Pyramid Tournament Narratives

1976 – The first Pyramid Tournament was held with Rollin Podwys winning over Dan Tiburcio in the finals. All records of the tournament were lost. It was probably a 16 player field, Mike Cook lost to Jim McDonald in the first round in match play, an option for that initial pyramid. Other players were probably John Ortiz, Dave Pearce, Bob Simonson, Denzil Storbeck, Jim Spurgeon, Joe Luna, Darwin Richey, Jim Grant, Floyd Duggins, Ron Kempka, Jim Aton and George McCloskey ????

1977 – The second Pyramid Tournament was a 16 player double elimination tournament. Mike Cook lost in the first round to Joe Luna but went on to win five matches and win the losers bracket. John Ortiz won the winners bracket over Rollin Podwys. Mike Cook won over Rollin to face John in the finals but needed to win twice to take the title. John won the first match and was the Pyramid Champion for 1977.

1978 – There was no Pyramid Tournament played this year.

1979 – The Pyramid Tournament returned after a year’s absence, a single elimination 16 player field. Clar Reyes ($32.00) won the third Pyramid Tournament over Mike Cook ($14.00). Low net money went to Ron Kempka ($2.00), Dave Pearce ($3.00), John Ortiz ($4.00), Denzil Storbeck ($4.00) and Clar Reyes ($5.00)

1980 – We had our best turnout ever for the Pyramid Tournament. 26 players started the tournament. Tom Stead defeated Ron Kempka by one stroke on the 18th hole at Diablo Creek G.C. to win the tournament and first place money, ($50.00). Low net money went to; Jim Spurgeon ($2.00), Roger Staha ($4.00), Denzil Storbeck ($7.00), Ron Kempka ($8.00) and Mike Cook ($11.00).

1981 – The fifth Pyramid Tournament with our first full 32 player field was won by Jim Aton ($60.00) over Andy Marquez ($28.00) at Kennedy G.C. Low net money went to Denzil Storbeck ($3.00), George McCloskey ($4.00), Marv Smith ($5.00), Tom Palilonis ($5.00), Howard Nitzkowski ($6.00 & $10.00) and Jim Aton ($7.00).

1982 – The Pyramid Tournament again had a full field of 32 players. Don Dean took first place ($60.00) with Don Scribner second ($28.00). Low net money went to Andy Marquez and George McCloskey ($2.00), Marv Smith ($3.00), Mike Cook ($5.00), Don Dean ($5.00), Denzil Storbeck ($6.00 & $10.00) and Clar Reyes ($7.00)

1983 – The Pyramid Tournament had a full field of 32 players for the third year in a row. Denzil Storbeck took first place ($75.00) over Joe Luna who finished second ($32.00). Low net money went to Mike Cook ($5.00), Rollin Podwys ($6.00), Dave Pearce ($7.00), Harold Juris ($7.00), Andy Marquez ($8.00), Terrance Woram ($9.00) and Joe Luna ($11.00).

1984 – For the fourth year in a row the Pyramid Tournament had a full field of 32 players. Dave Pearce ($75.00) won the tournament over Cullen Stephenson in second ($32.00) Low net money went to Tom Palilonis ($5.00), Darwin Richey ($6.00), Bob Meyer ($7.00), Charles Gross $7.00), Andy Marquez ($8.00), Tom Stead ($9.00), and Dave Pearce ($11.00).

1985 – For the fifth year in a row the Pyramid Tournament had a full field of 32 players. Boyd Cook won the tournament ($75.00) over Ray Turner ($32.00) who finished second. Low net money went to Howard Nitzkowski ($5.00), Cullen Stephenson ($6.00), Mike Cook ($7.00), Lloyd Stepp ($7.00), Denzil Storbeck ($8.00), Boyd Cook ($9.00) and Ray Turner ($11.00)

1986 – The Pyramid Tournament field was reduced to 24 players requiring a three way playoff to determine the winner. Denzil Storbeck finished on top ($50.00) with Howard Nitzkowski second ($25.00) and Dave Pearce third ($12.00). Low net money went to Tony Ramos ($5.00), Ron Powers ($6.00) and Ray Turner ($7.00, $7.00 & $8.00)

1987 – The Pyramid Tournament field for 1987 was reduced to 16 players. Drew Paterson ($45.00) won over John Ortiz ($18.00) in the finals to take the 11th Pyramid title. Low net money went to Phil Eubanks, Rollin Podwys and Ron Powers ($1.67), Larry Campbell and Mike Rosenberg ($3.00), Mike Cook ($7.00) and Drew Paterson ($7.00 & $8.00).

1988 – The Winners and Pyramid Tournaments playoff was held at Diablo Creek G.C. with Phil Eubanks the winner over Don Scribner by two strokes to take both titles. First, second and low net money in the Pyramid Tournament went to Phil Eubanks ($45.00), Don Scribner ($18.00), Mike Cook and Boyd Cook ($3.50), Don Dean ($5.00), Sandie Cook ($6.00), Mike Cook ($7.00 & $8.00)

1989 – The Pyramid Tournament was unique as it was played using Best-Ball teams. The team of Phil Eubanks and Don Scribner ($32.00) won the tournament with the team of Jim Grant and John Ortiz finishing second ($16.00). Low net money went to the teams of Dave Pearce, Tony Ramos             ($7.00) Phil Eubanks, Don Scribner ($7.00), Larry Campbell, Mike Cook ($8.00) and Boyd and Sandie Cook ($10.00)

1990 – The 1990 Pyramid Tournament was won by John Ortiz ($24.00) over Phil Eubanks in second ($12.00) and Bob Bohnet in third ($8.00). Low net money went to Sandie Cook ($4.00), Mike Cook ($5.00) and Dave Pearce ($7.00).

1991 – The 1991 Pyramid Tournament was won by Mike Cook ($16.00) over Dave Pearce ($9.00) Low net money went to Jim Spurgeon ($4.00), John Ortiz ($5.00) and Dave Pearce ($6.00)

1992 – The 16th Pyramid Tournament was won by Mike Cook ($30.00) over Ed Vegas ($14.00). Low net money went to Chet Northway ($5.00), Floyd Duggins ($6.00 & $8.00), Boyd Cook ($7.00) and Ed Vegas ($10.00)

1993 – Ed Vegas had his name engraved on the Tom Stead perpetual trophy as the winner of the 17th Pyramid Tournament ($48.00). Larry Campbell and Rollin Podwys tied for second place ($17.00) Low net winners were Steve Blotzer ($5.00), Bob Bohnet ($6.00 & $9.00), Rob Yarbrough ($7.00) and Larry Campbell ($11.00).

1994 – The Pyramid Tournament went very well with all the matches being played before the deadlines. Dan Tiburcio won the tournament ($90.00), with Mike Cook second ($46.00) and Larry Campbell third ($28.00). Low net money went to Rollin Podwys ($10.00), Larry Odom ($12.00), Sandie Cook ($14.00), Steve Blotzer ($18.00) and Dan Tiburcio ($22.00).

1995 – The nineteenth Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Tilden G.C. on November 18th. Neal Stachowicz won the tournament ($90.00), over John Ortiz in second ($46.00) and Bill Sharp in third ($28.00). Low net money went to Sandie Cook ($10.00), Nemon Williamson ($12.00), Mike Cook ($14.00) and Boyd Cook ($18.00).

1996 – After 31 players had been eliminated Rollin Podwys ($140.00) won the 20th Pyramid Tournament. His name was engraved on the “Tom Stead Perpetual Trophy” for the second time as he had won the first Pyramid Tournament in 1976. Dave Pearce finished second ($68.00). Low net money went to; Nemon Williamson ($10.00), Rob Yarbrough ($12.00), Howard Nitzkowski ($14.00), Dan Tiburcio ($16.00 & $20.00), Mike Cook ($18.00) and Rollin Podwys ($22.00)

1997 – Due to bad weather (El Nino) and scheduling conflicts our 21st Pyramid Tournament finals were played in late March, 1998 at Green Valley C.C. John Justus ($90.00) won the tournament with Nemon Williamson ($46.00) finishing second and Phil Kruger ($28.00) taking third place. Low net money went to Larry Odom ($10.00), Bob Bohnet ($12.00), Sandie Cook ($14.00), Kevin Peck ($18.00) and Nemon Williamson ($22.00)

1998 – The 22nd Pyramid Tournament again had a field of 24 players, after 21 had been eliminated, the final three played for the title at Paradise Valley in mid November. Mike Cook ($90.00) won his third Pyramid Tournament with John Ortiz ($46.00) second and Nemon Williamson ($28.00) third. Low net money went to Ed Vegas ($32.00), Howard Nitzkowski ($22.00), Rob Yarbrough ($12.00) and Don Scribner ($10.00).

1999 – The 23rd Pyramid Tournament again had a field of 24 players. After 21 had been eliminated, the final three played for the title at Blue Rock Springs – East on November 1st. Sandie Cook ($90.00) will have her name engraved on the Tom Stead Perpetual Trophy as the winner after shooting an excellent net 64. John Ortiz ($46.00) finished second for the second year in a row and the 1997 winner John Justus ($28.00) took third place. Low net money went to Sandie Cook ($22.00), Dave Pearce ($18.00), Marv Smith ($14.00), Rollin Podwys ($12.00) and Larry Odom ($10.00).

2000 – Rick Carr had his name engraved on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 24th Pyramid Tournament, ($90.00) his first major win. The finals were played at Paradise Valley G.C. Finishing second was Kevin Peck ($46.00) with Nemon Williamson taking third place.($28.00)

Low net money went to Rick Carr ($22.00), Dan Riley ($18.00 & $12.00), Mike Cook ($14.00) and Dave Pearce ($10.00)

2001 – Matt Hurst had his name engraved on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 25th silver anniversary Pyramid Tournament, ($60.00) his second major win. The finals were played at Canyon Lakes C.C. during the Valero Cup Tournament. Finishing second was Debbie Menzel   ($28.00). Low net money went to Matt Hurst ($20.00), Sonny Menzel ($16.00), Mike Cook ($14.00), Dave Pearce ($12.00) and Steve Blotzer ($10.00).

2002 – Due to scheduling conflicts the Pyramid Tournament was not completed in 2002. In semi-final play it was Mike Cook over Dave Pearce in November, 2002. Rob Yarbrough won his semi-final match over Ken Dorsey in April, 2003. Mike and Rob played the Pyramid finals at Cypress Lakes G.C. in May, 2003 with Rob winning his first Pyramid Tournament.

2003 – The 27th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Green Tree G.C. on November 28th, a very cool day with intermittent showers. Larry Campbell hit his tee shot on the par 5 first hole into the lateral water hazard but managed to make a par 5. His tee shot on the second hole hit a tree, he hit a long fairway wood into the greenside bunker and got it up and down for a par 4. This set the tempo for the day although it was still close after nine holes of play. Rob Yarbrough who birdied the first hole had a one stroke lead over Larry and a 6 stroke lead over Darwin Richey. Larry made three straight pars to open the back nine, took the lead and never relinquished it. Larry will have his name engraved on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 27th Pyramid Tournament, ($90.00).  Finishing second was Rob Yarbrough ($46.00). Finishing third was Darwin Richey ($28.00) Low net money went to Rick Carr ($22.00), Mike Cook ($18.00), Rick Carr ($14.00), Neal Stachowicz ($12.00) and Ken Dorsey ($10.00).

2004 – The 28th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Paradise Valley G.C. on October 2nd, a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the low eighties and essentially no wind. Rob Yarbrough shot a gross 40 on the front nine and after making a birdie on the eighth hole he recovered the 12 strokes he needed to give Debbie Menzel for the match. Debbie made a go of it on the back nine but Rob cruised in with a four stroke victory. Rob will have his name engraved for the second time in the last three years on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 28th Pyramid Tournament, ($60.00).  Finishing second was Debbie Menzel ($28.00). Finishing third was Kevin Peck ($14.00). Low net money went to Debbie Menzel ($20.00 & $16.00), John Ortiz ($12.00) and Sandie Cook ($10.00).

