Doug Hanzel The Landings Club (Georgia) 68-72—140

Doug Hanzel, club champion at The Landings Club in Savannah, Georgia, is the Men’s National Private Club Champion.

Alice Harcourt Pala Mesa Club (California) 74-81—155

Alice Harcourt, club champion at Pala Mesa Club in Fallbrook, California, won top honors as Women’s National Private Club Champion.

Men's Division (Under 50) Dave Swanson Del Paso CC (California) 73-73—146		Men's Division (50-62) Brian Doyle Portsmouth CC (New Hampshire) 73-74—147		Men's Division (63 and Over) Bruce Cadwell The Club at Morningside (California) 72-73—145		Men's Division (70 and Over) Robert Baldwin Walnut Creek CC (Texas) 71-78—149
Women's Division (Under 50) Teri Gangi La Rinconada (California) 76-82—158		Women's Division (50-62) Vicky MacKay Reynolds Landing (Georgia) 80-78—158		Women's Division (63 and Over) Carol Strobel Salem GC (New York) 80-84—164		Women's Division (70 and Over) Robin Marcus Tualatin CC (Oregon) 81-88—169

TaylorMade, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, and Executive Golfer present Executive Cup X, a world-class tournament in a world-class setting in Hawaii, November 5-10, 2007.

Feature By Leigh MacKay
Tournament Photography By Jose Morales

“Two new national champions emerged from a field of 168 private club champions representing private clubs from 44 states. New friendships were forged with memories that will last a lifetime.” —Mark Pazdur, Publisher & Tournament Director

Big Island, Hawaii: Executive Cup is America’s only national tournament of private club champions played annually. “We’ve all won major club events before—just not in paradise,” explained Russ Fitton (club champion at Inverness Golf Club in Illinois). “Executive Cup is my favorite tournament because of the competitive field; its excellent management; five nights in a luxury room; exceptional evening functions including a welcome luau reception, a diamond party where a $12,000 Daniel K diamond necklace was awarded; a gourmet awards reception and dinner; five daily sumptuous breakfasts; the camaraderie, the weather and the setting.”

Champions of Champions
Alice Harcourt (club champion at Pala Mesa Country Club in California), is the first woman to win two championships in a row: Executive Cup IX (2006) with a score of 161, and Executive Cup X (2007) with a score of 155. Harcourt, who qualified for the USGA Women’s Senior Amateur for 13 consecutive years, went wire to wire, shooting a first-round 74 at Mauna Lani North for a one-shot lead over close friend Pat Gallagher, also a club champion at Pala Mesa Country Club. The next day, Alice, shot 81 at the Hapuna Golf Course and held off a hard-charging Teri Gangi (club champion at La Rinconada Golf Club in California) for a three-shot victory.

1. The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Mauna Kea Resort on the Kohala Coast, Big Island of Hawaii. 2. Julie McDonald. 3. Sam Boyd. 4. Lorraine & Ran Clerihue. 5. Barry & Judy Craig. 6. Diane Brune. 7. Bette & Cary Lichtenstein. 8. Duffy Corn. 9. The 15th hole at Hapuna. 10. Steve Robinson.

Diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer in November 2005, Alice has used golf as a way to lead as normal a life as possible. At the Awards ceremony, her courage inspired us all when she said, “Most of you know my history. Here I am, standing in front you again. The winning was special, yes, but I can’t tell you how thrilled I am just to be here, sharing this tournament once more with all of you. What I can tell you is that my plan is to return next year if I am able.”

Doug Hanzel (club champion at The Landings in Georgia) tied Executive Cup II (1999) champion, Bryan Mathisen (club champion at River Hills Country Club in Texas) with a record-setting score of 140. An eight-time qualifier for the U.S. Amateur, Dr. Hanzel is a premier golfer in Georgia. His first round, four-under 68, at Hapuna gave him a four-shot margin on Parker Barnes (club champion at Hound Ears in North Carolina), and his even-par 72 at Mauna Lani North during the final day of competition, provided him with a six-shot margin over runner-up Dave Swanson (club champion at Del Paso Country Club in California). Doug’s acceptance speech at the Awards Dinner reflected the character of a champion as well. “I have played in many outstanding competitions, and this is one of the best. Superbly run. I had a great time off the course, enjoyed my playing partners all four days and both tracks very much. I am proud to be the Executive Cup X men’s champion.”

