"FOUR STARS!" - Golf Digest
2010 CUPP CUP TEAMS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SEPTEMBER 12th!!
The inaugural Cupp Cup took place October 25th and 26th, 2008. The Cup has been created to add a new level of competition and camaraderie to Rome Country Club. By providing a year end team event, the Cupp Cup's goal is to spice up the traditional member events throughout the summer season as a way to qualify for this fall classic. The two teams are captained by Wes and Josh Cupp and are composed of automatic qualifiers as well as captains' picks.
2010 Cupp Cup Qualifying
Qualifying procedures for the 2010 Cupp Cup have been released and there are significant changes. Click here for the official Cupp Cup rules and layout for 2010. In addition, there is a section in the clubhouse dedicated to the event. This is where one will sign up for qualifying, follow the points race throughout the season, and gander at the trophy both teams fight over in late September.
2009 Cupp Cup Review
Weather stole most of the headlines this weekend as rain fell hard on Sunday and threatened the finish of the 2nd annual Cupp Cup. But, the rained slowed just enough for Team Josh to break through and take their first Cupp Cup title, fourteen points to ten. If it wasn't for Kenneth Caldwell's speedy dispatching of Ronald Artigiani in their singles match, perhaps play on the greens would have been impossible as Kenny utilized his degree from Squeegee University and kept conditions just north of playable.
Photo Above: Team Josh is happy, drunk, and $100 per man (sorry, per person) richer. By the way, you can use this photo to adjust your computer monitor's color settings. Eric's jacket is supposed to look hot pink. After all, it is his favorite color.
Day One
Day One began quietly as the morning matches went without any major upset. Friday night blowhard, Jeff Gifford, saw his best chance at securing anything resembling a point disappear as his golf ball leaped into the bushes through the fairway on #18 as Gifford/Pollex lost a pivotal foursome match to "Slasher" Smith/Potter. Eventual unblemished Team Joshers, Calicchia/Caldwell began their Cupp Cup domination by handling French/Artigiani 3&2 in the morning best ball. A bright spot for Team Wes was an absolute ass handing issued by Powonsky (Spank)/Fitsik in "Match Three" with the score of 5&4.
The afternoon matches looked like a jump ball on paper and it played out that way as the six points were split in half, 3-3. The alternate shot format provided some exciting and frightening golf. Dempsey/French, for example, took a win on the par three second hole scoring a triple bogey six. Another highlight from the afternoon was the heart stopping finish of the Pollex/Powonsky v. Peters/Smith match. Mike Smith's career perfect record in the Cupp Cup was in severe jeopardy as the match made it to the last hole (#9). However, with a gallery of twenty watching, Mike made a frictionless left to right downhill slider from thirty feet to emphatically end the match. The shocked duo of John Pollex and Mark Powonsky just starred in disbelief as the putt slammed into the back of the hole (Pete Fitsik was seen fumbling for his ball scoop just in case the hole did not get in the way of the firmly struck putt). Mike Smith had done it again.
Day Two
As the morning of Day Two arrived both the captains and the players knew they were in for a wet day. Heavy rains had fallen overnight and the singles matches began play in a light rain that eventually turned into a downpour. After a few hours of play, the action was suspended due to unplayable conditions. The course could simply not take any additional water. After two hours of hamburgers and booze, play resumed under only slightly better conditions. Captains Wes and Josh desperately wanted this Cupp Cup to play out and were fighting rain and darkness in order to do so.
The deciding match of the day turned out to be Dave Fay versus Eamon Dempsey. Fay, who was all square with the 2009 Club Champion through thirteen when play was halted, knew he was in a pivotal match. His point or lack thereof had a great chance of deciding which team won the Cup. A quick bogey on fourteen when play resumed put him one down with four holes left. However, Dave would not let the demons of last year's Cupp Cup playoff reappear as he stepped up his game and won the next three holes, including a spectacular five wood that set up a birdie on the par three sixteenth. Fay's comeback win gave Team Josh a crucial point and all of the momentum. They would never look back.
Sunday Evening Thoughts
As the squeegee and the champagne were finally laid to rest on Sunday evening, both captains took a moment to reflect on the 2009 matches to see what went right and what certainly did not. The statistics screamed that the 2009 Cupp Cup was decided in Pool B. Team Josh's Pool B division was a perfect 3-0 in the best ball and a solid 4-2 in their singles matches. This five point difference was too much to overcome for Team Wes's Pool A. This is something Captain Wes says he will address for the 2010 matches. "Pool B was terrible for us all weekend," stated the disheartened captain. "Half of their Pool B went undefeated. What in the hell were we doing? Make no mistake, this is the area we need to improve for the 2010 matches and we will do just that."
Now, some lowlights. Paul Katchmar and Jeff Gifford are both in the Cupp Cup record books for being the first two to ever be shut out during a Cupp Cup event. Both put up goose eggs over the weekend. Ouch.