2005 – The 29th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Paradise Valley G.C. on October 2nd, a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the mid seventies and essentially no wind. Dave Pearce made a birdie on the first hole and went on to gain his 9 strokes back on the first three holes. Sonny Menzel after a slow start came back however and went one stroke up at the finish of the front nine. The match went even on the 10th hole but Sonny went one up after the 11th. Dave went back on the offensive and picked up 7 strokes over the next four holes. Sonny came back again picking up 4 strokes coming in but ran out of holes and finished 2 strokes back. Dave will have his name engraved for the second time on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 29th Pyramid Tournament, ($60.00).  Finishing second was Sonny Menzel ($28.00). Finishing third was Nemon Williamson  ($14.00). Low net money went to Sonny Menzel ($20.00 & $16.00), Mitch Miller ($12.00) and John Ortiz ($10.00). Dave Pearce by winning the Pyramid moved into the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Debbie Menzel dropped to # 2, Rick Simonson to # 3, Neal Stachowicz to # 4 and Jim Spurgeon maintained his # 5 spot.

2006 – The 30th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Eagle Vines G.C. on October 11th, a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the high seventies and essentially no wind. Michael Katz, John Ortiz and Dave Pearce made up the final threesome for the championship. Michael took the early lead over the first three holes. The first major change in the match took place on the short par 4 fourth hole. Dave’s layup shot looked like it was going into the hazard but held up just short, John hit a very good layup shot, Michaels’s tee shot went way left and ended up in an unplayable lie. John hit the green but was long, Michael after a penalty drop hit an excellent 150 yard second shot to the greenside fringe, Dave hit his second shot in the hazard. Dave took his penalty drop and then holed out his shot for a par. John made a 40 foot putt for a birdie. Michael hit his chip shot short and then two putted for a double bogey. Dave made a birdie on the seventh hole, Michael a par, John took a big number and the match was dead even. Dave made a bogey on the par 3 eighth but picked up 3 strokes on both John and Michael. John took another big number on the par 5 eleventh so it was then a two player match. Dave only picked up one more stroke over the next five holes and came to the 17th hole 4 strokes up. Michael after missing his birdie putt made a par and picked up 2 strokes on Dave going to the 18th hole. Michael’s tee shot was very short leaving him 200 yards to the green. Dave hit a good tee shot and then hit the green in two. Michael’s second shot went into the very heavy grass left of the green and after a long search it was found. His chip shot ended up short into the bunker and so went his championship hopes. Dave would 2 putt for a par and a 4 stroke win. Dave will have his name engraved for the third time on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 30th Pyramid Tournament, his second Pyramid win in a row.( $90.00 ). Finishing second was Micheal Katz ($46.00). Finishing third was John Ortiz ($28.00). Low net money went to Sandie Cook ($22.00 & $14.00), Sonny Menzel ($18.00), Sheldon Custer ($12.00) and Ken Dorsey $10.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Chris Kelly maintained the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Kevin Peck holds at  # 2, Dave Pearce with his win moves up to # 3, Sandie Cook holds at # 4 and Denzil Storbeck slips to the # 5 spot.

2007 – The 31st Pyramid Tournament finals were held at the beautiful Contra Costa C.C. on Tuesday, November 13th, a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the high seventies and no wind. The course minus a couple of aerated fairways and some difference in the greens speed was perfect. John Ortiz, Don Scribner and Neal Stachowicz made up the final threesome for the championship. On the opening hole you tee off across the main road coming into the Country Club, Neal split the fairway, John was way right, Don was left. A huge tree sits right in the middle of the fairway and must be played around or over on your second shot. Neal hit his second shot pin high just left just off the green, John after we found his ball hit his second shot short of the green, chipped up and made a very good putt for a par. Neal also made a par on the hole. Don having some trouble took a triple bogey. Neal hit his tee shot on the par 3 second hole about 6 feet from the pin. John was long, Don was short. Neal missed his birdie putt but made par. John and Don made bogeys. On the par 5 third hole Neal again hit the green in regulation, missed a birdie putt and made par. John and Don made bogeys. On the # 1 handicap par 4 fourth hole both Neal and Don hit good tee shots. John teed off and went right over the road going OB but it carried all the way to the back of the par 3 fifth hole. Neal was on the green in two but 3 putted for a bogey. Both John and Don scrambled for bogey 5’s. On the par 3 fifth hole John and Don hit the green, Neal was just off and ended up making a bogey 4, John and Don both made pars. At the end of five holes of play John was 2 up over Neal who was 3 up over Don. The tough par 5 sixth hole was the turning point for the match. Neal hit his tee shot left but in bounds, hit his second shot left hitting a tree and bouncing straight down, from there he got down for a bogey 6. John having to hit from an impossible down hill,side hill lie in the aerated fairway hit his shot left into the lateral hazard. A series of misadventures left him taking a 10 on the hole. Don made a bogey 6. Neal went back to par golf making pars on the 7th, 8th and 9th holes and going out in 39 strokes. At the end of the front nine he was leading John by 8 strokes and Don by 6 strokes. On the back nine John was even with Neal for the first 5 holes then picked up 3 strokes over the next 3 holes but ran out of holes and finished second, Don finished third. Neal will have his name engraved for the second time on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 31st Pyramid Tournament,  ($90.00). Finishing second was John Ortiz ($46.00). Finishing third was Don Scribner ($28.00). Low net money went to John Ortiz ($22.00), Glenn Campbell ($18.00), Rob Yarbrough ($12.00), Ken Dorsey ($14.00) and Sandie Cook ($10.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Bob Simonson maintained the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Kevin Peck holds at  # 2, Dave Pearce with his win moves up to # 3, Sandie Cook holds at # 4 and Denzil Storbeck slips to the # 5 spot.

2008 – The 32nd Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Paradise Valley G.C. on Friday, November 7th, a beautiful fall day with temperatures in the low seventies and an unusual intermittent northeast wind blowing. The course was in good shape, the greens speed slower than normal. Todd Lopez, Debbie Menzel and Nemon Williamson made up the final threesome for the championship. The problem was with a 1pm start time to finish before dark. Mike Cook didn’t play as planned but tended pins, raked bunkers, looked for wayward golf balls and made an occasional ruling. This round was highlighted by some excellent shots by all three players. On the opening hole Todd hit the shortest drive but came through with a bogey 6. Nemon’s drive was just short of the left fairway bunker, hit a short second, his 3rd was long left and then had some short game problems to end up with a 7. Debbie hit a good drive but then put her second shot in the right side hazard. Her short game gave her problems which led her to taking a 9. On the second hole Todd was way left with his drive but made a very good shot over the trees to just off the green back, from there he made a bogey 5. Debbie again hit a good drive but thinned her second shot into the front hazard, the ball ran through and was just short of the green. A good chip and putt saved her par 4. Nemon hit a very good drive leaving him a 100 yard second shot. He used a pitching wedge and holed out his shot for an eagle 2. On the par 3 third hole both Todd and Nemon made par 3’s. Debbie put her tee shot into the hazard, this led to a triple bogey 6. On the par 5 fourth hole Todd hit his tee shot OB left but came back and made a double bogey 7. Debbie again found the hazard behind the green but made a very good bogey 6, Nemon also took a 6. On the par 4 fifth hole Nemon hit his tee shot left towards OB but hit a tree and bounced foward. Debbie hit a good drive, got on in 2 and 2 putted for a par 4. Nemon and Todd took bogey 5’s. On the par 4 sixth hole both Nemon and Todd hit their tee shots left, Debbie right down the middle. Nemon hit a very good shot from a difficult position to just on the green front. Todd hit his second shot right and into the water hazard. His ball was in the water a couple of inches with about 5 feet of very wet mud to stand on. He stood in the mud and hit a wedge over the huge frontside bunker and just off the back of the green. You had to see it to believe it! From there he made a great bogey 5. Nemon and Debbie also had 5’s. On the short par 4 seventh hole Nemon hit a good drive, wedged pin high a 2 putted for a par 4. Debbie was long with her second shot and took 4 more shots for a 6. Todd 3 putted for a 6. On the par 3 eighth hole Nemon hit the front of the green, Debbie rolled just by the hole and was just long, Todd was way left of the green but got in for a bogey 4. Nemon 2 putted for a par. Debbie made a 15 foot downhill putt for a birdie 2. On the par 4 ninth hole both Nemon and Todd were left with their drives, Debbie right down the middle and long. All three players took bogey 5’s. At the end of the front nine both Debbie and Todd were 3 strokes up on Nemon. On the par 5 tenth hole Todd payed the price for not being familar with the course hitting his second shot right into the right side water hazard but still made a bogey 6. Nemon also took a 6. Debbie hit the left fairway bunker with her tee shot, this eventually led to a double bogey 7. On the par 4 eleventh hole Todd hit his tee shot left, almost OB, Nemon was in the left fairway bunker, Debbie hit a very good tee shot down the middle. Todd hit his second shot right and into the rightside hazard. Nemon hit a low runner out of the bunker and onto the green and 2 putted for a par. Debbie took a bogey 5. Todd after his drop hit a tree and almost into the hazard again, all this led to him taking an 8 on the hole. On the short par 3 twelfth hole Debbie and Nemon made both par 3’s, Todd had a bogey 4. The par 4 thirteenth hole was the turning point in the match. Nemon would make a par 4, Debbie a double bogey 6 to go one down in the match. Todd hit his drive left, had a bad stance and put 2 balls left OB. The match was now down to two players. On the short par 4 fourteenth hole Debbie almost drove the green, Nemon was in the right side bunker, Todd left in the fairway. Todd made a par 4, short game errors led to bogey 5’s for Debbie and Nemon. On the par 3 fifteenth hole with a blue pin left Nemon hit the very right side of the green, Debbie hit a beautiful shot pin high about 10 feet from the hole. Todd hit the hazard with his tee shot. Nemon 3 putted for a bogey 4, Debbie just missed her birdie but made a par 3 to even the match. On the par 5 sixteenth hole Nemon hit his tee shot left. Debbie hit a good drive around the rightside fairway bunker but the ball then went right into the hazard. Debbie went into the hazard and hit a fairway wood out of it, an excellent shot. Nemon layed up with his second shot, then hit his third shot just in the right side fringe on the green. Debbie hit a fairway wood for her third shot, it just missed going on the green and ended up in the right greenside bunker. To make things worse the bunker was in horrible shape, large footprints all over it. Debbie took a big swing but barely got out. A bad chip shot followed. She then just barely missed an uphill putt, just short by a couple of inches and took a 7. Nemon 2 putted for a par 5 and was up 2 strokes for the match. Arriving at the 17th hole it was getting dark, the moon was out to help us with the light. On the par 4 seventeenth hole Debbie was short with her second shot, chipped on and 2 putted for a bogey 5. Nemon was on the green in two but 3 putted for a 5. The match was still Nemon 2 up going to the eighteenth hole. One thing you don’t want to see is a bad shot right before you hit your tee shot. Todd hit his tee shot into the rightside water hazard. Nemon gets on the tee, aiming at the left fairway bunkers, comes off the shot and puts his drive into the lake. Debbie hit her drive into the leftside fairway bunkers. Nemon lays up short with an iron. Debbie hits another great shot out of the bunker just short and right of thr green. Nemon hits the green with his fourth shot but leaves himself a long putt. Debbie chips her third shot on about 10 feet short of the pin. Nemon hits his putt within a coulple inches of the hole and taps in for a 6. Debbie has to make her putt for a tie, hits an aggressive putt but it goes by the hole, then 2 putts for a 6. We finished the round in 3 hours, 56 minutes. Nemon will have his name engraved for the first time on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 32nd Pyramid Tournament, ($90.00). Finishing second was Debbie Menzel ($46.00). Finishing third was Todd Lopez ($28.00). Low net money went to Bob Boyer ($22.00), Kevin Peck ($18.00), Sandie Cook ($14.00), Brittany Hurst ($12.00) and Sonny Menzel ($10.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Debbie Menzel took over the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Ken Dorsey enters at  # 2, Kevin Peck at # 3, Mike Osada at # 4 and Jerry Crumrine at the # 5 spot.

