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SVGC starts 2013; SGC’s Marshall; AT&T at Pebble

Golf notes

The Sonoma Valley Golf Club opened its 2013 season under sunny skies last Sunday at Paradise Valley Golf Club in Fairfield. Leading the way in the net flight was Pat Connolley, who carded a very impressive 65, followed in second-place by Bob Jennings’ 71, with four players tied at 73, before a scorecard playoff had Karl Mayer taking home third, Ron Sharek grabbing fourth, Martin Bajuk fifth and Jim Hybiskie sixth. 

In the gross division, Pat Armitage walked away with the top-spot with his round of 75, while Phil Rollins took second-place with his 83. 

In closest-to-the-pin action, Al Rappoport resumed his laser-like play from prior years with his shot to 5 feet 9 inches on the 179-yard third hole; and Greg Tellis conquered the long and difficult eighth hole, playing 192-yards, with a shot to 6-11. 

The back nine saw new member Hybiskie show why he had a strong round, nestling his ball 7-6 away on the 138-yard 12th, and the always tricky 15th was not intimidating to Mike Lucas who fired his tee-shot to 5-6. 

The SVGC returns to action at Rooster Run Golf Club in Petaluma on Sunday, Feb. 24.

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Anyone who has called Sonoma Golf Club over the last few years knows the voice, the deep Scottish brogue of Associate Golf Professional Tony Marshall that welcomes callers to the phone system. 

Before the PGA Tour pros head to Pebble next week, Marshall will get a preview of both Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill Golf Club, while playing in the Pebble Beach Pro Amateur Invitational. 

The event, which starts today and finishes around midday this Sunday, features PGA of America professionals from around the country as well as some PGA Tour stars, including two-time United States Open champion Lee Janzen, paired with amateur partners. 

Marshall, who grew up in Scotland and was one of the assistant golf professionals at the world famous Turnberry Resort before coming to Sonoma eight years ago, adds another historic course to his list as he steps onto the tee at Pebble Beach Golf Links for the first time. 

The affable Marshall will suit the pro-am format well, and has been trying to work some practice time into his busy schedule, but was looking to get a couple of good practice rounds in before the tournament starts and was crossing his fingers for good weather.

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Tiger Woods claimed his 75th PGA Tour title last weekend in San Diego at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, but his 76th will not come at this year’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am.  Woods announced this week that after playing the event last year, he will not return in 2013.

Despite Woods absence, there will still be plenty of top-names in the field, including defending champions Phil Mickelson, who last year fired a final round 64 while playing partner Woods struggled to a 75. 

As always, the event will feature some of the biggest stars in TV, movies, sports and music. The tournament takes place next week, with the annual celebrity shootout at Pebble Beach Golf Links at 1:30 p.m. this Tuesday, Feb. 5. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the gate or online at attpbgolf.com.