2012-02-13
New Trip Logo & Choosing Matchups - Until now, we haven't really had an official logo for our annual trip. So, here it is!



I think the Strokers team is going to get this logo on their shirts, maybe on the arm sleeve. Not sure what the Wackers are planning, but use it as you'd like.

As for choosing matchups, the captains may decide to do it over email. It's becoming tougher to get away on weekends, so we'd rather use any free days to actually play golf this spring. So look for info on matchups soon!

2012-02-09
Here are the 2012 teams!

Assuming we only have 8 people, the Strokers and Wackers teams have been finalized. If we get to 12 before the deadline next Friday, we'll have a supplemental draft to place the final four players.

Defending Champion and Strokers Captain Ryan Vebruggen drafted Zack Maze, Greg Vosberg and Jon Poliskie. The new challenger Sean Clem, Captain of the Wackers, chose Creighton Petkovich, Dave Rundblad and Chris Dobecki.

Sometime in the next month or two, we'll get the captains together to choose matchups for each of the first 4 rounds. We'll do that some weekend at a Buffalo Wild Wings or something like that, so look for information to come your way for that soon. Everybody is welcome to come.

2012-01-19
We have 8 confirmed! Will you be in the 9-12 spot?

2012-01-18
A couple updates...

1) 5 people have paid/confirmed, and one more is telling me he's going to pay today ... that means only 2 gauranteed spots left! After 8 are confirmed, we have to get another group of 4.

2) If you reply that you're OUT to this email, I will stop emailing you. So let me know if you want off this list for this year or permanently (I hope not permanently though).

3) Currently the golfdesk.com payment online payment option is down, but they give a phone number to call and make payment. All of the info you need to make payment is on "The Trip" tab of the website.

Thanks!

2012-01-16
The Time is Now ... to confirm your spot on the 2012 Annual Myrtle Beach trip!

Go to The Trip tab for info on making your payment, which confirms your spot on the trip.

Also remember, see The Rules tab for details on signing up to be sure you get you spot confirmed. First 8 paid go for sure, then we have to get to 12 before the next 4 are in. So go pay early!

Also, the site is now updated with results, stats and photos from the 2011 trip. I still need to update some pics on a few players pages, otherwise it's totally up to date.

2011-11-10
Yo people - it's time to start thinking about Myrtle Beach 2012!

Captain Verbruggen will defend his chair for the Strokers and try to become the first captain to win 3 years in a row! He took out Petkovich and the Wackers in a landslide last year 12-4. As the new tradition goes, the losing captain from last year nominated this year's captain. Petkovich nominated Sean Clem for the 2012 Wackers captain. In theory, Sean accepted, but I need to confirm that he's up for the challenge of taking on Captain Verbruggen and his Strokers.

Dates for the 2012 trip are Thursday May 31 thru June 4. We're still looking into options and cost, but expect somewhere between $400 and $500. That will includes 4 nights and 5 rounds of golf. Add your flight ($300 - $400 maybe?) and share of the rental car (approx $60) and you've got your golf trip. Anything else you spend your $ on is up to you to explain to your significant other.

All of the details are TBD, as are the courses for 2012. It will all be finalized before you have to confirm your spot on the trip.

For now, please let me know what your interest is for the 2012 trip. IN, OUT, or MAYBE? Of course, at this point you are not locked in, but try to give me your best guess. If you say OUT now, I'll probably take you off the emails soon so you don't have to see emails about all the fun we're going to have.

For info on the detailed signup process and when we'll start asking for confirmations and $$, see the bottom half of the Rules tab. This still show's last year's deadlines ... we will update specific dates for 2012 deadlines soon.

In general, I'll get the website updated soon with stats, 2012 info, etc.

2011-06-01
Photos

Click here to see photos from the 2011 trip!

These photos are on Facebook, but it's a public page, so you don't need an account to view them.

2011-05-23
Captain Verbruggen Defends Title

For the first time, a returning champion has defended his captainship. Captain Ryan Verbruggen of the Strokers put together a team that won the tournament by the widest margin in MB Cup history, winning 12-4 over Petkovich's Wackers. All matches were close however, all undecided until the final 3 holes as the earliest.

Ryan chose Zack Maze as MVP of the Strokers going 4-0-1 and averaging a net score of 72.5 in his rounds, both the best on this year's trip. However Maze said, "It's really a team award. I wouldn't have been able to do it without my team. We all contributed to the victory.". The "Gluck is a Donkey" award this year went to the Wackers captain, Creighton Petkovich, who only managed a half point for his team. After that award was announced, Petko promptly picked up the donkey award and smashed it to pieces on the concrete sidewalk. Ok that's not true, he was a good sport. "I'm going to put it on my mantle and use it as motivation for next year," he said.

There were 2 rookies this year, Chris "dos Equis" Dobecki and Jon "Bam Bam" Poliskie. Both had fun and plan to return in future years (at least that's what they told us). We hope they do!

Look for more photos from the 2011 years to be posted soon!

2011-05-23
Sunday's one on one results...

Clem over Petkovich 3 and 2
RV and Dobecki halved their match
Maze over Rundblad 3 and 2
Halliburton and Poliskie halved their match

This gave the Strokers a 12-4 victory.