2009 – The 33rd Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Eagle Vines G.C. on Saturday, October 31st, it was Holloween and we had a trick and a treat. The trick was it was so foggy you could not see the fairway on your tee shots or the greens on your approach shots, just the vauge general direction. The treat was after the fog lifted it was an absolutely beautiful day, temperature in the mid 70’s with no wind. The three players in the finals were Steve Blotzer, Bob Boyer and Michael Katz. On the par 5 opening hole Michael hit he tee shot left and ended up with a lost ball, he had to retee but came through with a bogey 6 on the hole. Steve also had a 6, Bob after some approach shot problems took a 7. On the tough 423 yard par 4 second hole both Bob and Michael took 6’s, Steve hit his second shot into the left lateral hazard (we think, it was so foggy it was hard to tell) and ended up taking an 8. The sun broke through on the tee of the 491 yard par 5 third hole and the scores immediately improved, both Michael and Steve made par 5’s, Bob had a bogey 6. On the tricky short par 4 fourth hole Bob hit the perfect tee shot down the right side to the 100 yard marker. Michael and Steve were left with longer approach shots. Michael hit his tee shot long just over the green, Steve was just off the green but up on the hillside. Bob mishit his shot and ended up in the hazard, he rehit and ended up taking a 7 on the hole. Both Michael and Steve hit good chip shots to a very difficult pin (upper back of the green on a small plateau) and 2 putted for bogey 5’s. On the par 4 fifth hole the pin was again in a tough spot, upper left on a very small plateau. Michael was on the green but right on the upper level. Steve was on the lower front of the green. Bob ended up with his shot way up on the hill above the green, an impossible chip shot to the green went across and ended up in the front bunker. Bob had bunker problems and ended up taking an 8. Michael 3 putted for a 5, Steve 3 putted for a 6. On the par 3 sixth hole, the island green, Michael hit his tee shot short left, Steve went into the right side bunker pin high and Bob was short and ended up in the water hazard.but saved a 5, Steve and Michael took 4’s. On the downhill dogleg left par 4 seventh hole both Steve and Michael hit perfect tee shots, Bob ended up in the right side fairway bunker. Bob’s bunker shot went OB right, he ended up taking a high number on the hole. Steve made a par 4, Michael a bogey 5. On the par 3 eighth hole Steve’s tee shot was short right, Michael’s was long left, Bob’s went right, hit the cart path and bounced into the water hazard. Steve managed a bogey 4, Michael a 5 and Bob took a 6. On the par 4 ninth hole Michael and Bob both hit good tee shots, Steve mishit his drive short, layed up and then just hit the right side of the green almost in the lateral hazard, Michael was long right and almost in the same hazard. Michael chipped up unto the green and made an excellent 10 foot putt for a par. Bob would make a bogey 5, Steve ended up taking a 7 on the hole. At the end of the front nine Michael and Steve were tied with Bob 6 strokes back. Starting the back nine on the par 4 uphill dogleg right 10th hole Michael was left with his tee shot, Steve went way right in no mans land, Bob just missed carrying the last right side bunker. Bob had bunker problems and ended up taking a 8 on the hole, Michael hit his second shot right under a small fence, Steve not only found his ball but hit his second shot across the green, Michael chipped out from under the fence and went across the green. Both Steve and Michael 2 putted, Steve for a par Michael for a bogey 5. On the downhill par 5 eleventh hole Bob hit a very good tee shot, Steve was way right almost into the the 10th fairway, Michael mishit his tee shot short left on the downslope. Michael hit his second shot across the water hazard that crosses the fairway but it went right and into the lake. Steve put his ball back in play. Michael took his drop but then hit his next shot into the greenside water hazard. Some approach and putting problems had both Bob and Steve take 7’s on the hole, Michael ended up taking a 9. On the par 3 twelfth hole Bob hit the best shot of the day pin high right, Steve was short left, Michael was in the center of the green a little long. Michael 2 putted for a par, Steve chipped up and 2 putted for a  bogey, Bob made his putt for a much needed birdie 2. Going to the par 4 thirteenth Steve was 2 strokes up on Michael. The turning point of the match was coming up. Michael used an iron to tee off with but mishit it short, both Steve and Bob hit good tee shots. Michael hit his long second shot, it hit the slope on the right side of the green and careened right down across the cart path to the OB fence. He then hit a provisonal shot. His second shot ended up being in bounds by 4 inches but laying under the fence. He hit his next shot but it only moved just across the cart path. He chipped from there but ended up taking a 7 on the hole. Steve woiuld make a par 4, Bob a bogey 5. Steve was up by 5 strokes on Michael. Next was the dangerous 427 yard par 4 fourteenth hole with OB right and a lateral hazard (vineyards) left. Michael hit a very good tee shot, Bob hit what looked like a good one left, Steve went left into the lateral hazard. Steve hit his 3rd shot back in play, Bob’s tee shot hit the left slope of the fairway and went into the hazard. Bob would go on to make a good bogey 5, Steve would take a 6, Michael picked up one stroke with a 5 to be 4 down for the match. On the par 3 fifteenth hole Bob’s tee shot was way right but close to pin high, Steve was short left and laying in the hazard, Michael was just left of the green but also in the hazard. Steve and Michael chipped out of the hazard and then 2 putted for bogeys. Bob chipped into the bunker but got it up and down for a bogey 4. On the par 5 sixteenth hole Steve hit the left fairway bunker on his tee shot, both Bob and Michael hit good tee shots. Steve got out of the bunker and then hit his 3rd shot right and short of the green. Bob ended up taking a 7, Steve would get on and 2 putt for a bogey 6, Michael just missed a birdie 4 but did make a par to go 3 down in the match going to the 17th hole. On the par 4 seventeenth hole Michael hit his tee shot left into the trees, Steve mishit his right towards the big trees on the edge of the fairway, Bob hit a good tee shot almost to the green. Michael tried to advance his ball but it hit more trees, he then had to chip out sideways back to the fairway. Steve layed up with his second shot but then hit his 3rd shot into the greenside bunker. Michael’s next shot was short, he chipped on and 2 putted for a 7. Steve could not get out of the bunker on his first try but did on his second, then 2 putted for a 7 also. Bob would make a bogey 5. Steve was still 3 up going to the 18th hole. Steve hit his tee shot left but OK, Michael was right and Bob hit it right down the middle. Michael’s second shot was short of the green, Steve hit the middle of the green to essentially win the match. Steve and Michael had bogey 5’s, Bob a 6. The course was in good shape, the greens speed slower than normal. Steve Blotzer will have his name engraved for the first time on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 33rd Pyramid Tournament, his second major ($90.00). Finishing second was Michael Katz ($46.00). Finishing third was Bob Boyer ($28.00). Low net money went to Michael Katz ($22.00), Jerry Crumrine ($18.00), Glenn Campbell ($14.00), Sandie Cook ($12.00) and Don Scribner ($10.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Michael Katz took over the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Glenn Campbell at  # 2, Bob Boyer at # 3, Nemon Williamson at # 4 and Steve Blotzer at the # 5 spot.

2010 – Due to scheduling conflicts the 34th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Paradise Valley G.C. on Thursday, December 9th at 10:00 am. It rained the night before, the course was extremely wet, standing water in the fairways and the greens were slower than normal. The players teed off in the fog. It turned out mostly cloudy, temperature in the mid 50’s with the sun breaking through on the back nine. The three players in the finals were Mike Cook, Michael Katz and Kevin Peck. Mike Cook had to give one stroke to Michael Katz and two strokes to Kevin Peck. On the par 5 opening hole Peck hit his tee shot right and ended up in the fairway bunker, Katz hit his left into the fairway bunker, Cook hit his tee shot down the middle. Katz hit a good shot out of the bunker but it ended up hitting a tree and he ended up taking a 7 on the hole. Both Cook and Peck 2 putted for bogeys. On the par 4 second hole Cook and Peck both hit their tee shots right center, Katz was left and pretty much blocked out for his second shot. Cook hit the green in two but missed a short birdie putt, Katz was short in the front hazard, chipped out but took a 6 on the hole, Peck was in the greenside bunker, got out but 3 putted for a 6. On the par three 3rd hole both Cook and Peck hit the green, Katz was in the rightside bunker. Cook 3 putted for a 4, Katz came out of the bunker and 2 putted for a 4, Peck 2 putted for a par 3. On the par 5 fourth hole all the players hit good tee shots. Cook mishit his second shot right into the lateral hazard. He found the ball and was able to play it back into the fairway, got on the green in 5 and 3 putted for an 8. Katz also had some problems and ended up taking a 7, Peck was on in 3 and 2 putted for a par 5. On the par 4 fifth hole Peck hit his tee shot left possibly OB, his provisional tee shot was topped just off the front of the tee. Katz hit a long drive but right towards the lake, Cook hit his tee shot right down the left center. Cook found Peck’s tee shot hidden in some weeds, his second shot was short but he got on in 3 but then three putted for a 6. Katz’s tee shot ended up in the mud flats lateral hazard as the lake level was down. He hit an iron out and was pin high in 2 (absolutely the best shot of the day), and he 2 putted for a par. Cook hit his second shot straight at the pin but just short of the green and 2 putted for a par. On the par 4 sixth hole both Cook and Katz hit good tee shots, Peck was left with his, then hit the green in two. Both Cook and Katz hit the right greenside bunker, got out and 2 putted for bogey 5’s. Peck 2 putted for a par 4. On the par 4 seventh hole all three players hit good tee shots, were on in 2 and 2 putted for par 4’s. On the par 3 eighth hole all the players were short of the green, Cook and Peck chipped on and 2 putted for bogey 4’s, Katz’s chip shot was short, he rechipped and one putted for a bogey. On the par 4 ninth hole Peck’s tee shot went left, Katz’s right and Cook’s down the middle and through a large puddle. All the players were on in 2 and 2 putted for par 4’s. At the end of the front nine Peck was up by 3 strokes over Cook and 4 strokes over Katz. Changes would take place on the par 5 tenth hole, Katz’s tee shot went left into the lateral hazard, Cook and Peck both hit the right center of the fairway. Katz dropped and hit back out to the fairway, Peck hit his second shot left into the lateral hazard and dropped out. His next shot hit a tree branch and sent the ball into the ditch that crosses the fairway. Cook hit his second shot just short of the ditch, then hit a pitching wedge pin high. Katz hit his next shot on the green. Peck dropped out of the ditch, hit the green and 2 putted for an 8. Katz would 3 putt for a 7, Cook missed his birdie putt but did make a par 5. On the par 4 eleventh hole  Cook’s tee shot was short of the fairway bunker, Peck went right but OK, Katz hit a very long drive right down the middle. Katz’s second shot was on the green but way above the hole, Cook’s second was just left and short of the green, Peck’s hit the right greenside bunker. Cook chipped on close and made the putt for a par 4, Peck came out of the bunker and 2 putted for a bogey, Katz 3 putted for a bogey 5. On the par 3 twelfth hole Cook and Peck both hit the green, Katz was just left and long, he chipped on and 2 putted for a bogey, Cook and Peck both 2 putted for par 3’s. On the par 4 thirteenth hole all the players managed to make bogey 5’s. On the short par 4 fourteenth hole all the players managed to hit some bad shots and make bogey 5’s. On the par 3 fifteenth hole, Katz hit the green, Cook and Peck both missed the green but chipped on and 3 putted for double bogey 5’s. Katz would 2 putt and make a par 3. When the players reached the par 5 sixteenth hole Cook was up by one stroke over Peck and three strokes over Katz. Katz’s tee shot went right into the lateral hazard, Cook was in the middle but short, Peck was left and long. Katz played his second shot out of the hazard and back in play down the fairway. Cook mishit his second shot ending up right across the lateral hazard, his next shot was advanced down the fairway. Peck hit his second shot, then his third on the green in 3. Katz also hit the green in 3 strokes. Cook hit the green but was on in 4, he missed his par putt and made a bogey 6. Both Katz and Peck 2 putted for par 5’s. Going to the par 4 seventeenth hole Cook and Peck were tied, Katz was 2 strokes back. All the players hit good tee shots, all 3 players were just short of the green. Cook was right below the hole, Katz and Peck off to the right. Peck chipped on and 2 putted for a bogey 5, Katz hit a poor chip and ended up 3 putting for a double bogey 6. Cook chipped up to the hole and tapped in for a par 4. Going to the final hole of the match Cook was up by one stroke over Peck and four over Katz. On the par 4 eighteenth hole Cook hit a good drive right center, Peck went left but OK, Katz hit a very long tee shot left center. Peck mishit his second shot but in the fairway, he then hit his third shot onto the green. Cook hit his second shot left of the green and then had to search quite a while just to find his ball down next to a utility box. His next shot was impossible, the pin being just on the green behind some large mounds. His chip shot was mishit and landed on the mound, he tried to hole it out but it went clear across the green. He then 2 putted for a double bogey 6. Katz 2 putted for a bogey 5. Peck made a 25 foot par putt to win the 34th Pyramid Tournament by one stroke. The pin placements, perhaps because of all the rain and water were set up on crowns, a very difficult day of putting. Kevin Peck will have his name engraved for the first time on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 34th Pyramid Tournament, his second major ($90.00). Finishing second (for the 25th time in a major) was Mike Cook ($46.00). Finishing third was Michael Katz ($28.00). Low net money went to Steve Blotzer ($22.00), Bob Boyer ($18.00), Bob Simonson ($14.00), Dave Pearce ($12.00) and Brittany Hurst ($10.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Kevin Peck took over the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Glenn Campbell at  # 2, Steve Blotzer at # 3, Michael Katz at # 4 and Randy Butler at the # 5 spot.

