There were a lot of great story lines heading into the 2019 Cupp Cup. Would the Lauren Dizzers be able to successfully defend their flag? How would Giff play after declaring, “I’m baaaack,” following a one year hiatus. How would the first ever captain’s match affect the outcome? Would Bobby bring one or two bottles of mudslides for the weekend? Would Lauren’s fresh faced rookies be up for the pressure cooker that is the Cupp Cup? Answers below!
SESSION ONE – The Dizzers were first to strike this year and put up four quick points on the Wessers. Cupp Cup rookie Dan O’Connor teamed up with Bryan Krol to provide the biggest thumping of the morning. They taught Bird and Haberer quite a few lessons in their 8&6 lopsided win. Could the Dizzers continue the momentum into the afternoon slate of matches or would Brittany’s lunch slow them down?
SESSION ONE – Eighteen Hole Best Ball (Dizzers 4, Wessers 2)
Match #1 – M. Hughes & A. Asher vs. M. Lloyd & M. Powonsky. Hughes & Asher, 4&2.
Match #2 – JR Purrington & M. Seifert vs. R. Taylor & R. Regan. Taylor & Regan, 4&3.
Match #3 – T. Peters & A. Agosto vs. J. Solon & J. Gifford. Peters & Agosto, 1 up.
Match #4 – R. Johnson & G. Reilley vs. F. Pacicca & W. Cacciatori. Pacicca & Cacciatori, 3&2.
Match #5 – D. O’Connor & B. Krol vs. D. Bird & J. Haberer. O’Connor & Krol, 8&6.
Match #6 – K. Harvey & K. Caldwell vs. C. Martin & M. Chlebus. Harvey & Caldwell, 1 up.
SESSION TWO – Don’t call it a comeback! The Wessers rallied over the lunch break and came out knocking down pins. Nearly every match went their way as they reclaimed the lead, winning the session, five to one. Bryan Krol learned how it feels on the other side of a blowout as his 8&6 morning victory was nearly reversed on him in alternate shot. Spank and WayneO sent Krol and Peters packing to the tune of 6&5. The one bright spot for the Dizzers in the session was, surprise, surprise, Matt Hughes. He and Kenneth Caldwell grabbed a full point from Giff and WCM.
The Wessers would have a precarious 7-5 lead heading into the singles matches on Sunday. Now, with thirteen more points available due to the captain’s match, no lead would be safe.
SESSION TWO – Eighteen Hole Alternate Shot (Wessers 5, Dizzers 1)
Match #7 – M. Lloyd & J. Haberer vs. JR Purrington & Rich Johnson. Lloyd & Haberer, 3&2.
Match #8 – J. Solon & D. Bird vs. M. Seifert & D. O’Connor. Solon & Bird, 3&2.
Match #9 – R. Regan & M. Chlebus vs. A. Agosto & K. Harvey. Regan & Chlebus, 4&3.
Match #10 – R. Taylor & F. Pacicca vs. A. Asher & G. Reilley. Taylor & Pacicca, 3&2.
Match #11 – J. Gifford & C. Martin vs. M. Hughes & K. Caldwell. Hughes & Caldwell, 3&2.
Match #12 – M. Powonsky & W. Cacciatori vs. T. Peters & B. Krol. Powonsky & Cacciatori, 6&5.
SESSION THREE – Cupp versus Cupp was the first match out. Wes outlasted Lauren and added a point for his team. With the Wessers now up 8-5, the Dizzers had some work to do.
Both teams traded points for matches #14 through #18. The Wessers were inching closer to victory, with the score 10-7 in favor of the Ws. And then, well, everything started happening at once. Matches quickly finished and the event boiled down to two matches: Pacicca versus O’Connor and Bird versus Johnson. Two wily veterans for Wes against two bright eyed rookies for Lauren. Both Wessers had one up leads heading into the eighteenth hole. If either tied the 18th, there would be a playoff. If they both tied or won, the Wessers would be your 2019 champions. Clearly, they wouldn’t both lose #18 and gift the cup to the Dizzers, right? Right??
This is why they play the games! A couple of “out of body” short game experiences for the Wessers and unbelievably they were handing the champagne bottles over to the other team. O’Connor and Johnson did enough and won #18 in both matches. Lauren had snatched the Cup for 2019!
SESSION THREE – Eighteen Hole Singles (Dizzers 8, Wessers 5)
Match #13 – Captain Wes Cupp vs. Captain Lauren Cupp. W. Cupp, 2&1.
Match #14 – W. Cacciatori vs. G. Reilley. Reilley, 3&1.
