2024 Ocean Pines Opening Day Scramble to kickstart golf season
(UPDATED March 13, 2024) The tournament is currently full at 120 players. OPMGA and OPLGA appreciate the enthusiastic support of the community. Players may still submit their registration to be placed in the wait list queue.
Original article follows:
Original article follows:
Golf enthusiasts are invited to mark their calendars for Saturday, April 6, with a shotgun start scheduled for 8 a.m.
The scramble will feature four-person teams, but golfers can sign up as individuals or groups of two, three or four players. Organizers will help fill empty spots to make up teams.
With the scramble format, each player contributes to the team's success and participants will enjoy a challenging yet inclusive game. Women will tee off from the Charcoal (formerly Red) tees, while men will take on the course from the Orange (formerly Gold) tees. Those over 80 may also opt to play from the Charcoal tees.
Each player's drive must be utilized at least once, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the game.
A variety of prizes awaits the victors, including awards for the Best Overall, Best All-Women Team, and Best Mixed-Gender Teams.
Lunch will be provided, and a cash bar will be available for refreshments.
Tournament entry fees are as follows:
- Ocean Pines Golf Members with cart package: $35
- Ocean Pines Golf Members without cart package: $50
- All Others: $60
- Lunch for nonplayers: $30
For inquiries or to secure your spot, contact Dave McGregor at 703-975-7876 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Entries, along with checks, must be submitted by March 22.
Winter golf still in play
(Jan. 11, 2024) Even as the temperatures drop in January and February, the Ocean Pines Golf Club remains open for golf enthusiasts looking for year-round play. In fact, off-season golf can offer prime conditions for a fun and rewarding golfing experience. Many of our players enjoy bundling up to play in the winter to get some exercise and keep their game sharp.
For those prepping for a southern golf trip, the club's instructional services and club fittings, sheltered from the elements, serve as ideal tune-up spots. Our instructors can help iron out any flaws in your swing, and our Pro Shop is always stocked with great clubs for every play type – and what we don’t have, we can custom order for you.
Speaking of which, the Ocean Pines Golf Club is also a haven for last-minute shoppers. The Pro Shop boasts an array of gifts for all play levels, and gift certificates are always available.
For those non-snowbirds who are staying in the Pines, the Club’s practice areas, including the driving range, stay open all winter, inviting golfers to keep their game sharp even in the colder months.
So, don your winter attire, embrace the brisk weather, and let Ocean Pines Golf Club be your sanctuary for some great winter golf, plenty of opportunities for lessons and practice, and a stocked Pro Shop.
By Bob Beckelman, Director of Golf
For those prepping for a southern golf trip, the club's instructional services and club fittings, sheltered from the elements, serve as ideal tune-up spots. Our instructors can help iron out any flaws in your swing, and our Pro Shop is always stocked with great clubs for every play type – and what we don’t have, we can custom order for you.
Speaking of which, the Ocean Pines Golf Club is also a haven for last-minute shoppers. The Pro Shop boasts an array of gifts for all play levels, and gift certificates are always available.
For those non-snowbirds who are staying in the Pines, the Club’s practice areas, including the driving range, stay open all winter, inviting golfers to keep their game sharp even in the colder months.
So, don your winter attire, embrace the brisk weather, and let Ocean Pines Golf Club be your sanctuary for some great winter golf, plenty of opportunities for lessons and practice, and a stocked Pro Shop.
By Bob Beckelman, Director of Golf
12th annual Pink Lady Tournament raises $5,674 for AGH Foundation
(Jan. 11, 2024) The 12th annual Pink Lady Tournament in recently raised $5,674 for the Imaging Department and the Eunice Q. Sorin Women’s Diagnostic Center at Atlantic General Hospital.
The tournament, held at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Oct. 18, once again supported the AGH Foundation. Tournament proceeds will help pay for and provide mammograms and related care for local women who are unable to afford such services.
Over the past dozen years, the tournament helped to raise more than $18,000.
“The Pink Lady Tournament stands as a beacon of support for the AGH Foundation, dedicated to making mammograms and related healthcare accessible to women in the local community who face financial barriers,” Chanelle Lake, director of the John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, said.
