News
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.
OPMGA announces season and championship winners
The following is a release from the Ocean Pines Men's Golf Association:
(Oct. 24, 2023) Following the final Men’s Day for 2023, the second half and overall winners were announced and presented with their Pro Shop credits.
For the second half of the year, Fritz Lahner was the champion, with Mark Dornes coming in second and Mike Mason third.
For the full year, Lahner took the top honors with Dornes coming in second; John Nowak was the third-place finisher for the full season. This is the first time in recent history the OPMGA has had a repeat champion.
At the same time, trophies and prize money for the Match Play Championship were awarded. Darin Stuiber defeated Marcel Vales on their 19th hole of play and were presented champion and runner-up awards. Mike Daley took third place, while Ron Chrisner and Frank Brown were tied for fourth place.
Full second-half results are as follows:
(Oct. 24, 2023) Following the final Men’s Day for 2023, the second half and overall winners were announced and presented with their Pro Shop credits.
For the second half of the year, Fritz Lahner was the champion, with Mark Dornes coming in second and Mike Mason third.
For the full year, Lahner took the top honors with Dornes coming in second; John Nowak was the third-place finisher for the full season. This is the first time in recent history the OPMGA has had a repeat champion.
At the same time, trophies and prize money for the Match Play Championship were awarded. Darin Stuiber defeated Marcel Vales on their 19th hole of play and were presented champion and runner-up awards. Mike Daley took third place, while Ron Chrisner and Frank Brown were tied for fourth place.
Full second-half results are as follows:
OPMGA announces Member-Member Championship results
The following is a release from the OPMGA:
(Sept. 19, 2023) Mike Daley ran a nice event on Thursday, with 58 golfers turning out for the OPMGA (Ocean Pines Men's Golf Association) Member-Member Championship.
Congratulations go to Gerry and Gerald Butler, whose two over par score of 74 won the Low Gross Award. Bill Dixon and Carl Hedde led the way in the Low Net side with a five under par 67.
In the closest to the pin competition, the team of Ron Sieka and Bill Stafford took the prize on hole #5 thanks to Ron's tee shot that stopped 10 inches from the hole.
On hole #7, Don McMullen's shot came within two feet of the hole and won the prize for Don and Frank Ruggiere. Don and Frank also picked up the prize at the 16th hole, while the team of Chuck Choate and Hank Morgan won for their shot on the 13th.
The full tournament results aere below:
(Sept. 19, 2023) Mike Daley ran a nice event on Thursday, with 58 golfers turning out for the OPMGA (Ocean Pines Men's Golf Association) Member-Member Championship.
Congratulations go to Gerry and Gerald Butler, whose two over par score of 74 won the Low Gross Award. Bill Dixon and Carl Hedde led the way in the Low Net side with a five under par 67.
In the closest to the pin competition, the team of Ron Sieka and Bill Stafford took the prize on hole #5 thanks to Ron's tee shot that stopped 10 inches from the hole.
On hole #7, Don McMullen's shot came within two feet of the hole and won the prize for Don and Frank Ruggiere. Don and Frank also picked up the prize at the 16th hole, while the team of Chuck Choate and Hank Morgan won for their shot on the 13th.
The full tournament results aere below:
Veterans Memorial Foundation hosts annual golf tournament to benefit education programs
(Aug. 11, 2023) The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation announced the 16th annual Veterans Memorial Tournament, Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the Ocean Pines Golf Club.
The event will benefit education programs of the Memorial Foundation that include annual tours of the memorial grounds by all fifth-grade students in Worcester County.
The annual tours are part of a collaboration between the Worcester County Board of Education and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation. Tours are led by dedicated volunteer docents who share their knowledge of veterans' sacrifices, the history of different service branches, and flag etiquette.
Complementing these sessions, JROTC cadets from Stephen Decatur High School, Snow Hill High School, and Pocomoke High School provide hands-on guidance in proper flag handling and folding, helping to foster intergenerational connections and respect for the nation's heritage.
All students also receive an activity guide to reinforce those lessons and encourage ongoing conversations about their family's contributions and military service history.
The annual golf tournament is the major fundraiser for Memorial Foundation education programs.
The tournament will feature a scramble best ball format with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
Registration is $125 per player and includes tournament entry, golf cart, lunch, and access to tournament prizes.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, ranging from $100 to $2,000, with each offering distinct benefits.
To download a tournament or sponsor form, visit https://oceanpines.org/documents/10184/91707/2023+Veterans+Memorial+Foundation+tournament+brochure.pdf?t=1691761836548.
The foundation also welcomes donations, gift certificates, and prizes for the tournament's silent auction. All contributions are tax-deductible.
The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the tax ID EIN# 20-3130695.
For more information, contact Marie Gilmore at 410-726-2881 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Don McMullen at 443-388-2941 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The event will benefit education programs of the Memorial Foundation that include annual tours of the memorial grounds by all fifth-grade students in Worcester County.
The annual tours are part of a collaboration between the Worcester County Board of Education and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation. Tours are led by dedicated volunteer docents who share their knowledge of veterans' sacrifices, the history of different service branches, and flag etiquette.
Complementing these sessions, JROTC cadets from Stephen Decatur High School, Snow Hill High School, and Pocomoke High School provide hands-on guidance in proper flag handling and folding, helping to foster intergenerational connections and respect for the nation's heritage.
All students also receive an activity guide to reinforce those lessons and encourage ongoing conversations about their family's contributions and military service history.
The annual golf tournament is the major fundraiser for Memorial Foundation education programs.
The tournament will feature a scramble best ball format with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.
Registration is $125 per player and includes tournament entry, golf cart, lunch, and access to tournament prizes.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, ranging from $100 to $2,000, with each offering distinct benefits.
To download a tournament or sponsor form, visit https://oceanpines.org/documents/10184/91707/2023+Veterans+Memorial+Foundation+tournament+brochure.pdf?t=1691761836548.
The foundation also welcomes donations, gift certificates, and prizes for the tournament's silent auction. All contributions are tax-deductible.
The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the tax ID EIN# 20-3130695.
For more information, contact Marie Gilmore at 410-726-2881 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Don McMullen at 443-388-2941 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..