Match #15 – M. Lloyd vs. M. Seifert. Lloyd, 2 up.
Match #16 – J. Haberer vs. B. Krol. Krol, 4&3.
Match #17 – R. Taylor vs. A. Asher. Taylor, 3&2.
Match #18 – M. Chlebus vs. K. Caldwell. Caldwell, 1 up.
Match #19 – R. Regan vs. A. Agosto. Agosto, 4&3.
Match #20 – F. Pacicca vs. D. O’Connor. Halved.
Match #21 – J. Gifford vs. JR Purrington. Purrington, 2&1.
Match #22 – C. Martin vs. K. Harvey. Martin, 4&3.
Match #23 – J. Solon vs. T. Peters. Peters, 3&2.
Match #24 – D. Bird vs. R. Johnson. Halved.
Match #25 – M. Powonsky vs. M. Hughes. Hughes, 3&1.
Individual Letter Grades
LAUREN DIZZERS
Captain Lauren Cupp (0-1, Friday’s Outfit A+, Golf B+, Captain A) – Lauren saw her first playing action in the Cupp Cup in eight years. Back then, she played for the Wessers. This week, she was trying to beat him in the debut of the captain’s match. Although she got nipped at the wire in the head to head matchup, she got the last laugh as her team finished with a flurry and wrestled the cup out of Wes’s hands.
Ass. Cap. Jake Smith (A) – Jake was back again for the team in pink. His hilarious comments and overall good nature keep a smile on everyone’s face throughout the weekend. But don’t let this friendly face fool you. He’s got game. Jake and partner Dan O’Connor snatched the Member-Member title this summer with a two stroke victory. May Jake be eyeing a 2020 playing debut?
Ass. Cap. John David Fay (A) John David Fay really stepped up this year in my eyes for the Dizzers. He was quite active on the greens, helping out the White Pool players for the most part. Why the white pool players? “The Blue guys wouldn’t listen to me anyway,” explained Dave. It sure looks like his time was well invested as it was two white pool matches that ultimately decided the fate of the cup late Sunday afternoon. Great coaching, Dave!
Ass. Cap. Edible Evans (A+) Did you see the size of that flask?? Or did Eddie shrink? Edible was fun to hang around with for the weekend as he was in his first stint as a captain for the Dizzers. Can we wrestle him back from Birdies, Eagles and Ducks or whatever the hell it is called over there for 2020?
Ass. Cap. Whitney Cook (A) Whether he is on a stick or himself in real life, Whitney is everywhere you look over Cupp Cup weekend. Whit is always good for confusing the shit out of all the captains when we discuss singles matchups on Saturday afternoon. That’s as if we need any help!
Thanks for making the event that much more special, Whit! You are a good egg.
Mike Seifert (0-3, C-) Damn, 0-3. I don’t have the heart to give Mike less than a C-. He’s just too stinking nice. How about a C–? I already saddled him with Arty and Grau in the pool party. Mike just started talking to me again after that stunt. I couldn’t give him a D now.
I would be remiss if I didn’t relay the story of the 16th hole from Mike’s singles match with Mark Lloyd. The match was all square as both sized up their 190 yard tee shots on the par three. Mark was up first. He sprayed it into the woods. Mike then proceeded to do the exact same thing. Both then deposited their provisional balls into the bushes. After about three seconds of searching they did a good for good and headed to #17. This is when Dave Fay thought he might be able to compete if he comes out of retirement in 2020.
Matt Hughes (3-0, A-) Another perfect Cupp Cup. 11-0-1 in four years. The Wessers simply don’t have an answer. Lauren can seemingly partner Hughesy will Helen Keller and can rest comfortably knowing a full point will still be coming their way. That’s saying a lot being that she was both deaf and blind and has been dead for over fifty years.
Aaron Agosto (2-1, B) Aaron “flaked to the lake” this summer but he did come back to tee it up in the Cupp Cup. That I can applaud. I would bust his stones about losing the first hole on Sunday due to tardiness but he dispatched Richy Regan 4&3 regardless. Daaaaammmn! Strong playing, Loverboy.
Aaron Asher (1-2, C) Aaron “Smasher” Asher got the late call for a captain’s pick by Lauren. He was handed a gift in the first match as his captain rewarded his late acceptance with Hughesy for a partner. They took care of biz and won in the morning session. Smasher’s subsequent matches didn’t go so hot, losing 3&2 in both the alternate shot and singles. I like seeing young guys like Aaron out there in the heat of battle in the Cupp Cup. We need some more youth at RCC. I hope Aaron can lead that charge.
