Historical Notes on the NBS/NIST Golf Association

Compiled by Les Slaback

The NBS Golf Association was formed in 1969 with 20 teams. Ross Koeser, Otto Warnlof, and Bud Wollin were the primary organizers, with Ross Koeser as the first year president. Al Thomas was the scorekeeper. Formal bylaws were in place the first year, with revised versions in the records for each following year. Annual reports to SEBA are present in the records, with details on officers and finances (through 1987), but records of division winners are spotty, and of Association Champions mostly absent (except on the trophy).

Based on oral history NBS had annual golf outings for several years prior to forming the league. League play the first year was at Bretton Woods. After 4 weeks in the second year complaints of slow play forced the league to move to Poolesville (Potomac Valley CC). There were 16 weekly play days each year through 1987. The membership fee was $8. Green fees were $2.50.

The 1969 teams (45 members) were:

1970

47 members, four division/two league format, 20 teams

Ross Koeser, President, Ed MacArthur (VP), Bob Cook (Treas), Bill McKeen (Sec)

13 play days, starting May 4, first at Bretton Woods, then at Potomac Valley CC.

Field Day at the Washington Golf Course

Values in parentheses are the starting handicaps.

1971

55 members (plus subs), 23 teams (same league format), 16 play dates (at Potomac Valley C.C., i.e., Poolesville)

Dan Chwirut, President, Rubin Wagner (VP), John Burney (Treas), Ed MacArthur (sec)

Total league budget (excluding greens fees): $482

1972

55 members, 24 teams, 16 play dates, starting May 2 at Poolesville

D. Marlowe, Chairman, R. Wagner (VC), J. Burney (Treas), E. MacArthur (Scorer)

1973

51members, 24 teams, 16 play dates at Potomac Valley C.C., i.e., Poolesville

J. Collard, President, D. Chwirut (Scorer), J. Burney (Treas)

First notes on speeding up play!

1974

50 players, 23 teams, 16 play dates

R. Roundtree, President, J. Burney (VP), Bob Mathey (Treas), D. Chwirut (Sec)

Laytonsville initially selected for play. After voting Montgomery Village (Green fee, $5.50) selected with a start date of Tuesday, April 23 for 24 teams.

A list of members who had participated for three or more years without holding an office was used to create a nomination list for the 1975 season. Dues were raised to $10.

At the end of the year, after experiencing the schedule for 23 teams, there was a strong consensus to avoid an odd number of team in the future.

Season low gross: MacArthur (35), Low net: Schutz (29)

1975

49 members (no records of members, teams)

Robert Dikkers, President, Dale Houston (VP), Robert Mathey (Treas), Dan Chwirut (Sec)

Play was at the Potomac Valley C.C. (Green fee- $3.15) starting on Tuesday, April 27.

1976

53 members, 24 teams, 4 divisions, 16 play dates

D. Houston , President, R. Mathey (VP), G. Sushinsky (Sec), P. Campbell (Treas)

Potomac Valley C.C. (GF- $3.50) selected for play over Washingtonian, Montgomery Village, Mont. Club, Bretton Woods, and Lakewood. Member dues are $10.

1977

51 members (plus 21 subs), 23 teams, 4 divisions, 16 play dates

Dale Houston, President, Paul Campbell (Treas)

1978

53 members, 15 subs, 4 divisions, 16 play dates

Dan Chwirut, President

Montgomery C.C. selected for play ($3.50 green fee), starting April 25 (16 weeks). Next we have a memo titled �Fiasco of April 25', relating to the untimely aeration of the greens. Apparently the course management was held to a high standard of course quality. The memo, signed by the president, encouraged impeachment. [Oral history reports that the league was tossed after two weeks because of slow play.]

A Sporting News article titled �Snails that Clutter Up a Course� was distributed.

1979

57 members, 22 subs, 24 teams, 16 play dates

Harry Rook, President; Dave Shreve (V.P.), Martin Batts (Scorekeeper), Morris Nimmo (Treas)

The current 27 point scoring method was introduced (with a 5 point penalty for late arriving teams).

Play was at the Century XXI Golf Club (Germantown C.C.) with a $3.50 green fee.

Values in parentheses are the year end handicaps.

1980

57 players, 24 teams

Jed Collard, President, Dave Shreve (VP), Morris Nimmo (Treas), John Coffey (Sec)

Play was at the Germantown C.C. (Green fee- $3.50) with a league revised handicap order

1981

52 members, 23 teams, 16 play dates

Dave Shreve, President, George Sushinsky (VP), Ed MacArthur (Sec), Morris Nimmo (Treas)

Play was at Potomac Valley (Poolesville) on Tuesdays, green fee of $4, starting April 28.