2011-05-22
After day 2, the Wackers kept themselves in the tournament but still have some work to do. The Strokers lead 6-2 with only today's 1 on 1 matches to go. With each of the 4 matches today being worth 2 points, the Wackers need to win 3 of the 4 matches and tie the other. They must get to 9 points to win outright, while the Strokers only need to win 1 match to retain the title.

It might not be that easy for the Strokers though. Captain Verbruggen is nursing a sore ankle and a scraped up knee so his match with Dobecki will be no pushover. Clem is going against Wackers captain Petkovich and it will be a tough match because Petko won't want to let his team down. Maze goes against Rundblad who has the best 1 on 1 record in MB Cup history. And Poliskie takes on Halliburton where there's no apparent edge, but the pressure may get to rookie Poliskie.

You can follow all the fun on our facebook page live beginning at 12:11pm ... http://www.facebook.com/mbcup

2011-05-20
After day 1 of the 2011 Annual Myrtle Beach Cup, the Strokers lead 3.5 to .5, with the Wackers only half point coming on one the morning matches that was halved. Can the Wackers get back in it tomorrow?

2011-05-19
For the thousands of you who want to see somewhat live scoring starting tomorrow for this year's matches, they will be posted on our facebook page...

http://www.facebook.com/mbcup

Each match will have its initial posting on our page, then the golfers will comment on the match as they go (if they're able to function their phones). We will see how it goes!

2011-05-16
Golfers - here is the final version of our matchups and scorecards for this year's trip. Handicaps HAVE changed a little since we started, specifically for Dobecki and Poliskie since they've posted some real scores this spring.

Click Here to see them.

I'll print them for the trip, no need for you to do that. Only a couple days left to practice. Let's roll!

2011-05-15
On more thing (actually 9 more things) ...

Check out the bottom of The Trip tab for Sean's Tips and Tricks. Helpful tidbits that will help you bring what you need.

2011-05-15
Captian Petkovich's strategy revealed! This is how he plans to get Verbruggen off his game ...

Click here!

2011-05-14
Dudes - just a few days left! Some reminders:

1. The weather looks pretty good as of now, bring sunscreen. Also bring whatever you need for rain, cause we'll play in it if we have to.

2. This is your last weekend to post scores. Please post them by Sunday night. I'll be finalizing handicaps on Monday.

3. Other tips: the rooms should have laundry, so don't overpack. However we won't stop at the condo between rounds, so have enough to bring whatever you need if you want to change between rounds.

4. Last but not least, don't miss your flight on Thursday!

2011-04-15
We're down to almost a month away, and the captains have picked teams and matchups for each of the first four rounds.

Click here >> MATCHES << for details to see who you need to talk strategy with and who you need to trash talk!

Also, check out The Rules tab to make sure you know the changes for this year, especially relating to the Alternate Shot round.

Practice up and post any scores you play this spring using the link at the top of this page so we can be sure we've got your most recent handicap calculated.

2011-04-09
It's been tough recruiting this year, but we finally have our 8 people!

Captains Vebruggen and Petko - I'll send out some info soon so you can pick teams and matchups. At this point, I don't think we have time to get together in person, so we'll do it over email.

Other veteran players going are Zack Maze, Sean Clem, Dave Rundblad and Dave Halliburton. We have two new rookies this year: Chris Dobecki and Jonathan Poliskie.

As soon as I coordinate with the captains, we'll send info out on teams, and other details.

2011-02-26
Two guys dropped out so we are back to needing to fill the spots. First to pay gets the spots! Check out details for the trip on the Trip tab above.

2011-02-10
We have 8!
We've got our 8 golfers confirmed for the 2011 trip! More details coming over the next several weeks on who, the teams, the matches, etc. Get pumped!

2011-02-01
It's official ... the trip will be 8 players this year. Just need to fill the last 2 spots out of several of the maybes.

2011-01-20
Six So Far
Dudes we have 6 people confirmed so far: Zack Maze, Ryan Verbruggen, Dave Rundblad, Dave Halliburton, Sean Clem and Creighton Petkovich. We have only a couple weeks left to nail down if we are taking 8 or 12 people this year. If we have 8 or less confirmed by Feb 1, we will stick with 8. If we have more, we will try to get to 12, but remember only the first 8 are gauranteed a spot until we confirm 12. So let me know ASAP! -Zack

2010-11-12
Dudes - we have the courses, tee times and cost ($475) determined for MB2011! Check it out the This Year tab for details.

We had to pull a few strings, but we were able to get both King's North and Long Bay in our package this year! The normal rules for this package usually require you to choose one or the other, but Ryan worked his charm and hooked us up.

Action Needed: it's now time to confirm your spot and make your payment for the 2011 trip. If you're IN, The Trip tab has instructions on how to make your payment. This will confirm your spot for the 2011 trip. You can check the rules tab (towards the bottom) to review signup rules.

If you're for sure OUT and don't want to keep getting emails this year, let me know, and I'll take you off the list until next year. A few of you I already know you're out, but let me know if you want to keep getting emails in case you change your mind.

Bottom line is that we have 12 spots to fill. If you're the first 8 who pay, you're for sure IN. If you're after 8, you only get a spot if we get 12 total booked. Details are in the Rules tab.

DO NOT BOOK A FLIGHT until we let you know that for sure that you're in the first 8.

Let Zack or Ryan know if you have any questions.

Ps. If you live in a place where your golf association has an off season for handicap score posting (chicago is now in winter season, so you can't post scores), you can still post scores here!