Also setting a new Cupp Cup record was Ken Caldwell as he thumped Ron Artigiani 8 & 7 in his singles match on Sunday. Ken beat up on Ron so quickly that Ronnie got a rain check for a nine hole cart! After all, they were shaking hands on #11 green. Something tells me this record for the shortest match in Cupp Cup history will stand for a very long time.
Lauren Steates, the victim of a rare Eric Maya beat down, was seen looking for the 100 yard marker on #16 during her singles match. Rumor has it she stormed down to the maintenance shop demanding an answer from the superintendent as to why this par three does not have one.
Left Photo Above: Team Wes member Jerry Closinski was seen with a glove in his pocket during the Friday Night Social. That's embarrassing! On a side note, let's hope those mysterious hands pointing in the photo are targeting the glove. Is that a sweet Seiko?
Right Photo Above: It is bad luck to leave any champagne in the cup, so Team Josh member Dave Fay does his part to ward off the demons whilst Ed Evans talks about the bar fight he won after the final round of the 1985 Vermont Open. Put that photo in "The O," Dave!
Left Photo Above: Team Josh member Gene Gehman makes his case that it just might be easier to win the Cupp Cup than drink from it.
Right Photo Above: Paul Katchmar doesn't let his 0-3 record get him down as he takes a healthy rip from the Cup. In background Ken Caldwell could be heard saying, "Stop! It's MY turn. Don't hog it all!"
TEAM JOSH (table and chairs not included) - Back row: Dave Fay, Jeff Potter, Mike Smith, Tom Peters, Ken Caldwell, Eric Maya, Paul Katchmar
Front row: Gene Gehman, Maite Cupp, Captain Josh Cupp, John Domagal, Ed Evans
Invisible: Nick Calicchia
TEAM WES - Back row: John Pollex, Mark Lloyd, Ron Artigiani, Dave French (with the chest hair bow tie), Mark Powonsky (Spank), Pete Fitsik
Front row: Lauren Steates, Jerry Closinski, Captain Wes Cupp, Eamon Dempsey, Jeff Gifford
Invisible: Nick Facciolo, Jim Sutton, Assistant Captain Bob Pawlak
2009 Session One - Eighteen Hole Best Ball Matches
WES 2.5 points, JOSH 3.5 points
Match #1 - Closinski & Steates vs. Peters & Katchmar. Closinski & Steates, 2 & 1.
Match #2 - Dempsey & Lloyd vs. Cupp & Fay. Halved.
Match #3 - Powonsky & Fitsik vs. Evans & Maya. Powonsky & Fitsik, 5 & 4.
Match #4 - Pollex & Gifford vs. Smith & Potter. Smith & Potter, 1 up.
Match #5 - French & Artigiani vs. Calicchia & Caldwell. Calicchia & Caldwell, 3 & 2.
Match #6 - Nick Facciolo & Jim Sutton vs. Domagal & Gehman. Domagal & Gehman, 3 & 2.
2009 Session Two - Nine Hole Alternate Shot Matches
WES 3 points, JOSH 3 points
Match #7 - Steates & Gifford vs. Cupp & Calicchia. Cupp & Calicchia, 2 & 1.
Match #8 - Dempsey & French vs. Evans & Caldwell. Evans & Caldwell, 2 & 1.
Match #9 - Lloyd & Facciolo vs. Fay & Potter. Lloyd & Facciolo, 2 up.
Match #10 - Fitsik & Artigiani vs. Maya & Domagal. Fitsik & Artigiani, 2 & 1.
Match #11 - Powonsky & Pollex vs. Peters & Smith. Peters & Smith, 2 up.
Match #12 - Closinski & Sutton vs. Katchmar & Gehman. Closinski & Sutton, 1 up.
2009 Session Three - Eighteen Hole Singles Matches
WES 4.5 points, JOSH 7.5 points
Match #13 - Closinski v. Cupp. Closinski, 1 up.
Match #14 - French v. Potter. French, 2 &1.
Match #15 - Dempsey v. Fay. Fay, 2 & 1.
Match #16 - Facciolo v. Domagal. Domagal, 5 & 4.
Match #17 - Powonsky v. Katchmar. Powonsky, 1 up.
Match #18 - Artigiani v. Caldwell. Caldwell, 8 & 7.
Match #19 - Lloyd v. Peters. Peters, 4 & 2.
Match #20 - Gifford v. Calicchia. Calicchia, 3 & 2.
Match #21 - Fitsik v. Evans. Halved.
Match #22 - Smith v. Sutton. Smith, 2 & 1.
Match #23 - Steates v. Maya. Maya, 4 & 3.
Match #24 - Pollex v. Gehman. Pollex, 2 & 1.
TEAM JOSH WINS THE 2009 CUPP CUP, 14 points to 10.
