Ocean Ridge Mixed Pairs Golf League

The league plays every Sunday around noontime, on a different course each week. It’s open to everyone, even if your spouse doesn’t play. Sign-up sheets are posted on the bulletin board above the water fountain in the Lion’s Paw/Panther’s Run Clubhouse. First-timers should put their local phone number on the sign-up sheet so we know how to reach you in case of questions or weather-related cancellations.

Couples are always paired together on the first Sunday of the month; otherwise teams are grouped randomly with an eye toward fair teams – handicap-wise. If you’re a first-timer and would be more comfortable being paired with your spouse, just let us know in advance. The game format changes every week but it’s always team, either two or four person teams, or men against the women. (The close of 2002 found the women sorely behind in the latter category, but anxious to close the gap.)

After golf we all usually gather in the clubhouse for drinks and the (loosely termed) awards ceremony. Several times a year the group gathers at the Plantation Club after golf for pizza and beer – and to watch the end of one of the PGA “majors” on the big screen television.

This is an Ocean-Ridge-sanctioned league, but we have no bylaws, no elected officers and no dues. Each week golfers pay a $2.00 entry fee which all goes toward prizes at the end of the day. A different couple runs the league every three months. Their names and phone number are listed by the sign-up sheets, and are noted in the Ridgetopper newsletter. The couple in charge selects the game, forms the teams, collects entry fees, and awards prize money. They also email tee times and pairings to all participants on Saturday evening so players can arrive at the course 20 minutes before their scheduled tee time.

In the fall the league hosts its annual Mixed Pairs Club Championship, which is a modified Ryder Cup format. It’s a hoot!