JR Purrington (1-2, C+) JR, known for his “feisty competitive nature,” was fairly well behaved for the 2019 Cupp Cup. In fact, I only heard of one 60 yard tomahawk club through on #5 and witnessed a soft toss of a leaf blower. All in all, we will take it! JR’s singles win over Giff on Sunday was absolutely HUGE. Let us not forget that crucial point.
Ken Caldwell (3-0, A) – Ken had a perfect week and that earned him his second MVP honors. This feat has only been accomplished twice in the long, winding history of the Cupp Cup. Ken outlasted Mike Chlebus with a 1 up victory on Sunday, securing what ended up being the difference in the event. Nice playing, Ken.
Dan O’Connor (1-1-1, B+) Boy, has Dan made his presence felt in his first two years as a Rome Country Club member. His handicap continues to drop while his victories continue to mount. He is a very solid player and looks to be a strong component of the Dizzers for years to come.
Rich Johnson (0-2-1, B) – A rather discouraging 0-2 Saturday turned into an unforgettable Sunday for Rich this week. Big Dick, a Cupp Cup rookie, found himself in the feature match on Sunday afternoon with the entire Cupp Cup hanging in the balance. Down three with three to go, Rich had to win the final three to win the Cup for the Dizzers. He did just that. Well done, Rich!
Bryan Krol (2-1, B+) Fun Fact: Krol played the fewest holes in this year’s event. He and O’Connor needed only twelve holes to win their morning match. Oddly, BK and partner got sent home after just thirteen holes in the afternoon. On Sunday, Bryan dispatched Wesser veteran John Haberer 4&3 in singles. Add ’em up and BK played just forty holes out of a possible 54. I doubt that means anything, but at least he had the smallest carbon footprint of the bunch for the weekend.
Garrett Reilley (1-2, B-) Garrett worked his ass off all year trying to qualify for his first Cupp Cup. I loved the enthusiasm! I hope the experience was all that he hoped it would be. It started off a big sluggish for him on Saturday with a double defeat. He did get a chance at redemption and took down Wayne-O in singles. That 3&1 victory had to make the champagne taste that much better.
Tom Peters (2-1, A-) Tom is a God damn machine in this event. Hughesy has been getting all of the press lately, but it is Tom who has the most career points in the Cupp Cup at twenty-two, nearly doubling Hughesy (Hughesy has 11.5). Tom added two more points to his total this year, highlighted by a big boy win in singles over formidable foe Josh Solon.
Kris Harvey (1-2, B-) There is no secret that the Hurricane is the most improved golfer at the club. Over the past couple of years the Big Bob Taylor protege has turned a lot of heads with his game. It doesn’t hurt either that Harvey is a fierce competitor, known for showing up two hours before the ground crew for a noon tee time.
Kris had a so-so week. He split Saturday and then swallowed a reasonably sized helping of humble pie on Sunday with a 4&3 loss to WCM. That happens. He’s fun to have at the club and brings some much need fire to the Dizzers.
WESLEY WESSERS
Captain Wes Cupp (1-0, Golf B+, Captain C+) – Back to back birdies on 15 and 16 in the captain’s match rescued Wes from what could have been an absolute disaster of a Sunday. He has to still be wondering “what if” as his team inexplicably snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on the final few holes. A bit of a snarky pin on #18 that he picked played a major role and just might have cost his team the Cup. Ouch.
Ass. Cap. Bob Pawlak (A) THREE BOTTLES OF MUDSLIDES?? Bobby! You know the way to any blogger’s heart! Even after Edible polished off the first two bottles, we still couldn’t finish such a large helping. In fact, I’m sipping on some right now as I type this!
Thanks for being such a big part of the Cupp Cup, Bobby. I’m confident it wouldn’t be the event it is today without your support.
Ass. Cap. Ron Artigiani (F) Longtime player and first time captain, Ron was a no show all weekend. Maybe he got locked in the bathroom at Legends?
Fred Pacicca (2-0-1, A-) Freddy had the perfect Cupp Cup going. He and partners took care of business on Saturday and Fred quickly had earned two full points going into the singles. After the opening nine on Sunday, Freddy had amassed a five up lead over White Pool titan, Dan O’Connor. Sadly, we all know this story doesn’t have a happy ending. Don’t let it get you down, Fred. You had a nearly perfect weekend. I thought you played great!
Dennis Bird (1-1-1, B-) This was another year with Dennis trying desperately to find his game in time for the Cupp Cup after a summer of infrequent golf swings. Dennis, stop working so hard!! He is a great competitor and carries quite the infectious personality. Birdman a wonderful asset for the Wessers.
