harriganjw@aol.com. The Quail Ridge Hall of Fame Committee is hoping that many Society of Seniors Members will attend.

Quail Ridge is located at 3715 Golf Road in Boynton Beach.

2009 Events

2009 events are archived here

27th Annual SoS Championship

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Paul Simson of Raleigh, N.C., fired a closing round of 74 to match his closest pursuers Thursday and earn the title at the 27th annual Society of Seniors Championship at Lookout Mountain Golf Club.

Simson finished with a 72-hole score of 288, five strokes better than Neil Spitalny of Chattanooga (293) and 11 up on Sam Till of Fort Wayne, Ind. (299). Like Simson, Spitalny and Till also shot 74 Thursday. Spitalny was the first and second round leader.

It was Simson’s second Society of Seniors victory following his win in the Ed Tutwiler Memorial Four-Ball with Robert Kulp of Winston-Salem, N.C., in 2007 at Forest Creek Golf Club in Pinehurst, N.C.

Defending champion Jerry Hudgins of Houston, Texas, was seventh at 302.

Simson was the medalist in the U.S. Senior Amateur last month at Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, has been the low amateur in two U.S. Senior Opens and won two Senior Open Amateur titles in Great Britain.

Lookout Mountain, a Seth Raynor design opened in 1925, is short by modern standards at 6,456 yards and par 70 but presents ample challenges with its greens and greenside contours.

For full field scores go to the events page.

John Owens Final at The Honors Course (Oct 21, 2010)

The fog rolled in and out of The Honors Course for the first 40 minutes of the final round of the John Owens Super Senior Tournament, but eventually lifted and left the field with perfect playing conditions on a beautiful course.

The winner with a fine 75 and a total score of 225 was Del Kinney, Jr., of Great Barrington, MA. This was Del's first Society victory and it was hard -earned. Sharing the runner-up spot at 226 were Gus Kozina (74), Jack Vardaman (76) and Bill Ploeger, the second round leader (79). The first two rounds of the event were played at Lookout Mountain GC. The Society was very fortunate to be able to play these two excellent venues during the ideal time of year.

The Grand Masters division title (ages 75 and up) went to Romie Holder who edged Paul Cobb by two strokes, 158-160.

Sadly, the playing conditions were altered for the first two days because of a week of heavy rains in the area and the first two days at Lookout Mountain had to be played lift, clean and place through the green. Full field scores will be found in the Events section.

Vinny Giles Wins Senior Am

Marvin (Vinny) Giles III, our 2003 Morey Champion and 2009 John Kline Champion, as well as being 1973 US Amateur Champion and compiling a truly awesome competitive record over the years, eked out a 1 up victory over fellow SOS member, John Grace at the historic Beverly Country Club on the South Side of Chicago on Thursday. Vinny holed an 18 foot downhill put qt on a treacherous green to secure the victory. John missed from 16 feet shortly thereafter and Vinny was the new champion. Vinny also set a record for years between USGA Championships (36 years). In six matches Vinny won two by a margin of 2 and 1, but three went to the 18th hole and one to the 20th (first round).

Congratulations to Vinny, a new senior champion at age 66.

For full scoring go to www.senioram.org

Bill Rendlemen

William J. "Bill" Rendleman, a founding member of the Society, passed away on August 10 in Tampa, FL. Bill was a U.S. Navy Lieutenant during WW2, participating in 6 invasions. He spent 30 years with Texaco, retiring at age 55. Bill won many local and state golf events and participated in USGA events as well. He is survived by his wife, Oraleze and 5 children and stepchildren. Information can be found at www.blountcurrymacdill.com. Services were held in Tampa and Greensboro, NC, earlier this month.

The Hesler, August 12-14

The Georgia team of Don Marsh and Larry Clark posted an 8 under par 64 at The Farm Golf Club in Dalton, GA, for a total of 199. Much of this good round was needed to hold off the hard -charging team of Jerry Greenbaum and Van Lefferdink who lit up the scoreboard with a magnificent 61 (11 under par).

John Darr of Gainesville, FL, and Bill Ploeger, former USGA Senior Amateur Champion from Columbus, GA at 206.

The players were unanimous in their praise of the Tom Fazio signature course which hosted the USGA Senior Amateur in 2005 and annually hosts the Carpet Capitol Classic for college teams each fall.

Go here for the final results.

The next event for the SOS is the Fall Classic for Super Seniors in Gulf Shores, AL at the Kiva Dunes Club.

2009 Spring Classic

The first Spring Classic concluded on March 26 at the Pensacola Country Club when a night of heavy rains and morning tornado warnings forced cancellation of the third round.

The winners were the second round leaders, Ron Carter in the Senior Division and Rich Anderson in the Super Senior Division. Full field results are posted in the events section.

The course was in excellent condition and drew extensive compliments and praise from all of the contestants. The first two days were played in mid-70 temperatures with a brisk wind of 20 mph and gusting, presenting a very difficult challenge for the players. The members and the staff of the Pensacola CC were extremely helpful and welcoming. We all enjoyed the experience and are hoping to return another event to this fine venue soon.

Dick Slay

Dick Slay, our first Executive Secretary, passed away on April 30, 2009, in South Carolina. Dick was instrumental in the early growth of the Society, and, even after his retirement maintained a loyal interest in our progress and our members. He will be missed. The following is a letter from his widow, Betsy Slay:

Dick Slay passed away peacefully on the afternoon of April 30, after a multi-year battle with small cell cancer. He had been at home, supported by family, friends and Hospice, since Dec. 23, 2008.

