Past Players

Past Player Profiles 

Jim Aton  1972 – 86, 1997 – 06, Jim played mainly for fun but occasionally he would take the game more seriously. This happened in 1981 when he won at Boundary Oak GC with a net 60 and set the low net course record that still stands today. In that year he also went on to win the Pyramid Tournament. Another good year in 1998 when he had 5 top 3 finishes, was runner-up for the scoring average championship and the Winners Tournament.

Graham Barnes  1971 – 74, Graham had a huge swing, really took a windup and let it rip. He was a good player but had a bit of a temper. After 3 putting the 9th green at Sonoma he broke his putter in two and in the process of throwing it away cut his hand open. He went on to win the tournament and bought a new putter with his 1st place prize money.

Gary Barrett  1975 – 83, Gary, a single digit handicapper only played occasionally with the golf club. He possessed a simple beautiful golf swing, when you watched him play you’d say why can’t I swing like that ? In 1978 he broke the club’s 18 hole low gross scoring record with a 3 over par score at the old Blue Rock Springs GC. His record stood for 5 years, his course record was never broken.

Stephanie Bellato  1983 – 87, Stephanie didn’t play in many regular tournaments, usually just an occasional scramble and the 1985 Winners Tournament. Her golf was mainly casual play with her team 6 members Jim Grant, John Ortiz, Jim Spurgeon, Marv Smith and Tom Stead. She was a natural athlete and could have been a real good player. This was shown at the 1985 Winners Tournament at Chimney Rock GC, although not eligible and playing with a 76% handicap she shot a net 62 and won the 8 first place points. The winning score that day was a net 71.
     2003 update – Stephanie was now playing to a 7.2 handicap index and played in the Northern California Womens Cup and many other events.

Bob Bohnet  1988 – 07, Bob was a great baseball player that also enjoyed golf, especially early season golf in the scrambles and best-ball tournaments. 1988, a BB 2nd with Rollin Podwys @ Kennedy, 1993 a BB 2nd with Steve Blotzer @ Green Tree, 1997 a BB 1st @ Kennedy with Dan Riley, 1998 a BB 2nd @ Blue Rock-west with Dan Riley, 1999 a BB 2nd @ Foxtail-north with Dan Riley, 2001 a BB 3rd @ Wildhorse with Dan Riley, 2006 a BB 3rd @ Rooster Run with Matt Hurst, 2007 a BB 3rd @ Deer Ridge with Matt Hurst. In individual play he had a 1st @ Franklin Canyon in 1994 and back to back 1st places at Paradise Valley in 2006 & 2007. He finished 2nd in the 1992 Winners Tournament @ Kennedy. In 2007 he finished 3rd for Player of the Year and runner-up for the most improved player of the year. Bob played in the Pyramid Tournament in 1989, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 04, 05, 06 and 07. He finished 3rd in the tournament in 1990. He had memorable matches against John Ortiz in 1991, against Phil Kruger in 1992 and against John Justus in 1997.

Carl Bradow  1976 – 78, Carl was a high handicapper with a big swing, not too consistent but he put it all together at the Green Tree tournament in 1977. His low net score set a course record that still stands today.

Bobby Campbell  1971 – 73, Bobby had 2 tournament wins in the early 70’s, possibly more as the early records are incomplete.

Bruce Campbell  1985 – 87, In the 1986 tournament at Franklin Canyon Bruce won 1st place, won a long drive, had an eagle three and a birdie for 11.5 tournament points. This runner-up record for the most tournament points in a tournament still stands today. (Nemon Williamson tied it in 2006, Brittany Hurst in 2012)

Gil Castillo  1971 – 73, Gil was a high handicapper that played with a vicous slice. During the 1973 Winners Tournament at Silverado CC – south, on the 13th hole Gil’s tee shot went right across the entire boulevard landing on the roof of a house with the loudest bang ever heard. We took off down the fairway leaving him alone to hit his provisonal tee shot.

Brian Cook  1995 – 03, Brian had a slow deliberate well connected swing just like his Hall of Fame father Boyd. His two best years were 1997 & 1998. In 1997 he had 2 tour. wins, was the Scoring Average Champion, most improved player and finished 6th for player of the year. In 1998 he again had 2 tour. wins, finished 3rd in tour. points and 4th for player of the year.

