Spring 2009 Championship
Saturday, June, 20, 2009
Golden Bears Vs Kings
What a fantastic end to a great season!!! The Kings once again finished atop the Palmer Division and paired off against the Golden Bears in the Nicklaus Division who made their first appearance in the Long Beach District 1 Championship, Spring 2009
The play was heart stopping for the coaches and players and spectators. The first match was back and forth until the 6th hole with alternate shot and the Golden Bear team of Tyler Schafer and Devin Nelson held off the Kings team of Skyelar Tonnesen and Seth Deanda taking the match 3 & 2.
The 2nd match was neck and neck and back and forth bringing them to the 9th hole all square. However because of the scoring system the Kings needed to win the 9th hole not just tie it in order to force a playoff. With the Golden Bears (Willy Stayart and Sarah Cruz ) on the fringe 12' away the Kings were over 25' away on the fringe and needed to make that chip to possibly win the hole and the match. After conferring with his partner Leland Wilcox, Shane Tonnesen stepped up and chipped it in!!!! giving both me and his Dad (Coach) a mild heart attack. Winning the hole and match 1 up forcing a 3 hole playoff.
LBGLL First Championship Playoff
Selecting only 2 team members from each team, Coach Nelson of the Golden Bears selected Devin and Willy, as Coach Tonnesen selected Leland and Shane to play a 3 hole match in a scramble format. If the match was still even after 3 holes, it would then be sudden death.
Hole# 1- Both teams off the tee, the Kings approach shot made the green where the Golden Bears did not. After their chip and then missed putt, the Kings 2 putted for a 4 and went 1 up.
Hole# 2- Again both teams off the tee well , the Kings being some 20 yards further and in excellent shape. after Willy sent his approach shot to the right and long Devin stepped up and hit a perfect approach to about 15'. Both of the King's approach shot came up short and left them well over 30' to the hole, they left their next putt long and failed to convert and the Golden Bears 2 putted for their 4, winning the hole.
Match all Even.
Hole # 3 - After winning hole #2 the Golden Bears had the tee, and Willy, not wasting anytime, stepped up and proceeded to take dead aim and stuck his tee shot to within 6'. Although all tried to put one in close the Kings where unable to match that shot and sure par for the hole after making their bogey 4, Willy took his stance and knocked in the birdie giving the Golden Bears the hole and the Championship!!!
Well played by all and congratulations to all!!!

2009 Spring Champions - Golden Bears
Front Left: Tyler Schafer, Sarah Cruz, Devin Nelson, Willy Stayart,
(L) Assistant Coach Al Cruz (R) Coach Steve Nelson