1982

48 members, 16 subs, 20 teams,16 play dates

Tom Faison, President, Tom Loftus (VP), Bob Wise (Sec/scorer), Ken DeCorte (Treas)

Play was at Poolesville (bought by the Rev. Authority), starting on Tuesday, April 28. Green fee of $3.50. Cary Ferrell and Joe Sloviskoski were the first pro�s at Poolesville.

First retained record of week-by-week standings. Season low gross: Kurylo (37)

1983

48 members, 20 teams, 16 play dates, at Poolesville, green fee of $4, starting Tuesday, April 26

R. Wise, President, T. Loftus (VP), V. Moskaitis (Sec), K. DeCorte (Treas)

Season low gross: Dominic (35 on front, 38 on back), low net: Front- Kweller (27), Back- Yee (26)

1984

45 members, 15 subs, 18 teams, 4 divisions, 16 play dates

Pete Unger, President, Pete Schultz (VP), Vince Moskaitis (Sec), Ken DeCorte (Treas)

Various courses considered for play. Germantown C.C. selected, starting on Monday, April30 with a green fee of $5. A memo on May 21 outlined difficulties with Germantown C.C. members because of slow league play. A team vote resulted in a switch to Poolesville (Mondays, 4:15).

1985

44 members, 16 teams, 16 play dates

John Nicklas, President, Pete Schutz (VP), Ken DeCorte (Treas), Nick Kurz (Scorekeeper)

Play was at Poolesville ($5, $4 for seniors), although others were considered.

Much discussion on the �proper� computation of handicaps.

Values in parentheses are final 1985 handicaps

1986

43 members, 16 teams, 4 divisions, 16 play dates, at Poolesville ($5.50), starting May 1

Eric Vadelund, President, Otto Warnlof (VP), Bob Moore (Sec), Hank Prask (Treas)

1987

50 members, 20 teams, 16 play dates, at Poolesville ($6/$4.50) on Wednesdays at 4:15, starting on April 15

Eric Vadelund, President, Otto Warnlof (VP), Bob Mathey (Treas), Bob Dikkers (Sec)

First appearance of the team and scoring summary sheet in the �modern� format (by Dikkers and Warnlof).

Values in parentheses are second week and end-of-season handicaps

1988

64 members, 24 teams, at Poolesville

Otto Warnlof, President, Bob Murphy (VP), Bob Mathey (Sec/Treas), Robert Dikkers (Scorer)

The first year of the 20 week play format.

By-laws changed to allow ex-NBSers to play.

1989

68 members, 17 subs, 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $7/$6)

Otto Warnlof, President, Bob Murphy (VP), Bob Mathey (Sec/Treas), Robert Dikkers (Scorer)

Noted return of league founder Ross Koeser to league play.

Values following names are beginning/end-of-season handicaps

1990

69 members, 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $8/$6)

Robert Murphy, President, Alan Nakatani (VP), John Rumble (Sec/Treas), Andy Fowell (scorer)

First appearance of the stellar team of Murphy and Lowe

1991

67 members, 19 subs, 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $9/$7)

Robert Murphy, President, Alan Nakatani (VP), John Rumble (Sec/Treas), Andy Fowell (Scorer)

At the Feb, 1991 meeting the passing of longtime member Eric Vadelund was announced.

Bylaws amended to allow wildcards in the playoff format.

1992

67 members, 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $9.50/$7.50)

Alan Nakatani, President, Tyler Estler (VP), John Rumble (Sec/Treas), Darren Lowe (scorer)

Values following names are beginning/end-of-season handicaps

1993

68 members, 23 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $9.50/$7.50)

Alan Nakatani, President, Les Slaback (VP), Mark Luce (Sec/Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

The 23 team format created scheduling problems and equitable team point accounting problems. A compromise was arrived at, but future plans are to avoid unbalanced team counts.

Several memos and notes on slow play (and speed up techniques)

1994

74 members, 26 teams, 4 divisions, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $11/$7.50)

Les Slaback, President , Hank Prask (VP), Walt Stevens (Sec/Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

The start of using email communication for league matters, supported by Doug Montgomery�s exploder list.

Bob Mathey passed away on April 19, 1994. He was a long time GA member and had served as an association officer a number of times.

1995

76 members, 28 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville

Les Slaback, President, Rick Carter (VP), Otto Warnlof (VP), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

John Nicklas, a founding member, a past president, and a NISTGA champion, passed away during this season.

1996

64 members, 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $11/$7.50)

Rick Carter, President , J. Garguilo (VP), Otto Warnlof (Sec/Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

After various format for handicap computation (3 of 6, 4 of 7, 5 of 8) the current method (as of 03) of 4 of 8 was adopted.