Blayne Eversole  1985 – 86, Blayne had a big year in 1985 making the golf club’s only hole in one, tied the record for the most long drives for the year and was the runner-up for the most birdies for the year.

Karl Fails  2000 – 2005, Karl had a nice swing and was a good team player. Karl & Neal Stachowicz won the 2005 BB tournament @ Mare Island GC. He was also a member on the 2002 & 2004 Valero Golf League championship teams. In 2005 he was runner-up in the Winners Tournament @ Indian Valley GC.

Harvey Gong  1977 – 80, Harvey played off and on with the club from 1977 to 1980, his most active year was 1980 when played in the Chimney Rock, Green Tree and both Blue Rock Springs tournaments.

Jim Grant  1976 – 99 Like PGA golfers Miller Barber and Gay Brewer Jim’s swing was defined by his flying right elbow but he could play. His best year was 1984 with 2 tour. wins, 18.5 tour. points, a 72.00 net scoring average and finished 6th for Player of the Year. He was runner-up in the 1989 Best-Ball Pyramid Tournament with John Ortiz. He could also go low, shot a net 62 @ Paradise Valley GC to finish second in the 1995 Winners Tournament. In his last tournament win he shot a net 63 @ Foxtail – south in 1998 and broke the low net course record. (shared by Don Scribner)

Charles Gross  1983 – 84, Charles only played a short time with the club but loved to play Diablo Creek GC. He had a 3rd at Diablo Creek in 1983 and a 1st place finish there in 1984. He played the Pyramid Tournament in 1984 with a win over Bob Mathews but lost in the 2nd round to Tom Stead.

Mickey Halverson  1971 – 74, Mickey had 3 tournament wins, possibly more as the early records are incomplete.

John Hickey  1983 – 87 & the 90’s, John played some tournament golf with us in the 1980’s, a 3rd at Lone Tree in 1983, a 2nd at Green Tree BB Tour. with Chet Northway and a 3rd at Kennedy in 1984 and a 4th at Boundary Oak GC in 1985. John played in many scramble tournaments throughout the 80’s & 90’s, he played on the 1st place team in the 1st Tom Stead Memorial Tournament in 1986 with partners Mike & Sandie Cook and Ray Turner.

Doug Honsinger  1997 – 2000, Doug had a 3rd at Mare Island and a 2nd at Paradise Valley in 1997. In 1998 he won the Best-Ball Tournament at Blue Rock – West with partner Mike Narodzonek. He teamed with Mike again in 1999 to finish 2nd in the BB at Foxtail – North. Later that year Doug went on to win 1st place at the Paradise Valley Tournament.

Jay Jordan  1971 – 82, Jay had back to back wins at Chimney Rock GC in 1972 and 1973. Jay was also the subject of a couple of stories in the Golf Stories on the website.

Harold Juris  1980 – 85, – Harold and Barbara usually played with Tom and Mary Palilonis. Harold was 3rd at Tilden and 2nd at Lone Tree in 1983. In 1984 he won the Best-Ball Tournament at Green Tree with partner Don Dean. He played in the Pyramid Tournament in 1982, 83, 84 & 85 winning 3 matches.

Ron Kempka  1976 – 81, 1980 was Ron’s best year in Pyramid play with wins over Phil Eubanks, Dave Pearce, Tom Palilonis and Darwin Richey before losing in the finals to Tom Stead.

Phil Kruger  1992 – 2001, An excellent bowler, Phil carried over his setup skills from bowling to golf, he didn’t start a golf swing until he was absolutely ready to go. In 1993 he had a 2nd at Lone Tree, a 3rd in the Best-Ball tour. at Green Tree with partner Jim Spurgeon and a 3rd at Delta View. He finished 8th for Player of the Year. In 1995 he had a 3rd at Blue Rock – East and in 1997 a 3rd at San Ramon. He played in the Pyramid Tournament in 1992, 93, 94, 95, 96 and 97 with 6 match wins. He had two memorable matches, in 1992 with Bob Bohnet and in 1996 with Dan Tiburcio.  

