The Society knows a good thing when we see it. And we know what our players like in terms of courses and conditions. The Crown Colony Golf and CC, host of the 2015 Ralph Bogart graciously invited the SOS for a return in 2016. No objections from our side.

As expected, the excellent conditions at CCG&CC are only surpassed by the outstanding hospitality. Warm and sunny conditions were the order for the 96 contestants.

After 54 holes of regulation play, Peachtree City resident Jack Kearney was deadlocked at 218 with Ft. Wayne’s Sam Till. It took five extra frames to decide the outcome, but Kearney prevailed. Kearney, the 2010 Massachusetts Golf Association Senior Champion and Senior Player of The Year had rounds of 72-73-73 on the way to his victory.

In the Super Senior division, a group of three players were knotted at 221 after 54 holes. The group included Rick Bauch, Naples, Ron Carter, Monticello, IN and Robert Hess, Casselberry, FL. Hess, the 2016 FSGA Super Senior Champion fired an impressive 2-under par 70 to earn a spot in the three-way playoff.

Carter, a perennial favorite in SOS events and a two time champion was eliminated on the fourth playoff hole. The fifth hole was the decider with Bauch making par to Hess’s bogey 4.

McDonough, GA’s Charles Busbee was a wire-to-wire leader in the Grand Masters division. Busbee was awarded the 2014 Yancey Ford Award; annually presented by Golfweek to an individual who has made significant contributions to senior-amateur golf.

Busbee, in his ever present long sleeves and warm smile finished at 227, three shots better than Jim Wetzel, Edmond, OK. Wetzel had earlier won the SOS inaugural Founders Cup in Orlando.

Thanks to all of the SOS members who have played in 2016. And a special thanks to all of the clubs who have graciously given their clubs and facilities to the SOS for our events.

Happy Holidays to all.