2011 – The 35th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Paradise Valley G.C. on Friday, October 21st at 10:24 am.  The course was in very good shape, the greens had not been aerated yet, the temperature was in the low 80’s with essentially no wind. The three players in the finals were Mike Cook, Nemon Williamson and Sonny Menzel the current # 1, # 2 and # 3 ranked golfers from this year. Mike Cook and Nemon Williamson were even but both players had to give Sonny 8 strokes for the match. On the par 5 opening hole Nemon hit his approach shot on the green about 8 feet from the hole, Mike’s approach shot was short, a chip and 2 putts for a bogey 6. Sonny’s approach went long over the green left, with a lot of tough shots left he ended up taking an 8. Nemon just missed his birdie but made a par 5. On the par 4 second hole Mike and Nemon both hit good tee shots, Sonny hit his drive into the right side hazard, had to drop and then hit his next shot left and short of the hazard in front of the green. Mike and Nemon both hit the green Mike short and Nemon long. Sonny hit his approach shot long just off the back of the green, but then putted the ball in the hole for a good bogey 5. Mike and Nemon both 2 putted for pars. On the par three 3rd hole Sonny hit the green and just rolled off, Nemon hit the left side bunker, Mike hit his tee shot into the rightside lateral hazard and after a futile search had to hit his 3rd shot from the ball drop area. Nemon hit the green and 2 putted for a bogey, Sonny 3 putted for a bogey, Mike 2 putted for a double bogey 5. On the par 5 fourth hole both Nemon and Sonny hit good tee shots. Mike’s tee shot went right towards the hazard but short of it. Mike had no shot and had to hit a low runner just to get back into play. Sonny hit the green in 3 and 2 putted for a par 5. Nemon went long on his approach shot, some chips and putts he ended up taking a 7. Mike’s third shot went a little right, hit the back of the greenside bunker and careened into the lateral hazard. He ended up with a triple bogey 8. On the par 4 fifth hole Sonny hit his tee shot left but OK, Mike and Nemon both hit drives down the middle. Nemon hit the green in 2 and 2 putted for a par, Mike hit the green in 2 and after missing a very short putt 3 putted for a bogey, Sonny was on in 3 and 2 putted for a bogey. On the par 4 sixth hole both Mike and Nemon hit good tee shots, Sonny went right and into the lake. Sonny dropped and hit his next shot back into the lake etc and would end up taking a 10 on the hole. Nemon was on in 2 and 2 putted for a par, Mike was left of the green but pin high, chipped across the green and 2 putted for a bogey 5. On the par 4 seventh hole Mike and Nemon hit good tee shots, Sonny topped his tee shot, then hit his second shot into the right greenside bunker. Some bunker problems led to a 6 for Sonny. Mike hit the green but missed a short birdie putt but made par, Nemon also hit the green but 3 putted for a bogey 5. On the par 3 eighth hole with a blue pin left Sonny’s tee shot went left of the cart path, Mike hit the green but on the very right side, Nemon hit the shot of the day, a 200 yard shot straight at it landing about 7 feet below the pin and then rolled in the putt for a birdie 2. Sonny’s approach shot went into the bunker which led to a 6 on the hole. Mike facing a 80 to 90 foot putt 3 putted for a bogey 4. On the par 4 ninth hole Nemon hit a long tee shot left center, Mike was right center and short, Sonny’s tee shot hit the driving range net but came back into play. Sonny hit his third shot long and 3 putted for a 6, Mike hit the green in 2 missed another birdie putt but made par, Nemon hit a very good shot about 3 feet from the pin and made his second consecutive birdie. At the end of the front nine Nemon was up by 7 strokes over Mike and 9 strokes over Sonny. On the par 5 tenth hole Nemon hit a good tee shot down the middle, Mike’s tee shot was way right, Sonny hit the left fairway bunker. Mike mishit a fairway wood, then had to lay up to the ditch with an iron, Nemon hit a good layup shot, Sonny was out of the bunker but his next shot was short of the green left. Mike was on the green in 4 way below the hole, Nemon was on in 3  but above the pin, Sonny was on in 4 but again above the pin. Mike 2 putted for a bogey, Nemon and Sonny 3 putted for a bogey for Nemon a double for Sonny. On the par 4 eleventh hole  Mike’s tee shot was short right, Nemon was long down the middle, Sonny’s was left but OK. Mike hit a 3 wood just short of the green on the left side, Nemon hit his second shot on the green center, Sonny’s shot was long left of the green and facing a near impossible chip shot to the back left blue flag. His chip shot hit thr fringe above the hole and stopped there. He then calmy putted the ball into the hole for a par 4. Mike chipped his ball across the green to 3 feet and made the putt for a par, Nemon 2 putted for a par. On the par 3 twelfth hole Mike hit the green about 4 feet from the pin, Sonny was short right, Nemon went long left ending up on the downslope of the grass bunker. Some chipping and putting problems led to a double bogey 5 for Nemon, Sonny got it on and 2 putted for a bogey, Mike left his short birdie putt short and made par. Mike moved to 5 down for the match. On the par 4 thirteenth hole Mike hit the center of the fairway, Sonny was long right but OK, Nemon was long right but managed to reach the lateral hazard and lose his ball. Mike hit a fairway wood on the green about 18 feet above the pin, Sonny’s shot was left of the green, Nemon after a drop hit his next shot short left. Sonny chipped on a 2 putted for a bogey, Nemon got on and 2 putted for a double bogey 6, Mike lipped out his long downhill putt but did make a par 4. Mike moved to 3 down for the match, Sonny was 8 down. On the short par 4 fourteenth hole Mike layed up and hit the fairway, Nemon hit his driver long left of the green, Sonny hit the large right side bunker. Mike badly mishit an iron short right of the green, chipped up and 2 putted for a bogey 5. Nemon had chipping problems and also wound up with a bogey, Sonny had a triple bogey 7. On the par 3 fifteenth hole, Mike hit the green about 8 feet from the pin, Nemon just missed the green, Sonny had lake problems and was essentially out of the match. Nemon chipped on a 2 putted for a bogey 4, Mike again left his birdie putt short and settled for a par. Mike was now 2 down for the match. On the par 5 sixteenth hole Mike hit his tee shot down the center, Nemon was long left center. Mike hit two fairway woods to reach the green and was about 10 feet below the hole. Nemon was just off the green pin high in 3 shots, chipped down and made the putt for a par 5, Mike 2 putted for a par 5 also. Mike was still 2 shots down in the match. On the par 4 seventeenth hole Mike hit his tee shot down the middle, Nemon’s went right towards the lateral hazard. Mike hit a fairway wood just through the green and ended up in the back fringe. Nemon’s ball had found the hazard. Nemon had to drop but had no shot towards the green because of low hanging trees, he chipped out to the fairway. Nemon got on in four and 2 putted for a double bogey 6. Mike was pin high to the blue flag but had to putt through 6 feet of fringe to reach the green. The pin was on a severe downslope. Mike putted the ball just through the fringe, it crept unto the green and very slowly made it’s way to the hole stopping just a few inches away, Mike tapped in for a par 4. The match was now even going to the 18th tee. On the par 4 eighteenth hole Mike hit a good drive right center, Nemon went somewhat left but good. Mike mishit his fairway wood, Nemon hit his second shot just left of the green. Mike’s pitch shot from 60 yards went right at the pin but long landing about 20 feet above the red pin. Nemon chipped on the green but left his shot 8 feet above the flag also. Mike putted down the hill but misread the putt and ended up 6 feet above and off to the right side of the hole. Nemon putted down the hill, missed the putt and went by about 4 feet. Mike missed his putt and tapped in for a double bogey 6. Nemon makes his putt and wins the 35th Pyramid Tournament by one stroke. For Mike it was groundhog day all over again as he lost the finals match one year ago on the same hole by the same score. Nemon Williamson will have his name engraved for the second time on the “Tom Stead Trophy” as the winner of the 35th Pyramid Tournament, his fifth major ($90.00). Finishing second (for the 26th time in a major) was Mike Cook ($46.00). Finishing third was Sonny Menzel ($28.00). Low net money went to Rob Yarbrough ($22.00), Brittany Hurst ($18.00), AJ Jones ($14.00), Matt Hurst ($12.00) and Don Scribner ($10.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Nemon Williamson took over the # 1 spot (by 0.02) in the golf rankings, Mike Cook at  # 2, Neal Stachowicz at # 3, Steve Blotzer at # 4 and Jerry Crumrine at the # 5 spot.