This year, for the first time, the tournament was open to the public and featured a field of 67 players.
Each foursome was given a pink ball, and one player from each group had to play that ball from tee to hole. The other three players played a scramble. If the player lost the pink ball, that team was out of the pink ball tournament but could continue as a four-person scramble.
Prizes were awarded for first, second and third-place scramble winners, and low pink ball winners.
Tournament organizers thanked the Ocean Pines Golf Club and Clubhouse Grille staff, along with Glen Riddle, River Run and Matt Ortt Companies for donating door prizes.
“We would also like to thank AGH for its continued support in our endeavor, and we hope to increase participation even more next year, all in the spirit of supporting women's health in the community,” Janet Stoer, tournament co-chairperson, said.
The tournament, held at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Oct. 18, once again supported the AGH Foundation. Tournament proceeds will help pay for and provide mammograms and related care for local women who are unable to afford such services.
Over the past dozen years, the tournament helped to raise more than $18,000.
“The Pink Lady Tournament stands as a beacon of support for the AGH Foundation, dedicated to making mammograms and related healthcare accessible to women in the local community who face financial barriers,” Chanelle Lake, director of the John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, said.
This year, for the first time, the tournament was open to the public and featured a field of 67 players.
Each foursome was given a pink ball, and one player from each group had to play that ball from tee to hole. The other three players played a scramble. If the player lost the pink ball, that team was out of the pink ball tournament but could continue as a four-person scramble.
Prizes were awarded for first, second and third-place scramble winners, and low pink ball winners.
Tournament organizers thanked the Ocean Pines Golf Club and Clubhouse Grille staff, along with Glen Riddle, River Run and Matt Ortt Companies for donating door prizes.
“We would also like to thank AGH for its continued support in our endeavor, and we hope to increase participation even more next year, all in the spirit of supporting women's health in the community,” Janet Stoer, tournament co-chairperson, said.
Golf banquet honors longtime golfer, continues Toys for Tots collection tradition
(Nov. 7, 2023) Ninety-four people turned up on Nov. 6 to help celebrate the Ocean Pines Golf Members Council’s annual End of Season Banquet at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille.
Among other things, the Golf Members Council oversees the members' scholarship program and hosts annual events including the Ocean Pines / Taylor Bank Scramble, the Bavarian Hops Scramble, and several social functions for the Ocean Pines golf community.
Bob Long, who assisted event organizer Don McMullen, said collecting for Toys for Tots has been a regular part of the banquet for some time, with golf member Joe Pantone overseeing that operation for perhaps two decades.
“Bunk Machen, who worked as a starter at the Golf Club and on the maintenance staff for many years, partnered with Joe,” Long said. “I always enjoyed walking into the banquet and seeing the two of them in their red marine blazers.”
Machen passed away last year, but the Toys for Tots support has remained steadfast, with impressive collection totals each year. Pantone said more than 80 toys were collected on Monday night.
The End of Season Banquet also served to honor Nelson Fenwick. He and his wife, Natalie, are longtime Golf Club members and also belonged to the Men’s and Ladies' Golf Associations (OPMGA and OPLGA).
“Nelson was the Men's Day Tournament chair for many years,” Long said. “He began the Sand Dawg program, where members help by filling divots and doing minor maintenance on the course. Members sign up and work on their hole every week or two. They also come out in force and help out on course aeration days. Nelson is the one who got this program started and oversaw its operation for many years.”
Long said the couple are moving out of the area to be closer to family.
Other guests of the banquet included Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola, Police Chief Tim Robinson, Golf Director Bob Beckelman, and Director of Golf Maintenance Justin Hartshorn.
Up next, the Ocean Pines Golf Members Council will host a tree decorating party as part of the Ocean Pines Hometown Christmas celebration.
On Jan. 19, the council will host a pizza party for members and friends of the Golf Club. Next spring, the group will celebrate the beginning of a new golf season with an Opening Day Shamble on April 6 that’s open to all Ocean Pines residents.