Don Larkin  1982 – 84, 1986, 90’s, Don had a nice swing but health issues shortened his time with the club. In 1982 a 3rd at San Ramon and a 2nd at Franklin Canyon. A 2nd at Tilden in 1983 and in 1984 a 2nd at Diablo Creek. Don played in the Pyramid Tournament in 1982, 83, 84 and 1986 with 2 match wins. Don along with Joe Luna was the club’s co – Tournament Director in late 1984 and early 1985.

Frank Lewin  2004, Frank only played one year with the club but made the best of it, a 2nd place finish in the Best-Ball tour. at Foxtail- North with partner Mitch Miller and a first place finish in the 2nd flight of the Club Championship at Shadow Lakes GC finishing runner-up for the Club Championship.  

Jerry Lindquist  1973 – 76, Jerry was a good ~ 10 handicap golfer. After shooting a gross 38 on the front nine at Silverado CC – south he ran away with the 1973 Winners Tournament. He also held the low gross course record at the old Chimney Rock GC.

Todd Lopez  2006 – 10, Todd’s best year was 2008, he had a 2nd place at the Deer Ridge tournament and finished 3rd in the 2008 Pyramid Tournament. During the finals match at Paradise Valley GC he hit a great shot out of the mudflats to the right of the 6th hole unto the green. He finished 12th for Player of the Year. In 2009 he had a 2nd at Rancho Solano GC and a 3rd at the Wildhorse BB tournament with partner Sue Gustofson. He played in the 2007. 08, 09 and 2010 Pyramid Tournaments.  

Joe Luna  1976 – 86, Joe was a long ball hitter especially off the tee, problem was the ball could go anywhere. He got it together in 1983 tying the record for the most long drives in a year. Joe was also the runner-up in the 1983 Pyramid Tournament and finished 6th for Player of the Year. Joe along with Don Larkin was the Club’s co – Tournament Director in late 1984 and early 1985.

Andy Marquez  1975 – 87, Andy played with a giant slice swing, when you saw it you’d say to yourself there’s no way he can beat me, but you’d be wrong. Andy had a knack for playing close matches. He had a 0.611 winning percentage in Pyramid play and was the runner-up in the 1981 tournament. He also finished 3rd in 1983 & 84. He had 4 top 10 finishes for Player of the Year from 1981 – 84

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Bob Mathews  1983 – 85, Like Phil Mickelson Bob was a southpaw who could hit the ball a long ways. He worked hard on his game and got it all together in 1985 when he was runner-up in Tournament Points, the Winners Tournament, Player of the Year (by one point) and most improved handicap.

George McCloskey  1971 – 93, George wasn’t afraid to swing, he let it rip. George who started playing in the first year of the golf club had success early with 2 tour. wins in 1971. He possibly had more wins in the early 70’s, the records are incomplete for that time. 1982 was his next best year with a win @ Boundary Oak GC and a 2nd @ Lone Tree GC. He also had a memorable pyramid match with Mike Cook in 1982. He finished 4th in the 1992 Pyramid Tournament.

Jim McDonald  1971 – 76, Jim was a good player with a nice swing and a man of firsts. He won the first flight of the first golf club tournament ever played and later in the year won the club’s first major, the 1971 Winners Tournament.

Bob Meyer  1980 – 85, Bob was a good middle handicap player that could be tough in match play situations. He finished 5th in the 32 player field in the 1984 Pyramid Tournament.

Mitch Miller  2003 – 06, Mitch was a big guy and hit the ball a long ways. He won @ Bethel Island in 2005 but was probably best remembered for hitting his tee shot @ Franklin Canyon’s 3rd hole that landed in a tree and stayed there, tough lie. He was 3rd in birdies in 2004 and 10th for Player of the Year in 2005.

Jim Murphy  1992 – 94, Jim had a 3rd place finish at the Boundary Oak tournament in 1994, played in the 1992, 93 and 94 Pyramid Tournaments but when it was all said and done Jim was out for fun and laughs while playing, when he laughed you could hear him all over the golf course and at the 19th hole.