2009 Cupp Cup Individual Statistics
TEAM WES - 10 points
Jerry Closinski - 3-0-0, 3 points
Pete Fitsik - 2-0-1, 2.5 points
Mark Powonsky - 2-1-0, 2 points
Mark Lloyd - 1-1-1, 1.5 points
John Pollex - 1-2-0, 1 point
Dave French - 1-2-0, 1 point
Ron Artigiani - 1-2-0, 1 point
Lauren Steates - 1-2-0, 1 point
Nick Facciolo - 1-2-0, 1 point
Jim Sutton - 1-2-0, 1 point
Eamon Dempsey - 0-2-1, 0.5 point
Jeff Gifford - 0-3-0, 0 points
TEAM JOSH - 14 points
Mike Smith - 3-0-0, 3 points
Nick Calicchia - 3-0-0, 3 points
Ken Caldwell - 3-0-0, 3 points
Tom Peters - 2-1-0, 2 points
John Domagal - 2-1-0, 2 points
Ed Evans - 1-1-1, 1.5 points
Maite Cupp - 1-1-1, 1.5 points
Dave Fay - 1-1-1, 1.5 points
Eric Maya - 1-2-0, 1 point
Jeff Potter - 1-2-0, 1 point
Gene Gehman - 1-2-0, 1 point
Paul Katchmar - 0-3-0, 0 points
All Time Cupp Cup Perfect Individual Performances
BLUE - Team Josh RED - Team Wes
Mike Smith (2008 - loss)
Mike Smith (2009 - win)
Ken Caldwell (2009 - win)
Nick Calicchia (2009 - win)
Jerry Closinski (2009 - loss)
All Time Cupp Cup Individual Point Shutouts
BLUE - Team Josh RED - Team Wes
Jeff Gifford (2009 - loss)
Paul Katchmar (2009 - win)
2009 Cupp Cup Individual Letter Grades
TEAM JOSH
Captain Josh B+
Perhaps Josh's best move of the event was encouraging Ted Cupp to rest the pinched nerve in his neck suffered while dancing in the streets of Valladolid, Spain while celebrating the improbable marriage of his middle son to an attractive, intelligent, and talented Spanish woman only weeks before the event. After convincing Ted to take a pass on the '09 Cupp Cup, Josh quickly phoned Nick Calicchia...a move that eventually translated into three full points. In another stroke of pseudo-genius, Josh recruited Judy Smith and Patti Gehman to cook a stellar breakfast on Saturday AM, which got Team Josh off to a running start. Note: Ms. Steates was photographed being denied a hot breakfast by Smith/Gehman, then photographed again leaving the kitchen with a pop-tart, half an Eggo waffle, and a black eye.
Tom Peters B+
Tom's rock solid play from '08 spilled over into this year's event as his 2-1-0 record went a long was in securing Team Josh's first ever win. His only blemish came in Saturday's opening best ball round when paired with an unwitting Paul Katchmar. Tom's '09 Cupp Cup highlight was, undoubtedly, dismissing friend Mark Lloyd 4 & 2 in Sunday in a match that was even closer than the score might indicate.
Ed Evans B-
An '09 captain's pick, Ed performed admirably. Playing poorly going into the event, Ed took his lumps in a 5 &4 drumming in the opening match paired with Eric Maya. After teaming nicely with the unbeatable Kenny Caldwell in alternate shot, Ed earned his stripes by halving his match with the seasoned veteran, Pete Fitsik (see also Kenny Roger's "The Gambler").
Maite Cupp B
Maite, another captain's pick, finished with a very pedestrian looking 1-1-1 record. The record might be a tad misleading as she took on the likes of Steates, 2009 RCC Club Champ Eamon Dempsey, Mark Lloyd and the 2008 All-Everything, Jerry Closinski, who put up an eerily quiet 3-0 effort. The always ultra competitive Maite was seen kicking 33rd alternate Morgan Bishop's beloved dog, Kieta, after her singles defeat on Sunday. Josh, an uber-competitive soul himself, upon witnessing the inappropriate abuse of the hapless canine, merely critiqued her technique.
John Dave Fay B+
The tragic figure from the '08 Cupp Cup fought back with a vengeance in '09, putting together another 1-1-1 record. After halving his morning match on Saturday with Maite, Fay was handed a loss in alternate shot with Jeff Potter. While waiting out the lengthy rain delay on Sunday, Dave's new wooden hip and metal plate in his head both began acting up on him. Instead of complaining Dave simply reversed the fortunes of his match with Eamon Dempsey and secured a very important point that perhaps proved a crushing blow to Team Wes and thwarted any chance of a late Sunday afternoon comeback.
Paul Katchmar D+
Another newcomer to the Cupp Cup mix, Paul seemed quite often a deer in headlights. Unable to get much going for the first two and a half matches, Paul did give the formidable Spank all he could handle in the singles match. Spank took a commanding lead into the rain delay, up five with six to play. Watching Spank consume eleven Budweiser drafts in an hour and forty-seven minutes, Paul plotted behind his club soda and nearly executed the biggest comeback in modern golf history, falling on #18 to an amazing bunker shot by a propped up Spanky (propping up courtesy of Artigiani Propping Unlimited).
