By CHUCK BARRY

MAYS LANDING – The 22nd season of the Ocean City Senior Golf Thursday League is officially under way. New leadership ushers in the season as Wil Parcels passed the presidency on to Will Evans.

Thank you, Wil, for the fine job you did as president. Good luck, Will, as you assume your new leadership role.

Golfers are coming out of winter hibernation little by little and back on to the links. Joe Higgins, our match maker, and Rich Kaskus, statistics guru, will continue to remain in their respective jobs and we thank them for their efforts. The league welcomes new members: Dave Cistone, Ted Decker, Jim Donlevie, George Ferment, Warren Hughes, Ron Venturi and Jack Zaborowski.

Winners of their respective flights this week were (A Flt) Rich Kaskus with an 84; (B Flt) Tom Martinson had an 88; and smiling Ed O’Malley who shot 96 to lead the “C” flight. Ed usually says he is lucky after a good shot but that is wearing a bit thin as he continues to play so well. Low net goes to: Al Malatesta (A Flt) with 68; Tom Keenan tied with Tom Martinson with 65 net scores (B Flt); and Jim Barkalow tied with Ken Myers and Dave Pessano with 68 net scores (C Flt).

Putting awards go to Craig Cosgrove 29 (A); Bob Ganskopp tied with Tom Martinson 30 (B); and Dave Pessano 31 (C).

Precision recognition is in order for Tom Reilly who had the most accurate shot of the day as his Tee shot fell within 6’4” of the pin on hole no. 2, Dave Wagner was 12’ from the 8th hole, Jay Ammon 10’ 11” at the 12th, and Wil Evans came within 8’4” of the pin on the 15th.

Birdie shooters: Art Cancro, Tom Reilly, Bob Pierce, Jay Ammon, Ron (don’t call me Ken) Venturi, Jim Donlevie, and Dick Boles all had one. There is a rumor that Chuck Barry eagled at the 10th in pre-season but pre-season doesn’t get the kudos.

The highlight match of the day featured Art (Smooth) Cancro against Al Malatesta. They both shot respectable scores in the 80s, but Al scored par on the final six holes to edge out Artie by one stroke. That’s what it takes to win sometimes as that single stroke was good for both the number of holes won and the low net score in the competition earning Al all four points in the match.

The pressure of week one is now history, with all winners looking to hold the edge for their respective group leadership and the others out to prove there is a lot of golf remaining.

Until next week, be safe and enjoy the moment.