2008 Greg Gross Open Recap

Unseasonably temperate weather for early August greeted the eighteen golfers in 5 groups that gathered at Anetsberger Golf Course in Northbrook for the 2008 Greg Gross Open. As we have done for last few Opens held at Anetsberger, there was a cut after nine holes, with 12 golfers moving on to the back nine.

The weather meant (for most) a leisurely eighteen holes of somewhat competitive play. Tradition was thrown out the door, however, as those that missed the cut, in lieu of acting as gallery and carrying the coolers, instead retired to the Cypress Inn for a light lunch and what could be later described as a verbal dustup with a tattooed 23 year old. Another player that missed the cut, Kevin Kelly, decided to leave the event entirely, in hopes of triggering a lifetime ban. He should be so lucky. Thanks also to Rene Bernier, who missed the cut but provided fresh beer to most, and sandwiches for the cranky in the group.

The other tradition thrown out due to exhaustion of competitors was the first place tiebreaker. Instead of playing it off, the tie was broken by playing “Guess Today’s Cubs Attendance.”

The Awards Ceremony at Grandpa’s Place was changed slightly with the opportunity for players to steal others prize a la the White Elephant game. No one really took advantage. Special thanks to all that provided prizes.

T-1st Scott Gillman 32-32-64 (won playoff)
T-1st Stan Kitzinger 34-30-64
3rd Troy Navarra 36-33-69
T-4th David Dreckmann 37-33-70
T-4th Chris Libby 36-34-70
T-6th Frank Murtha 35-37-72
T-6th Scott Strangberg 33-39-72
T-8th Craig Lederer 36-38-74
T-8th Michael Dreckmann 37-37-74
10th Bob Lumicao 38-40-78
11th Burke Seeberg 37-42-79
12th Greg Kelly 37-48-85

Tim Seeberg MC
Pat Doran MC
Tom Wolter MC
Adam Berger MC
Rene Bernier MC
Kevin Kelly MC

Congrats to Bob Lumicao for winning the AGA title, though the Tournament Director did make the cut for the first time in the “cut” era, including a birdie on the 108 yard 7th hole. Christopher Libby won the Rookie of the Year, though there was a lot of talk that his group was scoring liberally, as well as Mr. Congeniality.

The tentative plan is to hold the 2009 Greg Gross Open on August 1, so mark your calendar. Additionally, please voice your opinion on the site of next year’s tournament by voting on the left side here.