| The Month in Review |
| A monthly feature recapping all Lefty Golfers Association events |
| May 2008 |
MAY 3, 2008 - BELLEVUE (WOODLANDS COURSE)
*COSTA DOINBIZNIS
DR. MARIO BLONDIN
PAUL HORNSBY III
DR. MARIO BLONDIN
PAUL HORNSBY III
44-51--- 95
48-54--- 102
58-60--- 118
48-54--- 102
58-60--- 118
A rainy morning turned to only clouds as the diehard division of the LGA teed it up at the Woodlands Course at Bellevue. Costa
Doinbiznis took advantage of the softer greens, especially on the front nine, where he scored four of his five pars for the round
and posted a 44. Although disappointed with his back nine, Costa nevertheless pulled away for an easy seven shot win, his
second of the young season. Runner-up Dr. Mario Blondin also had a difficult back nine, as the winds picked up during the
last several holes. Blondin failed to finish in double digits with a 102 score, probably because of his back to back quadruple
bogeys on 13 and 14. Mario's round featured four pars. Grabbing last spot yet again was Paul Hornsby III, who posted his
worst round since 2006, a craptacular 118. Hornsby took so many penalties he should be traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.
He also missed about a half dozen three-foot putts, and putted 41 times. Despite appearing very frustrated on the course, with
clubs flying around after many of his errant shots, Hornsby explained his strategy to reporters following the event. "I'm using
up all of my bad shots now, while it's early in the season." Hornsby struggled so badly, he may have actually been a
distraction to his opponents, but in the LGA, that is about as close as we get to being "par for the course".
Doinbiznis took advantage of the softer greens, especially on the front nine, where he scored four of his five pars for the round
and posted a 44. Although disappointed with his back nine, Costa nevertheless pulled away for an easy seven shot win, his
second of the young season. Runner-up Dr. Mario Blondin also had a difficult back nine, as the winds picked up during the
last several holes. Blondin failed to finish in double digits with a 102 score, probably because of his back to back quadruple
bogeys on 13 and 14. Mario's round featured four pars. Grabbing last spot yet again was Paul Hornsby III, who posted his
worst round since 2006, a craptacular 118. Hornsby took so many penalties he should be traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.
He also missed about a half dozen three-foot putts, and putted 41 times. Despite appearing very frustrated on the course, with
clubs flying around after many of his errant shots, Hornsby explained his strategy to reporters following the event. "I'm using
up all of my bad shots now, while it's early in the season." Hornsby struggled so badly, he may have actually been a
distraction to his opponents, but in the LGA, that is about as close as we get to being "par for the course".
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Photos not available
MAY 10, 2008 - BELLEVUE (BELLEVUE COURSE)
HALE ERWIN NORMAN
*FRED CUPHOLDERS
DR. MARIO BLONDIN
PAUL HORNSBY III
*FRED CUPHOLDERS
DR. MARIO BLONDIN
PAUL HORNSBY III
50-44--- 94
51-44--- 95
46-52--- 98
57-51--- 108
51-44--- 95
46-52--- 98
57-51--- 108
The LGA returned to Bellevue, this time on the Bellevue Course, to jump start a scheduled doubleheader weekend. Hale
Erwin Norman, in his season debut, scored four straight pars from holes 13 through 16 to erase a five shot deficit and eke out
a slim one stroke victory over Fred Cupholders. Hale enjoyed a very respectable 44 coming in to post the LGA's low round of
2008, as he became accustomed to his new set of Cobra irons, as well as a new Ping driver. Hale becomes another in a
long series of players trying to buy LGA supremacy over the past several seasons, usually successfully. As for Fred
Cupholders, his 95 also included a 44 coming in. Fred parred the last two holes, including the beer hole 17th, and was a
machine with his putting from inside six feet, as he often seems to be. Next on the order of merit we find Dr. Mario Blondin,
who, after scoring a 46 going out, building a four shot lead, watched helplessly as Hale Erwin staged his comeback. Blondin
still broke 100 with his 98. Finishing last again was Paul Hornsby III. Pundits are beginning to worry that Paul Hornsby III
might catch a cold from spending so much time in the cellar, although this game was an improvement for 'Da Turd'. His front
nine was ruined by an 11 on the par-5 9th, then he played the first four holes of the back in one over par before he returned to
his lousy play. Paul's 108 was, incredibly, his best game of the year.