2010-10-15
Yo people - it's time to start thinking about Myrtle Beach 2011!

Ryan Verbruggen will defend his captain's chair for the Strokers, and will be challenged by new captain Creighton Petkovich leading the Wackers.

Dates for the 2011 trip are May 19 through May 23. Cost should be pretty close to normal, somewhere in the $450 - $550 range, which includes 4 nights and 5 rounds of golf. There may be a couple changes to the tournament this year. After watching the Ryder Cup this fall, several of you have shown interest in adding a couple different types of matches, like an Alternate Shot match and/or a 2-man Scramble match. Obviously there are pros and cons of adding these types of matches. Since you aren't playing your own ball, you get a little less golf. However, it adds a new twist and some new strategy to the tournament. If we add these matches, we'll likely play them on the lower cost courses, so that we're still getting our money's worth on the other more expensive courses. Personally, I think these matches would be pretty fun. And hey, when else are you going to play an alternate shot match?

Also, we may eliminate having an overall tie in the tournament. Like the Ryder Cup, the current champion keeps the cup if the overall tournament is a tie. The challenger has to win outright to take it away. We may do the same thing, so we don't have to rely on a tie breaker that might not be fair.

These details are TBD, as are the courses for 2011. It will all be finalized before you have to confirm your spot on the trip.

For now, please let me know what your interest is for the 2011 trip. IN, OUT, or MAYBE? Of course, at this point you are not locked in, but try to give me your best guess. Also let me know your thoughts on these potential changes, especially the possibility of adding the new match types. Specifically, if we make these changes, would it change your level of interest in the trip?

For info on the detailed signup process and when we'll start asking for confirmations and $$, see the bottom half of the Rules page. We will update specific dates for 2011 deadlines soon.

2010-06-17
More updates to the site...

Now you can track your handicap here! Check out your players page to see your current handicap (if you played on the 2010 trip). If you want to add scores, there's a link near the top of the home tab, near the top of the players tab, and at the bottom of your players page. Please post your scores here so we can have a better idea of what your handicap should be for future trips.

2010-06-12
Check out your players page... you've got overall stats back to 2004, and now you have match-by-match results back to 2007! I'm looking for previous years... I gotta hve it somewhere.

2010-06-08
Thinking ahead to next year... the trip will probably be either the weekend before or after memorial day. Keep that in mind! We will finalize sometime in October.

2010-06-07
2010 trip updates are here!

Check out the History tab for updated photos, stats & records, match results and writeup from this year's trip. Roy, there's a special shoutout to you this year, for accomplishing one of the trip's biggest upsets in history.

Also check out the individual player's pages to see your updated record.

I haven't yet taken the disposable cameras to Walgreens, but I have a feeling a few of them won't get developed because Greg had the camera one day. But, when I do get those, I'll update a few more photos.

2010-05-26
Hobbs voted 2010 MVP
Andy Hobbs was voted this year's Annual MB Cup MVP, thanks to his 4-0-1 record and his super clutch shot on the final hole of the tournament. Hobbs needed to get up and down for par from this greenside bunker on 18 at River's Edge to secure the final point needed for the Strokers, making the final score 9-7 in their favor.

After their approach shots, seemingly everything was pointing to Clem winning the hole and bringing the tournament down to a tie breaker for the second year in a row (the AMBC statistics group is still tabulating what would have happened in the tie breaker). Clem was on the green in 2, while Hobbs flew the green into the bunker. It had also just rained for about 45 minutes, and the sand traps were hard and wet. Clem had been putting well all week, so a 2-putt for par seemed sure for him, but everyone thought Hobbs would have trouble getting out of that wet sand. Clem had no choice but to play it safe and he did make his 2-putt for par, but there was nothing more he could do. Hobbs couldn't have picked up his ball and thrown it any closer to the pin than his blast out of the sand ended up. The tap in one-footer for his par halved the hole and pushed the match earning 1 point to secure the Stroker's 9-7 win.

Stay tuned for more stories and photos coming in the next week or two. I promise I'll get them out here faster than in 2009! Also, if you're on Facebook, you can visit Our Facebook Group and check out a few photos I've already posted.

2010-05-26
The AMBC Statistics Group has determined the winner of the tiebreaker would have been the Wackers, had the tournament ended in an 8-8 tie. The rule for breaking the tie for the match is as follows: "If there is a tie after all matches have been played, the following tie breakers will be used, in this order: 1) The lowest total combined score (net strokes) for each team in the 5th round." There are a few more scenarios if the 5th round net scores also tie, but in this case, that's the only rule we need.

How close was it? The Wackers total combined net stroke score for round 5 was 345.5 strokes, while the Strokers took 3 more shots at 348.5. So had Hobbs not made that sand shot to get up and down for par, the Wackers would have won based on a tie breaker in 2 consecutive years.

As a side note, this is why it's important to count every shot and not give too many gimmies. Those may very well come into play in a tiebreaker situation.