 2012 – The 36th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Rancho Solano G.C. on Friday, October 3rd at 08:50 am.  The course was in very good shape, the greens had not been aerated yet, the temperature was in the low 70’s at the end of play, the normal afternoon wind started up early on the second hole. The three players in the finals were Kevin Peck, Debbie Menzel and Sonny Menzel. Kevin Peck had to give one stroke to Debbie and two strokes to Sonny. It was a tough start for the guys on the par 5 opening hole, Kevin went left off the tee and was OB, Sonny topped his tee shot for a short distance while Debbie hit a nice drive down the right side. Debbie went on to par the 1st hole, Sonny ended up with a 7, Kevin with an 8. All 3 players hit good drives on the par 4 second hole. Sonny was on the green with his second a 2 putted for a par, Debbie had some problems and would make a double bogey 6. Kevin was just off the back of the green and sank a 36 foot putt for a birdie 3. On the par 4 third hole all the players again hit good drives. All three players hit the green in two, Sonny and Kevin were on the green left, the pin was way right and back. Both Kevin and Sonny made difficult 2 putts for pars, Debbie 3 putted for a bogey 5. On the par 4 fourth hole all 3 players hit their tee shots OB left, Debbie and Sonny came back down the hill and into play, Kevin’s tee shot stayed OB. Sonny’s second was short of the green, he chipped on a 2 putted for a 5. Kevin went long with his 4th shot, chipped on a 2 putted for a 7. Debbie was long on her second shot, left her chip shot short but then sank a 41 foot downhill putt for a par 4. On the par 3 fifth hole both Sonny and Kevin hit the green, Debbie’s tee shot was short. Debbie chipped on a 2 putted for a bogey 4, Sonny 3 putted for a bogey 4 and Kevin 2 putted for a par 3. On the par 4 sixth hole all 3 players hit their tee shots left towards the OB but all came back into play. Debbie got on in two and 2 putts for  par 4, both Kevin and Sonny got on in 3 shots and 2 putt for bogey 5’s. On the par 5 seventh hole both Debbie and Sonny hit good tee shots, Kevin goes right but it’s very playable. All three players hit good second shots. Sonny’s third shot finds the front bunker, he gets on in 4 but 3 putts for a 7. Both Debbie and Kevin are on in two and both make difficult 2 putts for par’s. On the par 3 eighth hole all 3 players hit the green with their tee shots. Sonny 2 putts for a par three, Debbie 3 putts for a bogey, Kevin makes a 12 foot putt for a birdie 2. On the par 4 ninth hole both Sonny and Debbie hit perfect tee shots, Kevin is just short of the dogleg left after hitting an iron off the tee. Kevin’s next shot hits the trees on the corner, his third shot is pin high but off the green right, a bad chip and 2 putts for a double bogey 6. Both Debbie and Sonny are on in two and 2 putt for pars. At the end of play on the front nine Debbie is one stroke up on Sonny and three strokes up on Kevin. Starting the back nine both Debbie and Sonny hit good tee shots on the par 5 tenth hole, Kevin is left towards the bunker on the corner. Kevins second shot hits the trees and drops down but then hits a verg good shot unto the left side of the green. Sonny hits the left side of the green with his third shot, Debbie is long with her third shot. Debbie hits a bad chip and then 2 putts for a bogey 6. The pin was on the very right side of the green,  Sonny 3 putts for a bogey 6, Kevin 2 putts for a par 5. The players now enter “Amen Corner”. On the par 4 eleventh hole Debbie’s tee shot is down the middle, both Kevin and Sonny are left but OK. Sonny hits the green in two and 2 putts for a par 4. Kevin goes way right with his second shot, has 2 bad chips and then 2 putts for a double bogey 6. Debbie’s tee shot landed just short of the lake but then mishits her second shot into the lake, her 4th shot goes right of the green, a chip and 2 putts for a triple bogey 7. On the par 3 twelfth hole both Debbie and Kevin hit the green, Sonny is way left and lands on the 13th tee box. He pitches over trees right in front of him but the shot comes up short of the green. He chips on in three and ends up 3 putting for a triple bogey 6 ( he missed a very short putt for a 5). Debbie 3 putts for a bogey, Kevin 2 putts for a par 3. On the tough par 4 thirteenth hole Kevin’s tee shot went left, hit the trees and dropped straight down. He chipped out with a middle iron back to the fairway. Debbie’s tee shot went right towards OB but hit a tree and bounced back to the middle of the fairway. Sonny hit a very good tee shot but then mishit his second shot into the bunker. Kevin’s 3rd shot was short but he then putted on and then made a tough putt for a bogey 5. Debbie and Sonny were both on in 3 shots but both 3 putted for double bogey 6’s. (tough green to putt) At the end of 13 holes played Kevin is up by one stroke on Debbie and Sonny. On the par 4 fourteenth hole Debbie and Sonny hit very good tee shots. Kevin’s tee shot went right around the corner and ended up in the bunker in the back of the par 3 fifteenth hole. He hit a very good shot out of the bunker but it hit the trees short of the green. He had a couple of chips and 3 putts which led to a triple bogey 7. Debbie got on but then 3 putted for a bogey 5, Sonny got on in 3 but 3 putted for a double bogey 6. On the par 3 fifteenth hole both Debbie and Sonny’s tee shots were just off the green left but pin high. Kevin’s tee shot was right just off the green but short of the back pin placement. Kevin chipped on and 2 putted for a bogey 4. Debbie 3 putted for a bogey 4, Sonny 2 putted for a par 3. On the par 4 sixteenth hole both Kevin and Sonny hit very good tee shots. Debbie hits her tee shot right along the tree line, her second shot hits the trees but then bounces back into the middle of the fairway. (good Karma again) Kevin was short with his second shot, he chipped on a 2 putted for a bogey 5. Both Debbie and Sonny ended up on the green but way above the red pin placement, this led to double bogey 6’s for both of them. On the par 5 seventeenth hole both Debbie and Sonny hit very good tee shots, Kevin’s was good but left into the hump area. Kevin’s second shot hit the trees but he then hit his 3rd shot on the left front of the green. Sonny gets on in 3 shots and 2 putts for a par 5. Debbie gets on in 3 shots but her and Kevin both 3 putt for bogey 6’s. The match being extremely close goes to the par 4 eighteenth hole. The blue pin is on the top left shelf of the green. Kevin and Debbie hit very good tee shots, Sonny’s is hit but hugging the right side of the fairway towards the bunkers. Kevin’s second shot was just a little long and off the back of the green on a downslope. Sonny’s second shot was right of the green but pin high. Debbie’s second shot was a beauty, pin high left and 6 feet from the pin. Sonny chips on a 2 putts for a bogey 5. Kevin putts from the back of the green just missing the hole but it goes by about 6 feet. His next putt again just misses the hole, he then makes a tester for a bogey 5. Debbie putts, the ball goes to the hole, catches the right side, spins around the cup 270 degrees and hangs on the highside of the hole, it looked like it was going to drop in but it didn’t. Debbie makes a par 4. In one of the closest 3 way playoffs in the history of the Pyramid it’s Debbie and Sonny Menzel tying for 1st, Kevin Peck finishes one stroke back for 3rd place. Debbie and Sonny will play off for the win.    

     The Pyramid Tournament Finals rematch was played Friday, October 26th, 2012 at Green Valley CC starting at 1pm. It was an absolutely beautiful autumn day for golf, temperature in the mid to high 70’s with essentially no wind. The course was in excellent shape, the greens fast and true. For the rematch Sonny Menzel had to give Debbie Menzel 2 strokes. On the par 5 first hole both players hit good drives. Sonny’s second shot went left up into the tree line, the ball was found but he had to stand on top of the rock wall to hit his 3rd shot. From there the ball hit a tree and bounced down behind it, no shot, he had to chip back out to the fairway. He reached the front of the green in 5 and 3 putted for an opening 8. Debbie made a good bogey 6. On the par 4 second hole both players layed up short of the creek but Sonny hit his 2nd shot into the hazard, a drop and then hit the green in 4 and 2 putted for a 6. Debbie was on in 3 and 2 putted for a bogey 5. On the par 5 third hole both the players hit good drives. Sonny’s 2nd shot went way left of the green, a bad chip shot long led to a double bogey 7. Debbie was on in 4 and 2 putted for a bogey 6. On the par 4 fourth hole Debbie’s drive caught the fairway bunker. Sonny topped his drive but then hit a good second shot in the right side of the fairway. From there he went long off the back of the green. Debbie’s 2nd shot went into the greenside bunker, she didn’t get out and her next attempt went long right of the green. A bad chip shot, then on the green and a putt for a 7. Sonny also had some short game problems and also took a 7. On the par 3 fifth hole Sonny’s tee shot just cleared the creek, he then hit a very good shot about 5 feet from the flag. Debbie’s tee shot was on the green about 15 feet from the pin. She missed her birdie try but tapped in for a par 3. Sonny missed his par putt and settled for a bogey 4. On the par 4 sixth hole Sonny hit a very long drive down the left side of the fairway. Debbie also hit a good drive but had problems with her fairway shots, on in 4 and 3 putted for a 7. Sonny hit the green in 2 and 2 putted for a par 4. On the par 3 seventh hole Sonny hit the green on the right side pin high. Debbie’s tee shot went right at the pin, bounced once, hit the pin and careened about 12 feet right. Both players missed their birdies but made par 3’s. On the Par 4 eighth hole Sonny’s tee shot went right into the trees. Debbie hit a very good drive left center of the fairway. She then mishit her 2nd, got on in 3 and 3 putted for a 6. Sonny chipped out, his 3rd shot went long, on in 4 and 2 putted for a 6. On the par 4 ninth hole Sonny hit a long tee shot but it caught the left fairway bunker. He got out, left his 3rd shot short, on in 4 a 2 putted for a 6. Debbie’s 2nd shot was short, got on in 3 and 2 putted for a bogey 5. At the end of nine holes of play Debbie was up by 5 strokes in the match. Starting the back nine on the uphill par 5 tenth hole both players hit great drives, both hit very good second shots and both got on the green in 3 strokes. Debbie 2 putted for a good par 5. Sonny was snakebit after Mike Cook mentioned he had 4 putted this green in the 1984 Exxon Cup, Sonny then 5 putted for an 8. Sonny was now 8 strokes back with 8 holes to play. On the downhill par 4 eleventh hole Sonny’s tee shot went left but ended up OK in the 10th hole fairway. Debbie hit a good drive, but got on in 3 and 3 putted for a 6. Sonny hit the very front of this very large green and 3 putted for a good bogey 5. On the uphill par 4 twelfth hole Sonny hit a very good drive. Debbie hit her drive right just in the rough, she hit her 2nd shot short, on in 3 and 2 putted for a bogey 5. Sonny hit a beautiful second shot about 5 feet from the pin and then sank the putt for a birdie 3. On the par 3 thirteenth hole Sonny hit the green pin high. Debbie’s tee shot was just short, she chipped on and 2 putted for a bogey 4. Sonny missed his birdie try but made a good par 3. On the downhill par 4 fourteenth hole Sonny’s drive was unplayable, he had to retee, this led to a triple bogey 7. Debbie hit a good tee shot but had trouble getting on the green, this led to a double bogey 6. On the par 5 fifteenth hole Sonny’s tee shot went left but stopped short of the OB markers. His second shot was good in the right side of the fairway, he then hit the green in 3. Debbie hit a good drive and 2nd shot but had some problems getting on the green which led to a double bogey 7. Sonny 2 putted for a par 5. On the tough par 4 sixteenth hole both the players hit very good drives. Sonny’s second shot was mishit short but he hit the green with his 3rd about 6 feet from the pin. Debbie’s second shot went into the greenside bunker, she got out but just barely.  A bad chip then she 3 putted for a 7. Sonny just missed his par putt and made a bogey 5. After being 8 strokes down after the 10th hole he was now only 2 strokes down going to the par 3 seventeenth hole. Debbie hit her tee shot left and short of the green. Sonny’s tee shot was very short left, he then his 2nd shot just to the back rightside of the green. Sonny misses his par putt and then takes 2 more for a 5. Debbie makes a very good chip shot and then makes the putt for a par 3. Sonny was now 4 strokes down going to the 18th hole. Not in the cards, bad karma, the golf God’s were against him, his tee shot went OB and later he played the wrong ball, it wasn’t meant to be, Debbie makes a good bogey 5 and wins the rematch. Debbie will have her name engraved on the “Tom Stead” trophy as the winner of the 36th Pyramid Tournament ($90.00), finishing second was Sonny Menzel ($46.00). Finishing third was Kevin Peck ($28.00). Low net money went to Debbie Menzel ($22.00), Debbie Menzel ($18.00), Mike Cook ($14.00), Matt Hurst ($12.00) and Steve Blotzer ($10.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Kevin Peck maintained the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Mike Cook at  # 2, Sonny Menzel at # 3, Matt Hurst at # 4 and Debbie Menzel at the # 5 spot.