Erwin Norman, in his season debut, scored four straight pars from holes 13 through 16 to erase a five shot deficit and eke out
a slim one stroke victory over Fred Cupholders. Hale enjoyed a very respectable 44 coming in to post the LGA's low round of
2008, as he became accustomed to his new set of Cobra irons, as well as a new Ping driver. Hale becomes another in a
long series of players trying to buy LGA supremacy over the past several seasons, usually successfully. As for Fred
Cupholders, his 95 also included a 44 coming in. Fred parred the last two holes, including the beer hole 17th, and was a
machine with his putting from inside six feet, as he often seems to be. Next on the order of merit we find Dr. Mario Blondin,
who, after scoring a 46 going out, building a four shot lead, watched helplessly as Hale Erwin staged his comeback. Blondin
still broke 100 with his 98. Finishing last again was Paul Hornsby III. Pundits are beginning to worry that Paul Hornsby III
might catch a cold from spending so much time in the cellar, although this game was an improvement for 'Da Turd'. His front
nine was ruined by an 11 on the par-5 9th, then he played the first four holes of the back in one over par before he returned to
his lousy play. Paul's 108 was, incredibly, his best game of the year.
Photos not available
MAY 11, 2008 - BELLEVUE (WOODLANDS COURSE)
*COSTA DOINBIZNIS
CHRIS THE 9-IRON KID
PAUL HORNSBY III
CHRIS THE 9-IRON KID
PAUL HORNSBY III
40-52--- 92
48-53--- 101
57-50--- 107
48-53--- 101
57-50--- 107
The LGA completed its scheduled doubleheader weekend with a return trip to Bellevue, this time to tackle the Woodlands
eighteen. Costa Doinbiznis celebrated Mother's Day by firing a 40 going out, which included pars on the first four holes. His
streak of pars ended with a regulation three-putt bogey on 5, but still his front nine 40 was his best career nine holes.
Unfortunately for 'The Biz', he failed to break 50 coming in, and as a result also failed to break 90 for the round, mostly due to
his 9 on the par-4 13th hole. The easy nine stroke victory was Costa'a third in four starts this season. Taking second place
was Chris The 9-Iron Kid, who also had a decent nine going out, carding 48, but a couple of key triple bogeys later would
prevent him from breaking 100, although only by a couple of shots. His 8 on the par-4 1st hole did not help matters either. Paul
Hornsby III continued his disappointing 2008 campaign with another mediocre score, this time a 107. But however boring his
round was, it was still his best game of the season, thanks to a sizzling finish on 18, where he put his second shot on the
par-5 to within three feet for his first lifetime eagle putt after 19 years of mostly vomit-spewing play, both on and off the LGA
Tour. Hornsby missed the putt naturally, but did settle for his first birdie since 2006. Hornsby was philosophical about his
awful eagle effort after the event. "If I have to wait another 19 years for an eagle chance, then I'll surely regret missing this one",
mused 'Da Turd'. Whether he has to wait that long for another chance remains to be seen, but I would not be sitting by the
telephone waiting for the news.
eighteen. Costa Doinbiznis celebrated Mother's Day by firing a 40 going out, which included pars on the first four holes. His
streak of pars ended with a regulation three-putt bogey on 5, but still his front nine 40 was his best career nine holes.