1.Debbie Dacus, Debbie Clemens, Launa Crites, & Hilda Darwin. 2. Karen Billings. 3. John & Jennie Newbrough. 4. Richard & Rose Ratcliffe. 5. John Tighe doing the hula. 6. Stan & Rachel Brody with greeter. 7. Dave & Glena Rasmussen and granddaughter Gabriella. 8. Eugene & Josephine Wozniak. 9. The poolside Welcome Reception luau/clambake included a Polynesian Show. 10. Robin Marcus, Leslie MacKenzie, Linda Klenz & Bud Marcus.

The Aloha Spirit
When my wife Vicky and I checked into the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel on Saturday afternoon and I said, “We’re with Executive Cup X,” we were greeted like royalty. All players and guests received a flower lei, a box of Big Island Cookies, a glass of guava juice, and a cool, wet towel. As Donna Garrett (club champion at The Glacier Club in Colorado) said, “After a long flight, the juice and the chilled towel were mighty refreshing.” All players also received an embroidered Executive Cup X duffel bag and golf shirt, a Mauna Kea golf towel, yardage guides, and a dozen TaylorMade golf balls.

Gala Welcome Reception
The Monday night Welcome Reception luau/clambake was poolside under a starry, moonlit sky. Joanne Beyer (club champion at Overlake Golf and Country Club in Washington) revealed, “I was greeted with a mai tai before I even made it to the pool.”

A Polynesian show entertained us with hula girls, male dancers, a fire dancer, and island music. “I hope the fire dancer has good health insurance,” said Mark Mann (club champion at Travis Pointe Country Club in Michigan).

1. Two-time winners Gene & Eileen Whitfield. 2. David & Anne Perlin. 3. Mary & Ed Mallett. 4. Brian Doyle & Martine Bishop. 5. Johnsie Irwin, Patty Kegel, Colleen Adams; the Craigs & Sue Colton. 6. Laura Offenhauer from Daniel K. 7. Mike Zirkle, Frazer Van Asch, Christie Austin & Ralph Giansanti.8. Susie & Frank Splann. 9. Fred Ward, Linda Scott & Linda Ward. 10. Ruth Dettore & Jim Stevens. 11. Previous winners: The Kolars, Whitfields, & Murrays.

Daniel K’s Many Facets
On Monday and Tuesday, the hospitality room sparkled from the excitement behind renowned jewelry designer Daniel K’s “Diamond Extravaganza.” With more than $8 million worth of jewelry on display, the centerpiece was the Daniel K Web Necklace with 74 Asscher-cut (square emerald-like cut) diamonds, all weighing more than one carat. We focused on guessing the retail price of the Web Necklace—the closest guess would win a $12,000 Daniel K diamond pendant. On Tuesday evening at the “Diamond Taste of Kona” dinner sponsored by Daniel K, Gene Whitfield (club champion at Verona Hills in Michigan) however, thwarted the women’s best efforts, and his guess of $1,160,000 was only $13,400 lower than the actual price tag. Thank you, Daniel Koren, for an exceptional adventure. Also, thank you Executive Chef Piet Wigmans for the food festival and delicacies. “The hoisin braised beef with taro gnocchi and hamakua mushrooms was my top pick,” said Bill Provine (club champion at Lochinvar Golf Club in Texas).

1. Susan Smith & Craig LaChapelle. 2. TaylorMade Demo Day on the Hapuna driving range. 3. Judy Graves. 4. Debbie Maderos. 5. Bill Simmons testing TaylorMade’s r7 driver. 6. Marsha Funk. 7. Patrick Bojador & Karl Burgess. 8. The TaylorMade Practice Performance Cup winners. 232 club champions and their guests competed on both the Mauna Lani North and Hapuna golf courses for crystal trophies, TaylorMade equipment, and bragging rights.