2010-05-23
4:50pm Rivers Edge - this year we almost witnessed the biggest comeback in Myrtle Beach Cup history. Going into todays matches, the Strokers lead 7-1, and the Wackers needed 7 of the 8 points possible to force a tie breaker, and a sweep to win. They got 2 points when Rundblad took out Vosberg up 6 with 5 to go, completing the most lopsided victory of the tournament. However, Maze secured the match would at least be a tie by halving the match with Petkovich. Maze was down 4 after 5 holes, but battled back to take a 1 hole lead after 15 holes. Then after a 1 hour ran delay, Petkovich won the 16th and 17th to take a 1 hole lead. On 18, Petkovich hit two tee shots into the marsh, and Maze hit one right down the pipe to within 100 yards of the green. After a wedge and a 2 putt, Maze pared and secured the push. The other two matches were all square through 17 holes. Verbruggen was in trouble off the 18th tee, while Hinkle got his fairway and GIR, then took a safe three-putt to close out that match, brining the score to 8 for the Strokers and 6 for the Wackers. Finally, Hobbs and Clem were both in the fairway on 18. Clem's approach was just in the right fringe of the green, while Hobbs had too much club and flew the green into the sandtrap. Then came the most clutch shot in Myrtle Beach Cup history. Hobbs, out of the soaking wet sandtrap from the rain just an hour earlier, blasts out a perfect sandwedge that landed softly and rolled to within a foot of the cup. Clem left his first putt about 10 feet short, but drained the next for par, which forced Hobbs to make his one footer. He did, and secured the win for the Strokers. To congratulate Hobbs for his clutch shot, Petkovich surprised Hobbs with a whipped cream pie in the face. Congrats to the Strokers on this years win! Check back to this site in a few days for photos from this week.

2010-05-22
11:35am Panthers Run - After being blanked on day one, the Wackers were looking to make a comeback on the morning of day two. It started of well, with Clem and Rundblad dominating Maze and Vosberg, winning up 5 with 3 to go. Clem played like a champ, and Rundblad hit some clutch shots for the win, while Maze and Vosberg couldn't do much right. In the other match, the Strokers held strong, though had to comeback late to do it. Petkovich and Hinkle were up 1 after 16 holes, but Verbruggen and Hobbs won 17 and 18 to take the match. The Strokers lead 5-1 after the first three rounds. We hit Leopards Chase this afternoon for the final two on two matches. The Wackers will try to take another bite out of the Stroker's lead.

2010-05-22
7:00pm Leopards Chase - The Wackers have their work cut out for themselves tomorrow. The Strokers swept the afternoon matches taking the total score to 7-1 heading into the final round 1- on-1 matches on Sunday. Neither match this afternoon was easy for the Strokers. Verbruggen and Vosberg were down 2 early against Petkovich and Rundblad but battled back to even after 17 holes. Then Verbruggen pared the 18th with a short putt to secure the victory. In the second match, Maze struggled early while Hobbs carried the Strokers to keep it close with Hinkle and Clem. The match was even after 14 and then Maze finally hit a couple good shots to win the next two holes and secure the match. It started to rain lightly in the middle of the back 9, but not enough to bother anybody so the matches continued.

Tomorrows matches are set:
Petkovich vs Maze (-9.5)
Rundblad (-2) vs Vosberg
Clem (-6) vs Hobbs
Hinkle vs Verbruggen (-3)

Tomorrows matches are at 9:30am at Rivers Edge, a tough course on the Intercostal Waterway. Good luck!

2010-05-21
12:03pm Lions Paw - The Strokers take an early lead in this years tournament by winning both matches this morning. Maze and Verbruggen defeated Rundblad and Petkovich up 3 with 2 to go. At one point the Strokers were up 5 after 8 holes. The Wackers pair battled back to dormie with 3 holes to go, but Maze and Petkovich pushed on #16 to end the match. In the other match, the match was all square after 15 holes. The Strokers went up 2 on 17 after Vosberg made a slippery 6 footer for par to win the match for he and Hobbs. Hinkle and Clem kept it close the whole way, but let it slip away at the end. Tiger's Eye is next up where it will be Verbruggen/Vosberg vs Hinkle/Rundblad and Hobbs/Maze vs Petkovich/Clem. The weather is perfect by the way, 81 and a slight breeze, not a cloud in the sky!

2010-05-21
6:00pm Tigers Eye - The Strokers domination continued this afternoon as they again won both matches to take a 4-0 lead after the first day. Despite three holes with 4-putts, Vosberg and Verbruggen beat Hinkle and Rundblad up 5 with 3 to go. Maze and Hobbs were up 4 after 4 holes but Petkovich and Clem battled back to even by the 11th hole. Then Maze and Hobbs put it out of reach by winning the next 4 holes.

for todays contests, Maze won the long drive contest this morning, by just a couple yards over Vosberg, Verbruggen and Petkovich just behind. This afternoon Hobbs won closest to the pin by only a foot over Clem.

2010-05-20

It's time!
Well the golf trip vacation has started off with a bang. I used this free wakeup call thingie (for all 8 guys going on the trip) and I didn't realize until 3:30am central time (after I showered) today that the times were eastern. So I have a feeling I woke everyone up an hour early, including myself. Sorry guys!

On a side note, www.wakerupper.com works pretty well if you're smarter than me and set the time correctly.

2010-05-20

7:30pm - todays practice round scramble is complete. Teams were mixed today, and Vosberg, Petkovich, Verbruggen and Rundblad shot -5 to win by 1 stroke over Hinkle, Clem, Hobbs and Maze, who shot -4. They couldn't make a 6 foot slippery putt for par on the 13th, and the bogey cost them. Tomorrow is when the real fun starts though, as the Wackers and Strokers get it on. The first matches at 7am at Lion's Paw on Friday pit Maze/Verbruggen against Petkovich/Rundblad, and Hobbs/Vosberg vs Clem/Hinkle. Check back for updates around noon Eastern to see 1st round results.