Mike Narodzonek  1997 – 2007, In 1998 Mike won the Best-Ball Tournament at Blue Rock – West with partner Doug Honsinger. Mike set the low net course record of 65 which still stands today. Mike finished 2nd in the Winners Tournament at Cypress Lakes that year. In 2002 Mike had another win at Blue Rock but this time it was the east course. Consistent, Mike gained some tournament points in 11 straight years

Richard Nitzkowski  1986 – 98, In 1986 Richard joined his father Howard in playing with the club. The 1995 tournament @ Cypress Lakes GC will be remembered for two hot things, the temperature of 107 degrees that day and Richard’s 17 under par net 55 to win the tournament. He broke the course record and the club record for the lowest net score ever shot. (tied by Brittany Hurst in 2009)

Chet Northway  1984 – on, Chet played with the club for many years mainly in the scramble tournaments, however he did team up with John Hickey to finish 2nd in the 1984 Best-Ball Tournament at Green Tree and also played in the 1992 Pyramid Tournament.

Larry Odom  1978, 1993 -00, Larry played with the club briefly in the 1970’s but came back full time in the 1990’s. He worked very hard on his game. In the 1993 Winners Tournament, although not eligible he won the 8 first place points with a net 63. (1st place was a net 66) The next year he went low again with a net 57 @ Delta View GC breaking the course record with the 3rd lowest net round ever shot in the club. He finished 6th for Player of the Year in 1993 & 1994.

Steve  Page  2003 – 07, – Steve was a long ball hitter. In 2003 he teamed up with Mike Narodzonek to finish 3rd in the BB Tournament at Wildhorse. Later that year he took 2nd at Paradise Valley. Steve didn’t do much in 2004 & 5 but came back for a 2nd place finish at Paradise Valley in 2006. 2007 was a huge year for Steve, he finished 2nd at Foxtail – South, 1st in the BB tournament at Deer Ridge with partner Mike Narodzonek and 1st at Rancho Solano. He was tied for the tournament points lead going into the Winners tournament, eventually finishing 4th. He had the most long drives for the year with 5. He finished 10th in the rankings and runner-up for the most improved player in 2007.

Mike Pajarillo  1973 – 88, Mike played a lot of golf with Don Dean as they both worked in Business Services. Mike dominated play at Tilden GC with 3 wins (1982, 84, 85) in a 4 year period. Mike still holds the runner-up record for the most consecutive Top 3’s (6) in one year. Mike played in the 1981, 82, 83 & 84 Pyramid Tournaments and a memorable match with Denzil Storbeck in 1981.

Mary Palilonis  1983 – 84 – Mary was the better half of the Palilonis team. She and husband Tom won the best-ball tournament at Kennedy in 1983 and finished 3rd in the best-ball at Green Tree in 1984. She also had a 3rd place finish at Tilden in 1984. In the 1983 Pyramid Tournament she won a 1st round match with Larry Campbell. She was the best lady golfer with the club in 1984.

John Parker 1976 – 81, John finished second in the Sonoma Tournament in 1976 and set the low gross course record which still stands today. He also played in the 1980 and 1981 Pyramid Tournaments. John was a single digit handicap player but quickly got tired of giving up strokes to almost everyone he played and called it quits. He played a lot of casual golf with team 6 members Jim Grant, Marv Smith, Jim Spurgeon and Tom Stead.

Ron Powers  1981 – 02, Ron who played a lot of baseball carried over his athletic skills over to golf. He had a nice golf swing. His best golf was played in the mid 80’s and then again in the mid to late 90’s. This was capped off by his Winners Tournament win in 1996 @ Franklin Canyon GC. He liked playing Paradise Valley GC with 3 tour. wins there.

Mark Reinhart  1987 – 01, Mark only played occasionally with the club. Unlike a lot of players he liked to play Kennedy GC, winning in back to back years 1989 & 1990. The 1990 win was for the 20th Winners Tournament.

Clar Reyes  1978 – 85, Clar had 14 tournament wins including 3 Winners Tournaments, one Pyramid Tournament and one Valero Cup Tournament.

Mike Rosenberg  1986 – 88, Mike’s nice swing produced two things, long drives and birdies. In 1988 he was the runner-up for the most long drives and birdies for the year.

Sal Salinas  1983 – 97, Sal played occasionally with the club, his most active years being in 1984 and then again in the 1993 to 1997 period. He won the Paradise Valley tournament in 1993.