2013 –  The 37th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Peacock Gap G.C. during play in the Valero Cup on Wednesday, November 6th at 10:04 am. The temperature for play was in the low 70’s with a fairly strong north wind which switched to the northwest during play. The Peacock Gap greens were fuzzy and just sanded, some more than others which made green speed very difficult to judge. The bunkers contained very soft sand leading to embedded lies, the canal that winds throughout the course would catch any errant shots. Play was from the blue tees.  The two players in the finals were Randy Butler and Kevin Peck. Randy had won matches over Rob Yarbrough, Mike Cook and Neal Stachowicz, Kevin had won matches over Michael Katz, Alex Tegenkamp and Bob Boyer. Randy had to give seven strokes to Kevin for the match. Both players hit very good drives on the dogleg left 404 yard first hole. Randy hit the green in two, Kevin went long right over the green, chipped on and two putted for a bogey 5. Randy two putted for an opening par 4. On the 393 yard into the wind par 4 second hole Randy hit a good drive, Kevin was a little right giving him a bad angle to the green. His next shot caught the bunker, out and two putted for a bogey 5. Randy missed the green, got on and two putted for a bogey. On the tough 170 yard uphill par three third hole Kevin hit a very good shot to the center of the green. Randy’s tee shot went long left and careened down the hill towards the second fairway. His chip shot up the hill came up short, he then got on in three and two putted for a double bogey 5. Kevin misread the green leading to a three putt bogey 4. The first big turnaround of the match took place on the 501 yard par five downwind fourth hole. Randy hit a very good drive. Kevin’s tee shot went left and into the canal hazard. After a drop he advanced his next shot towards the green but some mishits and putting led to a triple bogey 8. Randy hit his second shot on the green in two, missed his eagle putt but tapped in for a birdie four. On the 381 yard into the wind dogleg left par four fifth hole Randy hit a perfect drive, was on in two and two putted for a par 4. Kevin’s tee shot went right into the fourth fairway. Kevin attempted to get to the green but hit a tree, one shot led to another, on in four and three putted for a triple bogey 7. The match was now even going to the sixth hole. The 170 yard par three sixth hole was playing directly into the north wind, all carry over a lake. Randy’s tee shot barely made it over landing about one foot in the fringe. Kevin’s tee shot was short and into the lake. Kevin hit a beautiful shot from the drop area (over the lake again) a couple of feet from the pin. Randy chipped on and two putted for a bogey 4. Kevin just missed his bogey putt and took a 5 on the hole. The short 287 yard par four seventh hole was playing downwind. Both players hit good tee shots, Randy left and Kevin right. Both players hit the green and two putted for pars. The 472 yard par five eighth hole played directly back into the north wind. Randy’s tee shot went way right, Kevin‘s tee shot hit a tree just off the tee. It was a struggle to get to the green with both players on in four and two putting for bogey 6’s. The 348 yard ninth hole was also directly into the wind. Randy hit a fair tee shot, Kevin hit his tee shot way right and into the canal hazard. After a drop Kevin hit a blind third shot back to the fairway, on in four and two putted for a double bogey 6. Randy missed the green with his second, chipped on a two putted for a bogey 5. At the end of the first nine holes of play Randy was up by two strokes in the match. The back nine starts with a short downhill 131 yard par 3. Kevin hit the green with his tee shot and two putted for a par. Randy missed the green, got on and also two putted for a bogey 4. Kevin was one down in the match. The tough 386 yard dogleg left # 2 handicap hole was playing back into the north wind. Randy’s tee shot went left out of bounds but rolled back down into play, he then hit a nice draw shot around the corner and on the back of the green. Kevin’s tee shot went way right into the twelfth fairway, he then hit a very good shot into the very small opening just short of the green. Kevin got on and two putted for a bogey 5. Randy two putted for a very good par. The 530 yard par five twelfth hole was playing downwind. Kevin’s tee shot went way left, Randy’s went way right. Both players had to maneuver around trees etc. on their way to the green, Randy made a bogey 6, Kevin a double bogey 7 to go 3 down in the match. The 190 yard par 3 thirteenth hole played straight back into the wind. Kevin hit a shot of the day hitting the upper tier of the green. Randy’s tee shot embedded in the top lip of the front greenside bunker. After struggling to just get a stance Randy barely got it out just on top of the bunker. Randy chipped on and two putted for a double bogey 5. Kevin putted down from the upper tier past the hole and two putted from there for a bogey 4 to go 2 down in the match. The 484 yard par 5 par five fourteenth hole played downwind. Randy hit a very good tee shot, Kevin’s tee shot went left where he was stymied behind a tree. He played around the tree but had other problems on the hole which led to a double bogey 7. Randy hit his second shot on the green but then three putted for a par 5. The 356 yard par four fifteenth hole was playing downwind but did have OB left. Kevin’s tee shot went right and through the tree branches to the right side of the fairway. Randy’s tee shot went right and hit a tree bouncing way right just short of the canal hazard. He had to play out to the fairway, hit another shot, then on the green in four and two putted for a double bogey 6. Kevin hit his second shot on the green and two putted for a par 4 to go 2 down in the match again. The 148 yard par three sixteenth hole, all carry over a lake with the wind blowing right to left. Kevin’s tee shot flew into the back right side bunker. Randy’s tee shot went left over the water but short of the green. He hit a very nice chip shot close and tapped in for a par 3. Kevin got out of the bunker and two putted for a bogey 4. Kevin was now three strokes down in the match with two holes to go. On the dogleg left 320 yard par four seventeenth hole into the wind you cannot go left. Randy hit a very good tee shot to the right side of the fairway. Kevin had won all three of his previous matches by one stroke, the Golf God’s took notice of this and decided enough was enough. Kevin’s tee shot went way left, a hit tree and some water etc. led to a 8 on the hole to Randy’s 5. Randy finished the round by parring the tough 429 yard par four into the wind eighteenth hole to win the match by 7 strokes. Randy will have his name engraved on the “Tom Stead” trophy as the winner of the 37th Pyramid Tournament ($60.00), finishing second was Kevin Peck ($28.00). Low net money went to Neal Stachowicz ($20.00), Neal Stachowicz ($16.00), Neal Stachowicz ($14.00), Matt Hurst ($12.00) and Michael Katz ($10.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Nemon Williamson maintained the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Kevin Peck moved up to # 2, Bob Boyer moved up to # 3, Ken Dorsey slipped to # 4 and Sonny Menzel slipping to the # 5 spot. Randy Butler moved up from # 13 to # 6.

2014 – The 38th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Paradise Valley G.C. on Monday, September 22nd at 10:32 am. It was a beautiful day for golf, the temperature for play was in the high 80’s at the end of play with the prevailing westerly wind only coming up on the last three holes. The usual good greens were in poor shape playing much slower than they looked. The three players in the finals were Bob Boyer, Sandie Cook and Neal Stachowicz. Bob had won matches over Mike Cook and Matt Hurst, Sandie had won matches over Alex Tegenkamp and Kevin Peck. Neal had won matches over Steve Blotzer and Nemon Williamson. Bob and Neal were even with their handicaps with both players giving 12 strokes to Sandie for the match.
     On the opening par 5 first hole (red flag) Bob hit his tee shot into the right fairway bunker, Neal down the middle, Sandie left and short. Bob just got out of the bunker then hit his third shot left of the greenside bunker. Neal had a good second shot, Sandie as well. All three players approach shot were short of the green, Bob and Neal on in four, Sandie on in five, all two putted, bogeys for Bob and Neal, a double for Sandie. On the par 4 second hole (white flag) all three players hit very good drives, Sandie layed up short of the hazard, Neal hit his second shot pin high but left of the green, Bob’s shot was very low, hit the face of the hazard and bounded up to the back of the green. Sandie’s third shot went long just off the back of the green. All three players chipped on and two putted for bogeys and a double for Sandie. On the par three 3rd hole (blue flag left) Bob’s tee shot went right and just clearing the right bunker, Neal’s went long and left of the greenside bunker, Sandie cleared the hazard but was short of the green. Sandie chipped on short and 3 putted for a double. Neal’s chip shot went into the bunker, out across the green, then 2 putted for a double, Bob chipped on and 2 putted for a bogey 4. On the par 5 fourth hole (red flag) both Bob and Neal were long left with their tee shots, Sandie right down the middle. Neal hit a good second shot, Bob hit a tree with his second, Sandie hit good second and third shots. Bob’s third shot went way right and into the hazard, after dropping he had more problems leading to him taking a nine on the hole. Neal hit his third shot on the green about 6 feet from the pin. Sandie mishit her 4th shot into the bunker, out short, on in 6 and 2 putted for an 8. Neal putted for his birdie but it mysteriously stopped on the cup edge, he tapped in for a par. On the par 4 fifth hole (white flag) Neal’s tee shot was left center and long, Bob’s tee shot went way left, he then hit a provisional way right into the lake, Sandie hit a good tee shot left center. Bob found his original tee shot, then hit his second shot into the right greenside bunker. Sandie got on in four and 2 putted for a 6. Neal’s second shot went right at the pin and stopped 3 feet from the hole. Bob just got out of the bunker, chipped on and 2 putted for a 6. Neal made his 3 footer for a birdie 3. On the tough par 4 sixth hole (blue flag) Neal’s tee shot went right and into the lake, Bob hit his tee shot way left, Sandie hit a very good tee shot down the middle. Sandie hit her second shot around the lake and then hit her third shot on the green. Neal dropped and hit his third shot short of the right greenside bunker. Bob hit his second shot short of the same bunker. Neal got on in 4 and 2 putted for a 6. Sandie 2 putted from 25 feet for a bogey 5, Bob chipped on and made a 20 foot putt for a par 4. On the par 4 seventh hole (red flag) Bob topped his tee shot short, Neal’s tee shot went into the fairway bunker and was right against the lip of the bunker. Sandie hit a good tee shot and second shot but her third shot went long on the green. Bob’s second shot went into the right greenside bunker, got out and 2 putted for a bogey 5. Neal didn’t get out of the bunker on his first try, then hit his third shot left of the green, chipped on and 2 putted for a 6. Sandie 3 putted for a double bogey 6. On the long par 3 eighth hole (white flag center) Bob hit a good shot but just long, Neal hit his tee shot way left and into the greenside bunker, Sandie hit a very good shot but just off the back of the green. Neal hit his bunker shot thin and up on the mounds back of the green. He then chipped short, chipped again and 2 putted for a 6. Sandie and Bob both chipped on and 2 putted for bogey 4’s. On the par 4 ninth hole (blue flag) Neal hit a very good tee shot right down the middle with 90 yards left to the green. Bob’s tee shot went way left and just stayed in bounds. Sandie hit a good tee shot, second shot and was on the front of the green in 3 shots. Bob hit his second shot into the left greenside bunker, left it in there, then out and 2 putted for a 6. Neal went just long left with his second shot and 2 putted from 20 feet for a par 4. Sandie left her first putt very short, hit her next putt close but in an awkward stance missed her short tap in and took a 7 on the hole. At the end of nine holes of play Neal is leading Sandie by 2 strokes and Bob by 3 strokes.
     
     Starting the back nine with the par 5 tenth hole (red flag) Neal topped his tee shot short left, Bob hit a beautiful 270 yard tee shot that drew around the corner, Sandie hit a good shot right center. Neal hit his second shot just short of the lake, chipped out into the fairway. Bob hit his second shot into the left greenside bunker. Sandie hit her second and third shots just short of the hazard, then across just left of the green. Neal hit his fourth shot left but pin high. Bob had some bunker problems, got out but hit it very long to the very back of the green and 3 putted for a 7. Sandie got on in 5 and 2 putted for a 7. Neal made his putt from the fringe for a par 5. On the par 4 eleventh hole (white flag) Neal’s tee shot went into the left fairway bunker, Bob hit a good 270 yard drive right center, Sandie’s tee shot went right down the middle. Neal hit his bunker shot way left and long, almost OB. Bob hit his second shot long left over the green, Sandie hit her 3rd shot left on the mound. Neal chipped way short twice, then across the green and 2 putts for a 7. Sandie chips on and after missing a lip out 2 putts for a 6. Bob chips on and makes the putt for a good par 4. On the par 3 twelfth hole (blue flag left) Bob’s tee shot goes left of the green, hits the mound, bounces right and ends up 5 feet from the pin. Neal’s tee shot also goes left but ends up in the grass bunker. Sandie’s tee shot is left just short of the green. Neal with an impossible downhill, sidehill shot hits the ball across the green and just off. Sandie chips on and then makes a 6 foot putt for a par 3. Neal chips on and 2 putts for a 5. Bob misses his birdie putt and taps in for a par 3. On the par 4 thirteenth hole (red flag) Bob hits his tee shot way right into the hazard. Neal also goes right but it stays in the fairway. Sandie hits a good drive but it’s left, then hits a very good second shot just right of the trees, her third shot is short of the green. After a drop Bob hits his third shot on the back of the green. Neal hits his second shot left and up on the mounds. Neal’s chip shot is short, his next goes across the green and he 2 putts for a 6. Bob 2 putts for a 5. Sandie’s chip shot is short, her next is also short and 3 putts for an 8. On the short par 4 fourteenth hole (white flag) Bob’s tee shot goes right into the bunkers, Neal goes left center, Sandie also goes left center. Bob comes out of the bunker but right back into another one, on in 4 and 2 putts for a 6. Sandie hits her second shot into the greenside bunker, just out, chips on and 2 putts for a 6. Neal hits his second shot on the green and 2 putts for a par 4. On the par 3 fifteenth hole (blue flag left) Neal hits his tee shot just right of the flag but long into the mound, Bob hits the green in the center, Sandie’s tee shot is short right. Sandie has a long chip which goes right, chips on and 2 putts for a 5. Bob 3 putts for a bogey 4. Neal chips long off the mound but then makes a long putt coming back for a par 3. On the par 5 sixteenth hole (red flag) both Neal and Bob hit tee shots way left. Neal hits a good second shot right center of the fairway, Bob hits his second shot left center, then hits his third on the green above and right of the pin. Sandie hits all good shots coming down the fairway, on the green in 5 and 2 putts for a 7. Neal is pretty close to the green but chili dips two shots short, his 5th shot goes left into the mounds, chips on and makes the putt for a 7. Bob 3 putts from above the hole for a bogey 6. On the par 4 seventeenth hole (white flag) Bob’s tee shot goes right but is in play, Neal and Sandie both hit their tee shots down the middle. Sandie hits her 3rd shot short but chips on very well and makes the putt for a bogey 5. Bob hits his second shot long through the green just off the back right. Neal has a short approach shot to the green but hits it short, chips on but above the hole, his next putt lips out, he taps in for a bogey 5. Bob’s chip shot is short, then putts past the hole but makes the comeback for a bogey 5. As the players go to the par 5 eighteenth finishing hole (blue flag) Neal is up by one stroke on Bob and one stroke on Sandie. Bob tees off first and cuts the dogleg right hole but misses carrying the lake by about 3 feet. Neal hits his tee shot right center but it goes right and just makes it around the red hazard stake and in the fairway. Sandie hits a good tee shot down the center, her second shot left and in the rough, her third shot short of the green . Bob has to drop way back for his 3rd shot which was short of the green, he chipped long and then 2 putted for a 6. Sandie got on in 4 but long right, chipped long trying to hole it out and then 2 putted for a 7. Neal hit his second shot left into the mounds, chipped on and made the putt for a par 4. He won by 3 shots over Bob and 4 shots over Sandie. Neal will have his name engraved for the third time on the “Tom Stead” trophy as the winner of the 38th Pyramid Tournament ($48.00), finishing second was Bob Boyer ($24.00), finishing third was Sandie Cook ($16.00) Low net money went to Sandie Cook ($14.00), Matt Hurst ($10.00), Randy Butler ($8.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Bob Boyer maintained the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Floyd Duggins moved up to # 2, Randy Butler slipped to # 3, Nemon Williamson slipped to # 4 and Neal Stachowicz moved up to the # 5 spot.