2010-05-19

The contest holes are final, here you go ...

Lion Paw - Long Drive Hole #8 (495 yds)

Tigers Eye - Closest to the Pin Hole #6 (140 yds)

Panther's Run - Long Drive Hole #16 (492 yds)

Leopard's Chase - Closest to the Pin Hole #13 (151 yds)

Check out the scorecards on the Big Cats website to study up.

2010-05-16
Looks like there's a pretty good chance we'll get a little rain while we're there: check out the forecast.

We will play in the rain, unless it's really bad or storming, so whatever you need to make that work, be sure you bring it along. Extra clothes to change between rounds, extra socks, rain pants, rain jacket, umbrella, etc. This is our 10th year, and we've been rained out a total of 27 holes, out of a possible 846 over those 10 years. There's always a chance of rain down there by the ocean, and chances are we'll get some and play through it.

Also, check out the rainout rules (rule #11) on the rules tab.

2010-05-14
Live Scoring?
Almost. I've created a little area on our website that allows me to post items to this news page from my phone (like I'm doing right now)! So while we are on the trip, I will post an update after each round, so that our millions of fans can stay updated on the excitement.

So tell your family and friends to come here to see how you're doing next week!

On an unrelated note, everyone remember you have an early flight next Thursday. Don't miss it!

2010-05-12
CBS Lead Myrtle Beach Cup Analyst Greg Vosberg has been busy the last few weeks interviewing experts, gathering data, and putting together some detailed analysis of this year's competition. He's identified trends, compared historical matchups and predicted this year's winners. He also bought a few drinks for Fehrety, Nance and Faldo, then got them to do some round by round analysis. Check it out...



PS. This isn't that bad, but you may not want to have this open at work. It's only slightly inappropriate, but I wouldn't want anyone to get fired over this!

2010-05-02

Score Cards
Here are the score cards for each match. I thought you might want to see who gets strokes on which holes. Click here MB2010.xls to check it out.

You'll notice you get the same # of strokes on every course this year. So instead of adjusting for the lowest person in your group, everybody will get the strokes for their handicap as listed on the Matches tab. The reason for this is that we need to keep everyone on a level playing field in order to calculate final round handicaps, and to use if a tiebreaker is needed. Also if anyone wants to do any side wagers like low net score for one round at a time, this will allow that to be a fair bet as well.

So everyone will have a Gross and a Net score for each round. The person with the lowest handicap (Petkovich this year) will be the only person who never gets any strokes so the gross and net will be the same. Sorry Creighton!

Also note, I'll bring the printed scorecards, so you don't need to print these unless you want to. Check them out and let me know if you have any questions.

2010-04-27
Handicaps are updated. Click here MB2010.xls to check it out. Not major changes, just one or two strokes here or there based on the latest info I have.

I think we're pretty much all set for the trip. Payments are made, flights are booked and cars are rented. Now we just have ot be sure we all get on the flight. 23 days and counting...

2010-04-11
The matchups are set for 2010's tournament! Click here MB2010.xls to check it out.

We're just over a month away. Time to get out and get playing!

2010-03-08
The date is set to reveal the 2010 matchups. We'll be getting together on April 11 @ 1pm at the Buffalo Wild Wings in Mt. Prospect, IL.

Evite Invitation

Come on out, have a beer and trash talk your opponents!

2010-03-05
We're getting close to the 2010 trip! Teams are set. Tee times are set. The captains are working on their team's strategy for the tournament. Now it's time to start trash talking, head to our Facebook page to do it!

Based on last year's controversial tie breaker, we've updated the tie breaker rules to use NET strokes beginning this year. Also, we updated the rule around determining handicaps for the final one-on-one round. In the past, we used all of the first four rounds to determine your average. Going forward, we're going to only use your 2 best rounds. This will help us get a better matchup in the final round, and it better reflects how the USGA determines an actual handicap, which is using a golfer's "good" rounds in that calculation.

Now the next step is drafting matchups for the first 4 rounds of the tournament. Click here >> MB2010.xls for the tournament setup, and some other information on this year's trip. We will be drafting matchups sometime in the next few weeks. Usually we do this at a Buffalo Wild Wings somewhere centrally located. Keep your eye out for an email on when exactly that will be.

As far as prep for this year's trip, start hitting the range. We're a couple weeks earlier than normal this year, so don't waste any practice time! Also, if you need them, there are some great links at the bottom of this website. Whether you need equipment, winter golf practice, or proof that your wife/girlfriend should let you go on a golf trip, check them out.

Lastly, for entertainment purposes only, 5 of our golfers from the past volunteered for a special video. Click here to check them out >> VIDEO

2010-02-02
Ok the 8 golfers are set and the teams are set for Myrtle Beach 2010! The 8 of you, send me your flight info once you have it. More details about this years trip will be coming soon for you guys.

Since returning champion captain Big Dave Rundblad's entire team is back from last year, they will defend their title. That's Rundblad, Clem, Hinkle and Petko taking on first time captain Ryan Crazy Legs Verbruggen and his teammates Vosberg, Hobbs and Maze. Can Verbruggen take down the defending champ, or will Big Dave repeat?

The rest of you who couldn't make it this year, we hope you're back in 2011!

