Richard Dunn
After a long clubhouse remodeling project, the scene was
spectacular at Santa Ana Country Club last weekend for The Derby, the
prestigious annual men's member/guest event.
Last year, the club was under construction during the three-day Derby,
but everything was back to picture perfect this year.
"(The remodeled clubhouse) is beautiful, and the tournament was
great," said Mike Reehl, Santa Ana's Director of Golf and head
professional.
Grabbing top net honors in the time-honored Derby, which changes the
playing format each day during the competition, were Don Mills of Santa
Ana and guest Ray Casciari (Yorba Linda). Club member Lloyd Charton and
guest John Passenissi (Old Ranch) placed second, while Santa Ana's Ray
Pacini and guest Peter Koetting (Big Canyon) finished third.
Winning low gross was the team of member Kerry Smith and guest Mike
Gibson (El Niguel), who finished at 3-under-par 213. The first day was
best ball, the second day was the Chapman format (alternating shots),
then the third day was best ball again. Santa Ana Country Club's Gabe
Loya was the chairman of The Derby.
Charton also won the club's recent President's Cup, defeating Dick
Hoagland, 2 and 1, in the championship match. It was Charton's first
title.
Speaking of initial titles, Santa Ana's Gregg Hemphill added his name
to the long and distinguished list of men's club champions at the oldest
golf club in Orange County.
Hemphill recently defeated five-time winner Boyd Martin in a 36-hole
match-play final at Santa Ana, 1 up.
Hemphill led the entire way, but Martin pulled to within one shot
several times, including with two holes left.
On the 34th hole, the par-4 No. 16, Martin made birdie and Hemphill
made bogey to slice Hemphill's lead to one.
Then, at the par-3 No. 17, both players were a little short off the
tee. Hemphill chipped to about 17 feet and Martin chipped to four feet of
the stick, setting up a possible deadlock.
But Hemphill made his long putt for par, then Martin, with the
pressure on, sank his putt as the two headed to the par-5 No. 18 with
Hemphill leading, 1 up. They both made par at 18 as Hemphill secured his
first Santa Ana club championship.
The club held its first championship in 1925.
Three-time defending champion Chris Veitch did not play this year in
order to participate in his daughter's wedding.
The George Yardley golf tournament June 25 at Newport Beach Golf
Course, aptly named Yardley VIII, will benefit the Newport Harbor High