Eric Maya C+
Eric, forever known as
#188, had a sleepy '09 Cupp Cup until his dismantling of Ms. Steates in the
singles. It is rumored that Lauren had to show Maya where the blue tee
boxes were on several holes, as he normally plays the reds in the Coalyard's
League and the occasional noon balloon. A relative disappointment through
the Saturday matches, Maya's point in the singles match was a welcome surprise
to Captain Josh, who stated the win was about as likely as "Eric not wearing a
hot pink wind jacket in the team celebration photo."
Ken Caldwell A++
Kenneth was a horse all week. Showing up promptly for all practice sessions, Kenny was ready to get everything he could out of his rookie Cupp Cup experience. A sexy 3-0 record coupled with sporting amazing fashion glasses at the Friday night social had Team Josh members wondering what else Kenny could do for his team. Then the rains came. Mr. Caldwell quickly volunteered to help squeegee greens for the singles matches (Caldwell's availability to squeegee courtesy of ARTIchoked.com).
Mike Smith A+
The undefeated one, Mike, is everything a captain could hope for. He hits fairways, peppers flags, and holes putts. The intimidation factor might be creeping in for his opponents as Sutton was overheard asking for an I.V. bag full of morphine before his singles match Sunday morning. Kids, if you want to grow up to be the model Cupp Cup golfer, study the mental make-up and sturdy golf game of one Mr. Michael Smith.
Nick Calicchia A
Nick, a relative last moment replacement for an injured Ted Cupp, played with a confident swagger that was later identified to be simply a product of a squatting injury suffered at the 1989 World Weightlifting Championships in Prague. Facing the likes of Artigiani and Gifford twice, critics could say Nick's record 3-0 record was slightly inflated, but Captain Josh enjoyed marking Nick's name in brown marker on the board all weekend long.
John Domagal B+
Mr. Domagal was a welcomed addition to Team Josh. A more than adequate 2-1-0 tally helped push his squad toward fame and fortune. Nick Facciolo was happy to see the Cupp Cup finish as John not only took a point from him in the four ball, but Nick was lambasted 5 & 4 at JD's hands in singles. John's blood red tie Friday night may well have struck fear in the hearts of Team Wes before the competition began (see team photo).
Gene Gehman C+
Gene's original grade was a C-, but upon writing this review I remembered how good Patti's homefries were Saturday morning. Vivalldi's Four Seasons' tranquil melodies couldn't get Geno going as his record sank to 1-2-0. Perhaps Gene's thoughts were elsewhere with hunting season rapidly approaching. There are several conspiracy theories that Geno hit several tee shots in the woods simply to study deer prints.
Jeff Potter C-
A measly 1-2-0 record
didn't prohibit Mr. Potter from drinking the lion's share of bubbly at the
awards ceremony. Said Mike Smith of his partner, Jeff, in their first
round best ball match, "Jeff was great, he drove the cart well and only stepped
in my line twice...it was a solid performance." Like Paul Katchmar, Jeff
will know better in years to come exactly the kind of intestinal fortitude it
takes to be successful in the pressure cooker that is the Cupp Cup.
TEAM WES
Captain Wes C
This was a tough weekend for Wes. While Josh's captain's picks performed better than average (11-8-1), Wes's picks for the event put up a stinky 6-10-2 record - and that includes Fitsik's 2-0-1. In addition, his inability to talk Gifford into faking an injury over the weekend just might have been the clincher for the loss.
Assistant Captain Bob Pawlak A
How could Bobby not get an "A?" He was out during the pouring rain on Sunday and he brought mudslides! Forget about Jerry Closinski and his three points, Bobby was this week's Team MVP. Bobby, if you really want an "A+" next year, bring two bottles!
Jerry Closinski A-
Jerry was the first ever to post a perfect record for the week for Team Wes in Cupp Cup history. So why the "A-" and not the "A?" This had to be done because Jerry loved misusing the phrase "tall cotton" all week. Being in tall cotton is a good thing... it means you are wealthy and life is easy pickings you fool!
Mark Lloyd B-
Mark fought valiantly all weekend, grabbing a point and a half for his team. His Sunday singles loss to buddy Tom Peters, however, has got to leave him frustrated and wanting revenge in 2010. Watch out, Tom, the Mark Lloyd train is coming and he ain't afraid to run anyone over!
Pete Fitsik A
Pete came ready to play both days for Team Wes. His back and forth battle with Ed Evans on Sunday could have been legendary if the Cupp Cup had not been clinched as they walked to the eighteenth tee. This anti-climatic ending to such a great match was a bit unfair, but let it be known that Pete was fighting to the very end for his team. As a side note, Pete was again the only player in the Cupp Cup to carry a ball scoop in his bag. He is eyeing a three-peat in 2010.