2009-12-11
There has been lots of good response so far for the 2010 trip. We have 18 people who are INs or MAYBEs. So please read the following, and make plans to respond to me, and make payment if you're ready to confirm.

We are proceeding with making reservations for the trip for 16 people (prices and everything were sent via email). However, see the rule page for the process to sign up and reserve your spot. It's pretty common sense, but there are a limited number of spots, so be sure you confirm yours.

2009-11-18
In 2009, Captain Big Dave and the Wackers knocked off Vosberg's Strokers in a tiebreaker, earning Dave his spot as returning captain for 2010! Ryan Verbruggen has been appointed captain of the Strokers and will try to assemble a team to take on Big Dave. Teams will be selected when we figure out who's attending the 2010 Myrtle Beach Cup Invitational.

So, who's in? Responses right now are tentative, so you're not locked in to anything. Let me know if you're interested/able to go based on the details below. We'll look to finalize the group by the end of the year. So please repond with your tentative answer ASAP! If you are interested in coming, but haven't received any info from me, shoot me an email: zack.maze@ezam.net

Dates: Arrive in Myrtle Beach on Thursday May 20, 2010, depart on Monday May 24. Our 5 rounds of golf will be played on Fri 5/21 - Sun 5/23.

Courses: the first four rounds on Friday and Saturday we're going to play all four of the "big cats" courses: Tiger's Eye, Lion's Paw, Panter's Run and Leopard's Chase... details here: Big Cats. The final round on Sunday will be at River's Edge... details here: River's Edge

Lodging: since all of our courses this year are further north, we'll also be staying further north to be closer to the courses, at The Glens in Little River, SC. Condos include: pool, putting green, BBQ grills, 2 double or queen beds in every room. The condos are only 10 minutes from the Big Cats courses, and about 20 minutes from Rivers Edge.

Cost
Golf & Lodging = $515.60
Flight = $200 to $400 (varies depending where you're coming from)
Spending money = this one is up to you

Let me know if you have any questions!

2009-06-03
Big Dave Rundblad and the Wackers knocked off the defending champion Strokers, after the closest match in MB Cup history. The final score was 8-8, but the Wackers won on a controversial tie breaker. Controversy aside, the Strokers had their chances to avoid having the tie breaker decide the outcome. Several matches were won on the last hole, and a couple matches had the Strokers leading big on the front nine, but they couldn't hang on to win. Photo coming soon, but the photographers didn't do a very good job this year.

Click here for the match by match results: 2009 Results

As for the individual contests, Vosberg showed his prowess with his big stick and his little stick, winning both the long drive and closest to the pin on day one. On day two, Petkovich won the long drive contest while Rundblad won the clostest to the pin.

We'll see you next year!

2009-05-31
Breaking News -- Wackers Win!

Big Dave Rundblad and the Wackers knocked off the defending champion Strokers, after the closest match in MB Cup history. The final score was 8-8, but the Wackers won on a tie breaker. Stay tuned for details ...

2009-05-24
Let the games begin!

Everything is set, now it's time to just go play some golf!

Here's an updated MB2009.xls document containing matchups, schedule, contact info, rules and directions to the courses.

Captains - make sure you have copies of the above info, and read the rules, there are a few udpates for this year (mostly around round 5 pairings). Anybody else feel free to make printouts of your own.

Lastly, we have a new trophy this year. Actually it's more of a plaque, but there will be some new traditions around the prize. Each year the winning team will get their names engraved on the plaque. After each year, the winning captain gets to keep the plaque until the next year's tournament. Once the plaque is full, the GOLFER who's name appears most on the plaque gets to keep it for good.

Good luck!

2009-04-28
One Month to Go

One month from today and we head to South Carolina for this year's trip. I'm sure you've all been practicing to fine tune your games.

Here are the MATCHUPS for this year, including tee times, handicaps and courses. Let your CAPTAIN know what you think if you don't like your handicap. However, until we get everybody to keep real handicaps, we can only make it work as good our estimations.

For the most part, the trip should be all set. Everybody has flights, and I think everybody has paid for the golf (if not, do it ASAP).

CAPTAINS Vosberg and Rundblad - get your team pumped up and ready to go. Losing team loses their spot as Captain in 2010!

2009-04-19
Matchups

Below are the matchups for the first four rounds of the tournament. Remember, the round 5 one-on-one matchups are determined based on your play of the first four rounds.

2009-04-05
Teams, Matches and Other Updates

Alright, we finally have some things set in stone. Unfortunately, a few guys had some other things come up and we've had to drop it down to 8 this year. The good news is I think most of you 8 have flights and have paid for the golf package. So thanks for getting that done!

Today was Selection Sunday for the 2009 trip. We have our teams set, and matches set for the first four rounds. Greg Vosberg will bring Clawson, Gluck and Verbruggen for the Strokers on his quest to win for the second year as captain. The challenging captain, Dave Rundblad selected Petkovich, Hinkle and Clem for the Wackers. The early Vegas odds have the Wackers as a very slight favorite. However, Vosberg has some tricks up his sleeve for the Strokers that not even Vegas knows about.

As for the matchups, they will be posted later this week.

Now it's just time to get your games in shape. With only 8 people, each match is more and more important!

2009-02-15
2009 Trip Updates

As you know, we've gone from having 11 people, to having all 12, back to having only 11. So, we need to find a 12th person soon. Feel free to send this website to others if you're trying to recruit! As soon as we get a 12th person, we'll get this year's captains together to pick teams.