Mark Lloyd (2-1, A) – His golf was reasonable to good but he really earned his letter grade this year on Friday night. He could have lost 10&8 all three matches and still earned an “A” after his dancing performance at Legend’s. Videos do exist but I have refrained from posting out of respect for his family, his career, and my pepper shakers. If you must take a look, go to cuppcupgonewild.com.
Charles Martin (1-2, B-) – WCM got off to a shitty start, losing both matches on Saturday. But, to his credit, he gave Hurricane Harvey a good old fashioned spanking on Sunday, 4&3. Team matches are always tough to grade as there are so many variables. Singles matches, on the other hand, are a thing of beauty. You either enjoy all of the glory or suck on defeat alone. WCM’s singles success upgraded him into the B grade category.
John Haberer (1-2, C) Habs and Bird took a brutal ass kicking Saturday morning with a score of 8&6. Gulp. Habs did get back on track, teaming up with Mark Lloyd in the afternoon. They grabbed a full point with a 3&2 victory over Purrington and Johnson. This was a very important match mostly because anyone who has played with Lloyd knows if you lose you might not live to tell about it. That’s some clutch playing, buddy!
Sadly that was the zenith for Habs’ weekend. Sunday brought frustration as Bryan Krol dispatched Habs 4&3. Oh well, that stuff happens. Habs brings a perfect balance of comedy, seriousness, and effort to the Wessers and it is much appreciated.
Jeff Gifford (0-3, C-) – “I’M BAAAAAAACCKKKK!” Giff was certainly back Friday night, entertaining us and knocking me over for the microphone like a politician. Sadly, the fun ended there. A frustrating 0-3 weekend kept the vivacious Giff a bit subdued. I’m not quite sure why I looked this up, but since I did, here it is: Giff’s lifetime Cupp Cup record is a haunting 10-19-1. Things that make you go hmmm…
Mike Chlebus (1-2, B-) A split on Saturday and Mike was off to a respectable start. Unfortunately, Mike lost to Ken on the 18th hole on Sunday in an epic battle. I love Mike. He’s easy going, pleasant, and just plain “gets it.” He’s been a lovely addition to not only the Wessers but to the club in general.
Wayne Cacciatori (2-1, B) Wayne jumped in for the Wessers as a captain’s pick and made me look good! Wayne-O earned two full points, both on Saturday. He and Freddy took care of business 3&2 in the morning and then Spank partnered up and they kicked the shit out of Peters & Krol, 6&5. Sunday, well, felt like one of Wayne’s Old Mill NAs. It was quite sobering. Youngster Garrett Reilley handed Wayne his only loss of the weekend, 3&1.
Robert Taylor (3-0, A) The gentle giant had a weekend that must have felt like a walk in the park. He took all three points and never had to play the final two holes of any match. One has to imagine if not for a few untimely short game gaffes by his teammates on #18, Tayls would have his name on the MVP trophy. Nice weekend, Tayls!
Rich Regan (2-1, B+) Richy got off to a perfect start, winning both team matches by the score of 4&3. He had to be well rested after only playing thirty holes on Saturday. Come Sunday morning, his opponent, Aaron Agosto, decided to beat the shit out of the snooze button. Richy was gifted a one up lead as Agosto didn’t arrive until the second hole. And then things went south. Richy, the 2017 MVP, labored all day and finally succumbed to Agosto, you guessed it, 4&3.
Josh Solon (1-2, B-) There is no shame in losing to Tom Peters, but to do it in two matches in the same Cupp Cup has to be aggravating. Josh and teammate Gifford lost to Peters and Agosto on the final hole Saturday morning and then Josh had to shake hands with Tom on 16 green on Sunday. Josh has had some streaks of great golf this summer, but Cupp Cup weekend didn’t find him firing on all cylinders. That ain’t no deal, Josh. He’s certainly a team leader and he’s due for a 3-0 weekend next year.
Mark Powonsky (1-2, B) Spanky is back!! Another great comeback story, Spanky returned to wear his “W” proudly after a nine year hiatus. To illustrate how long ago that was, gas was 23 cents a gallon, we didn’t land on the moon for another six years, and the computer wasn’t invented yet.
Spank played fairly well from what I could gather. I was really looking forward to his singles match with Hughesy on Sunday. It looked one sided on paper, but if you know Spank, you know he would find a way to scratch and claw his way to the final few holes in that match to make it interesting. He did just that. Spank took Hughesy to the seventeenth green, certainly enough to get everyone’s attention. It is good to him back for the Wessers!