TaylorMade Demo Days
TaylorMade added to the festive atmosphere with two demo days on the Hapuna driving range. Their reps worked with the players on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Carol Strobel (club champion at Salem Golf Club in New York) said, “It gives me confidence to play with the No. 1 driver on the PGA Tour. I took advantage of the opportunity to be custom fitted. I sought more distance from the tee, and Eric Yasunaga (one of the TaylorMade custom fitters) devoted himself to finding me the right driver.”

Fraser Van Asch (club champion at Brier Creek in North Carolina) said, “I was impressed with the TaylorMade guys. They know their stuff.”

TaylorMade also sponsored the Wednesday practice round two-person best ball tournament at both courses. At day’s end, Bill Simmons (club champion at Desert Horizons in California) said, “I enjoyed playing with my wife [Kathy] and our 71 gross wasn’t too shabby.”

Mauna Lani North and Hapuna Golf Course
Mauna Lani North and the Hapuna Golf Course, were both immaculately groomed.

Ed Gould (club champion at River Creek in Virginia), having played more than 500 golf courses over the years, said, “These are two of the most beautiful golf courses I have ever played.”

The Hapuna golf course offered spectacular views of the Pacific and the snow-capped Mauna Kea volcano. Tight landing areas and dramatically sloped greens required accuracy. A missed fairway or green could lead to a ball in the lava.

Big numbers were not unusual although no one came close to the practice-round 26 (on one hole) that Charles “The Mayor” King (club champion at Windward Heights Golf Club in Kentucky) scored. He told the amused assemblage, “I made a hell of a tough 12-footer for the 26.”

1. Bill Schmidt. 2. Karl Burgess. 3. Debbi Cowan. 4. Kyle Kerestes. 5. Sam Boyd & Debbie Reese being recognized for their holes in one during Tuesday’s practice round. 6. Best friends, Alice Harcourt & Pat Gallagher. 7. Dave Swanson. 8. Jamie Kerestes. 9. Meghan McKenna & Cissy Travis. 10.Linda Cadwell, Tim Tucker, Bruce Cadwell & Melissa Tucker on the 17th at Mauna Lani North. 11. Delvin Schutes. 12. Johnsie Irwin. 13. Tom Lane.

Some Wild Aces
On Saturday prior to the action, Linda Brodbeck (club champion at Glen Oak Country Club in Pennsylvania) was refining her game at the nearby Big Island Country Club and had a hole in one on the 17th hole. Her playing partner, Ruth Dettore (club champion at Elmhurst Country Club in Pennsylvania) said to Linda, “I can’t believe I lost the hole with a birdie!”

Not to be outdone by Ms. Brodbeck, both Debbie Reese (club champion at Lakewood Ranch in Florida) and Sam Boyd (club champion at Escondido Golf Club in Texas) had aces during Tuesday’s practice round. And, unbelievably, Sam’s wife Cheryl (also a club champion at Escondido) aced the 7th hole at Hapuna the next day. That’s four holes in one during tournament week!

1. Chris & Ed Gould, Ken & Nancy Baker, and Linda & Dave Scott. 2. Judy Yeager. 3. Martine Bishop. 4. Ron Kolar working out in the exercise room. 5. Steve & Cindy Robinson. 6. Kim Majczan & Buttercup Folsom. 7. Donna Campbell shopping. 8. Russ & Pam Fitton having a good time diving with sea turtles. 9. Ken Martin & Richard Williamson in the clubhouse. 10. Linda Ward enjoying a spa treatment. 11. Mickey Morey and Leslie MacKenzie.