It's time to make your payment... go to the Payment Info page for the info you need to make your payment for the 2009 trip.

Thanks to everybody who has sent me their flight info so far. It looks like people are flying in anytime between 11:00am and 4:00pm on Thursday, and flying out between 9:00am and 1:00pm on Monday. The airport is really close to the condos, so really any flight time is fine.

Also once we get our 12th person, we will figure out who is in which condo and who needs to rent a car. More info to come on that.

I am in progress updating photos for the site... that's photos on each players page and other photos from the trip. Keep an eye out for new photos.

Last but not least... you better start hitting the range... practice makes perfect! (or in my case, just makes me frustrated that I can't get my range game on the course)

-Zack

Ps. As you know I can't make it this year... my wife is due with our first kid due June 15. We just found out it's a boy! So 18 years from now when the trip is still going, we'll have another golfer!

2008-12-01

Ready for Myrtle Beach 2009?

There's nothing that makes me think more about golf than 3 inches of snow on the ground for the first time this year. So, it's time to get ready for Myrtle Beach 2009!

The dates are the traditional weekend after memorial day, which means Thursday May 28, 2009 to Monday June 1, 2009.

The cost will be around the usual:
$350-$450 for 4 nights and 5 rounds of golf plus prizes for the winners
$250-$400 for flights (I saw $305 recently from Milwaukee to Myrtle Beach)
$75 for share of rental car
$xxx.xx for whatever else

Obviously nothing is written in stone yet, so don't go book your flights. But we need to start getting a list of who's in and who's out. So let me know...

Are you IN, OUT or MAYBE?
(again, this isn't written in stone yet, so if you say IN, you're not on the hook for anything yet - but hopefully you're pretty sure you're IN)

Send me an email to let me know: zack.maze@ezam.net

-Zack

2008-06-02

Strokers Win!
At the end of the day, the Wackers just had too much ground to make up and the Strokers won the 2008 Myrtle Beach Cup invitational 14-10. After ending day one tied 3-3, day two would be critical. The Strokers took advantage on day two winning 5 of the 6 matches and taking a 8-4 lead. On day three, Hobbs, Halliburton and Clem sealed the victory winning their one on one matches. Petkovich, Rundblad and Big Daddy Maze tried to lead the comeback for the Wackers winning their one on ones, but they needed just a little more help from teammates to complete the comeback.

Click here for the match by match results: 2008 Results

The MVP for the Strokers was clearly Sean "Clemstein" Clem, who went 4-1 for the tournament and showed off several big time drives. Sean also won Golfer of the Year award, after a recount which initially gave the award to Big Dave Rundblad. Clem narrowly edged out Rundblad by 1.8 strokes (based on net stroke average over the 5 rounds).

The other contests in this year's trip had 4 different winners. Petkovich and Rundblad each won a long drive contest. Big Dave's long drive winner was an estimated 346 yard BOMB! Gluck won the first closest to the pin contest by being the only person to successfully hit the green. Kyle won the other by shooting a dart 14' from the cup. Each winner got a $25 gift certificate to Golf Galaxy, and a nice medal to show off to their grandkids in 30 years. Congrats!

Keep an eye on the website over the next few weeks for updated photos, stats and stuff from the 2008 trip. Thanks to everybody who came and made the trip a success!

2008-05-18
Less than 2 weeks until the trip...

Here's this year's info. Download this and print it out, put it on your Blackberry, have it tatooed on your chest or whatever. I'm not printing paper copies this year because I need the time to practice my golf, so here it is.

Download this ---> 2008 Myrtle Beach Info <--- Download this

Be sure at least 1 person in your condo has copies of this. Only a few days left to get your practice in, so you better get out there... at least to the range... ok the putting green?

2008-05-05
Golf Info Coming Soon... I'll be making up a little packet of info for you with directions to the courses, check-in instructions, the matches for the first 4 rounds, etc. You'll have 1 packet per condo.

Practice Round
Ok everyone was in for golfing on Thursday when we get there...

We're gonna play at Burning Ridge: http://www.classicgolfgroup.com/burningridgegolfclub.html

It's $44 a person. Tee times are 3 in a row starting at 2:15pm.

We'll plan to check into the condos when we arrive in MB, then head to the golf course once we get settled.

You can makeup your own foresomes and play whatever game you want. This won't be part of the official Myrtle Beach Cup.

Ryan, we'll hope your flight is on time. :) We'll go in the last group. If you're running late, I'll get you from the airport and we'll catch up with the last group on the 2nd or 3rd hole.

2008-04-29
RENTAL CARS


The person in RED below has reserved the rental car for your condo. Be sure you connect with them so you have a ride to/from the airport. Also, those with the car will have their name on file with package guy and be able to check into your condo.

Condo 1: Verbruggen, Rundblad, Clem, Baker
Condo 2: Maze Z, Maze J, Halliburton, Hobbs
Condo 3: Vosberg, Gluck, Clawson, Petkovich

We will be getting the detailed package info, check in times, etc from the package guy soon. So we'll get that information out to you when we get it.

See you in a month, if not sooner!

2008-04-28
Well, we have 1 month to go! Hopefully everybody is getting time to play a few times in the next month. You've got everyone's email address on the emails I've been sending, so if you need people to golf with this is a good list to start with!