Unfortunately for 'The Biz', he failed to break 50 coming in, and as a result also failed to break 90 for the round, mostly due to
his 9 on the par-4 13th hole. The easy nine stroke victory was Costa'a third in four starts this season. Taking second place
was Chris The 9-Iron Kid, who also had a decent nine going out, carding 48, but a couple of key triple bogeys later would
prevent him from breaking 100, although only by a couple of shots. His 8 on the par-4 1st hole did not help matters either. Paul
Hornsby III continued his disappointing 2008 campaign with another mediocre score, this time a 107. But however boring his
round was, it was still his best game of the season, thanks to a sizzling finish on 18, where he put his second shot on the
par-5 to within three feet for his first lifetime eagle putt after 19 years of mostly vomit-spewing play, both on and off the LGA
Tour. Hornsby missed the putt naturally, but did settle for his first birdie since 2006. Hornsby was philosophical about his
awful eagle effort after the event. "If I have to wait another 19 years for an eagle chance, then I'll surely regret missing this one",
mused 'Da Turd'. Whether he has to wait that long for another chance remains to be seen, but I would not be sitting by the
telephone waiting for the news.
Photos not available
MAY 17, 2008 - MEADOWBROOK
*COSTA DOINBIZNIS
*FRED CUPHOLDERS
PAUL HORNSBY III
*FRED CUPHOLDERS
PAUL HORNSBY III
45-45--- 90
45-53--- 98
57-63--- 120
45-53--- 98
57-63--- 120
On a beautiful Saturday morning that was forecast to be rainy, a barely official field of three headed to Meadowbrook for
another LGA tournament. Costa Doinbiznis continued his dominance with another solid round, pulling away from his closest
competition on the back nine to enter the clubhouse with a 90, the LGA low round of 2008. Costa'a was a streaky round with
seven pars, including par on the finishing two holes, to deny Fred Cupholders any hope of taking the event. In fact, were it not
for the triple bogey 8 on the par-5 5th hole, The Biz would have probably broken 90 for the first time this year. As for runner up
Cupholders, it was another exercise in frustration. After completing the first nine holes tied with the eventual champion, Fred
faded on the back with a 53 to finish eight shots back and remain unvictorious in three events so far this season. Still, Mr.
Cupholders held on to second spot rather easily thanks to the performance of Paul Hornsby III, who finished last once again.
Entering the tournament with high hopes after his eagle chance on the last hole of the previous event, it did not take long for
reality to return for Hornsby. After a long day, he walked off of the 18th green with 120 shots on the scorecard, after missing a
putt to keep it in the one hundred and teens. This was Hornsby's highest score since August 12, 2006, the day he lost to
Pietro Lewinsky. The 25 shots Paul needed to complete holes 4, 5 and 6 were especially brutal, but the rest really was not
much better, his par on hole number eight notwithstanding.
another LGA tournament. Costa Doinbiznis continued his dominance with another solid round, pulling away from his closest
competition on the back nine to enter the clubhouse with a 90, the LGA low round of 2008. Costa'a was a streaky round with
seven pars, including par on the finishing two holes, to deny Fred Cupholders any hope of taking the event. In fact, were it not
for the triple bogey 8 on the par-5 5th hole, The Biz would have probably broken 90 for the first time this year. As for runner up
Cupholders, it was another exercise in frustration. After completing the first nine holes tied with the eventual champion, Fred
faded on the back with a 53 to finish eight shots back and remain unvictorious in three events so far this season. Still, Mr.
Cupholders held on to second spot rather easily thanks to the performance of Paul Hornsby III, who finished last once again.
Entering the tournament with high hopes after his eagle chance on the last hole of the previous event, it did not take long for
reality to return for Hornsby. After a long day, he walked off of the 18th green with 120 shots on the scorecard, after missing a
putt to keep it in the one hundred and teens. This was Hornsby's highest score since August 12, 2006, the day he lost to
Pietro Lewinsky. The 25 shots Paul needed to complete holes 4, 5 and 6 were especially brutal, but the rest really was not
much better, his par on hole number eight notwithstanding.
Photos not available
MAY 24, 2008 - CAUGHNAWAGA
THE 2008 DOCULAB CUP
THE 2008 DOCULAB CUP
Originally postponed due to rain on May 19th, the 2008 Doculab Cup saw the LGA return to Caughnawaga for the first time this
season. The full field of seven regulars showed, and the competition was dramatic regardless of the lack of talent on display.
