After the wicked storms of Wednesday, our greens superintendent Steve Kovall and his crew did an incredible job delivering some of the best golf course conditions at SFCC, perhaps, ever. This, coupled with absolutely fantastic early autumn weather and fantastic play from our members, resulted in a picture-perfect Club Championship over Labor Day Weekend.
In the men’s division, John Sandlas V defended his title after a spectacular Labor Day final match against 2024 Club Champion Tab Carmon. After the morning round, Sandlas led 1 UP after 18 holes. Carmon came out in the afternoon firing and held a 2 UP lead after the 23rd hole. By the turn, the match was even through 27 holes. Carmon took a 1 UP lead after winning the 33rd & 34th holes followed by Sandlas tying the match with a par on the 17th, the 35th hole of the match. On 18, Sandlas hit the shot of the year with an 8 iron from 191 yards that found the back of the green on the par 5 in two. He then sank a 25 foot putt for eagle to close out Carmon, 1 UP, and capture the 2026 Men’s Club Championship.
In the Women’s Division, Trish Rosata defended her title with a 7&6 victory over Jenn Sessler in the final match.
In the Senior Division, Bob Smith defeated defending champion Jim Sandlas 6&5 to capture his 2nd senior club championship.
In the Super Seniors Division, David Watkins successfully defended his championship defeating Frank Sinicropi, 1 UP on the 18th hole.
In the Dick Laude White Tee Division, it was Bub Hilimire unseating defending champ Doug Paradise 5&3 to take the title.
A special thanks to PGA Professional and SFCC member Eric Lorenzetti for conducting the competitions and officiating the men’s final on Labor Day. Eric’s efforts and attention to detail gives our most historic tournament a next level of authenticity and organization.
All final matches were well attended and the men’s final provided one of the most exciting final nine holes in recent memory.
