INTRODUCING

AMERICA’S NEWEST PRIVATE CLUB CHAMPIONS Club champions from 17 states fought spirited competition on two of Hawaii’s finest golf courses.

MARK MANN

KIMBERLY PECH

DEBBIE & RON REESE

KIMBERLY & RICHARD PECH

Travis Pointe CC, Michigan

Riviera CC, California

Lakewood Ranch G&CC, Florida

Riviera CC, California

2014 Men’s National Club Champion

2014 Women’s National Club Champion

Net Couples Club Champions

Gross Couples Club Champions

77-82 — 159

76-79 — 155

61-64 — 125

74-73 — 147

Men’s Division (54 and Under) SCOTT RECH Kemper Lakes CC (Illinois) 77-83 — 160

Men’s Division (55-64) BEN WHIPPLE Cliffs at Mountain Park (South Carolina) 78-82 — 160

Men’s Division (65-74) PARKER BARNES JR. Hound Ears Club (North Carolina) 76-76 — 152

Men’s Division (75 and Over) TERRY LOTTES Pauma Valley CC (California) 79-82 — 161

Women’s Division (54 and Under) KATHY KOLAR Club at Morningside (California) 77-83 — 160

Women’s Division (55-64) DEBY ANDERSON The Hideaway (California) 79-87 — 166

Women’s Division (65-74) NICOLE TOMBS Desert Highlands CC (Arizona) 76-92 — 168

Women’s Division (75 and Over) JEANNE MACE The Valley Club (Idaho) 97-106 — 203

By Mark Pazdur, Publisher & Tournament Director KOHALA COAST, BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII: Carol and Werner Strobel, couples club champions at Salem Golf Club in New York, weren’t planning to take a scenic route to Hawaii. “I guess we were complacent,” sheepishly said Werner. “It wasn’t until we were flying over the Pacific Ocean and the captain announced we would be landing in Kauai in five hours! It was such a blunder—all we could do was laugh at our mistake.” The Strobel’s frustration with their extended travel time to Kona vanished after they received a special invitation to play Kohanaiki, a new, private community with a Rees Jones course alongside the coastline on the Big Island. “They treated us like royalty,” described Werner. “The service, amenities, and golf were the best I have ever experienced. I can understand why Mr. Jones considers his course ‘unprecedented’ with six oceanfront holes.”

AMERICA’S GOT TALENT AUDITIONS Executive Cup is exclusively for private club champions. Held each fall at Mauna Kea Resort, the competition allows players to vie for a “champion of champions” title. “Mauna Kea Resort—with two sister hotels [Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel]—is our favorite destination,” described Jeanne Mace, club champion at The Valley Club in Idaho. “What more can you ask for than two outstanding golf courses, two world-class beaches, modern rooms, and restaurant choices that are some of the best on the island?” “The opening night Hawaiian poolside luau at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel was entertaining and set the tone for a fun week,” said Mark Hash, club champion at Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club in Washington. “When I was picked to perform an impromptu hula on stage, I

Executive Cup XVII: America’s Only Tournament of Private Club Champions

“MAUNA KEA’S 3RD HOLE CAN’T BE MANUFACTURED ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.” – JACK NICKLAUS

Mauna Kea Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and renovated by his son Rees Jones.

The fire dancer’s performance during the Welcome Reception was mesmerizing; Barbara and Jim Clark, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary; Debbie and Ron Reese, enjoying the evening. The Welcome Reception luau show explained the history of Hawaii.

felt like I was auditioning for the next season of America’s Got Talent.” “The luau performers are world class,” added Dick Tombs, club champion at Desert Highlands in Arizona. “The fire dancer was the highlight of the evening.”

DAY ONE CLIFFHANGER Under sunny skies and warm conditions, players teed off on the Mauna Kea Golf Course for the start of four days of competition. “My husband Jim and I have worked hard our entire life. I admit we sometimes took things for granted,” sighed Patricia Edgette, club champion at Jupiter Country Club in Florida. “Two years ago, we were in a near fatal car accident. That tragic turn of circumstances made me value every day. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet so

many interesting people from around the country at Executive Cup. Since we are all club champions, we are ‘cut from the same cloth.’” “I enjoyed competing in the skins game. It was a thrill to have my birdie on the 10th hole stand and collect 120 pineapple points,” beamed Terry Lottes, club champion at Pauma Valley Country Club in California. The first day of play ended with Kimberly and Richard Pech (Riviera Country Club in California) leading the gross division and Debbie and Ron Reese (Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club in Florida) leading the net division of the Executive Cup Couples Club Championship. “I always look forward to the Diamond Taste of Kona Evening,” reported Lesley Barnes, club champion at Hound Ears Club in North Carolina. “The night started

