OCEAN CITY — With opening day set for May 7, the Thursday Ocean City Senior Golf League is preparing to tee off another season at Harbor Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, continuing a tradition that blends friendly competition with lasting camaraderie.
What sets the league apart is its balanced and engaging format. Each week, players compete in a combination of stroke play and match play, with a total of four points up for grabs — two awarded for stroke play performance and two for match play results. The system rewards both consistency and head-to-head competitiveness, keeping matches meaningful from the first tee to the final putt.
To ensure fair competition across the field, the league is divided into two divisions: A Flight and B Flight. This structure allows players of varying skill levels to compete within their respective groups while still contributing to the broader league standings.
As the season unfolds, players accumulate points each week, with those totals ultimately determining qualification for the league’s playoff rounds. At season’s end, top performers in each division will battle for the titles of A Flight and B Flight champions, capping off months of steady play and friendly rivalry.
But while the competition builds throughout the season, the league’s defining characteristic remains its sense of community. That spirit is on full display during the season finale, when players gather for a celebratory luncheon honoring the year’s champions and participants alike.
For many members, the weekly rounds offer more than just a chance to compete — they provide an opportunity to stay active, connect with friends, and enjoy the game in a welcoming and familiar setting.
As another season begins at Harbor Pines, the fairways are once again set to host not only competitive rounds, but the stories, laughs, and traditions that have made the Thursday league a cherished part of the local golf scene.
If you’re interested in joining our group, please contact Al Malatesta (malatesta9088@gmail.com), John Blady (john@swimusa.com), or Ben Fong (ben.fongmeister@gmail.com)
– By BEN FONG/For the Sentinel