Eamon Dempsey D
After a solid rookie performance in '08, Eamon struggled this weekend and never quite got it going as he only secured a half point in three matches. Everyone, including his captain, was expecting greatness from Eamon as all felt his recent club championship triumph would be the catalyst to confident and great golf in the Cupp Cup. Sadly, the wheels came off a bit after the rain delay on Sunday, and his matched slipped away for a frustrating end to the weekend.
Lauren Steates C+
Lauren's 2009 record of 1-2-0 is a bit misleading. First, she was partnered with Jeff Gifford during the alternate shot. Tiger couldn't even had saved that point. Then, on Sunday, she ran into the unlikely buzz saw of Eric Maya who put up a brilliant performance that I am sure we will all hear about, shot by shot, for months to come (make sure not to stand next to him at the bar during the holiday party in December). On the positive side, Lauren's best ball win with Jerry Closinski has given Captain Wes confidence to pair them together again in the 2010 Cupp Cup.
Mark Powonsky B
Spanky took two points for the team in his rookie effort. Known around the globe as a grinder and a mudder, Wes felt great about Spanky's chances for success when he saw the weather forecast earlier in the week. Spank tried his best to piss away his point with Katchmar in the singles, but an amazing and underappreciated bunker shot on eighteen saved his full point (and one full letter grade).
John Pollex C+
Like Lauren, being paired with Gifford in the best ball was a bit of a handicap. This being said, JP never played up to his potential all weekend, as even his win over Gene Gehman in the singles wasn't exactly because of great golf on JP's part. Maybe it was too many samples of Fonda's Sweeties candies? On a positive note, JP was seen sharing a headphone bud with Gene during their match. It was a great symbol of sportsmanship for the Cupp Cup.
Ron Artigiani D- (golf) / A+ (chili)
Ronnie had a tough sophomore season in the Cupp Cup. His well publicized thumping in the singles was a tough ending on Sunday. We still love Ronnie even though he got pummeled. So, here's a bright spot for Ronnie's weekend... his chili for the Friday night social was very well received by both teams.
Dave French C-
Not much was expected of Frenchy this weekend as no one had seen him in a month leading up to the event. Buried underneath sheet rock and 2x4s all month, DeMatteo's actually had a betting line on whether Frenchy would whiff on the first tee on Saturday morning. Well, he did make contact, but it was a foul tip. Frenchy did play better on Sunday as he took down Jeff Potter, 2&1. Both he and Jerry, paired together in the first group, took both matches to briefly give Team Wes a one point advantage on Sunday. Unfortunately, their teammates swallowed the bit and Team Josh cruised to victory.
Jeff Gifford F
Sorry, Jeff, but all that talk leading up to the event and the three loses during the week is a great recipe for the big "F." Maybe Jeff's large helping of humble pie will inspire him to produce more and talk less next time around. It is always a bad sign when your air drums for "In the Air Tonight" during Friday night's social event is your weekend highlight.
Jim Sutton C+
Jim was a bit of a wildcard pick for Captain Wes. Wes knew Jimmy had some game, but did not know how enthused he would be to play in this pressure cooker. Jim's first show of brilliance was his point-clinching putt on #9 green in Saturday afternoon's best ball. A scary looking forty footer down the hill required an amazing touch and Jimmy produced, nestling the ball to within inches of the cup. Then, on Sunday, Sutton was in tough as he drew Mike Smith in the singles. Smith was such a heavy favorite that DeMatteo's never opened up betting on this match. However, Sutton grinded it out through the rain and took Mike Smith all the way to #17 green. Jimmy didn't grab a point, but he sure made a good impression with his captain.
Nick Facciolo C-
One of the six Team Wes players with a 1-2-0 record, Nick had a tough time getting past John Domagal this week. Johnny D. beat him on Saturday morning in the best ball and also on Sunday in the singles. Speaking of this singles match, the car wreck on fourteen that ended it has to leave a bad taste in Nick's mouth. Down four with five holes to play, Nick was just off of the green on the fourteenth while his opponent, Johnny D, had stuck it six feet from the pin when play was suspended. After the two hour rain delay, Nick returned only to have a slash attack around fourteen green, conceding the hole, and the match, before Johnny D ever had to hit another shot. So, for all you Cupp Cup trivia buffs out there, add John Domagal to the Ken Caldwell and Ron Artigiani list of players who were done playing before the rain delay.
2008 Cupp Cup Review
The 2008 Cupp Cup was one for the ages. As if it were scripted, the entire weekend came down to the final hole of the last two singles matches. Team Josh needed two full points out of the final two matches to force sudden death. However, his players, Don Cieslewitz and Mike Smith, were both even going into the final hole. BOTH players needed to win the last hole - and they did just that. Finishing on the number one handicap hole, #6, both Don and Mike made clutch par saving putts as their opponents made bogey - forcing bonus golf.
