Ocean Pines to host Resident Golf Day, April 9
Ocean Pines Golf Club will hold a Resident Golf Day on Sunday, April 9.The event will feature free greens fees for Ocean Pines residents, playing tips, fun activities, and a chance to learn more about Ocean Pines golf groups.
Tee times have been set aside for residents from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Greens fees are free; cart fees are $25 per player for 18 holes and $15 per player for nine holes. An Ocean Pines resident ID card (available at the Ocean Pines Administration Building) must be shown at check in to receive the special rate.
Please note that free greens fees are for registered golfers only – no additional riders or walkers are allowed.
Representatives from the new Golf Academy in Ocean Pines, the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association, the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association and the Ocean Pines Golf Advisory Committee will be on hand with information and sign-up opportunities.
Homegrown Talent to Lead New Golf Academy at Ocean Pines
Ten years ago, a junior golfer named Matt Ruggiere could be found at the Ocean Pines Golf Club most mornings, his car headlights pointed at the driving range as he practiced chipping just before class.This March, Ruggiere will return home to lead a new Golf Academy at Ocean Pines, offering lessons to players of all ages and skill levels.
Ruggiere grew up in the South Gate area of Ocean Pines and played golf for Stephen Decatur High School. He also toured the Mid-Atlantic region on junior golf teams.
He said the Ocean Pines Golf Club is still a favorite, because of the Robert Trent Jones design.
“Ocean Pines was always my home course. The design is just spectacular,” Ruggiere said. “I do think it’s one of the most challenging in the area, so being a competitive junior and having a place to play and practice, I felt like I always had an edge over kids that came from other courses. That helped me a lot when I started competing.”
OP Golf Members Council donates to Toys for Tots
The Ocean Pines Golf Members Council recently made a sizable donation to the Toys for Tots program.Items were donated during the Members Council’s annual Golf Dinner Dance, held at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Nov. 3.
Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 and is run nationally by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Joe Pantone, a Marine Corps veteran, assisted with the toy collection in Ocean Pines.
“On behalf of all Marines, I would like to thank the Members Council for sponsoring the annual Golf Dinner Dance, and the golf membership for their generous donation of toys in support of our annual Toys for Tots program,” Pantone said. “We collected approximately 75 toys, which is an outstanding number, based on past years.
Ocean Pines Golf Groups Join Forces to Raise Money for Mammograms
For 10 years, the Ocean Pines Ladies’ Golf Association’s Pink Lady event has raised money for the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation to provide mammograms for those unable to afford them. This year, however, marks the first time the OPLGA has played with the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association in this special outing.Thirty-four men and women golfers put on their pink and gathered at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Oct. 12 to play for the foundation, contributing a total of $2,550 for the life-saving screenings.
Steven Tyson, donor relations officer at the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, welcomed the golfers and thanked them for their financial gift.
OPMGA Announces 2022 Full Season Results
The Ocean Pines Men's Golf Association hosts “Men's Day” every Thursday, from early April through mid-October.Pro Shop credits are awarded to the top foursomes each week, and at the end of each half of the season those who have accumulated the most points are awarded additional credits.
This year, Fritz Lahner hit the trifecta by leading the pack for the full season and being on top during both the first and second half as well. Pete Malecki took the runner-up spot for the second half of the season, and Mark Dornes was close behind in third place.
For the full season, Dornes moved up to second place, followed by Walt Lischak in third, who benefited from a strong first-half showing.