Rick Simonson  1998 – 05, Rick joined his father Bob as a member of the golf club. They had similar handicaps the main difference being Rick could hit the ball. They teamed up in 2002 to win the Best-Ball tour. @ Tilden and shared 1st place at Paradise Valley GC in 2004. Rick liked to play Diablo Creek GC with 2 tour. wins there.

Marv Smith  1979 – 83, 1998 – 05, Marv played with the golf club in the early 80’s but came back with a much improved swing in the late 90’s. He had one of the best ball striking rounds ever when he teamed up with Neal Stachowicz to win the Best-Ball @ Foxtail – north in 1999 and break the low net course record. This was capped off  by his winning the Player of the Year award in 1999.

Jim Spurgeon  1976 – 06, Jim was a long time player with the club. The old saying “When your hot your hot and when your not your not” applied to Jim. He would get in hot streaks like when he won the old Blue Rock Springs tournament 3 years in a row in the early 80’s. Jim also tied for 1st place in the 1979 Winners Tournament. He could also go low, a net 59 @ Wildhorse GC in 2001 and a net 61 @ Paradise Valley in 2005.

Maynard Spurgeon  1994 – 97, Maynard joined his father Jim in playing with the club in 1994. He was a very good iron player winning both closest to the pins in the 1995 Delta View tournament and a net 66. He went low again the next year at Indian Valley GC with a net 64. He finished runner-up for the most birdies in 1994.

Roger Staha  1980 – 84, 1984 was Roger’s best year winning 3 of the last 4 tournaments of the year which included a four way tie for the Winners Tournament. He didn’t participate in the playoff won by Scotty Coffin. He finished 5th in tournament points for the year.

Lloyd Stepp  1982 – 86, 1995, Lloyd had a powerful golf swing with both his woods and irons. He worked hard on his game and reduced his handicap from 29 to 21. He won back to back tournaments at Lone Tree in 1983 & 1984.

Harland Stuart  1976 – 79, In winning the 1976 Winners Tournament at Franklin Canyon, Harland set the low net scoring record for that course that still stands today.

Alex Sutton  1978, Alex won the first tournament he played in and in doing so set the low net scoring record for Kennedy GC that still stands today. A year later the rules were changed so that new players playing with discounted handicaps were not eligible to win the first tournament they play in after establishing a handicap. (the Sutton Rule)

Bill Telepak  1980 – 88 & Jim Telepak  1986 – 88, Bill had a powerful golf swing, especially with his driver and long irons. He drove pin high on the 310 yard old first hole at old Blue Rock Springs (now the 10th hole). His son Jim joined playing with him in 1986, they both had tournament wins that year.  

Tommy Thompson  1971 – 73, Tommy was one of the golf club’s best senior golfers having one of the best swings ever seen in the club. Tommy could still shoot gross scores in the 70’s when he was in his seventies.

Fred Trott  1979 – 81 – Fred won the Green Tree Tournament in 1979 and won there again in 1981 with partner Dave Pearce in the Best-Ball Tournament. Fred played in the Pyramid Tournament in 1979, 80 & 81 winning 3 matches. In 1979 he was the runner-up for the most improved handicap. 

Al Trujillo  1981 – 87, Al was a high handicap golfer who improved his game over the years. His best year was 1985 when he finished 4th in tournament points and 11th for Player of the Year.

Gary Villeneuve  1993 – 1996, Gary was a good player with a very nice swing and a good competitor, a first in 1993 at Delta View and a first in 1995 at the Chimney Rock Best-Ball tour. with partner Nemon Williamson. He finished 4th in the 1993 Pyramid and 5th in the 1994 Pyramid and had a memorable match with Ed Vegas in 1993. He finished 4th for Player of the Year in 1993. Injuries cut short his time playing with the club.

Bryant Washburne  1971 – 73, Bryant was another of the club’s early golfers that had a beautiful golf swing and an all around excellent game.

Terrance Woram  1982 – 84, Terrance posessed a beautiful golf swing but because of bad luck and timing he never broke through into the winner’s circle. He had 2nd & 3rd place finishes and was runner-up for the most birdies in 1984. He finished 10th for Player of the Year in 1983.

Bob Young  1976 – 80,  Bob played with the club in the mid to late 70’s, his best year was 1977, a first place at the Kennedy GC tournament followed up by a second place the following tournament at Indian Valley GC.