It wasn't without controversy, however.
Mike Smith's opponent, Lauren Steates, hit a nearly perfect seven iron into the final green, only to see it spin back fifteen feet off of the front edge of the green. Needing to make par to halve the match and therefore win the Cupp Cup for Team Wes, Lauren watched her ball continue to trickle towards the hazard guarding the front of the green, only to stop on TOP of the cement wall that divides the green from the hazard. "Wallgate" was born. As the ball was suspended on top of the wall, all sixteen players anxiously awaited the ruling from the captains. Both captains agreed that the leading edge of the wall was the defining line of the hazard and that Lauren's ball was therefore inside the hazard, granting her no relief from the wall. Much to Lauren's credit, she admirably putted the ball off of the wall without grievance, attempting what would have been the best and most dramatic up and down in the eighty year history of the club. Her shot off of the wall got her to eight feet. However, the golf gods seemed set on sending this one to a playoff as her valiant effort for the par save just missed.
The playoff was a sudden death format with each captain picking three players to represent his team. One player would be responsible for the drive, one player would then play the ball until it reached the putting surface, and the final player would be the putter. Captain Wes chose Mark Lloyd to hit the tee shots, Jerry Closinski for the middle leg, and Pete Fitsik to take care of the ball on the green. Josh chose Dave Fay for the tee ball, Tom Peters for the middle, and Ted Cupp for putting. The teams would play holes #1 and #9 until a winning team emerged.
As usual, the playoff came down to pressure putting. Ted needed to make a fifteen foot bender for bogey to force Pete Fitsik and Team Wes to make a tricky little three footer for the victory. Again, the golf gods were into the dramatic this day as Teddy rolled in his fifteen footer, sending the crowd into a frenzy! However, Pete Fitsik, long regarded as the best pressure putter at the club, calmly knocked in his three footer. Team Wes had finally captured the Cupp Cup!
Team Wes celebrates! Champagne, the Cup, and lots of smiles...
TEAM JOSH (left photo) - Back row: Tom Peters, Eric Maya, Ted Cupp, Captain Josh Cupp. Front row: Dave Fay, Mike Smith, Jim Sgroi. Invisible: Don Cieslewitz and Ross Maracchion.
TEAM WES (right photo) - Back row: Jerry Closinski, Mark Lloyd, Pete Fitsik, John Pollex, Lauren Steates, Ron Artigiani. Front row: Dave French, Captain Wes Cupp, Eamon Dempsey. Invisible: Assistant Captain Bob Pawlak, Assistant Captain and 32nd Alternate Morgan Bishop.
Session One - Best Ball Matches
WES 1 point, JOSH 3 points
Match #1 - Closinski & Fitsik vs. Peters & Maracchion. Halved.
Match #2 - Dempsey & Lloyd vs. Fay & Maya. Fay & Maya, 2 &1.
Match #3 - Steates & Pollex vs. Cupp & Sgroi. Halved.
Match #4 - French & Artigiani vs. Smith & Cieslewitz. Smith & Cieslewitz, 1 up.
Session Two - Alternate Shot Matches
WES 3 points, JOSH 1 point
Match #5 - Fitsik & Pollex vs. Maracchion & Cupp. Fitsik & Pollex, 1 up.
Match #6 - Closinski & Steates vs. Peters & Smith. Peters & Smith, 2 & 1.
Match #7 - Dempsey & French vs. Fay & Sgroi. Dempsey & French, 4 & 3.
Match #8 - Lloyd & Artigiani vs. Maya & Cieslewitz. Lloyd & Artigiani, 1 up.
Session Three - Singles Matches
WES 4 points, JOSH 4 points
Match #9 - Dempsey v. Maya. Dempsey, 5 & 4.
Match #10 - Fitsik v. Peters. Peters, 2 &1.
Match #11 - Closinski v. Fay. Closinski, 3 & 2.
Match #12 - Lloyd v. Maracchion. Lloyd, 2 & 1.
Match #13 - French v. Sgroi. Halved.
Match #14 - Pollex v. Cupp. Halved.
Match #15 - Steates v. Smith. Smith, 1 up.
Match #16 - Artigiani v. Cieslewitz. Cieslewitz, 1 up.
Session Four - Sudden Death Playoff
Team Wes wins the Cup with a par on hole #1.
TEAM WES WINS THE 2008 CUPP CUP.
