By BEN FONG
For the Sentinel
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — With the postseason drawing closer, Week 12 of the Thursday Ocean City Senior Golf League produced another exciting round of competition at Harbor Pines Golf Club. Several contenders strengthened their playoff position with impressive performances, while one veteran golfer stole the spotlight with a remarkable display of shot-making.
In A Flight competition, Guy Hackney returned to the winner’s circle with a strong performance against Joe Dempsey. Hackney posted a net 70 to Dempsey’s 74 and controlled match play 8-5 to sweep all 4 available points.
Frank Mancini continued his outstanding summer campaign by firing a net 68 against Phil Gaffney’s 71. Mancini added a convincing 9-6 match play victory, earning another 4-point sweep and maintaining his place among the league’s top contenders.
One of the day’s marquee matchups featured Ben Fong and John Blady. Fong recorded an excellent net 68, but Blady answered with an even better net 66. Blady carried that momentum into match play, defeating Fong 8-3 to earn all 4 points in one of the week’s most impressive victories.
Mike Bogdash picked up an important win over Jim Shippen, posting a net 75 against Shippen’s 78. The pair battled to a tie in match play, allowing Bogdash to earn 3 points while Shippen collected 1.
Ron Venturi continued his consistent play with a net 71 against Pete McInerney’s 78. Venturi secured the match play victory 8-5 to sweep all 4 points and strengthen his playoff position.
Bob Pierce rounded out A Flight action with another solid performance, carding a net 71 against Garth Moyle’s 75. Pierce claimed match play by a 6-3 margin to earn all 4 points.
B Flight competition remained just as competitive. Joe Sheridan edged Tom Gahr in stroke play with a net 77 to Gahr’s 78. Their evenly played match ended in a tie, giving Sheridan 3 points and Gahr 1.
Tom Visco turned in a strong round against Mike Coffman, shooting a net 74 to Coffman’s 79. Visco followed with a 7-5 match play victory to sweep all 4 points.
Rick Schultz continued his steady season by posting a net 76 against Larry Zucker’s 91. Schultz dominated match play 12-5 to earn another 4-point victory.
Sam Malandra added to his impressive rookie campaign with a net 76 against Tony D’Ottavio’s 83. Malandra controlled match play 9-5 to collect all 4 points.
Tom Szkaradnik closed out the B Flight action with a net 76 against Jeff Mitchell’s 79. Although the players finished tied in match play, Szkaradnik’s lower score earned him 3 points while Mitchell picked up 1.
The highlight of Week 12 belonged to John Blady, whose outstanding round included birdies on Holes 9, 10, and 13. Recording three birdies in a single round is a rare accomplishment and capped an impressive performance that included both the low score in his match and a complete 4-point sweep.
With a dozen weeks now in the books, both the A Flight and B Flight races remain highly competitive. Every point earned over the remaining weeks will be critical as golfers battle for playoff positions and the opportunity to compete for the 2026 league championships. The consistent high level of play throughout the season continues to showcase the talent and camaraderie that make Thursday mornings at Harbor Pines one of the area’s most enjoyable golfing traditions.
Golfers interested in joining the league may contact Al Malatesta (malatesta9088@gmail.com), John Blady (john@swimusa.com), or Ben Fong (ben.fongmeister@gmail.com) for additional information.