For more information on member-run golf groups in Ocean Pines, contact Bill Bavis (Ocean Pines Golf Members Council) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Tammy Banachowski (OPLGA) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; and John Ferinde (OPMGA) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Among other things, the Golf Members Council oversees the members' scholarship program and hosts annual events including the Ocean Pines / Taylor Bank Scramble, the Bavarian Hops Scramble, and several social functions for the Ocean Pines golf community.
Bob Long, who assisted event organizer Don McMullen, said collecting for Toys for Tots has been a regular part of the banquet for some time, with golf member Joe Pantone overseeing that operation for perhaps two decades.
“Bunk Machen, who worked as a starter at the Golf Club and on the maintenance staff for many years, partnered with Joe,” Long said. “I always enjoyed walking into the banquet and seeing the two of them in their red marine blazers.”
Machen passed away last year, but the Toys for Tots support has remained steadfast, with impressive collection totals each year. Pantone said more than 80 toys were collected on Monday night.
The End of Season Banquet also served to honor Nelson Fenwick. He and his wife, Natalie, are longtime Golf Club members and also belonged to the Men’s and Ladies' Golf Associations (OPMGA and OPLGA).
“Nelson was the Men's Day Tournament chair for many years,” Long said. “He began the Sand Dawg program, where members help by filling divots and doing minor maintenance on the course. Members sign up and work on their hole every week or two. They also come out in force and help out on course aeration days. Nelson is the one who got this program started and oversaw its operation for many years.”
Long said the couple are moving out of the area to be closer to family.
Other guests of the banquet included Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola, Police Chief Tim Robinson, Golf Director Bob Beckelman, and Director of Golf Maintenance Justin Hartshorn.
Up next, the Ocean Pines Golf Members Council will host a tree decorating party as part of the Ocean Pines Hometown Christmas celebration.
On Jan. 19, the council will host a pizza party for members and friends of the Golf Club. Next spring, the group will celebrate the beginning of a new golf season with an Opening Day Shamble on April 6 that’s open to all Ocean Pines residents.
For more information on member-run golf groups in Ocean Pines, contact Bill Bavis (Ocean Pines Golf Members Council) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Tammy Banachowski (OPLGA) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; and John Ferinde (OPMGA) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Winter golfing tips: How to avoid frost delays
(Nov. 6, 2023) With winter fast approaching, local golfers will find themselves facing the annual conundrum of frost delays.
These delays can vary greatly from one course to another and are largely left up to the whims of the always unpredictable Eastern Shore weather.
Helping to keep the course healthy will make it easier for the maintenance staff to keep the course in great shape, and keep it open longer for golfers.
Below are a few tips to help you stay on the course, and not get bitten by frostbite delays:
When in doubt, call the Ocean Pines Golf Club at 410-641-6057, or email Golf Director Bob Beckelman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to subscribe to daily course updates.
These delays can vary greatly from one course to another and are largely left up to the whims of the always unpredictable Eastern Shore weather.
Helping to keep the course healthy will make it easier for the maintenance staff to keep the course in great shape, and keep it open longer for golfers.
Below are a few tips to help you stay on the course, and not get bitten by frostbite delays:
- Location matters: Frost delays are unpredictable, as frost can linger in colder microclimates long after it has thawed elsewhere. North-facing slopes, low-lying areas, and wind-sheltered spots are particularly susceptible to prolonged frost coverage. Call the pro shop for course condition updates before setting out to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
- Avoid “crunchy” grass: While golf course turf is typically resilient to the rigors of play, the formation of ice crystals can leave grasses brittle and prone to damage. Walking or driving over frost-covered grass can rupture plant cells, leading to dead turf. Even when damage isn't immediately evident, it may take more than a month for the grass to fully recover.
- Watch the greens: While frost damage can affect any part of the course, closely mown turf, like putting greens, is at a heightened risk. The concentrated foot traffic on greens can cause significant damage when frost is present.
- Little frost, big delays: Even if there are no apparent signs of frost on the first tee, the "all clear" signal may not be given. If frost persists in areas that are unavoidable in early rounds, the course may remain closed. Even after the frost is gone, the maintenance staff will need time to prepare the course for play.
When in doubt, call the Ocean Pines Golf Club at 410-641-6057, or email Golf Director Bob Beckelman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to subscribe to daily course updates.