On Friday, May 1st, 19 men gathered once again in Sea Isle City, most playing golf and all celebrating over 50 years of friendship. Senior Tachi’s Bob Losinger, Tom Raymond, Matt Mankus and Greg Schlegel led 12 players over the rolling fairways, ponds, and an abundance of traps at Shoregate Country Club. The head count for golf was surprisingly light due mostly to last minute cancellations that dealt primarily with more important family matters. A total of 19 attended the weekend and the end of round hearty barbecue banquet.

The size and quantity of the sand-traps at Shoregate made them quite challenging and were significant factors in the difficulty of the course. It was a sunny pleasant day with winds that cooperated as they were light and not much of a factor. Chalk up another great Theta Chi Open outing.

Eight players broke 100 a considerable achievement given all of the challenges on the course. Brother Bob Mausser took home the trophy once again with a very impressive 81, a convincing win, but not a comfortable win as Brother Mooney made it a game throughout the day and shot a strong 86. Brother Schlegel, fresh from the Straits of Hermuz was 3rd with a 94 and Brother John Wszalek, straight from Royersford, was 4th shooting a 95. Well done fellows.

Sharpshooters hit all four greens earning some cash. Congrats to Vic Howe hole 5 (for the 2nd year in a row hole number 5), Matt Mankus on hole 8, Bob Mausser on hole 14 (2 inches from a hole in one) and Bob Mooney on hole 17. Well done gentlemen. Two other money contests were held. Bob Mausser won em both, the straightest drive and longest drive. Well done all.

Man Mile awards goes once again to Gerry Kistler who flew seven and half hours from Borgata, Columbia, South America followed by a 90 minute ride to Sea Isle City from Philly airport. Gerry promises to bring some authentic Columbian coffee to next year's Open. Special mention to John Saccone, who flew in from Houston along with Bob Mausser. Saccone is now a regular on the Theta Chi Open scene and promised to bring his comedy to next year’s Open.

The highlight of the weekend was the time spent at our gathering place, at 16 68th Street, Sea Isle. Great job Stretch Cunningham, securing this house again for a third year in a row and we hope a 4th year next year. It should be noted that Brother Douglas performed a hilarious skit featuring Carnac the Magnificent and no one in the room could escape the abuse the Great Carnac was slinging. The "old guys", ever competitive, enjoyed many festive rounds of the card game "31" whenever they had a chance. And how bout those Sixers dusting off 50 years of abuse and sending the Celtics out of the playoffs. It is clear once again the weekend that is called the "Theta Chi Open" is more than just a golf tournament. It is a gathering of great friends.

Thanks to John Wszalek for securing the beer (an under rated job dealing with personnel at Kixx Beer Distributor), Bill Rooney for taking the role of Chief Money Man making sure our calculations were correct and distributing money to our vendor and those that fronted deposit money and Dave Matthews for the organizing, documenting and handling of the golf prizes.

In the Gallery (non golfers): Gerry Kistler, Alan Vladimir, Eddie Kivitz, John Saccone, Bill Rooney, Ken Slaby and Dave Douglas

Scores

Bob Mausser, 81
Bob Mooney, 86
Greg Schlegel, 94
John Wszalek, 95
Bob Losinger, 96
Matt Mankus, 96
Tom Raymond, 98
Bob Hunter, 98
Dave Matthews, 102
Mike Perkins, 112
Victor Howe, 116
Brian Fleuhr, 122

2026 Annual Golf Outing Recap

Scores