News
Reviving tradition: Ernie Styles’ Bavarian Hops Scramble returns on Aug. 25
(Aug. 11, 2023) The Ocean Pines Golf Club will once again play host to the Ernie Styles’ Bavarian Hops Scramble on Friday, Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.
Originally conceived by the late Ernie Styles, the Bavarian Hops Scramble was designed as a fun, nine-hole experience where participants could engage in a friendly round of golf, accompanied by four refreshing hops beverages.
Laughter, camaraderie, and enjoyment were at the forefront of this unique event, with participants raising their glasses to toast cherished memories and contribute to local causes. Notable beneficiaries have included the Worcester County Humane Society and Diakonia, and the event has raised more than $30,000 for local charities since its inception.
This year, Patty Curtin and Don McMullen have taken over as event organizers.
The 2023 Ernie Styles’ Bavarian Hops Scramble promises an array of exciting features:
All proceeds are directed towards the worthy causes of Diakonia and the Worcester County Humane Society.
Entry is $25 per person, and cart and greens fees are the responsibility of each participant. The registration deadline is Monday, Aug. 21.
To register, fill out and return the entry form available online at https://oceanpines.org/documents/10184/91707/Bavarian+Hops+2023+notice+sign+up.pdf?t=1691695313120.
For more information, contact McMullen at 443-388-2941 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Originally conceived by the late Ernie Styles, the Bavarian Hops Scramble was designed as a fun, nine-hole experience where participants could engage in a friendly round of golf, accompanied by four refreshing hops beverages.
Laughter, camaraderie, and enjoyment were at the forefront of this unique event, with participants raising their glasses to toast cherished memories and contribute to local causes. Notable beneficiaries have included the Worcester County Humane Society and Diakonia, and the event has raised more than $30,000 for local charities since its inception.
This year, Patty Curtin and Don McMullen have taken over as event organizers.
The 2023 Ernie Styles’ Bavarian Hops Scramble promises an array of exciting features:
- A nine-hole, two-person scramble, allowing participants to register as a team or as individuals.
- The opportunity to secure a “clear" low net on each hole, earning a skin and a share of the prize (pro shop credits).
- A spirited "closest-to-the-pin" competition on hole number seven, with the winner receiving the coveted “Hops Hat” for an entire year.
- A lively seventh tee box party designed for those not participating in the golf event.
- An inviting dinner is available at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille, extending camaraderie among Ocean Pines Golf friends.
All proceeds are directed towards the worthy causes of Diakonia and the Worcester County Humane Society.
Entry is $25 per person, and cart and greens fees are the responsibility of each participant. The registration deadline is Monday, Aug. 21.
To register, fill out and return the entry form available online at https://oceanpines.org/documents/10184/91707/Bavarian+Hops+2023+notice+sign+up.pdf?t=1691695313120.
For more information, contact McMullen at 443-388-2941 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
2023 Ocean Pines Golf Championship results announced
Frank Sallese won the 2023 Ocean Pines Golf Club Championship with an overall gross score of 164, after two days of tough competition on June 24-25.
The championship was open to all Ocean Pines residents and club members and showcased remarkable skill among the participants.
In the end, three players emerged as top contenders, finishing within a mere two strokes of the lead.
In the Championship Flight and competing from the blue tees, Sallese held onto a narrow margin from the first day of competition to pull out the overall victory. He fended off strong challenges from Charles Vigilante and the reigning 2022 champion, Gerry Butler, who finished one and two strokes behind, respectively.
In Flight One, teeing off from the white tees, Fritz Lahner also held onto a day-one lead to clinch victory with a one-stroke advantage over Darin Stuiber and Ben Frock.
Meanwhile, in Flight Two, battling it out from the gold tees, Chuck Choate came back from a three-stroke deficit to pull out the victory with a remarkable four-stroke lead. He beat out formidable opponents in Ron Sieka and Bill Stafford to claim the well-deserved victory.
The Ocean Pines course, after enduring several days of heavy rains, presented an additional challenge with its extended length beyond the standard 6632 yards and 70.7 course rating. However, the weather favored the competitors as the showers held off until after Saturday's play. Sunday greeted the players with warm and humid weather under sunny skies, creating an ideal backdrop for the championship's conclusion.
Despite the challenging course conditions, the greens and fairways maintained their excellent condition throughout the tournament.
The 2023 Ocean Pines Golf Championship provided an unforgettable display of skill, resilience, and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all the participants for their exceptional performance, and a special acknowledgment to the winners of each flight.
The event was run by Ocean Pines Golf Director Bob Beckelman, John O'Connor, and the Ocean Pines Golf Club staff.
New junior golf programs
The Ocean Pines Golf Club has added two new programs as part of the Matt Ruggiere Golf Academy at Ocean Pines.
The "Junior Summer Tune Up Series" will run from 11 a.m. to noon on July 10, 13, 20 and 28, and Aug. 3, 10, 17 and 23. The cost is $25 per junior per session, and the series is open to all skill levels, from ages 7-16.
The "Junior Coaching Program" is a five-week program that consists of four instructional classes, followed by a nine-hole playing event on the final week. Ages 7-11 will meet on Thursdays and ages 11-14 will meet on Mondays. The cost for each semester is $175.
Visit www.ruggieregolf.com for more information and scheduling.
Annual Ocean Pines-Taylor Bank Golf Scramble returns for 39th year
OMPGA Announces Senior Club Championship Winners
Forty-five members of the Ocean Pines Men’s Golf Association teed up for the Annual Men’s Senior Club Championship. Cool weather and blustery swirling winds kept many of the scores in check. At the end of the day, five-time Men’s Club champion Bud Humphries collected his second Super Senior (ages 80 and up) title with a gross score of 84. Bill Stafford was just a stroke behind and captured the Super Senior Net Championship with a net score of 74.
In the Senior Championship (ages 50 to 79) five players tied the low score of the day of 84. After going through the tie breaker procedures, 2023 Presidents’ Cup champion Tim Williams took home the champion’s trophy. Fred Ellis turned in the low net score of the day with a 71.
In the Senior flights, Flight 1 was won by Charlie McMichael, with Mike Mason winning low net. Flight 2 was won by Paul Jankowski; Fritz Lahner was the low net score. In Flight 3, 2022 Senior champion Scott Kimmel had the low gross score, with Charles Stromberg earning the low net honors.
Closest to the Pin winners were Bill Stafford for the Super Seniors on hole 16 (20 feet) and Bob Long for the Seniors on hole 7 (3.5’).
Bill Thomson managed the event that included a full lunch, including a variety of beverages served by the Clubhouse Grille. Thanks go to Bill, along with the Pro Shop and Maintenance staffs that helped make the event run smoothly with exceptional course conditions.
Below is a summary of the top scores in each flight: