America Has Ten New National Private Club - 2005 Champions of Champions

Bill Sinclair CC of Rancho Bernardo (California) 74-75—149

Executive Cup VII Overall Men's National Champion Bill Sinclair of Rancho Bernardo Country Club sinks a 6-foot putt on the third sudden death playoff hole to defeat Russ Fitton of Inverness Golf Club in Illinois, to become the Men's 2005 National Private Cup Champion.

Arlene McKitrick Longboat Key Club (Florida) 80-76—156

Executive Cup VII Overall Women's National Champion Arlene McKitrick's 80-76-156, of Longboat Key Club in Florida, squeaks by Jennie Robinson's 79-78-157, of The Hideaway in California, to take home her second Women's National Private Club Championship. Her first was Executive Cup III in 2000.

Men's Division (Under 50) Russ Fitton Inverness GC (Illinois) 72-77-149		Men's Division (50-62) Mike Klenz Tualatin CC (Oregon) 74-75-149		Men's Division (63 and Over) Jack Fairfield Kingsley GC (Michigan) 73-76-149		Men's Division (70 and Over) Neil Laminack The Hills CC (Texas) 80-78-158
Women's Division (Under 50) Jennie Robinson The Hideaway (California) 79-78-157		Women's Division (50-62) Debbie Maderos Butte Creek CC (California) 83-79-162		Women's Division (63 and Over) Carol Strobel Salem GC (New York) 79-78-157		Women's Division (70 and Over) Helen Knight El Caballero CC (California) 94-92-186

TaylorMade, Maui Prince Hotel, and Executive Golfer teamed up to present Executive Cup VII on Maui, in Hawaii, October 25-30, 2004. Entries are now being accepted for Executive Cup VIII, November 7-12, 2005, hosted by Maui Prince Hotel. Please phone tournament director Mark Pazdur at (800) 367-8653 for details.

By Edward F. Pazdur, Publisher
Tournament photography by Jose Morales

The Executive Cup tournament has molded into a fraternity in which its roster of players is valued as much as a trophy.... New friendships are forged and perpetuated.... Networking is expanding. Makena, Maui, Hawaii: After five dazzling days, including a rainstorm on Monday night, our first in seven years, Executive Cup VII still attracted 105 competitors from 33 states for a total of over 800 room nights, in spite of severe hurricanes and our presidential election a few days later on November 2, 2004. The golf courses were in mint condition, the evening festivities glamorous, and the competition spirited. Even though America’s private club champions were corralled into a week-long indulgence of fun in Hawaii, they were seriously focused on competitive golf with a goal of winning a national title. They were challenged by two tough courses, masterfully designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and simultaneously enjoyed scenic mountains and a gleaming, deep blue, South Pacific Ocean. Actor-comedian-golf purist Leslie Nielsen enjoyed his Maui Prince visit on a previous visit. “You play all of these marvelous holes going up and up. Then, suddenly you’re on top looking out on four smaller islands. There before you, lies the sparkling South Pacific with whitecaps dancing directly into green fairways adorned with palm trees and flowers. “Both the North and South courses are demanding but golf doesn’t get much better than that at the Maui Prince. Golf architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. made me play my best game. So I left muttering, snarling and snapping,” joked Nielsen. A Preeminent Accomplishment Four-time private club champion at Shadow Ridge Country Club and TaylorMade CEO Mark King says, “Winning a club championship is a preeminent accomplishment. The odds of winning your club championship is only 1.6 percent, making the odds against you over 98 percent. “So, it’s not easy to win your club’s championship let alone a national title playing against other private club champions in Hawaii,” said King.

More To Golf Than Shooting Birdies   Tahitian dancers Eating at the Luau   Gerry Sellers with Tahitian dancer Unveiling Imu pig Donn Takahashi, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii, was so impressed he may host the tournament permanently. "For our Maui resort to have such a prestigious tournament and to be able to watch the high level of play was very impressive," said Takahashi. "Many attendees were first-time visitors to Hawaii and were awed by the natural beauty of Maui. That, coupled with the aloha spirit, the weather, and two great golf courses, contributed to the tremendous quality of play and an exciting week." Sinclair Wins Playoff On Third Hole Bill Sinclair, our Executive Cup VII National Champion, had to overcome Russ Fitton's 2-stroke lead to tie at 149 and win the title with a six-foot par putt on the third sudden death playoff hole. Both are distinguished golfers. Sinclair has won two club championships in Scotland at the Crail Golfing Society. He has also won two club championships at his own club, The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo in San Diego, California. His handicap is 0.8 and he plays "a lot." "Both courses have different character," said Sinclair. "However, the South Course is toughest overall-by far! I enjoyed playing the Bermuda grass greens and I thought the courses were well conditioned. The toughest hole has to be the 630-yard, par 5 on the North Course, and the most beautiful hole is the 180-yard, downhill par 3, on the South Course. "Russ Fitton made it challenging and exciting to go into three sudden death playoff holes. I had a great time and I'll return next year to defend my title."

Fitton's 5th Executive Cup a Cliffhanger   Maui Prince Hotel, Makena Resort Russ Fitton's persistence and skill is looking more like Phil Michelson's career. He has competed in Executive Cup III, IV, V, VI and lost Executive Cup VII by a whisker to Bill Sinclair. He plans to return again in November of this year. "I enjoy the camaraderie and competition," said Fitton. His toughest hole was the 18th on the South Course. "The approach shot to the elevated green is very difficult to judge for distance. The 6th hole on the North Course, on the other hand was also tough with a gorge splitting the fairway, "said Fitton. "But I birdied it two times during the week. "Even though this was my best finish, I always enjoy the Executive Cup tournaments. The competition is good and I've met so many nice people over the years. I'm looking forward to Executive Cup VIII, my sixth, and seeing old friends again." Although he lost the overall national title, he did win the Men's Division Under 50 championship, shooting 72-77-149. He has won two club championships and one husband and wife title (with his wife Pam) at his club, Inverness Country Club in Inverness, Illinois. He is a 4 handicap and plays over 120 rounds annually. McKitrick Wins Her 70th Tournament Arlene McKitrick, a formidable amateur golf star from the Longboat Key Club in Sarasota, Florida, won her second national private club championship by holding off a charging Jennie Robinson from the Hideaway Golf Club in La Quinta, California. Robinson led by one after the first round and McKitrick hung on in the second round to win by one stroke. McKitrick won her first national private club championship with Executive Cup III in 2000, with a score of 74-75-149. She has captured a total of 70 tournaments, plays 200 rounds annually, carries a one handicap, and played in 39 senior events, winning all 39 of them. "My most difficult hole was the long par 5 with a double dogleg on the North Course," said McKitrick. "The hole I enjoyed most was the first hole on the North Course. It was long, it required accuracy and was beautiful. I'm pleased to see the number of participants growing each year with lower handicaps." Jennie Robinson's losing battle with McKitrick did earn her the Women's Division Under 50 Executive Cup VII championship after posting 79-78-157. The 10th hole on the North Course might have been her culprit. "It's a very difficult uphill par 5," said Robinson. "The hole is long and demanding. Your third shot is a blind shot to a multitiered green." The 36-hole tournament was broken into three age brackets: under 50, 50-62, and 63-and-over, plus a first place trophy went to top competitors in the 70-plus age group. "I think it was wonderful to have a chance to compete against peers in an older age bracket," said Carol Strobel, champion at Salem Country Club in New York.

	Susan and Bill Simmons	Kathy and Tom Mahoney
	Cyrus Whitney with dancer	Amy Brogle

Each evening, competitors enjoyed a break from the rigors of practice and the challenge of tournament play against the very best golfers from the country's private clubs. On Monday, club champions were greeted with an attractive welcome bag containing former U.S. Open champ and CBS broadcaster Ken Venturi's new book, Getting Up & Down, candy bars, Advil, Band-Aids, and sunscreen.

That night, a sumptuous welcome Luau Dinner was held at the Pu'u Olai Gardens at the Maui Prince Hotel. A five-piece band played and attendees were welcomed by servers handing out mai-tais and glasses of wine. A delicious meal, including kalua pig, grilled chicken and Hawaiian fish, Lomi Lomi salmon and too many desserts to mention, delighted golfers and their families and guests.

Mark Pazdur, Executive Cup VII director, reviewed the week's activities and Scott Ingwers, the Maui Prince Hotel manager, thanked everyone for coming. Kirk Nelson, director of golf, reviewed the tournament format and explained local rules.

The only blemish on the wonderful evening was a torrential thunderstorm that forced everyone inside into the hotel's marvelous grand ballroom, where the group was greeted with warm towels, cocktails, coffee and dessert.

Despite the impromptu move, the group thoroughly enjoyed a Hawaiian show that included kiki dancing girls, complete with audience participation, and a traditional fire show. Further warming their souls, the group returned to their rooms to find a goodie bag containing a duffel bag, Executive Cup VII logoed golf shirt, a dozen Maxfli golf balls, a Maui Prince yardage book and a logoed golf towel.

"The service here is outstanding," said Jack Fairfield, senior champ at the Kingsley Club in Michigan. "I've been out before and everything is first class. The courses are always in superb condition and the greens run fast."

Said Kathy Kolar, club champ at The Club at Morningside in California, "The rain was disappointing, but the evening ended on a high note nonetheless."

Each day, breakfast was served at Café Kiowai followed by lunch, which was prepared in the clubhouse. Golfers were provided with unlimited range balls, a cool towel was handed out to competitors after their rounds, and a hospitality cart on both courses offered players a plethora of refreshments.

TaylorMade Demo Days

Practicing at the range

Patrick Bojador with Tom King

Tuesday, October 26, was a day for practice and to enjoy a TaylorMade demo day. Todd Yoshitake from TaylorMade was on hand to custom fit TaylorMade products. "This is a great way for us to meet some of the best private club players in the country and to show them our products in a special atmosphere," said Yoshitake.

Debra Savage, Dana Hanna, Shari and Bruce Bucky	Cheryl and Sam Boyd, Chef Shuhei Otsuka
Christine and Art Shibley	Marcia and Edwin Murray

Offered Debbie Reese, club champ at Lakewood Ranch in Florida, "I really enjoyed testing clubs at the TaylorMade demo booth. It's another added feature to a wonderful event." On Tuesday evening, the highly anticipated "Taste of Maui Diamond Event" was held at the hotel ballroom, featuring a three-man band and an open bar. Bruce Bucky of Hildgund Jewelers gave a gift to each attendee, a sparkling sterling silver charm necklace. The event featured various food stations, offering delicacies unique to the Valley Isle. Stations included mouthwatering Oriental appetizers created by Hotel sous-chef Peter Bach, delectable Japanese originals made by chef Katsuhiko Sato, samples of fresh fish, and beef entrees presented by executive chef Greg Gaspar, scrumptious desserts by pastry chef Steve Holton.

Attendees enjoyed the Diamond Event, which asked participants to guess the number of faux diamonds in a Vera Wang vase located in the lobby leading into the ballroom. The lucky winner was Marcia Murray of Monroe Township, New Jersey, whose guess of 1,527 was remarkably, only two off the actual total (1,529). Marcia was, of course, thrilled when designer Debra Savage of Chad Allison Couture handed her an 18-karat, white gold custom pendant made with rose cut and briolette diamonds that had a retail price of $8,500.

Art Shibley, club champ at The Country Club of Hudson in Ohio, was runner-up with a guess of 1,510. After winning a $3,500 diamond heart-shaped necklace, he brought his wife, Christine, on stage and placed the necklace around her neck.

Over $1.5 million of diamond jewelry was on display and available for sale during and after the event.

Debra Savage said, "Being a part of the Executive Cup allows us to reach our target audience, the key influencers in America's wealthiest private golf clubs." She said she enjoyed working with Bruce Bucky of Hildgunds and thanked him for participating. Over 70 retailers carry the Chad Allison line.

After the excitement of Tuesday evening, competitors were back the practice range and golf courses for TaylorMade Demo Day and the TaylorMade Performance Cup Practice Round Tournament on Wednesday. The tourney was a two-person event with both net and gross divisions. Separate tournaments were held on both courses.

"It was a thrill to meet so many club champions from around the country," said Mike Klenz, club champ at Tualatin Country Club in Oregon. Added Helen Knight, club champ at El Caballero Country Club in California, where she reigned as club champ for 32 consecutive years (1957-1989, a record that is in the Guinness Book of Records), "The wonderful thing about the tournament, in addition to the outstanding competition, is the number of new friendships that are formed."

Golfers got a break Wednesday evening to rest up to compete in Executive Cup's first round. When they weren't competing, practicing or attending the various events surrounding the tournament, golfers and their families and guests watched windsurfers at Hookpia, took in a hula show at Lahaina Cannery Mall, took a helicopter ride of Mount Haleakala, visited the Maui Ocean Center, enjoyed a relaxing message at the Grand Wailea Spa, snorkeled at Molokini Crater, took a day trip to Pearl Harbor's Arizona Memorial and USS Missouri, or simply took a nap in a hammock attached to oceanfront palm trees.

Following the intense 36 holes of competition, an outdoors cocktail reception and awards dinner was held Friday evening. A band was on hand to lend music to the gala and a hula dancer performed.

The Awards Dinner was emceed by Donn Takahashi, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii. He told the group, "I must congratulate all the competitors on the ability they displayed during the tournament and thank them for coming here to be a part of this fabulous, one-of-a-kind event. We're proud that the Maui Prince Hotel will be home of the Executive Cup for the next five years."

Attendees dined on a superb meal that included shrimp scampi, Haleakala Mountain greens and Kamuela tomatoes, tenderloin of beef medallions with pinot noir sauce, pan seared mahi mahi, roma tomatoes, Yukon gold gratin potatoes and triple chocolate truffle cake.

"Although I was disappointed with my play," said Rob Olson, club champ at Seven Canyons Club in Arizona, "my entire family thoroughly enjoyed the week."

Awards Dinner Dessert	Maui Prince Ballroom
Donn Takahashi	Trophy display at Awards Dinner

Nanna Johannessen, club champ at La Playa Golf Club in Florida, who winters in the Sunshine State and summers in Norway, said, "The strength of the competition here is very impressive. Playing with other club champions is very enjoyable and something you really can't get anywhere else."

While serious golf serves as the centerpiece for the week-long Executive Cup, the event has truly become a family affair.

"We have been coming to the tournament for a number of years," said Betsy Whitney, wife of club champion Cyrus Whitney of The Gallery Golf Club in Arizona. "Sometimes we have come alone and other times we brought the kids. I don't play golf, but we have a plan where Cyrus plays every morning while I sit by the beach and read. It's a great place to bring your kids or come with just your spouse. What a wonderful getaway!"