Pineapple Point Skins
Executive Cup has a skins game during both practice rounds. Many enter, but few take away the “Pineapple Points.” During the Wednesday skins game at Hapuna, four eagles won skins. Darwin McDonald (club champion at Wilcox Oaks Golf Club in California) said, “My eagle on #1 was made all the more sweet by collecting 328 Pineapple Points.” Linda Postler (club champion at Indian River Club in Florida) made five birdies on Wednesday at Mauna Lani North but did not enter the skins game. It brings new meaning to, “You can’t win if you don’t play!”

A Week of Hawaiian Fun and Culture
Hawaiian themed fun and culture began on Monday evening with the Welcome Reception luau/clambake; Tuesday and Wednesday mornings were reserved for practice rounds; Tuesday evening combined the Diamond Party with the “Taste of Kona” food festival; Thursday and Friday mornings were the tournament rounds; and Friday evening was the Reception and Awards Dinner.

1. Doug Hanzel. 2. Alice Harcourt. 3. The Whitneys, Burgesses, Fittons, Lanes. 4. Donn Takahashi, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii. 5. The Perlins, Christina Steppi & John Beahn, Chris Waldron, and the Simmons. 6. Ed Pazdur receives “Honu” trophy. 7. Robert & Sue Baldwin. 8. Marcia & Ed Murray.9. Carol & Werner Strobel. 10. Susan Smith & Judy Graves with conch blower. 11. Peg Mimno, Mickey & Randy Moret. 12. Charles King. 13. The O’Briens.

A Fitting End To A Championship Week
The Awards Reception and Dinner on Friday night was the culmination of the competition. Cocktails were served in the courtyard, a conch shell was sounded, and everyone was led into the Grand Ballroom by two men dressed in traditional Hawaiian warrior garb. The special evening began with a seared jumbo diver scallop appetizer and was followed by a pan-roasted filet mignon, maple syrup spaghetti squash, and herb smashed potatoes. The dessert was a chocolate decant lilikoi cone with tropical coulis. Dr. Amie Malihan (club champion at Richmond County Country Club in New York) gave her professional opinion, “What a terrific ending to a terrific week.”

Donn Takahashi, president of Prince Resorts Hawaii, served as the Master of Ceremonies. He called up the 42 TaylorMade practice round winners and Executive Cup X champions (including my wife Vicky, who won the Women’s 50-62 Division with a score of 158) and awarded each one with their crystal trophy.

Executive Cup X winners.

Takahashi also announced the establishment of a new Executive Cup award, the “Hawaii Honu” (honu means “turtle” in Hawaiian) to be presented annually as recognition to an individual who has demonstrated a true passion for golf, looked adversity in the eye, and returned as a champion in life. Takahashi called Tournament Director Mark Pazdur to the podium, handed him the “Hawaii Honu” trophy and asked him to make the first annual award presentation. Mark’s brief silence at the podium stunned and mesmerized the audience. His demeanor became emotional as he said, “I promise not to break down.

“I’m very pleased...(emotional pause)...and proud to make this inaugural award...(emotional pause)...to my dad, Ed Pazdur.” Mark held up the trophy to a standing ovation, summoned his dad to the podium, and made a touching presentation to him.

Appreciating the enthusiasm of the other players and guests as he glanced around, Ralph Giansanti (club champion at Farmington Country Club in Connecticut) realized the significance of the moment. “Competitive golf, good friends, and great food—life just doesn’t get any better than this.”

1. The 17th hole at Hokuli’a, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. 2. Linda Brodbeck trying to hold off the rain for another shot at a hole in one. The day before, she had an ace at Big Island Country Club. 3. The Pavilion at sunset. 4. Walt Hensey teeing off. 5. The 8th hole at Hokuli’a’s oceanfront course.

6. The Pavilion at Hokuli’a. 7. Vicky & Leigh MacKay; Erik Kutz, head golf professional at Hokuli’a; Debbie Maderos; Joanne Beyer; and Lesley & Parker Barnes. 8. The 2nd hole at Hokuli’a. 9. Mark Mann. 10. Club champions enjoying a round at Hokuli’a. 11. Chauffeured service to the practice facility.