Executive Cup XVII: America’s Only Tournament of Private Club Champions

MAUNA KEA, NEWLY REFRESHED FROM A $200 MILLION UPGRADE, HAS BEEN AWARDED A “WORLD’S BEST HOTEL” BY TRAVEL & LEISURE

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

Dick Toomey placing the diamond necklace on his wife Rita; Darlene Tranquilli, former nun and police officer, performs her comedy routine to rave reviews; “Diamond” winners Ruth Miller (2010); Rita Toomey (2014); Kathy Kolar (2006); Jeanne Mace (2009); and Jamie Kerestes (2012).

off on a touching note with a champagne toast to Jim and Barbara Clark from California celebrating their 50th anniversary. The food was spectacular and this year’s annual contest to win a diamond necklace was a real stunner.” This year’s contest—to win a Tahitian pearl and diamond necklace—was to guess the number of miles needed to hand mow the greens at Mauna Kea Golf Course. “Clues provided all the necessary information for the complicated math problem,” cited Mike Yeager, club champion at Triple Crown Country Club in Kentucky. “It was unprecedented,” remembered Mark Pazdur, tournament director. “We had a tie. But, not just any tie. Sixteen players answered correctly with 12.78 miles.” After the 16 players were congratulated on their arithmetic, they were quickly called up to the stage for the tie breaker question.

“You have two minutes to complete your answer,” voiced Pazdur. “Today, the Mauna Kea greens rolled at 10.5 on the Stimpmeter. At what height are the greens mowed?” Like a flash of lighting, all 16 players rushed back to their tables for consultation. Within seconds, iPhones lit up searching for information. As the band performed a song similar to the sound track of Final Jeopardy, the sense of urgency in the air was palpable. “The greens are mowed at 2.79 millimeters,” announced Pazdur. “Our winner, with a guess of 2.89 millimeters, is Rita Toomey from Idaho!” All tables erupted in applause of congratulations. Our exciting diamond award was followed by another very special event. Darlene Tranquilli, club champion at Orange Hills

Executive Cup XVII: America’s Only Tournament of Private Club Champions

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

Kimberly and Richard Pech toasting cocktails during the Diamond Taste of Kona evening; Ron Kolar successfully blasts out of the bunker on the 12th hole at Hapuna Golf Course; Trisha and Mark Mann enjoying the warm and sunny weather along the Kohala Coast.

Golf Club in Connecticut, performed her stand-up comedy routine. “Her material is good enough to perform at Carolines on Broadway in New York City,” lauded Bennie Whipple from South Carolina. “She is that good.”

INTRODUCING OUR 2014 COUPLES CLUB CHAMPIONS Hawaiian trade winds received their name from early traders who sailed around the world using wind for navigation and speed. “I am accustomed to playing in wind,” said Mark Mann, club champion at Travis Point Country Club in Michigan. “The front nine at Hapuna Golf Course plays mostly uphill and into the wind. It was tough. My tee shot on the 11th hole—with the benefit of downhill roll and a 25 mph wind at my back—boomed a 350-yard drive. It was awesome.”

Both the Pech and Reese couples remained solid and held back the rest of the field to capture the Couples Club Champions titles. “I was pleased with our play during the Couples Championship,” smiled Debbie Reese. “We were consistent with a 61-64 – 125 to claim victory in the net division.” “I never tire of watching my wife’s [Kimberly] fluid swing,” complimented Richard Pech. “Our practice paid off with a consistent 69-69 – 138 to earn the gross title.” Gusty wind conditions subsided after lunch. “Competitors with late morning starting times received an unexpected bonus,” said Deby Anderson, club champion at The Hideaway in California. “With calm conditions, players were able to attack the flag.” As the sun set over the Pacific, seven club champions received a pleasant message on their voice mail alerting

Executive 5 Cup XVII: America’s Only Tournament of Private Club Champions

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Scott and Jennifer Rech relaxing after a competitive day on the golf course; Kyle and Jamie Kerestes posing with their good luck Yoda head cover; past champions Ben Whipple and Sherman Haggerty with Bennie Whipple.

them to their good fortune of winning a skin—and 95 pineapple points—during their round.

