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Weixel and Doebler Tie For California Seniors Title
Posted on June 29th, 2018 No commentsFor the first time in recent memory, co-champions were declared in the overall gross division of the California Seniors Golf Association Championship. Ken Weixel (Rancho Santa Fe) and Rick Doebler (Fullerton) tied at 8-over 152 and will share the title for the next year.
Played at the gorgeous La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe Country Clubs, the event brought over 170 members of the organization together for the 75th time. (It’s said that the solid silver trophy has been appraised for close to $10,000.)
Rick Doebler, 67, brought his smooth swing into town from his home club, Hacienda CC and fired 74 to take the early lead at La Jolla Country Club, tied with John Minteer of San Diego Country Club.
Ken Weixel, 59, had just returned from Ireland the night before. It was, perhaps not the best pre-tournament preparation, but unavoidable due to plans to attend a wedding.
The veteran competitor is known for taking very little time to make a decision and pull the trigger, usually finding fairways and greens. But after playing the first eight holes in 1-under par, his game gave way to exhaustion on the back nine. Time zone changes, and a wrestling match with some trees near the halfway house behind No. 9 green resulted in a round of 81 – nearly out of contention.
“It was kinda comical, really,” said the Deloitte managing partner of his effort to find his ball behind the small building. “I went in looking, and scraped my arms and legs up so badly I was bleeding from five different places!”
Determined to be part of the mix on Sunday, Weixel hoped for a round in the 60s, which is well within the reach of the 5-time USGA Mid-Am qualifier. He settled for a 71 on Tuesday, but that was by far the low round of the day at Rancho Santa Fe and allowed him to make up the 7 shots he trailed by.
Doebler, for his part wasn’t giving up despite a few errant shots and missed putts at Rancho Santa Fe.
On No. 13, playing hard into the wind with water guarding the right side and front of the green, he pulled his shot well left into some desert-like vegetation that separates the course from the horse riding trails that surround it. (You’ve got to play here if you get the chance.)
“I made bogey there, after nearly going out-of-bounds,” said Doebler. “That was a good turning point to keep my round going.”
So there were the two gross champions, dressed along with the entire membership in matching blue blazers, striped CSGA ties, and gold-leaf crests to complete the picture — holding the trophy. Together.
It’s quite a site to see, really, a group of golfers traveling to some great California venues to meet and compete. Age is just a number.
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Get to Know 2018 President Tom Gustafson
Posted on March 13th, 2018 No comments
Born in Sioux City, Iowa, Tom Gustafson has spent most of his life in Southern California. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Cal State Fullerton and then a Masters in Public Administration from Long Beach State. His work career began in Municipal Government but he has spent 30 plus years in the golf business. He worked for the Southern California Golf Association for 10 years and spent his last 5 years as their Executive Director. Tom then went to work for the Southern California Section of the PGA for 15 years as their Executive Director/CEO. Afterwards he became a consultant to the golf industry.Gustafson has always loved sports. Growing up he played baseball and basketball. He began playing golf with some buddies in high school and has enjoyed the game ever since. When one works in the business of golf people assume that you play a lot of golf–but that is not the case. He has played more golf since retiring.Tom and his wife Kathy stay busy with their 4 sons and 10 grandchildren, but golf is still an important part of their lives. Kathy has served for the last 30 years as the Executive Director of the Seniors Golf Association of Southern California and Tom has served on the Board of Governors of the California Seniors for the past 8 years.What are you looking forward to as Cal Seniors President?
Working with the Cal Seniors Board of Governors which consists of five Governors from Northern California and five from Southern California. Also, I am looking forward to serving the members of our organization and conducting our Two-Day Championship for the first time in San Diego (June 25 & 26) and our Four-Ball event in Napa (October 30 & 31).How did you first get started with golf?I first got started playing golf with some buddies of mine while in high school. But being hired to work for the SCGA was my real start with golf.What is your greatest golf memory or moment?My greatest golf memory was playing golf in Scotland with my wife and another couple. We played some Open courses including the Old Course at St Andrews, Muirfield and Carnoustie.Anything you would change with the game?As with many avid golfers, I would like to see the pace of play improved and the Rules of Golf simplified – which is coming.What is your favorite course and why?I would say my favorite course to play would be Glendora Country Club where I was a member for many years. However, from a pure golf experience playing Cypress Point and Pine Valley was a thrill.What courses are still on your wish list?A number of courses in Scotland and Ireland. And of course, Augusta National!Who was your biggest golf influence?The two gentlemen who hired me to work for the SCGA – Newell Pinch and Tom Morgan. Unfortunately, both have since passed away,
What is your favorite golf book?Alister MacKenzie’s Cypress Point Club by Geoff Shackelford which was given to me by Lee Schmidt & Brian Curley.
What do you enjoy doing besides golf?Spending time with my wife, Kathy and our children & grandchildren. I also enjoy travel and want to see more of the U.S., as well as take another trip to Scotland, and this time – include Ireland!