I wanted to give some more info on how we determined handicaps. You don't have to memorize this, but I wanted to throw it out there. First of all, the whole point of the handicap is to make golfers of different skills be able to compete against each other on the same level. So keep that in mind.

Below in parenthesis is your current "adjusted" handicap for our trip. The number in front of your name should come out to the score you might shoot on your "good" days of golf on a par 72 course. This doesn't mean your best score, but more like the average score on your good days.

81 - Petkovich (0)
83 - Hobbs (2)
85 - Vosberg (4)
86 - Clawson (5)
87 - Maze, Z. (6)
90 - Rundblad (9)
92 - Baker (11)
95 - Maze, J. (14)
97 - Gluck (16)
97 - Clem (16)
99 - Verbruggen (18)
99 - Halliburton (18)

True USGA handicaps are only calculated using the 10 best of your 20 most recent rounds. So again, it's based on your "good" days. We came up with these values for all of use based on the numbers you gave me, as well as how we know each other plays relative to each other. If you don't think these are accurate, feel free to let me know as we have plenty of time to adjust before the trip.

So for example...
For a foursome, the best player in the group (the one with the lowest handicap) will get no strokes, meaning he will play "scratch" on every hole. The other three golfers will take the best players handicap and subtract it from theirs. That result is the number of holes they will "get a stroke" on.

So say Vosberg (4), Maze Z (6), Rundblad (9) and Gluck (16) are in a fourseome. Vosberg gets no strokes. Maze Z gets a stroke on the 2 hardest holes according to the difficulty on the scorecard. Rundblad gets a stroke on the 5 hardest holes and Gluck gets a stroke on the 12 hardest holes. This puts everyone on a level playing field.

We will be preparing the scorecards for you prior to the rounds, so you don't have to figure out who gets strokes on which holes. If the scorecard has a slash in your box, you enter your real score on the left, and your adjusted score (-1 stroke) on the right. Your adjusted score is used to determine who won the hole.

You still need to track your true stroke play score so that we can match you up against the appropriate opponent for the final 1 on 1 match. The 1 on 1 matches will be played straight up, no handicaps.

I know, this is a novel. We'll meet up on Thursday night in Myrtle Beach to be sure everyone knows what's going on.

-Zack

2008-04-03
Click the link below to download a MS Excel spreadsheet which contains the 2 on 2 matchups for 2008.

2008 Matchups

Note: these matchups are not necessarily set in stone, and neither are the adjusted handicaps listed. There are still 2 months between now and the trip to have some things change a little. See your team captain if you have any concerns.

2008-03-30
The captains have made their picks, so we have our teams! Click the Teams link to see who's a Wacker and who's a Stroker.

We also have tentative matchups for each 2 on 2 round but I didn't have time to get those up here yet. I will have them up here soon.

Keep in mind we'll be playing with handicaps this year. That means you may get some strokes in your rounds. We'll be using adjusted handicaps to fit our group. The lowest handicap is 0 and the highest is 18. So at most, one golfer will get 1 stroke on every hole. More details on that later.

Only 60 days to go, you better get to the range!!

2008-03-28
RENTAL CARS and NEW PAIRING METHOD

Time to get rental cars... this is how we're guessing the rooms will end up working out:
Condo 1: Verbruggen, Rundblad, Clem, Baker
Condo 2: Maze, Maze, Halliburton, Hobbs
Condo 3: Vosberg, Gluck, Clawson, Petkovich

One person in your condo needs to make a rental car reservation for the dates we are there.

Vosberg, Gluck, Clawson - Kyle will be in MB on Wednesday so if you guys can connect and figure that out that would be good.

ALSO...
We will be estimating a handicap for you this year, and the 2 on 2 matches will use the handicaps. This is so that we can make the matches even without always having to pair up the best golfers with each other. This way it doesn't matter your skill level, the playing field in the 2 on 2 matches will be even. We'll be able to pair you with or against anyone regardless of skill level. So please be sure you get me your scores I asked for on the evite (or let me know if you track a real handicap).

We will still need to keep your real score so that we can rank players #1 - #6 for the 1 on 1 matches. Those 1 on 1 final round matches will NOT use handicaps. You will play straight up match play against the golfer on the opposing team with the same rank.

2008-03-24
WE HAVE 12 PEOPLE!!! YES!!

We have our 12th golfer. Kyle "el Capitan" Baker, who was the originator of the trip back in 2001 is returning this year!!

Now that we have 12 people, your captains (Vosberg and Gluck) and Ryan and I will be getting together soon to pick teams. I have sent out an evite to everyone coming this year with the time and location so anyone is welcome to join if you're interested. (Sun 3/30 at 11:30am at Buffalo Wild Wings in Mt. Prospect)

Also, soon we'll need to figure out rental cars, roommates and all that good stuff. More info to come on that.

-Zack

2008-03-23
All, if you haven't made payment, please do so soon. Due date is 4/1/2008.

Also, if you have trouble paying online with the instrcuctions on our site, you may have to call the package people. They are re-doing their website (golfdesk.com) and I couldn't get the payment to go through today. Their number is 800-642-3108. You'll still need the file reference number which is 3752276 and you'll need to tell them the amount of $426.56.

I was able to make my payment via phone, so that shouldn't be a problem if their website doesn't work for you.

-Zack

2008-03-15
This is our new site, check it out and come back often for info on the Myrtle Beach trip!