Costa Doinbiznis returned to the winner's circle for the fifth time in six tournaments this year, including four straight wins, by
grabbing the lead early with a 44 going out, and then holding off a charging Dr. Mario Blondin to take the victory. Sadly, Costa's
bid at breaking 90 was once again thwarted, by himself, after takng 15 shots on holes 14 and 15, two par-4's. Runner up
Blondin gave The Biz a good run on the finishing holes. Mario's 45 on the back nine was particularly impressive at the end, as
he played the last six holes at three over par to come to within 3 shots of the win. One shot behind Blondin, Hale Erwin
Norman finished third, in his second appearance of the campaign. Norman was also in contention until the very end, where
his 8 on the par-5 18th cost him at least a spot on the leaderboard. Fourth place went to Fred Cupholders, who failed to break
100 for the first time in '08. After a birdie on the par-4 7th hole, Fred started to fade, as his 54 back so clearly indicates. Next on
the leaderboard, Chris The 9-Iron Kid took advantage of a finishing hole 11 by sixth place Paul Hornsby III, to move up a notch
after trailing 'Da Turd' throughout the event, to finish fifth. Chris started the round with a funky 10 on the first hole, but settled
down eventually. As a consequence of Hornsby's choke and his sixth place finish, Hornsby has not defeated any LGA
members so far this season with the exception of seventh place finisher Pietro Lewinsky, although he did score a nice birdie
on the par-3 10th hole as part of his back nine 58. And speaking of Lewinsky, after scoring three tens on the first five holes, he
also settled down, coming in with his low round of the year, although franky, that isn't saying much. He did grab a par on the
par 3 4th hole, his first of the season, but left the golf course looking a little bit disappointed. Misery loving company, he was
spotted talking to Paul Hornsby III in the parking lot in the minutes following the event.
season. The full field of seven regulars showed, and the competition was dramatic regardless of the lack of talent on display.
Costa Doinbiznis returned to the winner's circle for the fifth time in six tournaments this year, including four straight wins, by
grabbing the lead early with a 44 going out, and then holding off a charging Dr. Mario Blondin to take the victory. Sadly, Costa's
bid at breaking 90 was once again thwarted, by himself, after takng 15 shots on holes 14 and 15, two par-4's. Runner up
Blondin gave The Biz a good run on the finishing holes. Mario's 45 on the back nine was particularly impressive at the end, as
he played the last six holes at three over par to come to within 3 shots of the win. One shot behind Blondin, Hale Erwin
Norman finished third, in his second appearance of the campaign. Norman was also in contention until the very end, where
his 8 on the par-5 18th cost him at least a spot on the leaderboard. Fourth place went to Fred Cupholders, who failed to break
100 for the first time in '08. After a birdie on the par-4 7th hole, Fred started to fade, as his 54 back so clearly indicates. Next on
the leaderboard, Chris The 9-Iron Kid took advantage of a finishing hole 11 by sixth place Paul Hornsby III, to move up a notch
after trailing 'Da Turd' throughout the event, to finish fifth. Chris started the round with a funky 10 on the first hole, but settled
down eventually. As a consequence of Hornsby's choke and his sixth place finish, Hornsby has not defeated any LGA
members so far this season with the exception of seventh place finisher Pietro Lewinsky, although he did score a nice birdie
on the par-3 10th hole as part of his back nine 58. And speaking of Lewinsky, after scoring three tens on the first five holes, he
also settled down, coming in with his low round of the year, although franky, that isn't saying much. He did grab a par on the
par 3 4th hole, his first of the season, but left the golf course looking a little bit disappointed. Misery loving company, he was
spotted talking to Paul Hornsby III in the parking lot in the minutes following the event.
