2022 Winning Lake Challenge Team front row (left to right): Al Anderson, Harry Cardillo, Brad Seaman, Dave Goldrich, Al Popp, Arnie LeClair and Jim Todoroff; back row: Jack McDonald, Terry Shugart, Nelson Johnson, Mark Volker, Bill Necel, Wally Marcis and Rick Thompson. Not pictured: Tommy Glisson, Andy Nash, Joe Shea and Mike Sullivan.

Since 2005, the annual Lake Challenge invitational golf tournament has been contested at Reynolds Lake Oconee (RLO), usually during early fall.  

In its 18th year, the tournament founded by Tim O’Leary (now Commissioner Emeritus), is a Ryder Cup-like, match play event played over three days at three different RLO courses. Since inception, over 100 RLO members have competed in this tournament. The only two men, who have played in all tournaments since inception are John Baird and Tim O’Leary.

Thirty-six golfers were invited this year. The field was split into two teams of 18 golfers each, in such a way as to achieve equivalent team handicaps. In other words, each team has equivalent talent. Each team is led by a designated Captain. 

·       Day 1: Eight 4-Ball matches

·       Day 2: Eight Shamble (modified 4-Ball) matches

·       Day 3: 16 Singles matches

This year, the tournament Committee was led by Captains Harry Cardillo (Team Cardillo), Mike Reagan (Team Reagan), “rising Captain” Rick Thompson, Treasurer Jim Blankenheim, Dinner Host Mark Volker and Chef Howard Goldstein. Captains serve two years with staggered terms, with one “retiring” each year to be replaced by the rising Captain next year. Shane Neugebauer, Lead Assistant Golf Professional at the Preserve, did an outstanding job managing the players. Wes Forrester, Director of Golf Operations and Head Professional, Reynolds Lake Oconee, orchestrated the seamless schedule of games to ensure all the members had an enjoyable tournament.

Match pairings are arranged by the team captains. This year, pairings were done by random draw with some minor tweaking done by the captains. One of the pairing goals was to not have the same players pitted against each other every match. The captains relied on the USGA Handicap System to “even the playing field.”

In addition to the golf competition, there are significant social events for the players:

·       Each player receives a custom-monogramed TLC golf shirt.  This year, coral micro-stripe shirts were procured through RLO 

·       Opening night smoked BBQ dinner was prepared by Howard Goldstein and his team and hosted at the home of Mark Volker

·       Marco’s Pizza and post-round beverages after the Day 1 matches hosted by PJ’s Coffee Shop

·       Putting contest after the final round

·       Awards banquet at the Lake Club with wives the evening of the Day 3 matches

Results from the 2022 Lake Challenge tournament:

·       Day 1, September 13, 4-Ball at the Oconee Course

Team Cardillo – 4 points

Team Reagan – 4 points

·       Day 2, September 14, Shamble at the Great Waters Course

Team Cardillo – 5 ½ points

Team Reagan – 2 ½ points

·       Day 3, September 16, Individual Matches at the Preserve Course

Team Cardillo – 7 ½ points

Team Reagan – 8 ½ points

·       Tournament Totals

Team Cardillo – 17 points

Team Reagan – 15 points

·       The Putting Contest was won by Lou Valentic

Members of the winning Team Cardillo were: Captain Harry Cardillo, Al Anderson, Tommy Glisson, Dave Goldrich, Neslon Johnson, Arnie LeClair, Wally Marcis, Jack McDonald, Andy Nash, Bill Necel, Al Popp, Brad Seaman, Joe Shea, Terry Shugart, Mike Sullivan, Rick Thompson, Jim Todoroff and Mark Volker.

Members of Team Reagan were: Captain Mike Reagan, Peter Allutto, Dave Angner, John Baird, Jim Blankenheim, Jim Donaldson, Bill Fox, Mike Fuller, Howard Goldstein, Steve Gray, Ira Hariton, Ralph Kuhnert, Ken Levy, Tim O’Leary, Walt Sarokas, Jerry Schonhoft, Curt Semanson and Lou Valentic.