We were blessed that he never had any pain and enjoyed celebrating Christmas, Easter and his 80th birthday with family and friends.

A private funeral mass will be held next week, and then on Sunday, the 17th we will have a committal service on Daufuskie Island at the First Union African Baptist Church with interment of his ashes in their cemetery. The service will be followed by a Dick Slay party at the Haig Point Mansion.

All are invited to the service which begins at 4:00 PM, the interment and the party to follow. We want this to be a real celebration of his life.

The family requests that all memorial contributions be made in the form of donations to Hospice Care of the Low Country, PO Box 3827, Bluffton, SC 29910.

2009 Kline

The ninth annual John Kline tournament for Super Seniors concluded Thursday at Delray Dunes Golf and CC in Boynton Beach, Florida. Vinny Giles was a wire-to-wire winner with a final total of 6 over par 219 on the windswept Pete Dye designed course.

The turnout for the event was great and the weather was ideal for 3 days. Other division winners were Bob Hullender (70-74); Romie Holder (75-79) and Bob Harris (80 and over). A record twelve 80 year olds played in the event and each and every one of the shot his age at least once during the competition.

Also, Dr. John McKey (93) and John McKey, Jr. (65) were the first father and son combination to ever play in a Super Senior event.

Final results are posted in the Events section of the website

Congratulations to the winners and Thanks to Delray Dunes for hosting this event.

Delinquent Notices

These members are shown as delinquent in their dues as of March 31, 2009 and their names will be given to the Board of Directors for termination. If you name appears on this list and you wish to remain a Society member, please pay your $75 dues a.s.a.p. You can send a check to PO Box 244551, Boynton Beach, FL, 33424, or go to the dues section in the website and pay online.

If any other members see the name of a friend or buddy on this list who may have missed out on the dues notices, please contact that man and remind him.

Happy 2009. The Society is about to embark on its finest year. We have two new golf tournaments and are considering a third. Our membership is well over 800 and applications are coming in every week. We hope many of you can make it to the events this year despite the sagging economy. As always we attempt to provide great venues at reasonable prices, and our events are highly rated by the GOLFWEEK rating folks.

The first event will be our first annual Spring Classic at the newly remodeled Pensacola Country Club in Pensacola, FL. The dates are March 24-26, 2009. This will be a full field event with seniors and super seniors and is on the GOLFWEEK point schedule. The course was recently redone by Jerry Pate and is really a fine test of golf. We guarantee you will enjoy it. The entry forms are available on our website and will be in the mail by February 1. Please watch the deadlines for entries and the motels.

We will have an event from the gold tees for 75 and up depending on the number who sign up (divided into two classes 75-79 and 80 and over) . Total Field entries are limited to 120, so sign up early as we hope to fill this event.

The other new event is The Hesler. This is a four-ball event to be conducted this year at The Farm in Dalton, GA. The Farm is a Tom Fazio classic which has hosted many national events, including the USGA Senior Amateur. The dates are August 12-14. One of the partners must be 65 or over on August 12. We anticipate that this event will continue in the summer in prestige Ohio locations. The field will be limited to 108 and those who play in the inaugural will be given preference for the subsequent events. (The venues who have expressed an interest are Scioto CC, Muirfield Village and the Honors Course).

Many of you have called in and sent e.mails congratulating us on the running of the events during the last year. We thank you very much for the nice words, and hope to do as well in the future. The persons who really do the job at the sites are The tournament chairmen, Dick Hill and Jim Popa. They arrive early and give us great setups on the golf course, draft the local rules and make sure that the markings are in place.. The valuable helpers are Dick Mizer, Matt Lefferts, Dick Young, Bob Bernstein and Doug Fraser. All of these men are dedicated to the Society and their help is invaluable.

Our other events this year are the Kline Super Seniors at Delray Dunes, Boynton Beach, Florida; The Tutwiler at Desert Mountain, Scottsdale, AZ. The Fall Super Seniors at Kiva Dunes, Gulf Shores, AL, The Morey and Owens at The Honors Course and Lookout Mountain GC in Chattanooga, TN, and the Bogart at Twin Eagles in Naples, FL. Check the website for dates and contacts from time to time.

When filling out your schedules for 2009 please try to give preference to SOS events so we can maintain these fine venues at reasonable prices and keep our rating points at the top of the scale.

Our newsletter is better than ever thanks to the efforts of Mark Mulvoy, our volunteer editor.

Lastly, if you like the improved website, our webmaster is Aaron Christy, he is terrific. If you wish to contact him just to to

The November newsletter and dues notice should be in your mailbox by November 22, and will be posted online. Please send in your dues before January 1. There are a few spots remaining in the Bogart (Dec 16-18 at Mediterra in Naples) please check your schedule and see if you can make it.

Congratulations to Jerry Hudgins on his second win at the Dale Morey Championship, and to Russ Berkoben who took the Owens trophy. The event was a huge success with twenty of the Founding members in attendance. The banquet, with Maury Povich as Master of Ceremonies and a great presentation by Mark Mulvoy and Ed Ervasti, was second to none.

Unfortunately, our field was down 20-25% due to current economic conditions. We hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

In the USGA Senior Open the Society had nine qualifiers. Only one, Stan Lee, made the cut and he finished with 303. The low amateur was Danny Green at 292.

Other Society Members making it to the site were: Randy Reifers, Paul Simson, David Rasley, Jim Myers, Sam Farlow, Jim Holtgrieve, Mike Bell, Bill Leonard and Tom Studer.

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.