2015 – The 39th Pyramid Tournament finals were held at Chardonnay G.C. (new 18 hole configuration) on Wednesday, November 4th at 10:00 am. It was a little cool, temperature in the mid 60’s with an intermittent strong northwest wind blowing. The greens were in poor shape, lots of footprints and ridges but they played faster than they looked. The fairways for the most part were very good. The three players in the finals were Randy Butler, Matt Hurst and Neal Stachowicz. Randy had won matches over Sandie Cook and Alex Tegenkamp, Matt had won matches over Steve Blotzer and Mike Cook. Neal had won matches over Bob Boyer and Nemon Williamson. Randy had to give 2 strokes to Matt and 8 strokes to Neal.     On the opening 347 yard par 4 first hole playing directly into the northwest wind both Neal and Matt hit good drives. Randy’s drive went into the left fairway bunker, from there he hit his next shot into the left greenside bunker, got out short of the green, chipped on and made the putt for a bogey 5. Both Neal and Matt didn’t hit the green, some wayward chips and putting led to 6’s for both players. On the 406 yard par 4 second hole all three players hit very good drives, Matt hit the very front of the green in two but 3 putted for a bogey 5. Neal also made a bogey 5, Matt 2 putted for a par 4. On the 161 yard par three 3rd hole Matt’s tee shot was short right of the green, Randy’s was long right of the green, Neal hit the green and 2 putted for a par 3. Both Randy and Matt chipped on and 2 putted for bogey 4’s. On the 489 yard par 5 fourth hole Neal’s tee shot was in the middle, both Randy and Matt were very long with their tee shots. Randy and Neal layed up with their second shots. Matt went for the green in two but ended up in the right greenside bunker with his ball resting up against a rock. He took an unplayable drop in the bunker, chipped on the green but 3 putted for a double bogey 7. Randy got on in 3 and 2 putted for a good par 5. Neal had some problems getting on the green, putting and also took a 7. On the tricky 138 yard par 3 fifth hole Matt hit the green pin high, Neal also hit the green but above the pin, Randy went long ending up on the hillside behind the green. Randy chipped on and 2 putted for a bogey 4. Matt made a very nice putt ending up with a birdie 2. Neal putting downhill left his birdie just short and tapped in for a par 3. On the 415 yard downhill dogleg right par 4 sixth hole Matt hit his drive right center and long, Randy and Neal’ drives were left. Randy did not get on in 2 but chipped pin high to a very difficult pin placement and made the putt for a good par 4. Matt chipped on and 2 putted for a bogey 5. Neal had some problems on the green and ended up taking a 6 on the hole. Randy picked up 4 strokes on Neal after the first 6 holes of play. On the tough 529 yard par 5 seventh hole Randy hit his tee shot left into the hazard, Neal also hit his tee shot left towards the hazard but it hit a dead tree and bounced back into the edge of the fairway (good karma), Matt hit a good drive. Matt and Neal both layed up short of the hazard, Randy, after taking a drop also layed up. Randy’s fourth shot was mishit and ended up in the hazard. Another drop, he then hit the very front of the very long green (61 feet). Both Matt and Neal missed the green with their third shots, chipped on and 2 putted for 6’s. Randy putted clear across the green (back pin), and 2 more putts for a 9.  On the three tier tricky 151 yard extremely wide par 3 eighth hole the pin was on the very right side of the green. All three players hit essentially the same tee shot, short of the left greenside bunker. Hitting off bare dirt with no way to stop the ball Matt hit a very good shot about 8 feet beyond the pin, both Randy and Neal shots went across the green and into the back fringe. Chipping from the back fringe Neal holed out his shot for a par 3. Randy and Matt both 2 putted for bogey 4’s. On the 483 yard par 5 ninth hole Randy hit his tee shot left, Neal’s tee shot was in the middle, Matt was long but way right. Matt’s second shot went left and ended up in the creek left of the green. Randy and Neal layed up with their second shots but both players had trouble getting on the green and ended up taking 6’s on the hole. After a drop Matt hit a very good shot to the edge of the green but then took 3 strokes to get into the hole. At the end of nine holes of play Neal is leading Matt by 7 strokes and Randy by 8 strokes.     Starting the back nine with the dogleg left 483 yard par 5 tenth hole Neal’s tee shot went right, Randy’s left with Matt in the middle and long. All three players layed up on their second shots, Randy got on in 4 and 2 putted for a bogey 6, Matt got on in 3 but missed his birdie putt and made par. Neal was pin high with his 3rd shot but in the fringe on the right side of the green, he then holed out his putt for a birdie 4. On the 351 yard par 4 eleventh hole Randy’s tee shot was long and in the middle, Neal was also in the middle, Matt was long right but okay. Randy hit his second shot pin high and just right of the pin. Neal’s second shot hit the very front of the green. Matt made a good par 4, the pin was resting on a crown making putting difficult. Randy didn’t have any problems sinking a 6 footer for a birdie 3. Neal on the other hand had problems and ended up 4 putting for a double bogey 6. On the 147 yard par 3 twelfth hole Matt’s tee shot was short right, Randy was on the green and just long, Neal was also on and pin high left of the pin. Matt chipped on and made his putt for a par 3. Both Randy and Neal missed their birdie putts and settled for par 3’s. On the uphill 376 yard par 4 thirteenth hole Randy’s tee shot was left, Neal’s in the middle, Matt hit his tee shot right and into the vineyard hazard. After a drop Matt hits his third shot on the right hillside of the green. He then chips to the back pin and makes the putt for a good bogey 5. Neal gets on in 3 and 2 putts for bogey 5’s. Randy is on the very front of the green in two but 3 putts for a bogey 5. On the 151 yard downhill par 3 fourteenth hole Matt hit his tee shot on the green and short, Randy also hits the green and is just long, Neal’s tee shot goes into the vineyard hazard. Neal hits from the drop area but is still short of the green. He chips on but 2 putts for a triple bogey 6. Randy and Matt both miss their birdie putts and settle for par 3’s. On the difficult 519 yard par 5 fifteenth hole Matt hits his tee shot over the entire vineyard and ends up in a very wet fairway bunker. Neal’s tee shot goes left but in play, Randy’s right center. Matt layed up out of the bunker. Randy and Neal also layed up on their second shots. Neal and Matt both missed the green, chipped on and 2 putted for bogey 6’s. Randy hit the green, missed his birdie but made a par 5. Going to the 16th hole Randy and Matt are down by 3 strokes to Neal. On the 156 yard downhill par 3 sixteenth hole Matt’s tee shot went right and ended up in another wet bunker. Randy’s tee shot is pin high right, Neal’s is also pin high right but in the fringe. Matt gets on the green out of the bunker and 2 putts for a bogey 4. Randy misses his birdie and makes a par 3. Neal putting out of the fringe, holes out the shot for a birdie 2. On the 405 yard par 4 seventeenth hole Randy’s tee shot was down the middle, both Matt and Neal’s tee shots were right of the fairway. Neal layed up left in the fairway, his 3rd shot was short, chipped on above the hole and made a difficult downhill putt for a bogey 5. Matt made a good par on the # 2 handicap hole, Randy made a bogey 5. As the players go to the 450 yard par 5 eighteenth finishing hole Neal is up by four strokes on Both Randy and Matt. Neal’s tee shot goes left but okay. Both Matt and Randy hit good tee shots in the middle by the fairway rock. Neal and Randy both lay up with their second shots, Matt goes for the green in two and ends up right of the green in a flower bed. He gets a free drop and hits the green with his third shot. Both Randy and Neal made par 5’s, Matt also 2 putted for a par 5. Neal wins the match with a net 68, Randy and Matt tie for second with net 72’s. Randy shot a 38 on the back nine, Matt shot a 39.

      Three factors helped determine the match, Matt lipped out 3 putts, Randy took a big number on the par 5 seventh hole and Neal holed out 3 shots from the fringe, making 2 birdies and a par. Neal joins Mike Cook (1991,1992) and Dave Pearce (2005,2006) as back to back winners of the Pyramid. He will have his name engraved for the fourth time (a new record) on the “Tom Stead” trophy as the winner of the 39th Pyramid Tournament ($45.00), finishing tied for second were Randy Butler and Matt Hurst ($20.00), Low net money went to Alex Tegenkamp ($17.00), Kevin Peck ($8.00), Matt Hurst ($7.00). After the Pyramid Tournament Rob Villarreal maintains the # 1 spot in the golf rankings, Rob Yarbrough holds at # 2, Randy Butler moves up from # 6 to # 3, Bob Boyer slips from # 3 to # 4 and Kevin Peck holds at the # 5 spot.

2016 -The 40th Pyramid Finals were held at Rossmoor CC, on the Dollar Ranch Course at 10:30 am on Wednesday November 16th, 2016. Steve Blotzer who had wins over Nemon Williamson and Kevin Peck was in the finals against Neal Stachowicz who had forfeit wins over Don Scribner and Matt Hurst. The weather was very cool, temperature in the low 60’s with a blustery cool wind especially on the elevated holes.  On the short par 4 first hole Steve snap hooked his drive left almost OB but it caught up in the bark area, he chipped out to the fairway, then hit a very nice approach shot to the green, 2 putts for a bogey 5. Neal’s tee shot was down the middle, his short approach shot was on the back of the green, 2 putts for a par 4. On the par 3 second hole Steve’s tee shot was right, he hit a very good  pitch shot on the green for a tap in par. Neal’s tee shot was on the green but in the very back, 3 putts for a bogey 4. Starting up the hill on the dogleg right par 4 third hole Steve’s tee shot went left, next shot short, his next shot went long over the back of the green, a chip and 2 putts for a double bogey 6. Neal’s tee shot was right and missed the fairway bunker by one foot, his next shot was long off the back of the green, a very good long chip shot followed by a one putt for a par 4. On the par 3 fourth hole against a very strong wind Neal hit a good tee shot but it finished just left of the green, a chip and 2 putts for a bogey 4. Steve’s tee shot was straight but short of the green, a really good chip shot combined with a one putt for a par 3. Continuing on into the strong wind on the Par 5 fifth hole both players had problems, Neal’s tee shot went left into the fairway bunker, back to the fairway, some poor approach shots and bunker shot combined with some putting problems led to a double bogey 7. Steve’s tee shot went right towards the OB but okay, his next shot went right and was OB, a drop, his next shot was just short of the green, a chip, a lip out putt led to a double bogey 7 also. On the down hill dogleg right par 4 sixth hole both players were left with their tee shots, Neal’s next shot hit the green but in the back, Steve’s next shot went into the left greenside bunker, didn’t get out, then did and one putt for a bogey 5. Neal 3 putted also for a bogey 5. On the # 1 handicap par 5 seventh hole with a very tight tee shot Steve hit it left but it went under the large tree branch and was okay, his second shot went right and into the lateral hazard, a drop, his next shot was left of the green sitting on a hill, a good pitch shot and 2 putts for a double bogey 7. Neal’s tee shot was right but okay, a mishit second shot but his 3rd shot was on the green about 10 feet from the pin, 2 putts for a par 5. On the par 4 eighth hole, Neal’s tee shot went left towards the OB but finished up about one foot in bounds, he chipped out and hit his third shot long over the green, 3 putts led to a double bogey 6. Steve hit a good tee shot and then hit his shot of the day putting his second shot pin high about 3 feet from the pin, a good putt for a birdie 3. On the uphill par 4 ninth hole Steve hit a very good drive, hit the green in two and 2 putted for a good par 4. Neal’s tee shot went right off the tee and after a very long search was determined to be a lost ball, back to the tee, his tee shot was right again but okay, on in 5 and 2 putted for a triple bogey 7. At the end of the first nine holes of play Steve was up by one stroke. Starting the back nine on the very downhill par 3 tenth hole both players were left with their tee shots, Neal gets on and 2 putts for a bogey 4. Steve chips into the bunker, has some bunker problems, finally gets out and 2 putts for a 7. On the par 5 eleventh hole Neal gets on the green in 4 shots and one putts for a par 5. Steve hits his tee shot OB left, retees and gets on the green in 6 strokes, his double bogey putt lips out and he has to settle for an 8. On the par 4 twelfth hole, Steve hit’s a bad tee shot short and left, chips out and gets on in 3 and makes a long putt for a par 4. Neal hit’s a good tee shot, gets on in 2 but 3 putts for a bogey 5. On the short downhill par 4 thirteenth hole Steve hits his tee shot left and into a ground under repair bunker, a free drop, he gets on in 2 and two putts for a par 4. Neal’s tee shot is almost on the front of the 280 yard hole but “Murphy” has him dump his next shot short into the bunker, he doesn’t get out, then does but 3 putts for a triple bogey 7. As they go to the 14th hole Neal is one stroke up in the match. On the tricky par 3 fourteenth hole with a tunnel tee shot required, Steve’s tee shot hit a tree but doesn’t go into the hazard. Neal hits his tee shot low enough but it’s short of the green, he makes a very good chip shot and one putts for a par 3. Steve hit’s a series of bad chips which leads to him taking a 6 on the hole. On the into the wind par 5 fifteenth hole, Neal hit’s a good drive, Steve’s drive drifts right and goes into the lateral hazard, a drop and on towards the green, he one putts for 7. Neal hits his second shot, his third shot goes left into the greenside bunker, doesn’t get out, then does and one putts for a bogey 6. On the par 3 sixteenth hole again playing into the wind both players are short of the green, both chip on and one putt for par 3’s. On the dogleg right par 4 seventeenth hole both players hit their tee shots left of the fairway bunkers, Steve hits his second shot short, Neal makes the elevated green in two. Steve’s next shot of the day happens when he mishits his third shot, a low line driver that’s probably heading OB when it hit’s the flagstick dead center with the ball dropping straight down 5 feet from the pin. Steve will miss his par putt and settle for a bogey 5, Neal 2 putts for a good par 4. As they go to the 18th hole Neal is up by 6 strokes, On the finishing par 5 eighteenth hole both players hit their tee shots way right. Steve hits his next shot OB and will go on to take an 8 on the hole, Neal makes his way to the green and ends up taking a 6 on the hole. Neal wins the match by 8 strokes and claims his 5th Pyramid Tournament win and 3rd consecutive championship. Steve won his Pyramid Tournament in 2009.  