ROUND ONE—STORY OF FIVE BALLS IN THE LAVA An unseasonably vigorous cold front stirred up the atmosphere on Halloween Eve. As 42 club champions from 17 states warmed up on the driving range, wind was on everyone’s mind. “I did laundry the night before so I could wear my ‘Sunday Best’ attire. I didn’t use the drier. It’s a good thing. I let my delicates air dry on the golf course,” quipped Darlene Tranquilli. “I checked the weather in my hometown of Chicago and the city was receiving its first flurries of the season,” said Scott Rech, club champion at Kemper Lakes in Illinois. “I will take sunny skies, 80-degree temperatures, and windy conditions anytime. With gusts up to 30 mph,

my ball traveled in funny ways. I lost five balls in the lava and still shot 77. It was a good day!” “Although I had flashes of brilliance, I was disappointed in my score,” said Lesley Barnes. “Kathy Kolar, club champion at The Club at Morningside in California, was in our foursome. Her 77 was simply ‘wicked good’ to watch. Even more impressive, with Hapuna’s tight fairways, she finished with the same ball she started with.” As the day drew to a close, Josh Silliman, director of golf at Mauna Kea Resort, noticed Jamie Kerestes, club champion at Shannopin Country Club in Pennsylvania, left a sleeve of golf balls in her cart. “Toss them to my husband Kyle. He will play with anything!” teased Jamie. After the first day of competition, Scott Rech and Mark Mann led the field with 77s. Ben Whipple, club champion

Executive Cup XVII: America’s Only Tournament of Private Club Champions

EXECUTIVE CUP XVII WINNERS

at The Cliffs at Mountain Park in South Carolina, and Sherman Haggerty, club champion at Serrano Country Club in California, were in the hunt only a couple behind. With five ladies within three shots of one another, the final day of competition was set for a “photo finish.”

IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR THE FINAL DAY OF PLAY “Absolutely perfect,” gleamed Anita Wicks, club champion at Roseburg Country Club in Oregon. “With calm winds and sunny skies, I predict there will be some impressive scores posted today.” “Competitors were taking the championship seriously,” declared Kathy Kolar. “The pace of play was slow. I am running in the New York City marathon next week. It will take me less time to complete the 26-mile run.” Anita’s prediction proved accurate. With four birdies, Kimberly Pech, with a combined 36-hole score of 76-79 – 155, won her fourth straight overall Executive Cup

title—a first in the tournament’s 17-year history. The men’s overall championship went down to the last hole. Ben Whipple and Scott Rech were tied with two to go. Mark Mann was one back. On the 18th, the championship would be decided. Mark Mann, club champion at Travis Pointe Country Club in Michigan, railed a six iron from 166 yards to within 18 feet of the pin and secured the title. ■ Are you up for the challenge in 2015? Other club champions are. For information on special incentives to attend Executive Cup 2015, visit ExecutiveGolferMagazine.com or please e-mail Tournament Director Mark Pazdur at [email protected]. For additional information on the 50th anniversary year golf packages at Mauna Kea Resort, please visit their website: TimelessMaunaKea.com.

Executive Cup XVII: America’s Only Tournament of Private Club Champions

BOY, DID WE HAVE FUN!

Executive Cup XVII: America’s Only Tournament of Private Club Champions

THE TWO-PERSON BEST BALL TOURNAMENT IS ALWAYS A COMPETITOR FAVORITE. IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE PAIRED WITH ANOTHER CLUB CHAMPION FOR BRAGGING RIGHTS. AT THE END OF THE DAY, TEAM JIM KRUSEN AND SCOTT RECH AND TEAM BEN WHIPPLE AND SHERMAN HAGGERTY WERE TIED WITH GROSS TEAM SCORES OF 73. AS A TIE BREAKER, THE TWO TEAMS COMPLETED ANOTHER BEST BALL ROUND. WITH AN IMPRESSIVE ONE-UNDER, 71, THE TEAM OF KRUSEN/RECH (PICTURED ABOVE) CAPTURED THE TROPHY.

Executive Cup XVII: America’s Only Tournament of Private Club Champions Executive Cup XVII Participants • Mauna Kea Resort • October 27 - November 1, 2014 ARIZONA Dick Tombs (79-NC – NC) Desert Highlands CC, Scottsdale Nicole Tombs (76-92 – 168) Desert Highlands CC, Scottsdale

Jim Krusen (76-91 – 167) Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach Terry Lottes (79-82 – 161) Pauma Valley CC, Pauma Valley