*COSTA DOINBIZNIS
DR. MARIO BLONDIN
HALE ERWIN NORMAN
*FRED CUPHOLDERS
CHRIS THE 9-IRON KID
PAUL HORNSBY III
*PIETRO LEWINSKY
DR. MARIO BLONDIN
HALE ERWIN NORMAN
*FRED CUPHOLDERS
CHRIS THE 9-IRON KID
PAUL HORNSBY III
*PIETRO LEWINSKY
44-49--- 93
51-45--- 96
48-49--- 97
49-54--- 103
54-54--- 108
51-58--- 109
62-60--- 122
51-45--- 96
48-49--- 97
49-54--- 103
54-54--- 108
51-58--- 109
62-60--- 122
Photos not available
MAY 30, 2008 - GOLF DES ILES
*COSTA DOINBIZNIS
PAUL HORNSBY III
*PIETRO LEWINSKY
PAUL HORNSBY III
*PIETRO LEWINSKY
37-39--- 76
45-48--- 93
61-53--- 114
45-48--- 93
61-53--- 114
The first in a series of scheduled summer weekday LGA events proved historic. No, the above scores are not typographical
errors. Costa Doinbiznis put everything together from holes one right through eighteen, amassing three birdies and seven
pars, and only one double bogey, en route to an all-time LGA record low score of 76, a mere six over par, and needless to say,
another easy victory. Doinbiznis surpassed his career best game by a whopping eleven shots, and set a plethora of other
Association records, including an amazing 11 regulation greens for the day. His round was the first ever in Association history
in the 70's, and according to experts and resident LGA oddsmaker Pavlo "The Greek" Hornsbidakis, possibly the last. Also
surprising was Paul Hornsby III's performance. After a horrific start to the 2008 season, Paul's game came out of nowhere,
perhaps inspired by the torrid play of his competitor. Hornsby entered the clubhouse with a 93, by far his season's best as
well, and his best score since the 2005 LGA Masters, where he also scored 93. Hornsby had a real shot at breaking 90 until
very late in the round, a rarity for 'Da Turd'. Rounding out the field, also posting his best score of the year, was Pietro Lewinsky.
Although he started out with his normal caliber of play, Lewinsky also picked it up considerably on the back nine, coming in at
53, one of Lewinsky's finest career nines. Word spread about Doinbiznis' performance like wildfire following the event.
Reaction was mixed but emotional, ranging from a heartfelt "What???" from Chris The 9-Iron Kid, to a disheartened "Don't tell
me he broke 80!!!" from fellow rightie Fred Cupholders. His 76 also raised speculation about the difficulty of the course,
especially considering Hornsby's 93 as well. Hornsby had something to say to those naysayers, but his words, unfortunately,
fail to pass the guidelines of what is considered printable for this website. The LGA congratulates Costa Doinbiznis.
errors. Costa Doinbiznis put everything together from holes one right through eighteen, amassing three birdies and seven
pars, and only one double bogey, en route to an all-time LGA record low score of 76, a mere six over par, and needless to say,
another easy victory. Doinbiznis surpassed his career best game by a whopping eleven shots, and set a plethora of other
Association records, including an amazing 11 regulation greens for the day. His round was the first ever in Association history
in the 70's, and according to experts and resident LGA oddsmaker Pavlo "The Greek" Hornsbidakis, possibly the last. Also
surprising was Paul Hornsby III's performance. After a horrific start to the 2008 season, Paul's game came out of nowhere,
perhaps inspired by the torrid play of his competitor. Hornsby entered the clubhouse with a 93, by far his season's best as
well, and his best score since the 2005 LGA Masters, where he also scored 93. Hornsby had a real shot at breaking 90 until
very late in the round, a rarity for 'Da Turd'. Rounding out the field, also posting his best score of the year, was Pietro Lewinsky.
Although he started out with his normal caliber of play, Lewinsky also picked it up considerably on the back nine, coming in at
53, one of Lewinsky's finest career nines. Word spread about Doinbiznis' performance like wildfire following the event.
Reaction was mixed but emotional, ranging from a heartfelt "What???" from Chris The 9-Iron Kid, to a disheartened "Don't tell
me he broke 80!!!" from fellow rightie Fred Cupholders. His 76 also raised speculation about the difficulty of the course,
especially considering Hornsby's 93 as well. Hornsby had something to say to those naysayers, but his words, unfortunately,
fail to pass the guidelines of what is considered printable for this website. The LGA congratulates Costa Doinbiznis.
Photos not available