2016 Masters: Rainero Reclaims Jacket at Meth Mansion
The calm before the storm:
Jeb and I head down the King's Highway discussing war strategies for both on and off the course. We pull up to the familiar sight of the white Yukon parked up front in winners circle and know that CEGA die hard's Zepponi and Netherton are already out taking on the course. After an Ultimate BLT, it was time to hit the world class practice facility. We putted around the restaurant and watched Tim and the crew play what we thought was hole nine but soon found out it was merely hole 27, and they would go onto finish 36 -- a small warm up for the grinders. In typical mountain fashion, the thunder storms quickly rolled in, accompanied by pellets of hail. That, with the help of one grumpy old man, it was time for Jeb and I to see what the cabin had in store. While checking into the Meth Mansion, the skies cleared and CEGA members Segale, Rainero, Reilly, and Bjuhr began a practice round of their own. That night, the players enjoyed a very peaceful dinner at the club. Some would stay in the bungalows, while others headed back to the meth pad. It would soon became clear that a small amount of 20's would be tossed around shuffle board this weekend.
Masters Saturday:
The theme song started the day off while the fog slowly burned away from the lake. I thought to myself, "This is what CEGA is all about." Remaining players, Andy Weyer and Brian Leffler, showed up at the track and the stage was set. The 2016 Masters was underway.
The course was in great shape and presented all players with the opportunity to score...and score they would. Jeb Boss finished the last 3 holes of the front nine in nine strokes (Par, Eagle, Birdie) -- shooting a natural 37 (-4). But at the end of the day, it would be Segale that would go into the clubhouse as the leader. By parring half of the holes on the course, Segale's 82 would be the low net score for the day at -3. Jeb would follow at -2, Leffler at Even, and Rainero at +2. Other players were not far behind and points where there to take. We would then take to the putting green and attempt to put a little extra cash in the pocket.
All Players would head back to the Meth Mansion for the nights activities. Leffler and Weyer would be the only two brave souls to challenge the water slide. Others took a nice swim in the lake and some hit up the hot tub. The slide proved to be good luck for Leffler (or perhaps it was his 25 foot jump from deck to lake)...either way, the dip helped freshen him up enough to take down the poker trophy and pay for his weekend.
Beer, Wine, Vodka, Whiskey, Pizza, Tacos, Poker, RBI, Shuffle board, bed time!
Masters Sunday:
The tide changes fast. As always, fairways and greens would be the key to victory today. After nine, it would be Rainero in the lead. Using the 4 iron off the box, he managed to hit fairways and drained 7 one-putts on the front nine -- one said to be over 100 feet. Leffler managed to stay in the game for the front nine, but ran into David Hasselhoff and took a 14 on number 11. Jeb and Segale would limp in while it seemed Rainero was seemingly walking away with an easy victory. After taking an 11 on Hole 18, Joe Rainero would finish with an 88 and +4 for the tournament (just two shots ahead of second).
PLAYOFFS!!! After scores were counted, Netherton and Barbano would find themselves in a tie for second at +6. Netherton shot even for the day and Barbano managed to put together his CEGA career low with an 81 (-4 for the day). After all was said and done, Netherton had played the 18th hole seven times this weekend, but it would be Barbano that crept away with a birdie on the 3rd playoff hole for 2nd Place in the tournament. Tim Netherton would take 3rd and Bryan Segale would add more points to his POTY lead with a 4th Place finish.
The players enjoyed some brews and the camaraderie that embodies CEGA. I for one am already looking forward to next years Masters!
