By BEN FONG/For the Sentinel
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — The competitive portion of the 2026 Thursday Ocean City Senior Golf League season officially came to a close with the league’s annual four-man team scramble at Harbor Pines Golf Course last week.
The weather was a little chilly, overcast and windy, but that didn’t stop several teams from heating things up on the golf course.
Blue Team takes title
The Blue Team, consisting of Bob Pierce, Tom Szkaradnik and Tom Gahr, posted the day’s best score, finishing five under par to capture first place.
The Brown Team of Phil Gaffney, Rick Schultz, Joe Sheridan and Mike Coffman also put together an excellent round, finishing four under par and just one stroke behind the winners.
The Green Team, featuring Jim Hoagland, Garth Moyle and Tony D’Ottavio, finished the day at even par.
Two teams finished at two over par. The White Team, made up of Ron Venturi, Mike Janel and Sam Malandra, shot 2-over, while the Red Team of Frank Mancini, Ben Fong, Jeff Mitchell and Tom Visco also finished at 2-over.
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the scramble provided a fun conclusion to the official 2026 season.
Luncheon celebrates a
successful season
Following the round, league members gathered for a luncheon to celebrate the season and recognize all of the winners from the 2026 campaign.
The luncheon provided an opportunity for everyone to enjoy some time together away from the competition and celebrate another successful season of senior golf at Harbor Pines.
The league’s 2026 championship season saw Garth Moyle capture the A Flight playoff championship and Tom Szkaradnik claim the B Flight playoff championship. Frank Mancini and Joe Sheridan were the respective Total Points winners for the A and B Flights.
Winter golf continues
Although the official season has concluded, the golf will not stop.
Beginning in October, league members will continue to play and enjoy the camaraderie of an “Unofficial Winter League.” The informal winter competition will give members an opportunity to keep playing together during the offseason and carry the friendships and camaraderie of the 2026 season into the fall and winter months.
Congratulations to the Blue Team on winning the season-ending scramble, and congratulations to all of the 2026 Thursday Ocean City Senior Golf League members on another memorable season.
Golfers interested in joining the league may contact Al Malatesta at malatesta9088@gmail.com, John Blady at john@swimusa.com, or Ben Fong at ben.fongmeister@gmail.com for additional information.
