Golf Members’ Council to host Happy Hour and Pizza Party Feb. 7
(January 7, 2026) The Golf Members’ Council invites all golf members and friends of the golf course to a Happy Hour and Pizza Party on Saturday, February 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to get out of the cold, enjoy pizza with your Ocean Pines golf buddies, and warm up for the Big Game Scramble the following day.
The cost is $12 per person (pay at the door), which includes pizza and salad. Pizzas will be ordered from a variety of local restaurants. Guests are encouraged to bring their own beer and soft drinks.
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Dave McGregor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
to ensure an accurate head count. Potential members are also welcome to attend.
Volunteers are needed to help make this event run smoothly, including setting up tables, picking up pizzas, and cleaning up. If you are interested in helping out, please let Dave know when you RSVP.
The following day, Sunday, February 8, grab your clubs and tee it up at the Big Game Scramble. This two-player scramble tournament features a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Registration is $20 per team, with greens and cart fees paid the day of the tournament ($35 for non-members; members pay their regular membership rate). For more information or to register, call 410-641-6057.
Big Game Scramble set for Feb. 8 at OP Golf Club
(December 29, 2025) Golfers are invited to tee it up at Ocean Pines Golf Club during the Big Game Scramble on Sunday, February 8.
The two-player scramble tournament will feature a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Registration is $20 per team and includes range balls, entry into the prize pool, a hot dog, and a beer. Greens and cart fees will be paid the day of the tournament ($35 for non-members; members pay their regular membership rate).
For more information or to register, call 410-641-6057
Ocean Pines announces hiring of Matt Ruggiere as new Director of Golf
(December 9, 2025) The Ocean Pines Association has announced the hiring of Matt Ruggiere as the new Director of Golf for the Ocean Pines Golf Club, effective Monday, December 8.
Ruggiere was born and raised in Ocean Pines, where he spent his childhood participating in the community’s summer camps and golf programs. After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 2014, he moved to Florida to work as an Assistant Golf Professional at LPGA International. During that time, he also took part in several professional golf tours, including the Florida Professional Tour and the West Coast Professional Tour.
In 2021, Ruggiere relocated to Colorado to serve as an Assistant Golf Professional at Indian Peaks Golf Course. He returned to the Eastern Shore in 2023 after reaching out to John Viola about launching a local golf academy.
“I am very excited about the position,” Ruggiere said. “I’m passionate about Ocean Pines and its golf community, and I look forward to helping it grow and creating a great experience for our residents.”
Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola expressed his excitement to have Ruggiere as a member of the team.
“I am thrilled to welcome Matt Ruggiere as the new Director of Golf in Ocean Pines,” said Viola. “His experience and knowledge make him an excellent fit for the role, along with his reputation for customer service.”
OPA Director of Finance Steve Phillips also commented on Ruggiere’s hiring, saying “We’re excited to welcome Matt Ruggiere as our new Director of Golf. His extensive teaching and operational experience, along with his proven success in growing instructional programs, makes him a valuable addition to the team. We look forward to the energy and leadership he will bring to the club.”
More information on the Ocean Pines Golf Club can be found here www.oceanpinesgolf.org.
OPVFD Golf Tournament recap
The following is a news release from the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department:
(November 4, 2025) The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) is proud to announce the success of its annual Golf Tournament, held at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Sunday November 2. The event brought together first responders, community members, and local businesses for a fun-filled day of camaraderie and support for the Department’s ongoing initiatives.
“This was more than just a day on the course — it was about reconnecting our community,” said Joe Enste, OPVFD President. “Seeing so many people come out to support our department shows how strong the Ocean Pines community truly is.”
The OPVFD is very thankful for members Corrie Eby, Sandy Cohn, and Tracy Jones for their outstanding work in planning and running this year’s event. Their dedication, along with support from numerous administrative and operational members, ensured a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone involved.
Special thanks also go to Golf Pro John O’Connor and the entire staff of Ocean Pines Golf Club for their hospitality and assistance throughout the tournament, as well as Bob Ciprietti and his team from Touch of Italy for providing an incredible breakfast and lunch for all participants. The Department also thanks I.G. Burton Berlin for sponsoring the tournament’s Hole-In-One Vehicle, adding an exciting highlight to the day.
(November 4, 2025) The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) is proud to announce the success of its annual Golf Tournament, held at the Ocean Pines Golf Club on Sunday November 2. The event brought together first responders, community members, and local businesses for a fun-filled day of camaraderie and support for the Department’s ongoing initiatives.
“This was more than just a day on the course — it was about reconnecting our community,” said Joe Enste, OPVFD President. “Seeing so many people come out to support our department shows how strong the Ocean Pines community truly is.”