2008 Cupp Cup Individual Statistics
TEAM WES
Eamon Dempsey - 2-1-0, 2 points
Mark Lloyd - 2-1-0, 2 points
John Pollex - 1-0-2, 2 points
Jerry Closinski - 1-1-1, 1.5 points
Pete Fitsik - 1-1-1, 1.5 points
Dave French - 1-1-1, 1.5 points
Ron Artigiani - 1-2-0, 1 point
Lauren Steates - 0-2-1, 0.5 point
TEAM JOSH
Mike Smith - 3-0-0, 3 points
Tom Peters - 2-0-1, 2.5 points
Don Cieslewitz - 2-1-0, 2 points
Dave Fay - 1-2-0, 1 point
Eric Maya - 1-2-0, 1 point
Ted Cupp - 0-1-2, 1 point
Jim Sgroi - 0-1-2, 1 point
Ross Maracchion - 0-2-1, 0.5 point
2008 Cupp Cup Individual Letter Grades
TEAM JOSH
Captain Josh
F
It is obvious
though a reasonable motivator and course management specialist, that Captain
Josh lost this one in the draft with brother Wes. Members of Team Josh, that
chose to remain anonymous, inquired with RCC officials about the likelihood of
potentially petitioning for Kitty Cupp’s services to lead their team next fall.
If Captain Josh were a movie, he’s score two thumbs down.
Tom Peters
A
Tom’s only slight
blemish was a halve in his first match in the best ball. However, in said
match, he did drain a sharply breaking 12 footer on the final hole for the tie.
Tom’s presence on the golf course rooting his teammates on after his 2 and 1
dispatching of Pete Fitsik was greatly appreciated during singles matches.
Mr. Peters has a lot of tremendous golf ahead of him. Let it be known that
Mr. Peters will be an irrefutable force to be reckoned with in 2009.
John David Fay
C-
Dave started out
strong with a win paired with #188 in the best ball. A whitewashing in the
alternate shot left a bad taste in Dave’s mouth and he never quite got his mojo
back as he fell to Jclo in the singles. Like a place kicker that misses an
important field goal in the 3rd quarter, it was imperative that Dave
regroup as his services would be required again. After a fateful
reshuffling with Tom Peters that landed Mr. Fay driving duties for the sudden
death playoff, a well struck drive finished in Davey Jones’ locker on the left
side of #1 fairway. Dave’s disappointment was clearly evident but let it
be known that Team Josh would not have wanted anyone else standing on #1 tee
primed for battle in that playoff. I’m certain Dave has next year’s Cup
Cupp marked on his calendar - ready to extract sweet revenge.
Eric Maya (#188)
C
Perhaps slightly
in over his head, #188 fought gallantly all weekend. One of the better
performers during Friday night’s social gathering, Eric’s talent spilled over to
the best ball match where he accumulated his only point for his team. A
tough loss in alternate shot coupled with the lack of consumption of alcohol
proved too much to overcome in his Maya’s 5 and 4 dismantling at the hands of
young Eamon Dempsey. Maya is said to have checked the RCC website 163
times in recent days to see if a 3rd pool of 8-12 handicappers has
been created for next year. Eric was quoted on Friday night as saying,
“Who the hell can I beat in Pool A?”
Ross Maracchion
C-
Ross’ Cupp Cup
career got off to an auspicious start as a prior engagement prohibited him from
bonding with fellow teammates at Friday night‘s social. A halve in
Saturday’s best ball would prove to be the zenith of Ross’ weekend. A
nagging chronic back injury and a reported case of Montezuma’s Revenge, a
souvenir from his recent trip to Mexico, hampered his efforts on Sunday.
Mike Smith
A
The man with a
common name played with an uncommon combination of grit and determination all
weekend long. The only human on either team to garner a perfect three
points, Mike saw the final hole in nearly every match earning him the nickname
“The Closer.” Mike’s tremendous play together with his presence off the
course made him a bona fide Team Josh MVP candidate.
Ted Cupp
B
The “putt heard
‘round the #1 green complex” netted Mr. Ballgame an entire one letter jump in
his final grade. All calls to his agent remain unreturned when asked about
the rumor that his playoff putt ricocheted off an extremely large ball mark and
into the hole. Teddy did little to disprove the theory that he hails from
West Virginia as he “kissed his sister” twice over the weekend to acquire his
only point for Team Josh via two ties. Ted’s presence was enjoyed by both
teams alike as some had heard reports that he had drowned in a tank of Pinot
Noir while performing his duties as Director of Quality Control at Thirsty Owl
Wine Company in Ovid, NY.
James Sgroi
C-
James seemed a
bit of a deer in headlights at times on the golf course during the weekend.
Captain Josh made several attempts to bolster his confidence on Sunday and it
finally proved fruitful as Mr. Sgroi mounted a massive final four hole comeback
that reminded many of Justin Leonard’s memorable performance at the Country Club
in the 1999 Ryder Cup. It would serve Jim well to note that when he puts his
purse away and files his doubts under “T” for trash, he makes a worthy opponent
for anyone in either pool.
Don Cieslewitz
B
Handcuffed by an
undisclosed social phobia, the “fishman” sat at home Friday night and played
solitaire instead of partaking in delectable libations and good times. On the
course, Mr. Cieslewitz proved a wily veteran. Don willed himself to two
victories despite having to constantly ward off chants of “FISH THIS!!” from
Team Wes. The oldest team member of Team Josh at 119 years of age, Don
handled the 27 hole final day with the youthful vigor of a 90 year old.
TEAM WES
Assistant Captain Bob Pawlak A-
Bob Pawlak was masterful in his first year of action in the Cupp Cup. The only thing keeping Bob away from an "A+" was that he forgot to bring mudslides on BOTH Saturday and Sunday... rookie mistake.
Assistant Captain Morgan Bishop D
Not only was Morgan one of Team Wes's Assistant Captains, he was also the 32nd alternate. Thankfully, Captain Wes did not have to make the call for Morgan to suit up. In fact, rumor has it that Wes sent limos to all of his players on both days just to make sure this didn't happen. Morgan did a nice job in his first year as Assistant Captain and probably deserved an "A" on just performance alone. However, Morgan's dog, Keita, peed on the carpet in the clubhouse, sending his grade plummeting all the way to a "D."
Jerry Closinski B
Jerry entered the Cupp Cup hot off of arguably the best year ever seen in Rome Amateur golf. Jerry won his first Rome City Amateur title, the Member-Member for the third time in four years, three-peated his Club Championship title, and even won the L.T. Shoot-out a week before the Cup. Needless to say, expectations were high for J Clo. Jerry struggled in team play, grabbing only a half point in two matches including a loss in Captain Wes's dream combo of J Clo and Lauren. He did turn it around in the singles as he handled Dave Fay, 3 & 2. This Cupp Cup performance seems very similar to Tiger Woods' Ryder Cup experiences - a struggle in team play yet dominant in singles. The one difference, however, is the J Clo was one of the most vocal supporters of his team after his singles play - willing his teammates to success down the stretch. In addition, his iron into #1 green during the playoff was very crucial and shouldn't be forgotten.
Eamon Dempsey A-
Eamon was the ace up the sleeve for Captain Wes. After struggling in the first match, Eamon turned it on Sunday, winning both of the most lopsided matches of the weekend. He and Dave French won 4 & 3 in the alternate shot in a nine hole match and then Eamon dismantled Eric Maya on the back nine in the singles match, winning 5 & 4. This strong showing when the pressure was on was key to Team Wes's victory.
Mark Lloyd A-
Mark took home two points for Team Wes with solid play over the weekend. If not for the buzz saw that was Dave Fay in Mark's first match on Saturday, he could have grabbed a perfect three points for his captain. Wes can only hope for more of the same in the 2009 matches.
Pete Fitsik B+
Although he
statistically had a very average week (one win, one loss, and one tie), Pete
provided an extra boost to his team's moral by wearing khaki pants in lieu of
his trademark jeans to Friday night's social. It cost him $25 to rent them
for the evening, but it was well worth it. Pete's only loss came to Tom
Peters in the singles matches. Pete fought valiantly and took Peters to
#17 green. In addition, Pete's pressure filled two putt in the playoff
didn't show up in the box scores, but it did secure the cup for Team Wes.
Dave French B-
Another Team Wes member who finished 1-1-1 for the weekend, Dave showed a lot of heart and "team first" mentality. Dave and Eamon's thrashing of Fay and Sgroi in the Alternate Shot matches was the point that turned the matches ultimately in Team Wes's favor. Remember, before that point was won, Team Josh had jumped out to a 3-1 lead. Dave and Eamon's victory proved to both teams that this Cupp Cup was not going to be a runaway. With all of this being said, Frenchy's back nine stumble in the singles matches would have become the story of the weekend if Team Josh had won the playoff.
Lauren Steates C
Although Lauren only secured one half point for the team, she was a few good breaks away from a three point weekend. Bad Break #1: Two of her three matches pitted her against "The Closer," Mike Smith. Bad Break #2: The infamous "Wallgate" ruling. Bad Break #3: Riding with Ron Artigiani for eighteen straight holes without earplugs, Bad Break #4: Being engaged to Wes (this has to mess up your head a little bit while you are trying to make three footers).
John Pollex B+
Johnny P. earned two big points over the weekend. His comeback in his singles match with Teddy (down two with two to play) to earn a half point was the difference in the entire Cupp Cup. Had he not made par from the bushes on his final hole (#4), he would have lost his match and Team Josh would have been celebrating.
Ron Artigiani C
The mastermind behind the personalized ties for Friday evening, no one was more excited about the Cupp Cup than Ron. He proved to be a great teammate throughout the event, as shown in the photo below. Unfortunately, his golf performance didn't rise to the occasion as he only mustered up one point in three matches.
Left Photo: Jim Sgroi with his 117 pound singles opponent, Dave French.
Right Photo: Pete Fitsik makes the winning putt for Team Wes in the inaugural Cupp Cup. Ron Artigiani approves!
Left Photo: Eamon Dempsey lets the bubbly fly as Captain Wes was so hungry that he decided to eat the tops of the trees.
Right Photo: Don't tell our superintendent, Roger, about this!