1997

51 members, 20 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $12/$8)

Rick Carter, President , John Cugini (VP), Dave Henry (Sec/Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

Handicap for playoffs changed from that at the end of the season to one based on the best 50% of the rounds played during the season.

The �virtual golfer� rule was introduced (author: Rick Carter).

Poolesville went spikeless on July 1, 1997.

1998

75 members, 28 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $12/$8)

Gavin O�Brien, President, Jim Fox (VP), Dave Henry (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

Bylaws amended to allow immediate family members to play (previously just the spouse was allowed).

1999

75 members, 28 teams, 4 divisions, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF- $14/$11)

Gavin O�Brien, President, Sharon Keller (VP), Dave Henry (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

Hole-in-one made by Otto Warnlof (on #13) during league play.

Darren Lowe created the NIST Golf Association web site.

2000

76 members, 28 teams, 4 divisions, 20 play days at Poolesville

Gavin O�Brien, President, Sharon Keller (VP), Dave Henry (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

2001

79 members, 28 teams, 20 play days at Poolesville (GF- $15/$12)

Sharon Keller, President, Jim Fox (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

By-law amendments: USGA rule 7-1 waiver (prior play on league day is allowed). Relief for plugged balls in locations other than closely mown grass was voted down. USGA rule stands. Flower beds are ground under repair.

2002

73 members, 26 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF+Surcharge- $18/$15)

Sharon Keller, President, Jim Fox (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

First year of a $2 surcharge (per person, per round) at Poolesville for league play.

Notable 2002 members, in term of participation longevity, are:

Ross Koeser, founder, not continuous member, rejoined in 1989

Howard Dilks, founder, not continuous member, rejoined in 1985

Otto Warnlof, founder, not continuous member, rejoined in 1984

Andy Fowell, sub�ed in 77, 78, 82, team play since 1984

Ken Yee, sub�ed in 78-79, team play since 1980 (overdue for an officer slot!)

Hank Prask, team play since 1981

Other past members of notable participation longevity are:

Eric Vadelund 1969-1990

John Nicklas 1969-1995

Ed MacArthur 1969-1995 (with a few missed years)

Don Drinkwater 1969-1996 (with a number of missed years)

Bob Dikkers 1970-1993

Bob Mathey 1970-1994 (Dikkers and Mathey were probably the longest playing partners)

Ken DeCorte 1970-1995

John Locke 1970-1998

Pete Unger 1982-2000 (the last three as a sub)

[I apologize for any omissions of similar longevity. Please provide info for any such. Les Slaback]

2003

67 members, 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville (GF+Surcharge- $18/$15)

Bob Watters, President, Les Slaback (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

2004

71 members, 26 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville

Bob Watters, President, Les Slaback (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

The method used to rank teams for division assignments adjusted to used handicaps weighted by the number of rounds played. (The Randy Keller rule)

2005

68 members, 26 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville

Les Slaback, President, Hank Prask (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

Annual league dues raised to $25 for team members, $30 for subs.

Playoff matchups amended for the situation where there is one double winner so that the wildcard teams play each half-winner.

A requirement to record start and finish times was adopted as a means to identify slow play issues.

Poolesville has a new head pro, Mike Aldrich.

Performance awards for 2005 play:

Low net scores per division (golf balls):

A: Dave Bailin 30

B: David Blackburn 30, Bob Murphy 30

C: D Camara 32, N Pugh 32

D: Ralph Hurley 28 !!!

Best match play record: John Hastie

Most improved percentage handicap: Bob Murphy

2006

64 members, 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville

Les Slaback, President, Hank Prask (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

Requirement for recording play times rescinded.

Match Play Championship established, as proposed by Mark Luce. John Cugini became the first Match Play Champion.

The USGA option to allow the use of range finders was not adopted.

2007

67 members, 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville

Les Slaback, President, Hank Prask (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

Match Play Championship expanded to eight players with a final 18 hole match.

The use of range finders was allowed.

The use of senior tees was not adopted.

A rule was adopted to include scores in official GA outings in the GA handicap computations.

The Rules-of-Play were modified to remove the allowance to go back on the flight path for the ball drop option for a ball hit out of bounds. Also added was the option to treat an unfound ball in an unmown grass area as a ball lost in a hazard with the option to drop outside the grass area.

Most improved 2007 player: Carol Hockert

The 2007 Match Play Champion, after a very close 18 hole match against Mark Luce, was Andy Fowell, winning 1 up by making a 10 foot putt after Mark sank a potentially winning 20 footer on the last hole.

2008

Les Slaback, President, Hank Prask (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

66 members (plus 20 subs, 16 of which played), 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville

Match Play Championship contracted to the original format of the best four players and the original playoff format.