The OPVFD is very thankful for members Corrie Eby, Sandy Cohn, and Tracy Jones for their outstanding work in planning and running this year’s event. Their dedication, along with support from numerous administrative and operational members, ensured a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone involved.
Special thanks also go to Golf Pro John O’Connor and the entire staff of Ocean Pines Golf Club for their hospitality and assistance throughout the tournament, as well as Bob Ciprietti and his team from Touch of Italy for providing an incredible breakfast and lunch for all participants. The Department also thanks I.G. Burton Berlin for sponsoring the tournament’s Hole-In-One Vehicle, adding an exciting highlight to the day.
Tournament highlights:
Men's Division
1st Place: Roger Fellebout, Jim Ruhl, Dan Harrison, Rob Alexander -15
2nd Place: Justin Cassell, Mike Suit, Brant Cassell, Robert Hoffman
3rd Place: Team Brandon Kendrick
Mixed Division
1st Place: Gregory Ensslin, Judy Ensslin, Corey Ensslin
2nd Place: Shannon McNamara, Steve Kelly, Lisa Mcnamara, Donna Kelly
Women's Division
1st Place: Tracy Jones, Jerica Myers, Cherly Florin, Vickie Dunn
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department thanks the many sponsors whose generosity and community spirit made this event possible.
Gold Sponsors
Men's Division
1st Place: Roger Fellebout, Jim Ruhl, Dan Harrison, Rob Alexander -15
2nd Place: Justin Cassell, Mike Suit, Brant Cassell, Robert Hoffman
3rd Place: Team Brandon Kendrick
Mixed Division
1st Place: Gregory Ensslin, Judy Ensslin, Corey Ensslin
2nd Place: Shannon McNamara, Steve Kelly, Lisa Mcnamara, Donna Kelly
Women's Division
1st Place: Tracy Jones, Jerica Myers, Cherly Florin, Vickie Dunn
The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department thanks the many sponsors whose generosity and community spirit made this event possible.
Gold Sponsors
- Bank of Ocean City
- Bethany Travel/Sandals
- The Whayland Company, LLC
- TidalHealth
- Vista Design, Inc.
- Arctic Heating and Air Conditioning
- Harborside Bar & Grill
- John MacColl and Dorothy Hamill
- Julie Woulfe, ERA Martin Associates
- Midlantic Marine Center Inc
- Ocean Pines Handyman, LLC
- Ocean Downs Casino
- Ronald and Robin Miller
- Steen Associates
- Taylor Bank
- The Law Offices of Shannon Gahs
- The Sandwich Factory
- The Schiff Home Team – EXP Realty
Annual Pink Lady Golf Tournament raises over $18,000 for AGH Foundation
(October 30, 2025) This year’s Pink Lady Golf Tournament, hosted by the Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association, raised a total of $18,657.83.
Funds raised from this annual tournament help pay for mammograms for women who are unable to afford those services. The tournament began 14 years ago and has brought in over $25,000 to the Women’s Imaging Center over the years.
OPLGA extends special thanks to several groups who made this tournament possible:
Sponsors: Stacie Swanstrom, Summit Exteriors, LLC, Bloomfield Foundation, Pines Point Provisions, Touch of Italy - Bob Ciprietti, Gina Nairn - Sunny Dawn, Perfect Face, Donna McElroy, Tim Floyd, American Legion, Haly Architect, Ocean Pines ROC Edition, Frick Electric, Tiffanie Adkins, Patuxent Insurance Co, Geri & Alfred Fasulo, Park Place Jewelers, The Berlin Beer Company, Forgotten 50, Smashed, East & Main, Norma Kessler, Delmarva Physical Therapy, Nielsen/Platt, Designing Windows, Adkins Interiors, Patti Jeans, Tractor Supply, Sterling Tavern, Salon Sixteen, and Massage Envy.
OPLGA Committee: Denise Stevens- OPLGA President, Donna Kelly- OPLGA Vice President, Ann Shockley- OPLGA Secretary, Colette Horn- OPLGA Treasurer, Kathy Monaco - OPLGA Event Coordinator, Carol Smith, Kitty Sawchak, Cheryl Florin, Jane Scuto, Donna McElroy, Catie Sostak, Lisa McNamara, Gina Morris, and Roberta Bragunier.
Atlantic General Hospital staff: Toni Keiser - Vice President of Public Relations, Laura Powell - Community Relations Officer, Tina Hovis - Imaging Lead Mammography Tech.
"When you get a group of Ladies together- good things happen" - Denise Stevens
For more information on the Ocean Pines Ladies Golf Association, visit www.oceanpinesgolf.org/membership/oplga