By Ron P. Coderre

Quinnatisset Country Club, which was founded in 1903, held its club championship competition over the weekend of July 12 and 13.  A total of nine flights of male and female golfers teed off with the hope of bringing home a first-place trophy.  For the first time in the club’s illustrious history there was a senior flight playing from the blue tees, according to Quinnatisset Operations Manager Michael Pizzetti.

“This year the organizing committee decided there was a need to create a new flight because there were a number of entrants in the senior category.  Overall the entire weekend worked out nicely without a hitch,” said Pizzetti.

Following the two days of competition, champions were crowned in all flights with “Big” Al Remekie capturing the title of Men’s Club Champion.  Perennial female powerhouse Anne Kelly retained her title of Female Club Champion.  Legendary John McCormac was the favorite going into the senior blue tee competition and much to the surprise of no one he emerged with the title.

Remekie, known for his long ball hitting prowess, fought off a challenge from a trio of competitors to capture the title of Club Champion by a two-stroke margin.  He carded a total score of 148.  Chasing Remekie throughout the weekend was former Woodstock Academy stalwart Greg Pike, Jim Colucci and Williams College product Cody Semmelrock.  All three golfers posted scores of 150.

Another former Woodstock Academy linkster, Ryan Willis was next with a score of 151, followed by ex-Tourtellotte golfer Chris Poblocki at 153.  Chris Markiewicz (154), Rocky Bedard (155), E.J. Wholey (156) and defending champion Bill Poirier (158) rounded out the Championship Flight.

The First Flight title went to Pomfret’s Dan Navarro followed by Ed Czarnecki in 2nd place with the Webster Morses, Randy and Ryan tied for 3rd.  Peter Gaudette emerged on top of the Second Flight followed by Mike Bernier and Bob Borski.  Danielson’s Gene Blain captured the Third Flight, besting Derek Hoss and Larry Lippiello. Dennis Shippee was crowned the winner in the Fourth Flight edging out Lou Bourassa and the inimitable Tom Auclair.

McCormac was the champ in the Senior Blue Tee Flight followed by Woodstock’s “Mr. Steady” Dick Garceau and Chic Giovanni.  The Senior Flight honor went to Chris Katralis, who took the measure of Charlie Panteleakos and Roger Beaudet.

Anne Kelly once again ran away with the Female Championship with Beth Greene in second place.