CALIFORNIA

Roger Miller (95-NC – NC) The Vintage Club, Indian Wells

Deby Anderson (79-87 – 166) The Hideaway, LaQuinta

Kimberly Pech (76-79 – 155) Riviera CC, Los Angeles

Jim Clark (81-NC – NC) Pauma Valley CC, Pauma Valley

Richard Pech (78-79 – 157) Riviera CC, Los Angeles

Sherman Haggerty (81-81 – 162) Serrano CC, El Dorado Hills

Kelley Slaught (79-84 – 163) Sandpiper GC, Santa Barbara

Bob Hope (81-82 – 163) Del Paso CC, Sacramento Kathy Kolar (77-83 – 160) The Club at Morningside, Rancho Mirage Ron Kolar (98-96 – 194) The Club at Morningside, Rancho Mirage

COLORADO Vivian Parle (92-98 – 190) Colorado Springs CC Colorado Springs

FLORIDA

ILLINOIS

Patricia Edgette (86-93 – 179) Jupiter CC, Jupiter

Scott Rech (77-83 – 160) Kemper Lakes CC, Kildeer

Pam Hansen (88-95 – 183) The Golf Club at Palmira, Bonita Springs Debbie Reese (83-91 – 174) Lakewood Ranch G&CC, Bradenton Ron Reese (82-NC – NC) Lakewood Ranch G&CC, Bradenton

GEORGIA Gary Friend (83-79 – 162) The Landings Club, Savannah

IDAHO Jeanne Mace (97-106 – 203) The Valley Club, Sun Valley

CONNECTICUT

Lou Mace (85-95 – 180) The Valley Club, Sun Valley

Darlene Tranquilli (95-91 – 186) Orange Hills CC, Orange

Dick Toomey (86-92 – 178) The Valley Club, Sun Valley

KENTUCKY Mike Yeager (78-WD – WD) Triple Crown CC, Union

Parker Barnes (76-76 – 152) Hound Ears, Blowing Rock

OREGON Anita Wicks (76-86 – 162) Roseburg CC, Roseburg

MICHIGAN

PENNSYLVANIA

Mark Mann (77-82 – 159) Travis Pointe CC, Ann Arbor

Jamie Kerestes (93-93 – 186) Shannopin CC, Pittsburg

NEW YORK

Kyle Kerestes (85-81 – 166) Shannopin CC, Pittsburg

Marianne King (88-117 – 205) Binghamton CC, Binghamton Mary Serafini (93-101 – 194) Binghamton CC, Binghamton Carol Strobel (88-89 – 177) Salem Golf Club, North Salem Werner Strobel (92-95 – 187) Salem Golf Club, North Salem

NORTH CAROLINA Lesley Barnes (88-95 – 186) Hound Ears, Blowing Rock

SOUTH CAROLINA Ben Whipple (78-82 – 160) The Cliffs at Mountain Park, Marietta

TEXAS Frank Splann Jr. (87-NC – NC) Dallas Athletic Club, Dallas

WASHINGTON Mark Hash (88-90 – 178) Twin Lakes G&CC, Federal Way Linda Tungsvik (98-103 – 201) Twin Lakes G&CC, Federal Way

Hapuna Golf Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.

Executive Cup XVII Couples Club Championship Leaderboard • 36 Hole Best Ball Competition • Net and Gross Divisions ARIZONA Nicole & Richard Tombs Gross Score (79-74 –153) Net Score (70-66 – 136) Desert Highlands CC, Scottsdale

CALIFORNIA Kathy & Ron Kolar Gross Score (78-78 –156) Net Score (67-66 – 133) The Club at Morningside, Rancho Mirage

Kimberly & Richard Pech Gross Score (74-73 –147) Net Score (69-69 – 138) Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles Terry & Richard Seigel Gross Score (82-80 –162) Net Score (69-66 – 135) The Hideaway, La Quinta

FLORIDA

IDAHO

PENNSYLVANIA

Patricia & Jim Edgette Gross Score (86-83 –169) Net Score (70-64 – 134) Jupiter Country Club, Jupiter

Jeanne & Lou Mace Net Score (77-65 – 142) The Valley Club, Sun Valley

Jamie & Kyle Kerestes Gross Score (80-84 –164) Net Score (69-76 – 145) Shannopin CC, Pittsburg

Debbie & Ron Reese Gross Score (79-76 –155) Net Score (61-64 – 125) Lakewood Ranch G&CC, Bradenton

NORTH CAROLINA Lesley & Parker Barnes Gross Score (80-74 –154) Net Score (72-68 – 140) Hound Ears, Blowing Rock

WASHINGTON Linda Tungsvik & Mark Hash Gross Score (80-76 –156) Net Score (68-65 – 133) Twin Lakes G&CC, Federal Way