The use of senior tees by senior players was voted in.

The playoff format was modified to eliminate double winners getting a double bye. A vote to retain the two half competition format was passed. In response to a proposal to limit the competitive season to 18 weeks a motion to retain the current format of 19 weeks of team competition with the 20^th week being a combination first playoff round and �fun round� was passed. A playoff format committee was also formed to propose a revised playoff format for a vote by the Association NLT 19 March. The vote at the 20 March meeting was unanimous to adopt the revised playoff scheme.

The 2008 Match Play Champion was Dave Pitchure. He is the second member from the sub list to reign supreme. He defeated Dave Bailin on the first tie breaker hole in the first round and beat Larry Bassham for the championship.

Most improved for 2008 was Scott Bloyer, with Larry Bassham as a close second. Low individual net was J. Bollinger and S. Keller (29, back) and R. Murphy (30, front). Low team net was T. King and J. Cugini with a 62. And the most spectacular competition of the year was the match between Brusko-Bollinger and Fletch-Rumble where each team shot a net 64 and split the match 14-13.

Manny Hahn passed away in November. A long-time league member, he had a hole-in-one at P.B. Dye in June.

2009

Les Slaback, President, Hank Prask (VP), Howard Dilks (Treas), Darren Lowe (Scorer)

67 members (plus 14 subs), 24 teams, 20 play dates at Poolesville, first round on 8 April.

The bylaws were amended to specify scoring for discontinued play and partially played rounds, to include play against the virtual opponent in the handicap calculation and match play eligibility count, to set a predetermined playoff schedule, and to allow late entry into a match.

This was a year with five rainouts so that the final week of play was 23 Sept.

The results of this year�s competition were:

[X] division seeding

2009 Match Play Statistics

Ranking for those with at least 9 rounds played (as of End of Season).

John Hastie defeated Mark Luce for the 2009 Match Play Championship.

The Most Improved player for 2009 was Ryan Koseski. In a virtual tie for second were M. Luce, D. Brady, and M. Reitsma.

The best individual low net in each division:

R. Koseski - 26 (C div). Next best at 31 were Mahone, Blackburn, and Liebergot.

M. Etter - 29 (D div). Next best at 30 were Pielert and Harris.

M. Luce - 30 (B div). Next best at 31 was Terry King.

A tie by L. Slaback and J. Meade - 31 (A div). Next best at 32 were Dilks, Lowe, and Martin.

Note: The front-back differential had no effect on the low scores this year.

The best low team net was 62, by M. Vaudin and R. Koseski (36+26). Next best with a 63 were Parker-Blackburn, and in a single match, Jones-Liebergot and Reitsma-Koseski. At 64 was Luce-Hickey, and two teams had 65. It was a great year for low team scores.

The team winning the most points, with 24.5, was M. Luce and M. Hickey riding the afore mentioned team net 64.

Second best was Blackburn-Parker with 23.5. Not considered eligible since they played against a virtual golfer was Mahone-Mueller with 25.

Most competitive match:

There were only two matches in the running this year, and the match between Currens-Sienkiewicz and Sorcek-Rumble is the clear winner. The individual matches were 5-4 and everything else was split, including total points.

And for the first time in five years all playoff matches were completed in time for a trophy presentation at the annual outing, held 26 Oct. at Hollow Creek.

2010

Howard Dilks passed away 4 Feb 2010. He was a founding member of the Association, an 18 yr. partner with Les Slaback, and a NISTGA champion in 2007 and 2009. Also of note he initiated and executed the weekly �clears� competition.

The annual meeting was held 1 March. The new NISTGA officers are:

Bob Murphy � President, Hank Prask � VP, John Garguilo � Sec-Treas, Darren Lowe � Scorekeeper, Walter Jones � Historian.

Major rule changes were:

• delete the 15 min allowance for late tee time arrival
• make the first round of the playoffs be on the back nine,
• establish a tie break procedure for playoff matches
• Make the Match Play Championship round 18 holes.

Summary of Division Champions (see list of GA Champions on web site)

A short history of the Potomac Valley C.C., i.e., the Poolesville Golf Course.

The Poolesville Golf Course opened in 1960 as the River Road CC. It was built by Bernie Siegel (former executive of Food Fair) with the intent of having homes on the 262 acre facility. But he could not get a sewer connection from the County, the land would not "perk", and Poolesville was not interested in providing water. So in 1966, mired in debt, Siegel committed suicide. He had renamed the course the Potomac Valley CC in 1964. After his death it was purchased by the Levitts (a local family) who sold it to F.O.Day in 1980. In 1982 it was sold to the Montgomery County Revenue Authority (for $750,000) who has operated it as a public course since that date.