2017 – The 41st Pyramid Finals were held again at Rossmoor CC, on the Dollar Ranch Course at 10:23 am on Wednesday June 13th, 2017. The three players in the finals were; Steve Blotzer who had a win over Mike Cook, Neal Stachowicz with a win over Dave Pearce and Nemon Williamson with a win over Sandie Cook. Nemon had to give 4 strokes to Steve and 5 strokes to Neal. The weather was very warm, temperature in the low 90’s with only an intermittent breeze. The greens were slow going up and fast coming down, short pin high putts had some severe breaks. On the short par 4 first hole all the players hit good drives. Steve was pin high with his approach shot but right, he 3 putted for a bogey, Nemon hit the green and 2 putted for a par 4, Neal’s second shot was short, a chip and 2 putts for a bogey. On the par 3 second hole Steve’s tee shot was right but pin high, he chipped on the green and 2 putts for a bogey, Nemon was short of the green, chipped on and 2 putts for a bogey, Neal’s tee shot ended up in the right greenside bunker, he did not get out on his first attempt, then out but had 3 putts for a 6. Starting up the hill on the dogleg right par 4 third hole Nemon’s tee shot went left, next shot short,  then some short game problems led to him taking a triple bogey 7, Neal’s tee shot was right but missed the fairway bunker, his next shot was right and in the greenside bunker, Steve’s tee shot hit the right fairway bunker but then hit his shot of the day hitting the right side of the green pin high. Neal’s bunker shot hit Steve in the knee (a sorted attempt to eliminate a competitor) and 3 more shots for a double bogey. Steve recovered enough to 2 putt for a great par. On the par 3 fourth hole both Nemon and Steve hit tee shots right of the green,  Neal was also right but it went OB up on the hillside, he reteed again and ended up taking a 6. Steve’s next shot went across the green, then back on and 2 putts for a 5, Nemon chipped on and 2 putts for a 4. On the Par 5 fifth hole both Steve and Neal went left off the tee, Steve hitting the fairway bunker, Neal just missing it. Nemon’s tee shot went right and ended up OB. His next shot was in the middle. All three players had difficulty on the rest of their shots, Neal with a 7, Steve with an 8 and Nemon with a big number. On the down hill dogleg right par 4 sixth hole Steve hit a beautiful tee shot right the middle, both Neal and Nemon hit the right fairway bunker at the corner of the dogleg. Steve’s second shot was just short of the green, a chip and 2 putts for a 5. Both Neal and Nemon got out of the bunker, Neal scrambled for a 5, Nemon had some short game problems which led to him taking an 8. On the # 1 handicap par 5 seventh hole with a very tight tee shot Neal hit it left but it went under the large tree and was okay, he ended up just short of the green in 3 shots. Nemon hit the center of the fairway and was on the green in 3 shots. Steve’s tee shot went long right but missed the trees, his second shot had a bad angle, he then hit into the right creek side hazard, etc. etc. he ended up taking a 9 on the hole. Neal chipped on the green, 2 putts for a 6, Nemon 2 putted for a par 5. On the par 4 eighth hole, Neal’s tee shot went left towards the OB but finished up in bounds (same as last year), he  tried to go over the trees but ended up hitting one, all of this ended up with him taking a 7 on the hole. Nemon hit the center of the fairway, then just short of the green, on and 2 putts for a 5. Steve also hit the center of the fairway but his next shot went way right of the greenside bunker, a pitch to the green and 2 putts for a 5. On the uphill par 4 ninth hole both Steve and Neal hit a very good drives, both hit the green in two and 2 putted for good par 4‘s. Nemon’s tee shot went right off the tee but okay, his next shot ended up in the front greenside bunker, he got out but 3 more shots for a 6. 


     At the end of the first nine holes of play Steve was up by two strokes over Neal and 8 strokes over Nemon . Starting the back nine on the very downhill par 3 tenth Steve hit his tee shot into the creek side hazard, chipped on and 2 putted for a 5. Nemon’s tee shot was left and just short of the green, on and 2 putts for a 4. Neal’s tee shot hit the right side of the green but a 3 putt led to a 4. On the par 5 eleventh hole both Neal and Steve were right off the tee but okay. Nemon’s tee shot also went right but he hit a large tree which kicked his ball OB, much more trouble ahead led to a big number essentially ending his day. Both Steve and Neal would par the hole with 5’s. On the par 4 twelfth hole, Neal hit’s a very good tee shot down the left center, Steve hit’s his tee shot left but okay, Nemon’s tee shot goes right and hit’s a tree, he punches out and then hit’s a beautiful iron shot very close to the pin and makes the putt for a par. Steve scrambles for a bogey 5. Neal had some trouble which led to him taking a 6. On the short downhill par 4 thirteenth hole Neal’s tee shot goes way right, so far right that he has room to hit over the trees and scramble for a bogey 5.  Steve hits his tee shot left and way out of bounds, this led to him taking an 8 on the hole. Nemon hit another tree off the tee which leads to a 6 on the hole. Neal takes the lead in the match for the first time, one stroke up on Steve going to the 14th hole.  On the goofy par 3 fourteenth hole where a tree in front of the tee does not allow any ball to go high and must be played under it, Steve’s tee shot ends up in the hazard, he hits his next shot long off the back of the green. Neal hits his tee shot low and ends up on the right side of the green, Nemon does the same and is on the left side of the green. Neal 2 putts for a par, Nemon 3 putts for a bogey. Steve has big trouble taking an 6 on the hole to go down 4 strokes to Neal. On the par 5 fifteenth hole, Neal hit’s his drive very short, made up for it with some good shots but bunker and putting problems led him to a double bogey 7. Steve’s drive goes right down the middle, more good shots had him par the hole to go 2 strokes down in the match. Nemon also makes a par on the hole. On the par 3 sixteenth hole Nemon’s tee shot lands about 5 feet from the very back pin placement, he misses his birdie but makes a par 3. Steve’s tee shot goes right but pin high, he makes a par 3 on the hole. Neal’s tee shot goes right and ends up in the bunker, he’s out and 2 putts for a bogey 4. Steve is now one stroke down in the match. On the dogleg right par 4 seventeenth hole with a very elevated green both Neal and Nemon hit their tee shots right down the middle but Neal‘s ends up in the fairway bunker. Steve hits his drive right but playable. All three players scramble for bogey 5’s, Neal remains one up in the match going to the 18th hole. On the finishing par 5 eighteenth hole both Neal and Nemon tee shots go left but they both avoided the large tree and were in play. Steve’s tee shot goes way right behind the par 3 sixteenth hole. Steve cannot go for the green and must play out towards the fairway. Both Neal and Nemon hit good 2nd and 3rd shots and are on the green in 3. Steve has some problems and takes a 7 on the final hole. Both Neal and Nemon 2 putt for pars. Neal wins his 4th consecutive pyramid and 6th overall. Steve finishes runner-up for the second year in a row. Steve won his Pyramid Tournament in 2009, Nemon won his Pyramid Tournaments in 2008 & 2011 and finished 3rd in 1998, 2000, 2005 & 2017.

   
 2018 Pyramid Finals – The 42nd Pyramid Finals were held again for the third year in a row at Rossmoor CC, on the Dollar Ranch Course on Wednesday October 24th, 2018. The two players in the finals were; Steve Blotzer who had  wins over Don Scribner and  Sandie Cook and Neal Stachowicz with wins over Dave Pearce and Eddie Pereira. Neal had to give 2 strokes to Steve for the match. On the short par 4 first hole Steve takes a double bogey 6, Neal pars the hole to even the match after one hole. On the par 3 second hole Neal has a bogey 4, Steve birdies the hole to regain a 2 stroke lead in the match. Starting up the hill on the tough dogleg right par 4 third hole Neal and Steve halve the hole with good pars. Playing the par 3 fourth hole Steve will bogey, Neal makes a par and regains back one stroke. On the par 5 fifth, the par 4 sixth and the par 5 seventh holes the players halve the holes with a par and two bogeys. On the par 4 eighth hole, Neal takes a bogey 5, Steve pars the hole to go two up in the match again. Both Steve and Neal bogey the par 4 ninth hole which played as a temporary 140 yard par three hole. 


     At the end of the first nine holes of play Steve was up by two strokes over Neal. Starting the back nine on the very downhill par 3 tenth Steve pars the hole to Neal’s double bogey 5 and goes up by 4 strokes in the match. On the # 2 handicap par 5 eleventh hole Neal will make a bogey 6 but Steve has some problems and makes a triple bogey 8, Neal gets back 2 strokes. On the par 4 twelfth hole and the short downhill par 4 thirteenth hole Neal double bogeys both holes but regains 2 strokes on Steve as he had two triple bogeys, the match is now even. On the goofy par 3 fourteenth hole where a tree in front of the tee does not allow any ball to go high and must be played under it, Steve will bogey the hole but still pick up one stroke on Neal. On the par 5 fifteenth hole Steve will par the hole to Neal’s bogey 6 and go up 2 strokes in the match. Neal comes back with a par on the par 3 sixteenth hole to Steve’s bogey to cut Steve’s lead to one stroke going to the par 4 seventeenth hole. On the dogleg right par 4 seventeenth hole with a very elevated green Neal takes a double bogey 6 to Steve’s bogey, Steve is now 2 strokes up in the match going to the eighteenth hole. On the finishing par 5 eighteenth hole Steve will par the hole to Neal’s bogey and win the match by 3 strokes. Steve wins his second Pyramid Tournament (2009) and his fourth major tournament, sweet revenge after losing to Neal in the last two pyramid final matches.

2019 Pyramid Finals – Due to scheduling problems the tournament was not completed. In first round play it was Mike Cook over Steve Blotzer, Neal Stachowicz over Nemon Williamson and Sandie Cook over Dave Pearce. The Eddie Pereira – Matt Hurst 1st round match was not played. In second round play it was Neal Stachowicz over Sandie Cook.

2020 – 2023 – The Tournament was not held